Just Press (fore) play

Just Press (Fore)Play

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD December 2009, Love lowdown

HE leans closely, whispering gently into your left ear. His lips touch your nape as his fingers brush through your hair. He moves back, catching a glimpse of how you react. Consequently, your eyes lock with his. You to him, at that very moment, are incomparable in beauty and individuality.

The unspoken spark between you two can be sensed. The understood intention silently agreed upon. Both of you want each other, want to make love.

Meant to heighten sexual arousal, foreplay is about connection and intimacy. It increases the emotional comfort between you and your man. Foreplay tends to become ever more physical and intense as both of you move closer to sexual contact. For women, foreplay is a phase that arouses, to get ready and lubricated for sex.

Foreplay can begin with wearing sexy clothes and even with a wink. Without the intimacy and sexual connection, the interaction made is misleading. It’s simply called flirting or leading someone on.

MOD COLLECTION

Fire for Foreplay

Start It Up. Making a simple contact such as asking him about your day, him smelling your hair, and holding hands are starters. It is all on how you carry the conversation and make that certain moment move to the next level.

Suggest. Tease him as you describe what you want to do in bed, like the way you want his hands touch your body and or his fingers run through your chest. Do remember that the brain is a major sex organ. The way he visualizes it can certainly intensify his sexual pleasure.

Touch. The use of the sense of touch can heighten sexual excitement. Massage and caress certain parts of his body. Stroke his erogenous zones, located in his ears, neck, armpits, chest, lower back, fingers, and his most sensitive part.

Kiss. Used to express affection, kisses should be long, slow, and gentle so as to elicit passion. Feel his response and do not be too aggressive.You can try taking after his kissing style.

Communicate. Don’t just walk out on him, especially after having a mind-boggling orgasm. Tell him how good the experience was. Make him feel wanted through kisses and cuddles. Talk about new stuff you want to try with him the next time you engage in the activity.

Ask. Ask for his wildest sexual escapade or even ask for his wildest sexual fantasy. Then do it. If he says Princess Leia in Star Wars in Jabba the Hut’s lair, tie your hair in buns and make yourself a costume just like the imprisoned princess.

Role-Play. Fool around as Edward and Bella in Twilight, or an undercover spy and a wanted criminal, a teacher and a naughty student, or even as a dominatrix boss and her male secretary. Be imaginative when role-playing.

image from the time traveller's wife

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry

‘Everything That We Do Affects the Environment’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Mod Decemeber 2009

AS the 2008 Miss Earth, Karla Paula Henry has been occupied with programs and events as an ambassador of the environment. Doing relief operations for the recent typhoon victims and cleaning up beaches are some of projects that she is now involved in—all while looking good.

Bigger Picture. One good thing about Ondoy is that Filipinos have realized calamity change. Sana naman ma-realize nila na everything they do affects the environment. Ondoy made me realize more that there is so much more to be done. The relief goods—those are temporary. The bigger picture and the first thing that needs to be done is how we going to convince the people na unahin natin ang pag-aalaga sa kalikasan.

Go for Zero. The government is somehow doing its share with the Clean Air Act and Republic Act (RA) 9003, which aims for waste management. We really have to segregate our waste. For those biodegradable materials, we can dig through our backyard and use them as fertilizer, while those recyclable materials can be relayed to junk shops. Whatever you can do, aim for zero basura.

Clean Up. As Miss Earth, I participated in a lot of environmental projects, the most recent of which is the Boracay Cleanup which was in preparation for the Miss Earth pageant. Plus, sustainable cleaning din ‘yan. It’s not only for the Miss Earth candidates but also for the residents of Boracay as well as making Boracay a destination focal point here in the Philippines. We want to focus more on Boracay being an environment-friendly place.

Green-Minded. I was honored when I was invited to the Miami Fashion Week and I enjoyed it a lot. I attended the show of the Piña collection of various designers. Even here in the Philippines, designers are pushing for green fashion. It’s really up to us, on how we are going to patronize this type of clothing.

