Rosa Vazquez-Actress, Model & Figure Competitor
By: Pattee Mak
August 2, 2012- Rosa Vazquez is not your typical female with a pretty face or a hardcore body. Rosa was born with a hearing loss 34 years ago. At times her hearing loss is a challenge for her, but that doesn’t stop her from fulfilling her dreams and succeeding in life. A few weeks ago she competed in a figure competition, won her class, and received her pro card.
In addition to competing, she is a fashion model and recently appeared as one of the main characters in the movie “Conned” that was shot near and around the Boston area.
I wanted to share Rosa’s insights with you on her take on being an actress and the dedication it takes to be a figure competitor. It ain’t easy!!!….
Pattee Mak: Girlee Girl. It’s great to spend some time with you while doing this interview. On June 23, 2012, at a local show in Massachusetts, you competed for Bay State Natural and won your pro card. Tell me about your experience at the show.
Rosa Vazquez: I did win an International Federation Physique Athletics (IFPA) pro card. It was a phenomenal experience. There were a total of 138 competitors, including male and female bodybuilders, figures, and bikini models. In my class, there were approximately 20 medium (height) figure class participants. I was floored and ecstatic when my name was called for first place. I am still on cloud nine LOL. I will be competing against other professional figure competitors in the spring of 2012.
Pattee Mak: Congrats on your win.
Pattee Mak: How many weeks were you dieting up to this show?
Rosa Vazquez: I started dieting and training twelve weeks before the show. Yes, most people start roughly twelve weeks out. However, it depends on each individual. Some competitors need more than twelve weeks to diet and train due to their body types and how well their metabolism responds.
Pattee Mak: Is that the typical amount of weeks you usually diet until the competition?
Rosa Vazquez: Yes.
Pattee Mak: The shows that you have competed in previously, are they tested for steroids or are they nondrug shows?
Rosa Vazquez: The shows that I have competed in, some were tested, and some were not tested. It depends on the federation. For instance, International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness (INBF), World Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (WNBF), Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB), International Federation Physique Athletics (IFPA), MuscleMania etc ban steroids. All competitors must take a polygraph test before they can enter to compete. By the end of the day, whoever wins the title is mandated to take a urine test. Other federations such as National Physique Committee (NPC), Fitness Atlantic, Europa, etc. do allow steroids.
Pattee Mak: How many fitness shows have you competed in?
Rosa Vazquez: I have competed in many fitness shows since the year 2007. I usually compete in 2-3 shows within a year.
Pattee Mak: Out of all the shows you have competed in, which show had the toughest competition?
Rosa Vazquez: Any shows that allow steroids are a challenge for me. Some figure competitors take steroids to help their physiques appear leaner and have more muscle mass.
Pattee Mak: Tell me about the sacrifices one has to make in order to be a figure competitor.
Rosa Vazquez: To perform well on stage, a competitor must stay focused and train hard (weights and cardio) for 6 days a week, prepare meals, drink at least one gallon of water per day, no sugar and alcohol. It can be a challenge if the competitor travels for work or vacation, because he/she has to be mindful when to eat, what to eat and incorporate working out in their hectic schedules. It is extremely crucial that the competitor has their family and friends’ full support.
Pattee Mak: Are the competitions judged by weight class or height?
Rosa Vazquez: Figure competitors are judged by their height. Bodybuilders are judged by their weight.
Pattee Mak: Do you find it easy to lose fat and your water weight? Also, any advice you want to give to anyone who struggles with not making weight?
Rosa Vazquez: No, I do not find it easy to lose fat and water weight. That is why I have to do a “double session”. Double session means that I have to do cardio twice a day. I tend to either jog outside or use an arc trainer on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, before breakfast for approximately 30-45 minutes. Then, I do another cardio session in the evening 7 days a week. It takes discipline, and it is time-consuming. I enjoy the challenge, which is why I have been competing for 5 and ½ years. I am the only deaf figure skating pro competitor in Western Mass.I refuse to allow my hearing loss to hinder my goals. My deafness does not define who I am as a person. I have the drive and willpower to accomplish my goals. This is my motto, “TURN YOUR AMBITION INTO ACTION.”
Pattee Mak: How do the rules work for your next pro show? If you don’t place or show [Win or come in 2nd] will you still be able to compete in the pro rankings or do you get bounced back to the amateurs once again?
Rosa Vazquez: To compete as a professional and make money, I have to be placed in the top 5. If I am not placed top 5, then I will have to compete again for the next show.
Pattee Mak: Has anyone contacted you in the sport to be their spokes model or approached you to endorse their products?
Rosa Vazquez: No, and I would love that. My dream is to be in any fitness magazine, such as Oxygen, Women’s Health, Shape, and Muscle and Fitness. I definitely want to educate the hearing and deaf worlds that anyone can be a competitor regardless of their differences.
Pattee Mak: You were recently a main character called Sabrina in the movie “Conned”. Tell me about the movie and the character you played.
Rosa Vazquez: Conned is a comedy-action film. The Boston Underworld is too small for all of them. And there’s only one big prize left. It’s about to go under. All the smart operators have gone to jail, and all that’s left behind are the eccentric whackos and nut jobs deemed unworthy of being put behind bars. From Napolitano, who runs the North End with the belief that every room is bugged, to Mr. Million, who is so insecure he needs constant reassurance, to a rampant gang that can’t take directions from anyone, simply because they can’t hear a single thing. Their preferred method of communication is sign language, which leaves everyone asking, “Just what is going on?” Out of this melting pot of eccentric and dysfunctional criminals, ambitions arise and inevitably clash. With less and less up for stake, there is a sense of urgency for everyone to grab what they can and make a run for it before the underworld is shut down for good. As time runs out, attention turns to the biggest horse race, which everyone knows is fixed, but just what is fixed? While everyone zeroes in on cashing out on the fixed race, they unfortunately become oblivious to the big con that is being laid out, leaving open the question of just who gets to take off with the big payday. This is the summary of the film. If you are intrigued, Conned will be released in nationwide on October 23, 2012.
I will briefly describe my character. Sabrina is a powerful woman who no one dares to challenge. She is deaf and communicates in American Sign Language (ASL). Sabrina is terribly good with her work…if you are curious about what type of work she does and what is great about her…then you must purchase the DVD in October.
Pattee Mak: You know I’m a big supporter of you, and I’m looking forward to watching the movie.
Pattee Mak: You have competed in figure, but have you ever competed in a bikini competition?
Rosa Vazquez: Yes, I have competed in a bikini competition, but not in a bodybuilding organization. I competed in many Hawaii Tropic Beauty Pageant and modeling contests. I have won a few competitions since I was 16 years old. I was crowned Miss Deaf Massachusetts in 1998. I flew to San Antonio, Texas to compete in Miss Deaf America. I did not win the title, but I was awarded for best platform, which was regarding bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds. It was an incredible experience, and I have always enjoyed meeting new people from different states.
Pattee Mak: Is there anyone along the way in your career that you would like to thank?
Rosa Vazquez: Absolutely. I want to show my appreciation to my daughter, Summer Rose, and to thank my family and friends for their wonderful support and for everyone believing in me and helping me to be successful in this sports industry. Due to their ongoing support, as well as my drive/ambition, I was able to continue to do what I love. This is my favorite motto: TURN YOUR AMBITION INTO ACTION 🙂
Pattee Mak: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Please feel free to comment below or locate me on Facebook or Twitter @Patteemak.
Photo provided by Rosa Vazquez.
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