
Actress G Tongi couldn't help but reflect and admit to her ignorance in a modeling job that she's accepted years ago.
On Instagram today, March 2, the former VJ posted a photo of herself, modeling at the age of 14 as the face of the skincare brand Eskinol with the words “Whitens Your Skin” on the packaging.
The actress wanted to shed the light to the issue and said how she was ignorant back then to have accepted the job that feeds off insecurity among Filipino women.
“There was a time, many moons ago when I was model not understanding why having been chosen as an Eskinol Girl was a big deal then. I was 14 here, the age of my daughter today.
“Shedding the mentality that lighter is better is a process that's only happened with age and maturity.
“Becoming educated by our cultural bearers has opened my eyes to this widespread mentality that needs to be addressed.
“As I've gotten older, I look back at my ignorance, acknowledging what little I knew and vow to make sure to teach my young ones the deep-rooted implications of imperialism and colonialism.”
G Tongi further explained that she was at an advantage, given her mestiza features, despite her bronzier skin tone.
Nonetheless, she's chosen to be a much bigger person and advocate to raise the Filipino flag even if she's a thousand miles away from home.
“I acknowledge the privilege that my mestiza features have afforded me the opportunities in the film and tv industry back home but chose to now advocate for my fellow Filipino artists away from the motherland.
“This is all I could hope for, that in my own little way, I can evolve and serve in my capacity towards others. #decolonizeyourmind,” she concluded.
G. Tongi immigrated to the United States in the early 2000s.
She is married to Tim Walters and they have two children named Kenobi Benjamin and Sakura Anne Marie.
IN PHOTOS: Where is G. Tongi now?
WATCH: G. Tongi tries the Renegade dance trend with her daughter