An active campaign against aging

by Ana Valenzuela

(Published in the Manila Standard Today newspaper on 2011/october/27.)

When your hand touches your cheek, notice the change in consistency of your skin, then you look in to the mirror, fine lines, especially in the eye area, are visible. It is not the same as before—unlike the times when your face was smooth and rosy. These changes are clear signs of aging. Aging begins early on, and is already a given fact that everyday and every second we age.

According to Ellaine Eusebio-Galvez, MD, member of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Member of the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, “Everyday we age. There’s intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is something that happens inside our bodies, whether we like it or not. Our cells grow old, and they show signs afterwards. Extrinsic aging comes from the environmental factors, like exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet rays, stress, pollutants and chemicals that we apply to our skin.

“With these aging processes, we develop fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentations, open pores, sagging of the skin, deep lines. These are the things that anybody wouldn’t want to have, thus a need for an anti-aging regimen,” says Galvez.

Anti-aging would have to start early on, even in your 20s’ and when you get to your 30’s to 40’s that is the time it should be intensified. However there are many products out in the market, how would you know which is the best for you?

Neo Strata recently launched a new anti-aging line, Skin Active. It was launched February this year in the US and now has reached Philippine shores. Skin Active attends to women who have reached their 40’s and in need for a more comprehensive and strong anti-aging regimen. The brand launched the Skin Active Exfoliating Wash, Skin Active Matrix Support, Skin Active Cellular Restoration and Skin Active Eye Therapy.

The ingredients of the product are those of a promising anti-aging skin care regimen. “We combined not only our core technology, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and the polyhydroxy acid (PHA),” says Leigh Ann Caitlin, vice president of International Business Development of NeoStrata Company, Inc., “but we combined them with other technology—peptides, apple stem cell extract, and antioxidants.”

The PHAs and AHAs enhance skin renewal or cellular turnover and exfoliation, resulting in noticeably smoother skin and a brighter, more even skin tone. They also plump skin resulting in fuller, younger looking skin with visibly fewer lines and wrinkles. While the new technology of peptides serves as a cellular messenger to stimulate new collagen, restoring a more youthful look and at the same time stimulates the natural process of extracellular matrix restoration, building the skin’s matrix or structure for a smoother, more lifted look. The new technology of apple stem cells has been derived from rare Swiss Uttwiler Spätlauber apples. It has been proven to protect and maintain the function of human skin stem cells, preserving the skin’s youthfulness and vitality.

“There is no single product that could address aging skin. This is why Neo Strata have combined all these active ingredients. Apart from the usual anti-aging ingredients that have already been proven to be effective and safe, the new super antioxidants are very good and have clinical basis,” says Galvez.

You need not worry of the results as Skin Active has been clinically proven. In a test done, Asian skin has shown improvement, with less wrinkles, uneven skin tones, fines lines, a big 36 percent from baseline. This was even better than the Caucasian’s which is 26 percent from baseline.

“People who don’t have the time or the budget to have a laser treatment or some other type of cosmetic procedure, they can get good effective results just by using these products at home,” Caitlin assures.

The Skin Active line could be used on a daily basis and should be infused to the daily skin care regimen. “We looked at many anti-aging ingredients and really picked these based on how they work together. You’ll get benefits from the individual products but it is designed to be used together. They have better benefits to the skin when they work together instead of separately,” says Caitlin.

Ask your doctor about it.

Catch!

Catch!
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Photography by Angelight Classic Portaits

as MOD goes back to its tradition of featuring fresh faces, we feature four girls who toss a lot of promise. They’re running, jumping on their way to fitness, wellness, and, for sure, to fame and fortune. Catch them if you can! Meet Crissia Del Atienza, Abbygale Monderin, Monique Manuel, and Karina Tamminen. An Accountancy student at the University of Santo Tomas, Crissia was Miss Puerto Galera and represented the municipality at the Miss Philippines Earth 2010. Abbygale is a Nursing senior at World Citi Colleges and a Binibining Caloocan title-holder. Monique, who has been modeling for four years, represented Bataan during the Miss Earth 2009, where she ended as one of the runners-up, and is one of the candidates in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas. Finland-born Karina is a volunteer nurse.

MOD sits down with these four lovely ladies to talk about beauty, wellness, life, and everything in between.
MOD: How do you stay fit?
Karina: Gym, cardio, and muscle weights. Before, I was into martial arts, like krav maga. It’s self-defense, but it’s also a good exercise.
Monique: I do a lot of running. I try to do it maybe once a month. Back in grade school, I did a form of martial arts called Kuntaw. It’s founded by a Filipino, but it’s more popular in the Middle East. I made it to brown belt and I joined competitions as well. Unfortunately, one time during training, na-twist and na-dislocate yung knee ko. Since then, hindi na ako nakapag-martial arts. Nag-therapy ako for like a month for that. Thankfully, okay na yung left knee.
Abbygale: I jog every morning and then in the afternoon I play badminton.
Crissia: I don’t have time to go to the gym because I’m really focused on my studies. I just do a couple of exercises in our village, like jogging, because there is a field there. When I was in grade school, I was really into volleyball, but now I don’t have time for that anymore.