All in the Mind. To be beautiful, you need to get enough rest. Never stress yourself. If you have a positive outlook, it will reflect on you. If you think that you look good, you will look good. It’s all psychological.

Plans. After I turn over my crown, I plan to go back to school, possibly next semester because of time constraints. I hope to be able to juggle school and work.

Club Balai Isabel

Stepping into a Glorious Escape: Club Balai Isabel

Text by Ana Kristine B. Valenzuela

Published: What’s on & Expat: Destination, January 13- 19, 2008

Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” These words were blaring out of the shirt of Nelson Terrible, owner of Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. And to put truth to what can be read on his gray shirt, he did begin his journey – to set up one of Talisay’s famous resorts- one step at a time.

It wasn’t an ordinary journey as he accompanied a group of writers around his resort and its nearby attractions. Surrounded by nature’s bounty, it offers a panoramic view of the Taal Lake.

The Club Balai Isabel, which sits at the lakefront of the world famous Taal volcano would not have been discovered if not for a soft drink company which was scouting for a place as a venue for its teambuilding activities.

Terrible, a real estate developer saw the potential and prospect for growth of the placeand instantly took the challenge of constructing a resort and gallantly transforming the 3.5 hectare property from a simple hut into a trailblazing resort. A few months later, the resort in Talisay, Club Balai Isabel, was built and named after his daughter Isabel who now manages the entire place.

Now, the resort is fast becoming a home to corporations and family outings wanting to host special occasions. Its proximity to Taal’s famous attractions – it offers a vantage view of the Taal Lake and volcano and its verdant surroundings is the resort’s big draw. Furthermore, guests also choose to hold their special functions like weddings, debuts and anniversaries in the resort as no less than Makati Skyline is catering the resort’s food.

Short Retreats

If you want to have a short retreat from the noise of the of the city, Club Balai Isabael is highly recommended. This resort, with a homegrown feel to it, is furnished with rooms and villas built like with five star standards yet it has a pleasant functionality of a condo unit complete amenities. Guests can opt to rest, or engage themselves in the resorts range of activities – a good game of basketball, a round of either tennis or badminton or they can challenge themselves through the rope swings and tunnel hoops in the obstacle cours. For the sporty types, kayaking in the lake is a fine option.

For sailing enthusiasts, the club even offers boats for this sport. The resort has partnered with the Taal Lake Yacht Club for this purpose. Guests can either leisurely direct the winds with the rigger, rudder and dagger and speed up the boat along the lake.

Pool of the Lake

Guests, they can have a dip in the water with the resort’s unique inflatable pool. The inflatable pool or mobideep was invented by a Frenchman and presently this kind of pool can only be found at Club Balai Isabel. The mobideep is one of a kind innovation, it’s a cluster of floating pools within the lake. One can play water games and host cocktail parties in the mobideep inflatable pool. Guests can simply dive into clear and clean water, said to be clean enough for drinking. The pool filters the water up to six micron. With the mobideep safely sitting on one of the biggest lakes in the country, guests can really enjoy sunbathing and swimming amid the distinctive environment.

Apart from the unique amenities, Club Balai Isabel is also taking steps to maintain a clean environment. They have formed a bantay dagat (guard the sea) team to monitor the activities of the lake in Talisay and keep the lake water unpolluted along with the local government.

“Best Service Possible”

Club Balai Isabel is continuously expanding and improving its facilities, with the objective of “never to be boring and providing the best service possible to its clients”, outside the resort is Paseo de san Guillermo, a small trade fair and a complex area managed and operated by Club Balai Isabel. They recently obtained the next-door resort, plus more cottages being built by local carpenters.

Not even a year old, the place has already accommodated as much as seven thousand guests in 2007. Most of the guests have known about Club Balai Isabel through the favorable blog entries from previous guests, proof of the place’s hospitality and unique ambience.

