'Life goes on,' says Brazilian model
MANILA, Philippines -- In her first public appearance since the controversial hospitalization of her lawmaker-husband, Brazilian model Daiana Menezes emerged on stage Wednesday wearing a skin-baring suit at a runway show featuring the country's "sexiest women."
The 26-year-old model was among the local personalities who graced the annual party celebrating "the Philippine's finest women" as voted by readers of men's magazine FHM.
Hundreds who attended the event, which was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, saw Menezes on the catwalk wearing a revealing pink "monokini."
Her applauded appearance Wednesday night was the first time Menezes re-surfaced in public after the attempted suicide of her husband, former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Benjamin "Benjo" Benaldo, in late June.
Prior to the incident, which left Benaldo with a gunshot wound to the chest, the lawmaker had been the subject of headlines for his seemingly tumultuous relationship with Menezes.
The couple, despite their publicized spat, which also aroused speculations of domestic violence, were seen reunited as Benaldo recovered in the hospital.
On Wednesday, Menezes was asked by reporters at the sidelines of the FHM event about the status of her husband, and whether they plan to address the recent string of controversies they were involved in.
The model, however, was tight-lipped about her personal life.
"Okay naman po, okay lang po, just doing my job... As of now, nothing (update on Benaldo). Huwag muna po... Okay naman po lahat, work lang po talaga. I can't say anything," she said.
When pressed with the same questions, Menezes, who was accompanied by her mother, appealed to be given privacy: "I can't talk about it yet. Please po, respect my privacy... I love the Philippines, I'm just working."
Asked when she plans to speak at length on the matter, she said, "Soon, magsasalita po naman kami. Basta sana nag-enjoy po sa naging show namin. Basta, life goes on."
Menezes was then escorted by several security personnel along with her mother, and were briskly taken to a dressing room.