What’s your daily diet like?
C: I don’t have dinner.
A: No rice. I’ve stopped eating rice since June. Kasi ako, pag kumain ng rice, madami talaga. So far, I’ve lost 20 pounds with my no-rice diet. Iwas din sa chocolates and other sweets, and more on water. I drink more than 10 glasses of water a day.
M: Since I started working out at the gym last year, I’ve been following this diet program that comprises of more protein like meat and dairy products. As for meat, I just eat chicken, pero steamed lang. I have a cheat day naman eh. For five days, I have to follow my strict diet plan and I’ve managed to do just that. I eat carbohydrates as well, like rice. For your body to absorb the protein, it needs carbs. If you don’t eat carbs, the protein will be used by your body for energy. When you say diet, it should be healthy, like fruits, veggies, protein, and a little bit of carbs.
K: I don’t eat rice. It’s not that I don’t want to, but since I’m from Finland, our staple food is potatoes. Basically, I eat white meat and veggies. It is still weird for me—rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
M: First thing that I do in the morning, tignan ko yung sarili ko sa mirror for a while. Ha-ha. I also drink one glass of water. It started out just a habit, but then I heard that it’s good pala. You sleep for almost eight hours, your body burns a lot of fats, and then, when you wake up, hindi ka naman exhausted, but your body needs to be hydrated with water.
K: Same thing. Yeah, I drink water. At least three glasses of water.
C: First, I do a bit of stretching. My class kasi is at 7 a.m., so I have to prepare agad. Since I’m studying in UST and I live in Taguig, I really have to wake up early.
A: I read the Bible, drink lots of water, exercise, wipe my face with ice, and weigh myself because I’m weight-conscious.

How do you handle stress?
M: I worked in a corporate setting before so I know that stress is good for me. I don’t consider it as a pressure, although somehow nape-pressure ako. Emotionally, I think of it as a positive energy since when you’re stressed, you end up doing your best. It’s because you let stress drive you. When I’m stressed, the more I strive hard. I also pray at the same time. Somehow if you have that spiritual capacity, the more you can do your work and the more you can do it efficiently.
K: I agree with Monique, stress is good. But of course, too much stress is not healthy. In small amounts, it’s healthy for me as it keeps me motivated.
A: Whenever I’m stressed, I pray and read the Bible. Laughter also works.
C: Stress is inevitable, but as a student, I have to cope with it, simply because I need to be successful in every activity that I engage in. So I just look at it positively. I always smile and pray.
How do you cope with anger?
C: When I am angry, it’s really difficult for me to repress my feelings. I show it. When I’m angry, I say things that are not pleasing to the ears and might hurt others’ feelings. But there are times that I simply keep quiet and pray that it will pass.
A: I talk to God, ‘Lord, ano ba itong feelings na meron ako?’ I just want it to go away. Kung meron man akong taong nakagalit, I first say sorry to that person, and then to God. I don’t want to last a day without saying sorry to that certain person.
M: Before, I used to be a nagger. But as I grew older, I’ve learned to handle my anger because it won’t do you good eh. If you kindle your fire for a particular period of time, ikaw din yung talo, and I always think, what will happen after? What will be the consequence if I say this to that person? When I’m angry, I breathe and pray.
K: I can’t remember the last time that I’d been really, really angry. If I’m upset, I just stay quiet and think through the night instead of saying things I might regret later.


What keeps you going?
K: Faith in God.
M: It’s easier for a person to get a life, because somehow you are bound for the next day, but to get a meaningful life and for it to last a lifetime, it’s hard. It’s when your values come in. If you know your purpose in life, somehow you will prosper. So kung makakatulong yung ginagawa mo, every day, you work towards achieving that goal. My goal is to establish my own business. Every day is a factor towards achieving my goal.
C: For me life is a test. It is only a test.
M: Ang hard naman ng view mo sa life. He-he.
C: We can’t always be happy. There will always be obstacles to our happiness. All you have to do is stay strong and keep in mind that everything happens for a reason.
A: Life is a gift. Whatever mistake ang nagawa mo, there will always be tomorrow, para matama yun.

Andi’s beauty secrets

Andi’s beauty secrets

There is no doubt that Andi Eigenmann is showbiz royalty. Her father is Mark Gil from the vast Eigenmann clan, which includes Cheri Gil and Mark Gil. Her mother is Jaclyn Jose, an award-winning actress. Andi is also undeniably beautiful, her mother being part-American (real name Jane Guck). Her father also has foreign blood, something that's considered a premium in the colonial-crazy industry.

For years, Andi and her mother resisted offers for her to join the industry because she was still in school but when she became older, she couldn't say no anymore to promises that shooting and taping wouldn't clash with her school hours and the idea of earning her own money.

Andi became a household name because of Agua Bendita, a TV drama where she played twins, one human and the other a creature made of water. But Andi's acting ability aside, women were looking at the shade of lipstick that Bendita wore in many of the scenes. Someone would later reveal that the pinkish-peach lipstick came from a Kryolan palette.

Andi is also lucky to have a complexion that can look good even when she's wearing MAC Pink Nouveau and Viva Glam Lady Gaga lipsticks, milky blue-pink shades that would make the average woman look like a corpse.

The young star is the new endorser of Pond’s Clear Solutions. She says she's been using the brand since her mother recommended it to her.