Trailblazing Resort

People are starting to regard Taal not just with Tagaytay but also with Talisay. Little by little, what first comes to mind when Talisay is mentioned is Club Balai Isabel; and Club Balai Isabel is fast becoming synonymous with Talisay.

For Reservations: (02)776-1521 or (043)728-0307

How to get there:

From Santa Rosa, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite, the trip takes only an hour and 15 minutes if traffic is light.

At the Tagaytay Rotonda, you turn left and after 6 km turn right to Ligaya Drive, a well-paved zigzag with subdivisions and communities along the way. The 9-km road leads right to the town proper and the lakeshore.
http://www.balaiisabel.com/

New Scents from Lewis and Pearl

New Scents from Lewis and Pearl
By Ana Kristine B. Valenzuela
What's On and Expat November 11, 2007

One’s scent is a first impression on another person. Like the Greek used to please their gods by the wonderful fragrance they send to please their deities, a scent can invoke diverse sentiments and even memories. Together with Lewis and Pearl Cologne, makers of vibrant and refreshing scents, Iris Go, one of the less than five hundred noses or what they call perfume experts, spearheaded the first fragrance appreciation workshop in the country. The fragrance appreciation is for Filipinos to say more than ‘it smells nice’ to the tropical weather whiff of the country. After all during the renaissance the perfume is considered as a status symbol. Only those who were affluent and well to do were the ones who had the chance to wear expensive fragrances. The cologne and the perfume is almost a blessing as new fragrances are introduced everyday and as almost anyone can have it. Many Filipinos favor the lighter and fruitier scents probably suggestive of the tropical warm weather. “What they’d probably say is that it smells like a burst of citrus rinds rising like the hot Eastern sun with droplets of orange and tangerine oils dripping over skins aglow, that gives a sense of urgency that escalates with each sniff,” describes Go on a scent recently launched by Lewis and Pearl. Among the new scents launched by Lewis and Pearl are Chill, Fantasy, Dream, Happy, Twist, Summer, Dew Drops, Rain and Ice Water.

Hagedorn’s Dogeaters Staged

Hagedorn’s Dogeaters Staged
By Ana Kristine B. Valenzuela
What's On and Expat November 25, 2007

Considered the “vanguard artist’ of her generation, Jessica Hagedorn has come to the Philippines and PowerBooks has sponsored the balikbayan author’s book signing last week. Highlighted at the event was the author’s play and book “Dogeaters.” The work is a mix of comedy and tragedy, which echo many different aspects of the Filipinos’ experience, like the influence of America through radio, television, and movie theaters. It also demonstrates the complexities of the love-hate relationship that many Filipinos feel toward their identity, culture and past. Most importantly, it reflects the struggle that went on during the Marcos era. The play’s last run is on December 2 at 3 pm, Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. For ticket information call Atlantis Production (02) 892-7087 or 840-1187 The book “Dogeaters”, along with other works of Hagedorn: “Burning Heart,” “The Gangster of Love” and “Dream Jungle” can be purchased at all PowerBooks specialty store.

Plato Platina: Resto review

Plato Platina
Half a Minute

resto review
by Ana Kristine B. Valenzuela
What's On and Expat October 7-13, 2007

So all I ask is for you to come away with me in the night / Come away with me, ” carols Norah Jones invitingly to the modern day interiors of the Italian restaurant Plato Platina at the Blue Wave Complex along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. Come away with me, come away and dine. What more can I say to the relaxing ambience and modern interiors playing host to an Italian feast…It was the night the Italian town of Naples celebrated the matrydom of San Genarro di Napoli yet I was revelling inso much more! My taste buds were aplomb!
On the palatable menu, I was filled with served pasta, pizza and paella. A good way to start, I thought, was with the pasta. As I was taking in the Arrabita-Fettucine, I got into some conversations

