Filipino actress
Visitacion Parado (born July 2, 1961), better known by her screen name Tetchie Agbayani, is a Filipino actress, model and psychology instructor. She began her acting career in the film Pepeng Shotgun (1981), following several stints in pageantry and modelling.[1] She was the first and only Filipino woman to appear on the cover of the German edition of Playboy, in 1982.[2] She has starred in numerous Hollywood films such as The Emerald Forest (1985), Gymkata (1985), The Money Pit (1986), Rikky and Pete (1988)[3] and has received accolades at the Metro Manila Film Festival, in addition to nominations for a FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Star Awards for Movies and Luna Awards.
Early life
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.
Hollywood
In the United States, Agbayani pursued acting in Hollywood. She appeared in international productions, sometimes credited as Carol Roberts. Her films include John Boorman's The Emerald Forest (1985); a cameo in The Money Pit (1986); leading lady in Gymkata (1985); and as a geologist in the Australian film Rikky and Pete (1988). 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.
Private life
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 private life for several years.
Education
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 the 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,[4][5] while doing occasional TV and film appearances.