“My mom was using Pond's Age Miracle and I used that for a while, too. But now, I’m happy to have a line that's perfect for my age. I use Perfect Matte; my mom likes White Beauty and Perfect Care,’’ says Andi.

She says she would never endorse a product just for money as she has to believe in something before making a commitment.

“I’m honest and I’m speaking as real as possible. I won't accept an endorsement if I don't personally use and like it,’’ Andi stresses.

But the star is not just all about beauty and appearances. She says she wants to study film-making just because she's curious about what goes into it.

‘‘I’m a film junkie. I love watching movies,’’ Andi explains.

She is quick to correct, however, that she's interested in directing films.

‘‘I want to take up film-making because I want to study scipt-writing. I really want to write scripts because I have so many ideas in my head but I don't know how to express them,’’ she adds.

Also in Andi's bucket list is to write a book or even just a short story. She even has something in mind.

‘‘It’s a fictional biography about a person's life. It should be real and about love but it will not be a love story. I just want to play with issues in life that may seem generic but that's my point. I want to tackle generic issues but I'd show it in a different way; in a way that's unique and very realistic.’’

Who's Afraid of Daiana Meneses?

Published MOD October 2010 Halloween Issue

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

She may be your next-door television aswang. But no need to be afraid of Daiana Menezes.

She's juts here to do what she likes to do, to pursue her dreams even after several rejections.

“I got declined many times. I got told by several agencies I was not their type,” says Daiana Menezes, relating her start as a model in her home country Brazil. “People didn’t really accept me as a model because I was too short compared to the average model in Brazil. I am only 5’7 and most of the models are 5’10.” But rejection somehow opened windows of opportunities for the Brazilian beauty.

Daiana found another audience. “There was this other agency which does international work and they got me for Thailand,” she says. The agency said her features-- rosy, white skin, and sharp nose--fit well for the Asian market. Thus, she began working as a model in several countries—Hong Kong, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. In 2006, she landed a shampoo commercial here in the Philippines.

“It was in 2007 that I decided I do not want to be modeling anymore. Adjust, get used to the place, and then leave--I got really tired of doing that. So when I got the chance to get a regular job here in the Philippines, I grabbed it. I love the country that’s why I decided to settle here. Eat Bulaga just came along,” she says, referring to the noon time show which made her popular.

She settled in Manila and had an easy time adjusting to the Philippine way of life. “Here in the Philippines, you have a mix of the Latin culture. You arealso kind of Americanized in a way, so it is easy for me to adjust here, ” says Daiana, adding that the Philippines is like Brazil in Asia. “I super feel at home. I could not even say na grabe ang traffic dito. Every country has its problems, ‘di ba?”

Apart from her hosting gig in Eat Bulaga, Daiana also plays as Vic Sotto’s leading lady in the TV5 sitcom Ang Darling Kong Aswang. She has nothing but praises for the comedian. “He is the most professional person I have ever worked with. He really knows when he has to joke, when he has to work,” she says. “Plus he doesn’t mix personal life with work. People don’t know that. People think that once you’re there, you’re going to get involved with him. No, it doesn’t work that way. He is such a professional guy on the set. Trabaho muna tayo.”

As for rumors that she’s the cause of a rift between lovebirds Vic and Pia Guanio, Daiana just look at them on a positive light. “I’m thankful about that issue because it will increase our ratings. Vic and I are just acting in the show but people think we are already having a relationship. So, wow, effective pala yung ginagawa namin sa show. I just take it as a compliment. Maybe people are thinking what we are doing is for real because we have good chemistry,” she says. “Plus, Pia is a good friend of mine. Pia was the one who recommended me to play the role of wife to Vic because she trusts me. We’re still friends.”

Daiana adds, “Vic teaches me a lot -- how to act, how to do the scene, position myself in front of the camera, every little detail -- which I think I wouldn’t learn if I was working with somebody else. He is a teacher.”

Even with all the intrigues, Daiana says that she doesn't miss anything back home, apart from her family.

“My dad, even if he was really well-off, he didn’t give me whatever I wanted. He made me work for it. That’s why when I first got here, I didn’t have a hard time working for what I wanted. Hindi naman mahirap. I’m used to taking a taxi for work. I make ipon. So I was able to buy two cars and my own place. In two and a half years, I have almost everything a 23-year-old person would want to achieve in life. So super blessed talaga ako,” she says.

Those agencies back home must be scratching their heads.

How to be a beautiful vamp

Do you work out?

I don’t go to the gym. I cannot afford to go to the gym because I have work and it wouldn’t be consistent and I’m tamad. I’m honestly really tamad to work out. But I control what I eat when I see that I’m gaining weight.

Beauty secrets?

The only thing I do is to remove my makeup before I sleep. Even if I get home really late and I’m so tired from work, I do that. And I really try to sleep, because if you get a good night’s sleep, you are going to look fresh the next day. But once you lose your sleep, you are going to lose years of your life.

Beauty regimen?

Water lang talaga. I remove my makeup with makeup remover. I use Dermaline soaps when I shower. I use their feminine wash. I’m Caucasian and our skin mature earlier than that of Asians. What I do is I go weekly to Dermaline and have my treatments there--facial masks and laser hair removal,

Beauty product you cannot live without?