with a few people. That was when I learned Plato Platina is owned by interior designers and husband-wife tandem Ced and Ces Rodriguez. They named their restaurant after the Italian philosopher Plato and the first cookbook librarian-author Platina.
Changing courses was as easy as the first song ending and continuing with Polish singer Basia crooning, “What is there to say, when every dream just fades away, in half a minute”. These are the instances that I wished the minutes had not ended as I relished a slice of pizza. Honestly, I prefer the Gambertti Funghi con Pesto over their specialty pizza Pizza alla Carlitos. The former has this cracker-like crust. More than its thin, crispy crust, it’s the cheese that melted

onto the shrimps and mushrooms that made it extraordinary and inventive. This made me reserve it for my last bite.
Next the waiters served paella. On top of the rice were slices of round tomatoes, beans and a few other vegetables. Sure you might think that if you found a big tomato, a fist-sized one at that, it would be perfect for this vegetarian paella dish. Well, what’s more for a girl like me who eats tomatoes munching on them like they were apples. I definitely liked it but I think the Paella Verdure is a little too tomato-ey. But for someone who adores tomatoes, I didn’t mind, of course. The waiters also plated up Paella Nero made of seafood. The paella was named after the Roman emperor Nero who was believed to be either behind the burning of Rome or was playing the lyre as his city was being burned to ruins. The Paella Nero’s blackness comes from squid’s ink. A thing to watch out for are the shells because the dark lighting made me nibble on them.
As the night ends, Bacharach’s music filled the air, giving my hearing perceptions the right impressions of a soothing ambience. Good food, good music and great interiors make Plato Platina that one-of-a-kind Italian resto. The song Look of Love followed Bacharach’s note preference as my eyes gave their own “look of love” to the feast that satisfied my cravings.

Kim Chiu and the year that was

2009 The Year That Was

Kim Chiu: This Is Her Year

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

WINNING Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 2006 may have catapulted Kim Chiu to fame, but the soap Tayong Dalawa introduced her as one of the country’s most promising actresses.

Tayong Dalawa was a massive hit—its finale, which aired in September 25­---even became a trending topic on Twitter. Kim shares that she’s proud to have been part of the teleserye, which also stars her perennial on-screen partner, Gerald Anderson, and considers it an achievement that it finished to high ratings.

In Tayong Dalawa, Kim played the role of Audrey, a girl caught in a love triangle between fraternal twin brothers--JR, played by Gerald, and Dave, played by Jake Cuenca Before the show started, she said in an interview, “Ang sarap ng feeling, parang long hair kasi pinag-aagawan ka. Sana mangyari din sa totoong buhay.”

As Audrey, Kim was a revelation, ditching the pa-tweetums antics and tackling dramatic scenes such as accepting marriage to another man to save the one she loves and learning to be independent when she finds out that their marriage is null and void. She told ABS-CBN.com of her mature role, “Hindi na katulad dati na comedy and makulit lagi ‘yung dating ko. ‘Yung character ko kasi ngayon ugly duckling siya noong bata pa siya. Tapos habang tumatanda, kung anu-ano ginawa niya para lang mahalin siya ng ibang tao kasi longing siya for the love of her dad.”

Kim credits her improvement to her first acting project, Love Spell: My Girl My Boy. She recalls that her director then, Jerry Lopez-Sineneng, was angry because she moved so much in front of the camera and thus had to discipline her many times. Embarrassed, she went to her dressing room and cried. Now, she takes pleasure in guiding newbies on what to do in front of the camera.

More than showing off her dramatic prowess, Tayong Dalawa also solidified her and Gerald—together, they’re known as Kimerald to their fans--as the top loveteam of the year, topping online polls left and right.

