A quick look at Venice Bektas's Instagram reveals her passion for fashion.
Despite her love for experimenting with different styles, Venice has faced criticism for wearing revealing outfits, with some relating it to self-respect.
The 19-year-old daughter of Ruffa Gutierrez bristles at the misconception.
Talking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview, Venice rues it's been one of the biases against women that must be addressed.
Venice says, "I feel like just because someone wants to show off a little bit more skin... of course, we live in the Philippines, so of course, some people want to show off more skin.
"And I feel like because people want to show off more skin, wear more clothes for the warm weather, people think that you have less self-respect, which I don't agree with at all.
"So I think that's probably, I think that's a bias against women that people should no longer perpetuate."
PEP.ph caught up with Venice at the launch of Sunnies Flash in Rockwell, Makati City, on February 23, 2024.
VENICE BEKTAS: RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL MEDIA USE
Despite not being actively involved in the entertainment industry herself, Venice has an understanding of the difficulties that celebrities face when dealing with social media because of her family background.
She also acknowledges the dual nature of social media.
While they can present challenges and negative impacts, social media have the potential for positive use, contingent upon how individuals handle the platforms.
This is why Venice stresses the importance of responsible usage, particularly by younger users.
She says, "I think for everyone, I think it's changed either positively or negatively.
"I really feel like it's just on the way how we use it. And especially for younger people, for younger kids."
Venice is thankful her mom made her wait until she was 13 when she could have a basic understanding how it all works.
"I feel like because my mom was very strict, and I'm honestly glad she was very strict, so with social media, I was only allowed to have social media once I turned 13.
"So I feel like once I was 13, I kind of had a gist of what to do. I had common sense na medyo. And I think it's benefited me positively. Yes. So I think it's been good."
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