Fiona Solis is a stunning model, dynamic businesswoman, and proud transgender woman currently based in Cebu City, Philippines. Born and raised in Ormoc City, Fiona always knew she was different, and beautifully so. Today, she’s living her truth with grace and glamour, juggling commercial shoots, pageant preparations, and real estate ventures with her fabulous friends and fellow models, Angel Montero and Eriką Fox. From starring in comedy films and travel shows to confidently walking the runway, Fiona embodies strength, authenticity, and a fierce sense of self. Her transition journey was met with love and support from her family and friends, helping her embrace womanhood with pride. For Fiona, being transgender isn’t just about physical changes, it’s about fulfillment, joy, and honoring the woman she always was inside. With her poise, positivity, and resilience, Fiona continues to inspire others to embrace who they are and chase their dreams, no matter where they come from or how they identify.
Monika: Hello Fiona! It’s wonderful to have you here! How are you doing today?
Fiona: Hi Monika! Thanks for having me. I’m really excited to be part of this interview. It’s always a joy to share my story and connect with inspiring women like you.
Monika: What exciting projects are you working on these days?
Fiona: Right now, I’m preparing for an upcoming commercial, a photoshoot, and a beauty pageant. I’m also working on maintaining my fitness and perfecting my walk for the runway. Every day feels like a step closer to my dreams.
Monika: You’re a successful model. Can you share a bit about your modeling journey and what it means to you?
Fiona: Thank you for that. I'm really having fun right now as a model. I'm grateful for the opportunities that are coming my way. Modeling has given me the chance to express myself creatively and connect with so many amazing people. It’s empowering to represent trans women in such a visible way.
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| In lingerie. |
Monika: You, Angel Montero, and Eriką Fox make a fabulous trio, friends, models, and real-life stars! Have you collaborated on any projects together, and are there any exciting things you're working on now?
Fiona: We worked on a movie and a commercial together. We also did a travel show and a comedy film. Currently, we're working as real estate agents. It’s a fun and unexpected chapter in our journey, and we’re learning so much. But don’t worry, we still make time for modeling gigs and creative projects on the side!
Monika: Can you tell us a bit about where you grew up and where life has taken you since then?
Fiona: I was born and raised in Ormoc City in the Philippines. Right now, I am residing in Cebu City, the Philippines. Cebu has opened up many opportunities for me, especially in modeling and business. It’s a vibrant place that truly feels like home now.
Monika: Could you tell us about your childhood and when you first realized that you were different from the gender you were assigned at birth?
Fiona: When I was a kid, I knew that I was different. I acted differently from others. Even at a young age, I felt more connected to the way girls expressed themselves. It was a quiet but certain feeling that stayed with me as I grew up.
Monika: Many transgender girls say that school or university was one of the toughest times due to discrimination. Did you go through something similar during your student years?
Fiona: I experienced a lot of discrimination. It hurt like a bullet, but I'm proud to say that I faced it with strength and resilience. Those moments made me stronger and taught me how to stand my ground. Now I use that strength to support and inspire others going through the same.
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| Modeling shoot. |
Monika: Did you have support from your family and friends during the process, and how did it affect your career?
Fiona: My support came from my family and friends. I have a very solid support system, which is why I was able to face that moment of adversity with my head held high. Their encouragement helped me feel confident in my decisions. As for my career, I’m fortunate that my transition didn’t hinder my professional life, if anything, it has made me more determined.
Monika: Did you ever face challenges when it came to passing as a woman?
Fiona: I haven't had any difficulties passing as a woman because I knew since I was a kid that I wanted to be a woman. I was always confident in my identity, and that made all the difference. I did undergo hips enhancement and breast implants to further align my physical appearance with how I felt inside.
Monika: With modern cosmetic surgery, transitioning later in life, perhaps even in your 50s or 60s, is becoming more feasible. Do you think this is possible, and what advice would you give to transgender women considering such changes at an older age?
Fiona: Yes, it’s possible. It’s ultimately their own choice. If they feel the need for it, then they should absolutely go for it. As long as it makes them happy, there's no reason not to pursue the enhancements they desire. Age should never be a barrier to becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.
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| In a forest. |
Monika: During your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to, and what was your understanding of transgenderism at that time?
Fiona: I didn’t have any specific role models. I believe that God made us in His image and likeness, and we are unique in our own special way. For me, transgenderism isn't just about physical changes, it’s about reaching a moment when you feel fulfilled and at peace with who you are as a woman. It's a personal journey, and everyone experiences it differently.
Monika: What was the hardest part of your coming out experience?
Fiona: I don’t really have a specific difficulty. Everything went smoothly for me. I was fortunate to have a strong support system, which made the process much easier. I think being true to myself helped me face any challenges with confidence.
Monika: How did you feel when you finally transitioned and embraced your true self as a woman?
Fiona: I am extremely happy and totally content with who and what I am today. It was a moment of pure joy and peace, knowing that I am living as my authentic self. Every day feels like a celebration of who I’ve always been inside.
Monika: How did you feel when you finally transitioned and embraced your true self as a woman?
Fiona: I am extremely happy and totally content with who and what I am today. It was a moment of pure joy and peace, knowing that I am living as my authentic self. Every day feels like a celebration of who I’ve always been inside.
Monika: Have you ever been married, and how important is love in your life?