I use Dermaline soaps a lot, like gluthathione soap. I would never leave home without mascara. Even if I don’t have any makeup on, you will always see my pilikmata--I make an effort to do so. I don’t even wear fake eyelashes. I really put on maraming mascara.

Who does your hair?

I’d rather do my hair than let a hairstylist do it because I know my hair better. Working as a model for five years has taught me how to fix my hair and do my makeup. I’m very particular with it, let me do it na lang. In Eat Bulaga, each of us do our own makeup. One time, when I was modeling for a fashion show, a hairstylist used an electric curler to curl my hair. But pinaso ako sa shoulders. I wanted to cry. So now, either I really know the hairstylist or I would just do my hairstyling.

Beauty Advice?

Don’t expose yourself to the sun without any sunblock, because you would get pimples, wrinkles, and freckles.

Beauty Boo-Boos You Shouldn’t commit

BOO!
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Published in MOD OCrober 2010

UNDERWEAR creases? Oily skin? Wrong makeup color? How many times have you had these fashion and beauty errors?

Look, these mistakes are avoidable. Especially if you know what they are and you know how to prevent them. Bianca Valerio, model, makeup artist, and host of Lifestyle Channel’s FASH, shares common fashion and beauty slip-ups and how to steer clear of them.

Beauty Blunders

Oily all over. “Especially if you commute, you don’t want to look oily going on a date or to close a deal. We want freshness, we want matte freshness,” says Bianca. “One thing you should always have in your bag is oil film.”

Wrong shade. “For press powder, get your own shade,” presses Bianca as to avoid being too pale or too dark. “Mix your foundation with moisturizer to make it a tinted moisturizer. If you bought the wrong shade, buy your own shade, make plenty shades, and share them with a friend.”

Color coding. “The most basic thing to remember if you are going for a dark eye, go for light lips. For dark lips, go for a dark eye. Always choose one focal point. Don’t do it altogether,” she says. “Don’t mix all the trends together—leave it to magazines and fashion shows. Go for one focal point and go with that, use your best features, and make them the center emphasis.”

Makeup Sleep . “No matter how sleepy you are, no matter how tired you are, always remove your makeup and wash your face before going to bed you won’t get breakouts, allergies, or clogged pores. That is the time when your skin rejuvenates and refreshes itself,” she says.

Fashion Faux Pas

Underwear Bomber. “People take underwear for granted but it really is the foundation of every outfit,” Bianca says. “There was one time, a girl bought granny panties, and the panties even had pockets where she can even place her cell phones.” Underwear keeps your clothes from being soiled, shapes your body and more important, should be concealed. Avoid display of your bra and panty lines.

Overage dressing. “You should dress age-appropriatel,” she says. “If you can work it and still have the body for skinny jeans, why not?” She explains that dressing age-appropriate means looking at circumstances. For example, if you are going to a PTA party, it is not exactly right to wear a plunging neckline and a backless blouse.

Overlooking dress codes. “Good taste is not just knowing about what nice is, it’s about what proper is. There is a moral conduct underlying all those clothes,” she says. “You also want people to like you kasi hindi ka agaw eksena, nasa lugar. Everything has its right place. That’s why there is always a dress code.”

FASH airs every Thursday at 10 p.m. on the Lifestyle Channel, Channel 52 on Sky Cable.

You Asked

Is the sun good or bad for my skin?

---- Rina, via Twitter

Socouer Oblepias, M.D. Answers

The sun is not all harmful because we need it for vitamin D, but sometimes overexposure can cause skin damage. Another concern would be aging skin. One of the cheapest preventive measures is a sun block, like the new Pond’s Flawless White Blemish Prevention UV Cream which prevents and lightens dark spots and has SPF 15. Putting powder on top of a sun block would actually put the sun block in place for a longer period of time than putting just sun block. It is ideal is to put the sun block first on top of the powder.

Socouer Oblepias, M.D. is a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society

Skin Assets

Skin Assets

BY ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

PUBLISHED MOD AUGUST 2010

“MOST of us have insecurities. Sometimes an insecurity is not that even big a thing, like having a chicken pox mark. It may be small, but then it’s a kilometer scar on the heart because it affects your life. It affects how you feel about yourself, your self-confidence,” says Dra. Vicki Belo.

These insecurities hinder us from showing a side of the cheek when smiling in a picture, donning sleeveless blouses, or wearing pencil cut skirts. This is probably why one of the best investments today is having good skin as it also boosts one’s self confidence. “Having a good skin is important. It is routinary for people go to beauty institutions every month to make sure that they don’t have whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.” she says. “I think people should pay more attention to skin care especially because we put so many products on our face like makeup and lotion.”

“The universal features that I consider beautiful are beautiful hair and clear skin,” says Dra. Belo. “Other people have different taste and requirement. For example, the Americans like us for our flat nose. They find it beautiful. Some people like chinita eyes, some like deep-set eyes. But the one thing that everybody agrees on is beautiful hair and clear skin.”

Dr. Belo helps us achieve that clear, flawless skin with these treatments that her clinic offers. Be advised that these treatments are case-to-case basis, and that good skin can never be achieved without follow-up and maintenance.

Glycopeel Cleaning

A skin treatment which makes use of different concentrations of fruit acids and glyocolic acid, it extracts pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Best for oily and acne-prone skin.

