Tetchie Agbayani

Visitacion Parado, (born July 2, 1961) who is better known by her screen name Tetchie Agbayani, is a Filipina movie and television actress, Mutya ng Pilipinas, psychology instructor and Playboy model. She appeared in a regular issue of German Playboy and a special American edition entitled "Women of the World". She is featured daily on the Filipino TV Channel where she stars in soap operas. --- Agbayani was born on July 2, 1961 to a Roman Catholic family. She studied high school at the University of Santo Tomas before enrolling in the University's Bachelor of Science in Architecture program in 1979. She eventually dropped from the program due to showbiz commitments. In the United States, Agbayani was able to pursue acting in Hollywood. She appeared in international productions, sometimes credited as Carol Roberts. Among her films include John Boorman's The Emerald Forest (1985) and an entertaining cameo in The Money Pit (1986). Like other Asian actresses, Tetchie found herself limited by stereotyping, leading her to accept parts in critically reviled productions such as Gymkata (1985). Critics would regard her best performance to be that of a geologist in the Australian film Rikky and Pete (1988), directed by Nadia Tass, in which she displayed a flair for comedy. Agbayani also appeared in an episode of the British television series Yellowthread Street. On television, she played the tragic heroine "Sisa" in Eddie Romero's Noli Me Tangere, based on the novel by Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal. --- In 1995, Agbayani resumed her education and enrolled in Saint Joseph's College, Quezon City. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2000. In 2001, she was accepted into the Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling Psychology program at Ateneo de Manila University. She completed all academic requirements and is now working on her master's thesis. She is also teaching Psychology at Saint Joseph's College, Quezon City, while doing occasional TV and film appearances. --- In 2006, Agbayani became the focus of the local media when her newfound role as actress-turned Playboy model-turned psychology teacher was revealed to the public. Graduating from college at age 39, teaching at age 43, and taking master's at age 44, Agbayani was seen as a living inspiration to people who were not able to finish college for some reason. Agbayani continues to appear in television programs, magazines, and newspaper dailies, giving motivational talks on how she managed to pull her life together despite all the odds. She has expressed intention to be a full-time psychology teacher while being a part-time actress. She also plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychology, start clinical practice, and write a column where she can give free psychological counseling to letter-senders and the general public. --- In 1989, Agbayani returned to the Philippines and took time out from her career to give birth to her daughter, China. During this period, Agbayani devoted her whole time as a mother, living a quiet, private life for several years.