PVL star Fifi Sharma on loving her morena skin, building confidence, and trying new things beyond volleyball
For Premier Volleyball League (PVL) star Fifi Sharma, learning to embrace her morena skin was not immediate, but it’s a journey she now owns with pride.
During the “Watsons Summer Fun” event on May 8 at SM Mega Fashion Hall, where she joined fellow PVL athletes Kim Kianna Dy and Jolina Dela Cruz, Fifi admitted that growing up in a culture where fair skin is often favored made it difficult to feel confident in her own.
“Actually, at one point. Us being Filipinos, there’s still colorism going around and still internalized. It took a long time for me to break out of that shell and just accept my skin tone, who I am as a Filipina,” said Fifi.
The volleyball player shared her path to self-acceptance was a gradual alignment of values and perspective.
“I don’t remember anything specifically like a turning point, but I guess for me, it just all fell into place. Not just me being morena, but also my morals, my beliefs, my habits—everything fell into place,” she explained.
Fifi also said that growing older helped her learn the value of being kinder to herself.
“You have to offer yourself a lot of compassion. You spend a lot of time in your head, so make it a nice place to be,” added Fifi.
Now stepping beyond the volleyball court, Fifi is exploring new interests, including broadcast work. She recently began appearing on news show “Frontline Pilipinas” as guest newscaster, which she said she’s enjoying the experience.
“I think the most important thing is I’m enjoying doing the newscasting on the side. With my very supportive support system, they always encourage me and they tell me techniques and tips,” she continued.
She also expressed her interest in possibly joining a beauty pageant.
“I think I might. Watching this year’s ‘Miss Universe Philippines’ inspired me. And I think the biggest thing that really touched me was how confident [the contestants] were with like carrying themselves,” shared Fifi.
“With Atisa’s fall, like the way she picked herself up and continued to win the pageant really inspired me,” the Akari Chargers player added.
“Watsons Summer Fun,” which runs until May 21, promotes confidence, sun care, and healthy living, with activities, product showcases, and opportunities for fans to engage with their sports idols.