Time Needed: Treatment takes 30-45 minutes, and regular cleaning can be done once a week.

Power Peel

Power peel or microdermabrasion makes use of corundum oxide crystals to gently remove dead skin and vacuum deeper layers. This is recommended for acne scars and fine lines. This can be used to improve marks and is best for teenagers and those in their early 20s.

Time Needed: Treatment takes around 20 minutes. Regular cleaning can be done once a week

Botox

Botox is used widely for the elimination of wrinkles which can be found between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and smile lines around the eyes. It relaxes the muscles around the area where the botox was injected. Fine lines are not guaranteed to be removed with this treatment. The patient can see the effect after a week’s time, and usually lasts for three to six months, depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: Treatment may be done two to four times a year

Thermage

This is a one-time treatment which makes use of radio frequency technology which has been clinically proven to tighten ad gently lift the skin to smooth out the wrinkles and renew facial contours. It has been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles. Full results may be seen after three to six months and can last up to two years depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: May be repeated after six months

Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatment is a new technology which exfoliates and improves scars. It is a nonsurgical procedure used for the treatment of the acne scars. An erbium glass laser is used for fractional resurfacing procedure to stimulate the scar. Patients have the option of procedure to be done with either a cream anesthesia or a sedative for those sensitive to pain,

Time Needed: 20 minutes each treatment, 5 to 6 sessions from two to four weeks

VBeam

A versatile pulsed dye laser that treats a wide range of vascular tension such as facial veins, facial, neck, and chest redness, blue spots on lips, leg veins, warts, scars, and stretch marks, the VBeam has a unique Dynamic Cooling Device which sprays cryogen into the epidermis for a quick and effective cooling and protective effect.

Time: Two to four treatments performed six weeks apart.

Body Scrub with Bleach

The body scrub exfoliates the skin, making it supple and smooth. Most of the patients who go for a body scrub also opt for body bleaching. Sea salt and honey almond scrub are used to gently remove dead dry, rough skin, while grapeseed extract, AHA, and licorice are used to whiten the skin. This procedure can be followed up with whitening creams and lotions that patients may apply at home.

Time: The procedure takes about 45 minutes and can be done one to three times a week for 10 to 12 sessions

'A positive attitude makes a woman beautiful'

Sister speak with Carla abellana:
'A positive attitude makes a woman beautiful'
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA MOD July 2010

WITH her skin's pinkish, white glow, Carla Abellana could have easily bagged her dream gig during her pre-showbiz, modeling days: to appear in a Pond's television commercial. According to the actress, she always wanted to appear in an ad for the beauty product. She even tried her luck in three VTRs. But Carla's dream never came to be. Little did she know that she would be in for a much bigger break: the lead role—the title role, if we may add--in a prime time television series. That, as most teleserye fans know, was Rosalinda, a local adaptation of a Mexican telenovela. And the bonus part? She did get the commercial of her dreams as she's now the newest endorser of Pond's.

Now, as one of the most recognizable faces on TV, Carla makes a conscious effort not only to look good but be good in her craft. Here, the star of Basahang Ginto spills some other beauty and career secrets.

Away with negativity. “Confidence and attitude is what makes a woman beautiful. Kahit sino ka pa, kahit hindi maganda ang skin mo or what, basta masayahin kang tao at positive ka, that’s what will make you beautiful. Although there are low days, I manage naman to maintain that positive attitude. Importante 'yan to keep me going. At sa trabaho ko hindi naman puwedeng nakasimangot at nagsusungit ka.”

Her happy pill. “Happiness is just a matter of counting your blessings, and seeing what matters to you. Kahit anong problema ang ibigay sa 'yo alam mong nandiyan 'yung family and friends mo. That's what makes me happy always--family and friends talaga, plus I have a good career and that I’m given so many opportunities and blessings.”

Taking the challenge head-on. “I think the toughest challenge that I have faced in show business was the adjustment phase, and that I had to start from scratch. Nandoon 'yung ‘O sino siya? Sa'n siya galing?' Kasi normally ang artista, tini-train 'yan, bini-build up, nag-iipon siya ng experience. Ako wala akong ganyan, wala akong bala. Right away, I was given a lead role in my own show. Ang daming expectations from the network pa lang, all the more from the public. So I had to maintain an image. I had to really learn to sing, dance, act...everything. In such a short span of time, kinailangan kong humabol sa ibang artista and deal with the pressure, the schedule, and everything else. So nung umpisa nangangapa pa ako.”

One step at a time. “I told myself na kakayanin ko with the blessing and the support of my family, and that I’ll take it one day at a time--'yung kailangan kong gawin today, 'yun lang muna. Hindi ko na masyado inisip ang future. Sucessfully, thankfully, nagawa ko 'yun. I was given enough time to prepare, so I’d like to believe that I was able that to prove something in that one year I was in showbiz. Acting has helped me a lot. Doon ko nadaan ang emotions ko.”

