We first spotted Kylie Verzosa at the airport luggage belt, where she stood out—quite literally—a head and a half taller than everyone else. With her statuesque figure and striking poise, the Filipina beauty is hard to miss. On set, she is everything you'd hope for in a cover star: Patient, easy-going and game for anything, with a sharp sense of humour that made the whole crew smile.

You might remember her as Miss International 2016. Or seen her in Philippine indie flicks and commercial hits. Or know of her as the entrepreneur behind shapewear brand Solá. But for most ELLE Singapore readers, Kylie Verzosa is likely to be a mystery.

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So here’s the lowdown: Born and raised in Baguio, in the northern part of the Philippines, Kylie is the eldest of five siblings. She left home at 15 to study in Manila, eventually graduating with a Business Management degree from Ateneo de Manila University, with a minor in Marketing. Modelling was always a quiet ambition, but it was pageantry that changed the course of her life. "After feeling a little stuck with modelling, someone suggested I try pageants,” she reminisces. “I didn’t win right away but kept going anyway. It took me two years to win Miss Philippines.” Then came Miss International 2016. And it was this crowning moment that propelled her onto the global stage. Opportunities started to open up for the then 24-year-old: acting, hosting, brand partnerships. She stumbled, publicly, as she puts it, but persevered. Fast forward nine years, and acting has become not just a career, but a meaningful outlet. "I absolutely love it," she shares. "I think it’s such a good form of therapy."

Her next chapter? CEO and mental health advocate. The 33-year-old is building a business portfolio that reflects both her aesthetics and advocacy. First is Solá, her shapewear brand, which emerged from a personal need. "I’ve always worn shapewear, especially on filming days when I don’t want to worry about my body," she explains. But beyond function, Solá is also a statement on inclusivity. "I can only represent my own body, but there are so many other body types. So, I wanted to create a brand that reflects that."

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From the outset, Solá was designed with diversity in mind—not just in sizing and styles but also in representation. Now, the brand includes a men’s line, something Kylie acknowledges was a bit of a risk. "We didn’t know how it would go, but it sold out quickly," she says. "I have to give credit to the support from the LGBTQ+ community back home. I love them to death."

Kylie is also co-launching a healthcare platform called &You, which she plans to expand internationally. Developed with her partner and backed by a network of medical professionals, the platform aims to improve access to care in the Philippines, especially in rural areas. “General healthcare is expensive and hard to get, especially outside of Manila," she explains. "Our goal is to offer online consultations and deliver treatments directly to your door.”

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That mission hits close to home. Kylie’s own struggles with mental health began in her teens, when she developed depression and anxiety. “It came from everywhere—I was out of school, in a toxic relationship, away from my family. I just found myself in a dark hole one day and couldn’t get out,” she recalls. At first, she didn’t even believe in depression. But with the support of her father and sister, both of whom have bipolar disorder, she eventually sought professional help. “I was privileged to have a good support system. But I kept thinking, what about those who don’t?”

That thought led her to start the non-profit Mental Health Matters in 2017 to spread awareness and end the stigma. What began as an online support group has now since evolved into a nationwide platform for education and outreach. She works closely with her father and sister, giving talks across schools and companies in the Philippines. “It’s still a family-run organisation," she says. “We also partner with psychologists to hold workshops and conversations around mental health.”

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In addition to seeking professional help, a holistic approach also helped in her recovery. "I tried acupuncture, energy healing, aromatherapy. I even cut out caffeine," she laughs. “I learned to cut negative people off. I read a lot. I got into health, and that became a lifestyle.”

Today, that lifestyle includes tennis, yoga, running, boxing, weightlifting and infrared red light therapy. Her guest room has been designated a wellness hub, kitted out with a sauna, cold plunge tub, a bike and a vibrating chair “that resets your nervous system”.

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Painting is another hobby that lifts her mood. “I’m not the best, but it makes me happy. I like abstracts and landscapes, things with texture and colour,” she shares. She also reads, travels and values a routine. “After playing a character, or a long day, I return to my rituals. Reading, skincare, my wellness room— they help me quiet down and come back to myself.”

These cherished routines and rituals keep her sane and grounded, especially since being in the public spotlight inevitably attracts criticism. “There are nights at 2am where I do want to clap back [at the naysayers] online," she admits with a grin. "But I’ve learned to weigh which opinions matter and which don’t. Most of the time, I don’t reply, but if I’m in a mood, then I’ll do it. Always in a fun, sarcastic way, though."

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Though she’s donned couture gowns for red carpet appearances such as last year’s Cannes Film Festival, her personal style leans towards comfortable and classic. However, that doesn’t mean she’s immune to fun trends such as mini bags. "I have always loved them. I think I liked them before they were cool," she says. What she won’t be caught in? Tight jeans. "I love baggy jeans and trousers. Skinny jeans or tights? Only for the gym." When asked about fashion week moments, she lights up. “Going to the shows just makes me appreciate the art and craftsmanship. I love seeing what people wear in different cities. It inspires me.”

A self-professed Tiffany & Co. loyalist, she gravitates towards the brand’s modern HardWear pieces. Her favourite is a rose gold lock chain with diamonds that she often pairs with a plain black tee. "I like mixing casual and bold. It makes the jewellery stand out," she says. When she travels, baggy jeans, a good jacket and a black dress are essential. What does she pack in her beauty kit? “Moisturiser is a must. My skin gets so dry. And I’m a blush girl,” she says. “You’ll always see me with blush—it goes on my cheeks and lips.”

For the busy multi-hyphenate, this year is shaping up to be a big one. Aside from launching &You and expanding Solá, she’s returning to the big screen, taking on a more collaborative role in her film projects. "I'm more involved in the writing and development now," she reveals. "It's exciting to have more say in the characters I play."

Despite her many roles—actress, entrepreneur, beauty queen, mental health advocate—Kylie is, at her core, someone striving for balance. "I want to be happy. Make my family proud. Keep growing my businesses, take on meaningful work. And maybe travel more. Achieve more goals."

Photographed by STEFAN KHOO
Styled by JEFFREY YAN

Make-up Artist CLARENCE LEE using Clé de Peau Beauté
Hairstylist KEN HONG/Evolve Salon
Photographer’s Assistant MOHD ALIF