From Sexbomb dancer to haciendera

Gone are the days when Rochelle Pangilinan had to grind in skimpy outfits on national TV just to earn a living. That’s because the former SexBomb dancer has more important things to attend to these days—like managing her growing business ventures, which includes a 25-hectare azucarera in Iloilo, a spa and an online store.

Behind Rochelle’s success story is boyfriend of six years and business partner, Arthur Solinap. The Kapuso actor, whose family owns a large estate in Western Visayas, guides Rochelle in growing her hard-earned money.

“Gusto ko rin kasi siyang tulungan (sa business). Hindi lang ‘yung ipon lang nang ipon. Gusto ko may napupuntahan rin ‘yung trabaho niya sa showbiz,” he explained to Yahoo Philippines. “Pana-panahon lang naman sa work na ‘to e.”

The couple is maintaining a 25-hectare sugarcane plantation and will soon develop another 15 hectares of vacant land which needs much bigger capital.

“Meron kasing may ime-maintain na lang, then ‘yung iba bakante talaga. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung pinag-iipunan namin kasi kailangan ng malaking capital,” Arthur shared.

The azucarera, which Arhur says is more profitable and stable than other crops, leaves Rochelle wanting for more.

“Hangga’t kaya namin bakit hindi? Kung kaya namin ng 10,000 hectares okay lang.”

 Success beyond Eat Bulaga

The dancer-turned-actress went nostalgic as she recalled her days as one of the Sexbomb Girls in long-running show “Eat Bulaga” over a decade ago.

“Nakaka-amaze ‘yung mga nangyari sa buhay ko. Isipin mo napagdaan ko dyan  sa “Starstruck” at nakita ko ‘yung mga nakapila na mag-o-audition. Dancer lang din naman ako dati. Ang nasabi ko na lang, ‘Thank you, God, pinilit mo ko maging artista kahit ayaw ko.’”

The reluctant actress added, “Sobrang thankful ako kasi dati ayoko. Isipin mo si God nilagay ako sa ganitong klaseng pwesto.”

The breadwinner is securing her family’s future before settling down.

 God-centered relationship

Arthur  hopes he’ll be the next to get married when his cousin, Dingdong Dantes, settles down with Marian Rivera later this year.

“Sana kami na’ng next. Nag-iisip na rin akong mag-settle down, ayaw ko nang patagalin. Too soon ‘yung next year so baka next, next year.”

Rochelle couldn’t agree more. The “Ang Lihim ni Annasandra” star said she’s ready to get hitched anytime.

Being in a relationship for six years is no joke—especially among showbiz couples.

Rochelle shared it’s a work in progress.

“Secret namin? Naka-center lang lagi si God sa relationship namin. Kung saka-sakaling may hindi kami pinag-iintindihan or pinag-aawayan, lagi kaming magchu-church every Sunday. Then after no’n mare-realize namin ang mali.”