Newbie forever. “It’s been a year since I entered showbiz and I can say that I've adjusted. Hindi nga ako makapaniwalang its been a year, eh. I’ve learned to really enjoy my job now and madami na akong ka-close sa industriya. Dati kasi syempre nandoon 'yung pressure kasi baguhan ka. But I will always see myself as a newcomer and that will always make me humble--kung paano ako nag-umpisa, saan ako nag-umpisa, at kung ano ako dati. What’s important is nalampasan ko na yung stage na 'yun--'yung puno ng anxieties, kaba, pressure, and stress.”

The backup plan . “I have a degree already, so no matter what happens with my showbiz career, I have a job pa rin, may fallback ako. I can go back to teaching, or to the corporate world.”

Vow to WOW

Vow to WOW
Beauty Secrets of a Radiant Bride
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
MOD May 2010

AMID the hundred and one details you think of on you wedding day, can you ever be the proverbial radiant bride? Although there is no better beauty secret than the glow of happiness on your face as you walk down the aisle toward the groom of your dreams, you still have to check out these beauty trends to be , yes, a radiant bride.

Curl up. “The most popular hairstyle for weddings is the updo. But the trend in gowns today are those with tube top or haltered neckline, and the best hairstyle that goes with such styles is curled hair that cascades down the shoulder,” says Lolita Directo, hairstylist and makeup artist from Freshaire.

More foundation. “What’s in style now is light makeup,” says Lolita. “For occasions such as weddings, however, you'll have to add more foundation than your day-to-day makeup.”

Show your true colors. “Makeup should coordinate with the theme of the wedding. Even the makeup of your entourage members should complement your makeup” Lolita says. "You should standout among the your bridesmaids. We recommend warm, brown shades for color, but fairer brides can opt for cool shades such as blue or violet.”

Know you skin type. “Choose the best makeup for your skin type. For sensitive skin, it is wise to use mineral-based foundation. For oily skin, use liquid foundation.”

Get enough rest. “A beauty rest before your wedding day is a must. Put on night cream before you sleep, and day cream before you put on your makeup,” Lolita adds. She also cautions against using new products for hair and face. "This is not the time to experiment. Stick to your tried and tested brands."

Don’t sweat it. “Too much sweat will ruin your makeup. Use an oil control film and apply enough powder over it. Also, avoid getting too teary-eyed,” Lolita adds, "as this will ruin your eye makeup." “Make sure to keep a tissue handy.”

Sarah Meier

Sarah Meier: ‘Modeling teaches valuable industry lessons’

BY ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD MAY 2010

MODELS who want to extend their careers beyond the runways, billboards, television commercials, and print ads should take their cue from Sarah Meier. Although she still books modeling stints, Sarah has proven that there’s more to her than her looks. Back when being a music channel video jock was the to-die-for job, Sarah was one of the most popular VJs. And then she got married, and had a kid.

“In those less hectic times, out of the public eye, I was visualizing, conceptualizing, and actualizing my next ten-year plan,” she says.

Now back in the spotlight, she hosts The Dollhouse, a daily morning show from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on U92 FM with model Vicky Herrera. Although she’s proud of her work on radio, she is proudest when she’s being a wife and a mother. “Being a wife and mother are two of the most important, high-paying, rewarding, press-worthy job titles I will ever hold,” she says.

Radio Gaga. “People have been asking me why I decided to do radio after television, implying that it was some sort of a downgrade -- which makes me smile because shifting to radio was actually something I did to improve my hosting skills. As a VJ, you have distractions to help you get away with your job.You can smile, dress to impress, bounce around, and in the case of on-screen material, cut and ‘take two’ when you mess up o

r forget the information in your script. Radio is live. It's every day, and there’s always a responsibility to talk--in my case, for four hours--make sense, impart substance, and keep people entertained on a daily basis without sounding redundant or dated. I like to challenge. Radio deejay-ing is the boss of this next round that I'm going to enjoy conquering.”

Music’s on Her Radar. “As a daily morning rush hour show, The Dollhouse has a set list of songs that our programmer lines up for us. The order in which we play it on the show is up to us. Once in a while, we get away with highlighting some of our favorite tunes from past decades like on Throwback Thursdays, but generally we keep it current. We're such musically inclined jocks at U92 that you can tune in at any point and know that there is a real selector behind the booth and not just some robot.”

On-Air Mishaps. “Any given day, something can go wrong. I can forget to turn off somebody's microphone, or accidentally play a different song than I introduced. It's live, and that's the beauty of it. When I stop making mistakes, it means I'm ready to take on another challenge.”

Shifting Gears. “Shifting to the new studio and learning how to use the equipment came on the first day Vicky, my partner, and I moved to the morning shift, which means it was also the first time we had to wake up at 4 a.m. instead of come in for our 5 p.m. show, and the first time we had to be on air for four hours. Plus, we were the first two jocks on-air at the new station, so we felt like guinea pigs.”

Morning Person. “I think the thought of waking up at 4 a.m. was more daunting than actually doing it. I tried practising a week before, but we were still doing evening shift, and I just ended up exhausted. Now that I am a morning person, I feel like I maximize my day. I can be your alarm clock, instead of hitting the snooze button on mine.”

A Word on Modeling. “Modeling will teach you some of the most valuable lessons you may need to succeed in any industry--how to present yourself, the discipline of recognizing people's expectations and meeting them, being independent, personable, professional, flexible, and open minded provided you have your head screwed on straight. I've found that people who model for the wrong reasons like revenge, to prove something, or to nurse a self-esteem issue, end up with more problems than when they began. I think that's the long-term truth about modeling that nobody warns anybody about.”