Fiona: No, not yet. Love inspires me to live every day, and that is the reason why I am happy. Love motivates me to be the best version of myself. It fills my life with purpose and drives me to embrace each day with positivity.
Monika: What do you enjoy most about being a woman?
Fiona: Beautifying myself. It feels so good to be beautiful. There's a special kind of joy in expressing myself through fashion and self-care. Being a woman allows me to embrace my creativity and femininity in ways that feel empowering.
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| At the stairs. |
Monika: What is your overall perspective on the current situation of transgender women in the Philippines?
Fiona: It will be a long discussion for society to fully accept transgender persons. But I am happy because I know it is gradually happening. There are still challenges, but we’ve come a long way compared to the past. I remain hopeful that future generations will experience even greater acceptance and equality.
Monika: These days, we’re seeing more and more transgender women coming out in the USA, and unlike in past years, some of them have become celebrities or public figures. Think of Lana Wachowski in filmmaking, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you have similar well-known transgender celebrities in the Philippines?
Fiona: It will be a long discussion for society to fully accept transgender persons. But I am happy because I know it is gradually happening. There are still challenges, but we’ve come a long way compared to the past. I remain hopeful that future generations will experience even greater acceptance and equality.
Monika: These days, we’re seeing more and more transgender women coming out in the USA, and unlike in past years, some of them have become celebrities or public figures. Think of Lana Wachowski in filmmaking, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, and Candis Cayne in acting. Do you have similar well-known transgender celebrities in the Philippines?
Fiona: Bebe Gandanghari! She is a model and a local celebrity here in the Philippines. Right now, she is doing fantastic as an actress. She has truly paved the way for many of us. Her courage and visibility are inspiring to the younger generation of trans women here.
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| Modeling shoot. |
Monika: Sadly, while visibility is growing, we also keep hearing horrifying news about transgender women being attacked or even killed. In your view, how can we help prevent such violence and protect our community?
Fiona: In my personal view, we need to have a law that protects transgender women from cases like that. There should be a fair, sufficient, and effective implementation of the law for the problem of transgender injustice to be resolved. Education is also key, we must teach respect and understanding from a young age. And transgender voices should be included in policymaking, so we can help shape the world we live in.
Fiona: In my personal view, we need to have a law that protects transgender women from cases like that. There should be a fair, sufficient, and effective implementation of the law for the problem of transgender injustice to be resolved. Education is also key, we must teach respect and understanding from a young age. And transgender voices should be included in policymaking, so we can help shape the world we live in.
Monika: Are you politically active? Do you take part in any lobbying efforts? And do you believe transgender women can truly make a difference in the political arena?
Fiona: Yes, I am active in supporting lobbying campaigns. Definitely, transgender women could make a difference in politics because we normally go beyond. We don't set mediocre goals; we always strive for excellence. We bring a unique perspective shaped by resilience and empathy. Our presence in politics could help ensure that all voices, especially the most marginalized, are finally heard.
Monika: What’s your take on transgender beauty pageants? Do you think we should eventually drop the “transgender” label altogether and have inclusive pageants for both transgender and non-transgender women?
Fiona: No. Beauty cannot be measured through gender or sexual orientation. It is a matter of how you inspire and influence people. What truly matters is the confidence and purpose you bring to the stage. Pageants should celebrate diversity, not divide it.
Fiona: No. Beauty cannot be measured through gender or sexual orientation. It is a matter of how you inspire and influence people. What truly matters is the confidence and purpose you bring to the stage. Pageants should celebrate diversity, not divide it.
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| Style and beauty. |
Monika: Are you passionate about fashion? What types of outfits do you usually go for? Do you have any favorite designers, colors, or trends that inspire your style?
Fiona: Yes, I like fashion. It usually depends on the occasion but then again, I always make sure that I am comfortable with what I am wearing. I love neutral tones with bold accessories to make a statement. Sometimes, I follow trends, but I always add a touch of my own personality.
Monika: Are you actively involved in your local LGBTQ+ community? In what ways do you contribute or participate?
Fiona: Yes, I like fashion. It usually depends on the occasion but then again, I always make sure that I am comfortable with what I am wearing. I love neutral tones with bold accessories to make a statement. Sometimes, I follow trends, but I always add a touch of my own personality.
Monika: Are you actively involved in your local LGBTQ+ community? In what ways do you contribute or participate?
Fiona: Yes, I am. I join local events and outreach programs that promote awareness and acceptance. I also mentor younger members of the community whenever I can.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys by writing memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself, or maybe telling your story in another form?
Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys by writing memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself, or maybe telling your story in another form?
Fiona: Yes, I have, but I haven't published it yet. I do have a film together with Erica Fox and Angel Montero that talks about our lives. It was a very personal project, and we hope it can inspire others. Maybe one day I’ll turn my story into a book as well.
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Fiona: Yes, I am happy. Happiness is not about fortune, it's a mental attitude. I am totally contented with who I am right now. I’ve embraced my journey, with all its ups and downs, and that inner peace is what truly matters.
Monika: Fiona, thank you for the interview!
Monika: Fiona, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Fiona Solis.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
Some documentaries with Fiona Solis:
Shunned
Director: Janice Villarosa Release Year: 2014 Country: USA, Philippines Janice Villarosa’s Shunned (2014) is a poignant and revealing documentary that captures the...
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