Rochelle Pangilinan says being morena is a gift from God: 'Kailangan mo yakapin 'yon'

Rochelle Pangilinan is one proud morena, revealing that she was never pressured to get whiter skin all her life.

"Never, kasi ako naman niyakap ko naman 'tong pagiging morena ko. Natanggap ko naman sa sarili ko na never ako magiging maputi, and tanggap ko rin kung ano ako. Ito 'yong gift sa kin ni God eh," Rochelle told GMA News Online on Monday in an interview after the press conference of "The Gift."

She said it all begins in accepting yourself, "Yakapin mo di ba? Kasi nagsisimula naman sa loob and then tsaka ka mag-glow. Kung morena ka, yakapin mo. Maging proud ka, bakit hindi?"

The former SexBomb dancer who has always been admired for her beautiful golden skin said those who experience discrimination should look at the mirror and accept what God has blessed them with.

"Kailangan mo lang tumingin sa salamin at tanggapin ang binigay sayo ni God kasi kapag hindi mo tinaggap 'yon made-depress ka lang. Kung ano 'yong binigay sayo ni God kailangan mo yakapin 'yon," she said.

Rochelle believes each and everyone was created by God uniquely.

"Hindi ka basta binuo lang like clay. Binuo ka, pati 'yong bilang ng buhok sa mata mo, bilang ng kilay mo, kung ilan man 'yang butas ng skin pores mo kahit ilan yang balahibo mo so ganon ka binuo ni God. Ganon ka nga niya binuo eh," she added.

Rochelle revealed she never really experienced discrimination because people know that she has always embraced the skin she's in.

"Never, siguro known ako as morena tsaka ako isang katutak ako na deadma so kung sabihin na negra so what? Eh ano ngayon nasa Pilipinas tayo at tsaka 'eto talaga ang kulay ng mga Pilipino," Rochelle proudly remarked.

Rochelle will be one of the cast members of the upcoming drama series of GMA-7 "The Gift" which will premiere on Septemeber 16.

Other Kapuso stars who will be in the drama series include Alden Richards, Thia Thomalla, Jean Garcia, Jo Berry, Christian Vasquez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Ysabel Ortega and Mikee Quintos. —LA, GMA News