The Only Job Title That Matters. “Being a wife and mother are two of the most important, high-paying, rewarding, press-worthy job titles I will ever hold, and investing quality time for family is essential in success, no matter what your job description is. But I am still both a businesswoman and a creative at heart, and so in those less hectic times, out of the public eye, I was visualizing, conceptualizing, and actualizing my next ten-year plan.”

A Healthy Daily Diet. “Eating is a soul-important quasi-luxury. The conversations and relationships formed over meals are wonderful; as is the love put into preparing them. As long as you have a healthy balance of proper eating and exercise, I've discovered that there is no more effective diet in the universe.”

Look Like a Model!

Look Like a Model!

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

published MAY 2010, MOD Magazine

MODELS—don’t you just hate how, in the words of Derek Zoolander, really, really ridiculously good-looking they are? What many of us don’t understand is that it takes a lot of work to look flawless and picture-perfect. So whether you want to be a model or just look like a model, take a cue from the country’s top models and snag their beauty secrets:

“I get a lot of rest, sleep, and eat healthy food, and use the right makeup that fits my skin type.”

- Jasmine Maierhofer

“After a show, I make it a point to immediately remove my makeup so that my skin can breathe. I also make it a point to use facial cleanser, toner, and moisturizer every morning and every night before I go to sleep. I also use sunblock to protect my skin from UV rays. I make it a point to drink lots and lots of water. I’m extra careful with the area around my eyes as it is really delicate. I apply eye cream every morning and every night.”

- Gisselle Paqueo, Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines 2008

“Before I go to bed, I wash my face to remove makeup. I try to wash my face three times a day. I also get enough sleep as much as possible. When you don’t sleep, it usually shows in your eyes, pati energy mo nawawala. So try to get at least seven hours of sleep every day. Don’t forget to drink water as you will feel hydrated inside.”

- Emerald Villahermosa, Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines 2007

----------------------------

So You Want To Be a Model?

YOU want to see yourself on the pages of MOD, on the billboards along busy EDSA, or grace a television commercial. But the question is, do you have what it takes to be a model?

According to Dennis Arca of Modelo Pilipinas what you need is the X-factor. “The X-factor,” he says, “consists of attitude, a beautiful face, body structure, and height.”

Attitude, according to Arca, is important. You have to have confidence to be able to project a beatiful image. And confidence stems from having a positive attitude about yourself, about other people, about life.

Alejandra Echevarria

Alejandra Echevarria

Taming Her Techie Habit

To Save the Environment

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Published MOD APRIL2010

AT the recent Miss Earth beauty pageant held at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center, the most applauded, naturally, was the hometown bet, Sandra Seifert. Another candidate who captured the crowd's attention was Miss Spain, Alejandra Echevarria.

Small wonder. With her stunning good looks that remind you of local actress Dina Bonnevie and even international fashion icon Victoria Beckham, Echevarria, standing at 5'11", placed third runner up, bagging the title Miss Earth-Fire as well as the Miss Gandang Ricky Reyes Award.

Alejandra, 20, told MOD that she was supposed to compete at the Miss International pageant, but she chose Miss Earth instead. And no, it’s not because she felt pressured to bring home the Miss International crown because Spain had won it the previous year, according to rumors. “My position as Miss Spain was actually for the Miss International pageant, but I identified more with the Miss Earth pageant. I chose to join Miss Earth because I liked the goals of the pageant and because I wanted to know the Philippines.”

Her modelling career started when she won a beauty contest in her native Jaén, a city in South Central Spain. She then represented her state at the Miss Spain pageant where she won second runner-up. “After I won the crown, I was working all the time-- joining parades, attending photoshoots, and, granting interviews, which for me served as preparation for the international contest.”

Apart from being a beauty queen and model, Alejandra is also a singer. For two years, she was part of a hip-hop group she formed with friends. “I love music. I have thousands of favorite songs--one is in Spanish called Ador, sung by David Bisbal and Naim Tomas; and Hate You by Mariah Carey,” she says.

Recently, she added beauty ambassador as one of her job titles as top makeup brand Ever Bilena signed her on as one of its endorsers.

Of course, she still has advocacies she dutifully attends to. “My modeling agency organizes many charitable and humanitarian parades for children with disabilities, and implements programs to save the environment,” she says.

A graduate of Business Administration and Management, Alejandra still wants to study another course in Madrid. She says, “Really, I believe that if you have an organized agenda, you can do two things simultaneously, like modeling and studying.”

We bet she could.

Tech Talk with Alejandra

What gadgets can you not live without?

My mobile phone is my life, and my music gadgets.

Do you consider yourself a techie?

I like technology and the modern things enough, but I control myself. If I often buy a new mobile phone, it does no favor to the environment. Things should always be of suitable use and then everything will be ok.

Are you eager to own the latest products?

I admire the person who manages to create these new machines and perfect them. Since, as I’ve said, too many things could contaminate the environment, I am content with just one in hand. Makeup is my better ally. I always bring it with me. With makeup, I like to have the latest, and Ever Bilena is the best. I recommend that to the whole world.

If ever you are online, what sites do you usually visit?