Their fans can expect much more from them as Star Cinema’s first offering for 2010 will feature Kim and Gerald, entitled Paano na Kaya? While being discreet about the plot, Kim hinted that the movie, which has already started production, will be a romantic comedy and will surely make moviegoers kilig. “Masaya kami dito, tatawa kami, magbibiruan kami and after I’ve Fallen For You (their launching movie in 2007), level up na naman sa amin ito kasi mas mature para sa aming dalawa,” she tells ABS-CBN.com

But before the movie with Gerald, Kim can be seen in Star Cinema’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry, I Love You, Goodbye, where she’s paired with Derek Ramsay. The movie also stars Gabby Concepcion and Angelica Panganiban. Indeed, it looks like we can expect a more mature Kim this coming year—one that, as Kim guarantees, is “worth waiting for.”

The year 2009 was truly a memorable year for Kim. What’s next for her--whether being separated from Gerald or not, another teleserye with Kris Aquino, or maybe even playing the role of Kris in the Cory Aquino biopic--we’ll just have to wait and see.

Kim Attractions

What is one thing that you are proud of in the year 2009?

We were able to finish Tayong Dalawa to huge success.

When did you realize that Tayong Dalawa was a huge hit?

When I heard a lot of people were talking about it, and whenever they would tell me that they always watch the show.

What are you looking forward to this coming year?

More work and my dream house.

You've worked so hard the past year. What was your reward for yourself?

My own lot. I can’t wait to see my own house.

Are you planning on taking a vacation anytime soon?

I want to go to Japan if schedule permits.

What is one thing that makes you smile?

Anything. Madali naman akong matawa. Corny jokes!

Relationship NO-NO

Relationship Disaster
The Wrong Reasons To Have a Boyfriend
By ANA KRISTINE VALENZUELA
MOD November 2009

ADMIT it, sometimes you wonder if that good-looking and well-mannered man who shows the slightest interest in you could be The One. But before his charms could totally get to you, here are common wrong reasons to get into a relationship--or, simply put, why he may not be the right guy for you:

The Single Life Sucks. One reason some women get into a relationship is because of loneliness and boredom. If that's the case, what are your friends for? Apart from knowing all the cheap shopping haunts, they tell you if you look fat in that outfit you are wearing, and they listen to all your rants, be it about the jerk at the office, or even the traffic at EDSA that’s making you late.

Everybody's Tying the Knot. Sometimes, some women drag the next guy they see into a relationship because of pressure from family and friends. Each one of your girlfriends is already engaged. Your younger sister is getting married by the end of the year. Even worse, your smug married aunt from abroad demands you give her a lovelife update as much as possible and puts an age bracket to up to what age girls in your family get married or else you’ll end up to spinsterhood.

Getting Married Would Raise Your Profile. When you were a little girl, whenever you played make-believe, you always said that you were married to a doctor. Lucky you, this guy, who’s treating you out this next weekend, is one--even if he has a receding hairline.

You Like the Challenge. All your friends like the guy you're obsessing about, and he even has a string of groupies following him around after every basketball game. So after this take-over, after you have proven to yourself that you are indeed attractive. What then?

You Want To Get Even With Your Ex. Getting over a past romance is hard, that’s why people tend to be on the rebound ever too often. But it doesn’t help if you’re keeping score and your ex seems to be winning. Of course, to get back, you want some arm candy that would make your ex green-eyed, pronto! Clearly, a proof that you are not yet ready for another relationship as you are not yet over the previous.

If you’re looking for someone special who would treat you right, make sure that you are willing to give something in return as well. Before you say yes to all that girlfriend responsibilities, assess yourself first, because no matter how much you try to like him, or work it out with him, it wouldn’t be as serious as you hope it would be.

Daily Diet

Forum: Daily diet

Question: What is your daily diet like?

MOD November 2009

interviews by Ana Valenzuela

First thing in the morning, I drink my wheat grass; I also drink a lot of warm water in the morning. I don’t eat much meat like pork. But I do eat chicken and a lot of vegetables.

