Mama Renee Salud on 'Powerhouse'

Powerhouse takes a peek into the life and home of Philippines' Fashion Ambassador, Renee Salud. Kara David visits his bungalow house in Parañaque and uncovers the real person behind the bubbly public persona.

Truly a reflection of his personality and fashion style, his house bears a Filipiniana theme. He has chosen solid, simple colors on the wall and bright and colorful accent pieces. He also has several Filipiana paintings including one from National Artist Jose Joya whom he once shared the limelight with when he had a fashion show and Joya had an exhibit featuring paintings of some of Mama Renee's collection.

Fondly called Mama Renee, he explains why the endearment has caught on and says beauty queen Melanie Marquez was behind it all. Born Renato Salud in Batangas, Renee did not have it easy growing up. He experienced bullying and discrimination because of his sexuality. His father also took it hard to accept that his eldest son was gay. Fortunately his mother and aunts understood and defended him. It was also the women of his family who took care of them when the family lost everything to his father's gambling.

Because of a difficult life, Mama Renee was not able to finish college. After second year in college, he started working for a popular department store at that time. He started in the "bodega" as an inventory assistant. Although he would have wanted to work in the sewing department, Mama Renee did not complain and instead took advantage of all the lessons to be had like the types of cloths and linens. From there he worked his way through the store's cutting and sewing department until he learned the ropes of the design and manufacturing business and decided to finally try it on his own. The rest. he says, is history.

Find out more about Mama Rene Salud on Powerhouse this Tuesday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV.