Shamcey Ready to Give Cityscape a Makeover

Not even the most coveted crown in the “universe” could change her passion for designing and creating. Instead, Ms. Universe Philippines 2011 Shamcey Supsup gives the crown a break and puts on her hard hat—all for the purpose of shaping the cityscape in the best possible way.

For others, winning the (Ms. Universe) title is their ultimate dream. For me, being a finalist in the pageant is paving the way for me to reach my dreams,” said Shamcey.

One of these dreams involves creating more inviting, more glamorous cityscapes. “There’s definitely room for improvement for Metro Manila’s cityscapes, which are currently devoid of the natural colors of the skyline. Also, the glass-and-concrete structures we have right now don’t have striking features that define just how beautiful and well-planned Philippine real estate can be,” she said. “I hope to help change that.”

Aside from fulfilling her responsibilities as a pageant titlist, the 5’7” stunner, who is also an architecture board topnotcher, keeps herself busy by working on a variety of projects. The list includes a collaboration with Gawad Kalinga designing homes for victims of typhoon Ondoy and renovating Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Her latest endeavor is her partnership with Empire East Land Holdings Inc., which will allow her a creative hand in planning and designing the developer’s residential projects.

Empire East believes that with her architectural expertise, Shamcey is more than just a brand endorser—she can help give the metro the face lift it needs. “Shamcey’s input is important in achieving Empire East’s goal of creating homes that meet the lifestyle needs of customers,” said Empire East President Anthony Charlemagne Yu. “Good design can create a ripple effect and shape the landscape in the process.”

Shamcey, too, acknowledges the significance of a role that will credit her not only as the face of the Empire East brand, but also as one of the brains giving life to the developer’s vision. “I’d like to design buildings that are pleasing to the eye as well as functional. These buildings will be part of communities permeated by air and light, and feature wide, open spaces,” she said.

Having been trained on the field, Shamcey knows how construction works, and how design is translated on site. Urban planning is one of the things she champions. “Through my work with Empire East, I can, hopefully, do my part in designing structures that affect the environment in a positive way for many years to come,” she said.