- Melissa de Leon – actress, breast cancer survivor

My daily diet is to eat, eat and eat. At home we do follow a certain schedule like today we ate chicken,

tomorrow it would be beef. We rarely have beef and pork at home now, mostly veggies and fruits, chicken

and fish.

- Dimples Romana, actress

Wala talaga, kung siguro mayroon akong gustong bagohin sa sarili ko, its my eating habits. I don’t eat on time. Sana mag change na iyun. . Hindi naman ako mapili sa food. But I’m allergic to poultry, like chicken and egg. I don’t really like pork. But I do eat a lot of vegetables .

- Erich Gonzales, actress

Now that i am pregnant lot of vegetables, siyempre. Lots of green leafy vegetables, lots of soup, brown rice. More of fruits, actually I love mangoes. atsaka fish.

- Christine Bersola, host and TV personality

Nag-cut-off ako ng diet ko because i’m doing an indie movie. Ayoko ng artificial (makeup) as an actor. Its south beach diet lang actually, i really don’t eat pork, beef paminsan-minsan, pero more on vegetables ako talaga.

- Fanny Serrano, celebrity.

Support System

Support System

Here’s how you can give hope to the hopeless.

published MOD Magazine December 2009

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

FILIPINOS are known for celebrating Christmas with family reunions and a gallant feast. But in light of Ondoy and the series of typhoons following it, is Christmas still worth celebrating about?

The victims of the supertyphoons either lost a loved one or had their home wiped out. They are probably still in denial, not acknowledging the loss, feeling angry, blaming others, bargaining, begging, and praying for what they lost to come back, or worse, feeling hopeless and even suicidal.

If you have a friend who was a victim of Ondoy or who suffered any kind of tragedy, this is the time to show her your support. One way to do that is by giving them comforting words. Here’s how:

Mod Collection:

1. Ask. According to Ma. Cecilia F. Gonzalez, accredited clinical psychologist, your friend needed to have an emotional outlet. Probe gently what happened, letting her tell you what she feels. Assure her that you are there for her .

2. Listen. Listen to her every word, be it a joke or whimper. Gonzalez says that you should provide emotional ventilation. Be a shoulder to cry on and let her talk more. Make her feel secure that she may confide in you, whatever problem she may have, with an assurance that you will keep it as your own.

3. Think Positive. Offer kind words and optimistic thoughts regarding the situation. Gonzales says that verbal empathy is important in helping your friend move on. Exhaust the past, move on with the present, plan the future. Do not worsen the situation by sounding pessimistic. Reassure her that everything would turn out all right especially if she persists.

4.Use the Power of Touch. Gonzales says that your nonverbal empathy gives her reassurance. A pat in the back. or a slight squeeze of hand would reassure her.

5. Let Her Cry. Gonzales says that negative emotions are like toxins that poison our emotional health. It is better to let her cry, shout and let it all out. When she does this, regard this as a sign of confidence in you.

6. Offer Help. Do not wait for her to ask for your assistance. She may seem reluctant because you have your own problems, but always remember that she needs all the back-up she can get. Your help should not be dilly-dallied upon even if she refuses. Offer it immediately and without any hesitation.

7. Maintain Contact. Visit or call, text, or email her as often as you can. This will assure her of your encouragement.

8. Never Give Up on the Person. Gonzalez says that it is better for your friend to keep on repeating her problems, for them to die a natural death.. Remember that your friend feels hopeless and you may be the only stronghold she has. It will probably take a long time before she recovers so be patient.

9. What's it all about? Depending on your friend's religious orientation, guide her towards the spiritual meaning of tragedy.

Erich Gonzales

ERICH GONZALES
No Complaints, No Implants
-Just Having Her Heart’s Desires

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD November 2009




SUCCESS, Erich Gonzales believes, is something that you have to work for. She speaks from experience.