Tuenti, Facebook, YouTube to see Victoria’s Secret shows, www.evelyng-models.es

Do you have a Facebook account?

I do, although I'm not in the habit of logging in because there’s a similar website in Spain.

How can the technology help the environment?

Technology can help by creating products that are not harmful to the environment, of course, and developing recycling processes.

Maja Salvador

MAJA SALVADOR: THE FACE OF 2010

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD January - February 2010

PROUDLY, Maja Salvador proclaims that she is now a woman. The 21-year-old actress thinks so, not only because of age, but also because of the characters that she now plays. “Sa business kasi na ‘to ang dami ko na ding napagdaanan. Halos madami na rin akong roles na ginawang pa-tweetums. For me, ngayon challenging itong ginagawa kong mature roles na kailangan kong panindigan at ipakita sa lahat ng tao na kaya kong gawin,” she says.

She shares that she instantly fell in love with her character, Celine, in the afternoon soap Nagsimula sa Puso. “Malayo siya sa mga ginagawa ko dati. Challenging siya. Gusto ko kasi parati akong nacha-challenge,” she says. “Kailangan mo talagang ma-challenge para mailabas mo ‘yung best mo at para makita ng mga tao na mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo.”

Admittedly, she first found it hard to shift to a more mature role, but slowly, she became more comfortable with Celine.

She said it was all because of directors, Malou Sevilla and Darnell Villaflor, who gently not only encouraged her but also took care of her, especially when it came down to shooting the show’s more intimate scenes. “Wala naman pinapakita. Kumbaga, kissing scene lang tapos ‘yun na. Nag-kiss tapos higa na. Kumbaga alaga pa din,” she says. “Alam ko naman na hindi ako bibigyan ng project ng ABS na hindi ikakatulong ng career ko.”

What drew her more into doing the project was that the ‘90s movie it was based upon was produced by Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president

Unknown to many, Charo and Maja have a special kind of relationship as Charo was the one who discovered her. “Hinanap ko kasi ‘yung dad ko noon, tapos lumabas ako sa The Buzz. Swerte, dahil nanood si Miss Charo. Tapos parang may nagsabi sa ‘kin gusto daw akong makilala ni Miss Charo, ‘yung batang naghahanap ng tatay niya. After nu’n, meeting. Du’n sa meeting, sabi n’ya siya daw ang mag-o-open ng window para maging star ako,” she says.

A promise which Santos and ABS-CBN is now fulfilling as Maja is tagged a string of labels: Horror Princess, Dance Princess, and even Princess of Billboards.

Maja says her career is just where she wants it to be. She says, “Kahit hindi naman ako bida binibigyan ng bida roles, nararamdaman ko na special naman ako sa ABS. Hindi naman ako napapabayaan, kasi pag walang show, may movie. Pag walang movie, may soap. Hindi ko nararamdamn na walang nangyayari sa career ko.”

If there’s one thing that Maja hopes for in her career, it would be longevity, like the one that people she looks up to in the industry--Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano, Sharon Cuneta, and Judy Ann Santos--has. Where her career is going, she trusts fully in her handlers. “Management ang nagde-decide, tapos tatanungin ako kung okay sa ‘kin. Ayun, pag-aaralan ko kong kakayanin,” she says.

As for future projects, genre would never be a problem for this gifted young actress, who has a new show with Sam Milby this year. “Gusto ko ma-experience lahat, kahit action movies,” she says. And yes, she prefers challenging roles like a prostitute and would like to veer away from the generic type of protagonist—the poor girl that everyone pities. Instead, she would like to play a “palaban na character,” just like Celine.

Or just like Maja herself. As a celebrity, she has been a victim of intrigues, but Maja has risen above them all. She says, “Hindi ka naman magtatagumpay kung wala kang pinagdadaanan para maging strong ka para marating mo ‘yung kong nasaan ka man ngayon.”

With such strength, Maja will definitely more this year and in the coming years.

Maja-cal Love

On love: “Dapat pinag-iisipan kasi pag pinasok mo ‘yan, hindi lang naman ‘yan ‘yung boyfriend-girlfriend na wala lang. Siyempre may mga responsibilities ka din na kailangang pagdesisyunan na todo-todo, hindi laro-laro lang. Pagpapahalaga din siya sa sarili mo at pagbibigay importansiya sa taong nagmamahal sa ‘yo.”

On making the first move: “Hindi, Maria Clara ako, eh. Minsan nga may magtatanong sa ‘kin, ‘O, lumabas na kayo?’ ‘Kiniss ka na ba n’ya?’ Ako naman, ‘Hindi no!’”

On kissing on a first date: “Hangga’t maari, hindi.”

On telling a guy that you like him: “Ay, hindi. Hindi ako nagsasalita. Masungit pa nga ako, eh.”

On her ideal Valentine’s Day: “Sa Korea. Gusto ko ‘yung simple lang.”

On her ideal guy: “For me, mahalaga ‘yung may sense kausap.”

Maja on Her On-Screen Partners

Jason Abalos: “Energetic.”

Rayver Cruz: “Bro.”

John Pratts: “Dynamite on the dance floor.”

Carlo Aquino: “Friendship.”

Coco Martin: “The actor.”

Sam Milby: “Bulol.”