After winning the Star Circle Quest in 2005, Erich has played an array of characters on television--a meddling sister to a destined couple (Sana Maulit Muli), an older sister to a half blind kung fu kid (Kung Fu Kids), and an encouraging friend to a horse whisperer (Ligaw na Bulaklak). Her biggest break, however, came when she was cast as Nene, a fourteen-year-old girl who becomes pregnant in the prime time soap Katorse, a role originally portrayed by Dina Bonevie.

ABS-CBN took four years to give her what many would consider a breakthrough role. But Erich is not complaining. Rather, she feels blessed. She shares, “I’ve waited for four years for this break. I can say it’s worth the wait. I’m really blessed and thankful.” Blessed she is, with a growing fan base and soap leading the early evening slot in both nationwide and Metro Manila rating.

“Everything has its time talaga,” she says in her distinctive husky voice, adding that the project came when she was already settled and ready to accept mature roles.

This Cebu-born-Davao-bred lass admitted, though, that she was reluctant at first to accept the role of Nene as it would require her to do kissing and love scenes. Nonetheless, it was the story that got her to say yes. After all, Katorse hopes to inculcate values to its teenage viewers about teenage pregnancy. She adds, “It’s like a wake-up call for the teens na huwag silang magmadali, huwag silang pabigla-bigla, and to wait for the right time.” She trusts that her audience will learn from Nene’s mistakes, “kasi mayroon namang time para sa lahat ng bagay. Makinig sila sa magulang nila.”

Because of the nature of her role in Katorse, Erich has been labeled a sexy actress by some. Some have even hinted that she had had breast augmentation. But Erich stresses that the rumors are all a lie, even daring the one who started them to give proof. “It’s my personal choice not to,” says Erich on why she hasn’t gone under the knife. “There’s nothing wrong with that naman, pero I’m satisfied with what I have.”

Its intrigues like this that Erich has learned to shun, as she knows what is the truth and the people who matter to her believe her as well. What she chooses to focus on is honing her craft. Despite headlining her own teleserye, Erich is the first to admit that she still has a lot to prove in this industry. “Gusto kong maging versatile (actress). Gusto ko din to portray different roles, yung mga challenging roles, mga hindi ko pa nagagawa before. Sobrang love ko kasi ‘tong work na ‘to,” she says. She loves it so much she even took voice and dance lessons. But no, she makes it clear that she won’t be releasing an album any time soon.

Although she has no upcoming record, we would be seeing more of Erich. She has an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, a movie with Katorse leading man Enchong Dee, and one more teleserye.

Looks like this is turning out to be a big year for Erich. The actress, however, takes it all in stride. She says, “Fame naman is something na hindi ka dapat malunod.”


Getting Erich

THE PRETTY actress spills her shopping and culinary faves. Plus, her celeb crushes and what she would give her Katorse leading men this Christmas:

I love to shop at … People are People, because it has everything, like clothes, accessories, and shoes. Also, Topshop and Zara.
My shopping buddies are…Melissa (Ricks) and Kim (Chiu).
My everyday getup consists of… pants at magandang top lang. Pero usually, dress na lang para mas madali, para I don’t have to mix and match pa. Shoes na lang, and I’m good to go na.
For breakfast, I like having… puto, kakanin, and juice
My favorite food is… I have a sweet tooth kasi, that’s why I like chocolates and cake. My favorites are Hershey’s Kisses and malteseers
My favorite cake is… Cheesecake
My favorite ice cream flavor is… Nangkasuy. I like fruits on vanilla ice cream.
My celebrity crushes are… Piolo (Pascual). Standard answer na, everyone kasi may crush sa kanya. I also like the boys of Gossip Girl (Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Penn Badgley).
My ideal guy has… No qualifications. Pag nandoon na sa harapan ko mawawala na yun. I find it funny na kailangan tall or ano. Kasi once nan andiyan na, nandiyan na, eh. Pero siyempre gusto ko approved ng family ko.

If I could give each of my Katorse leading men this Christmas, it would be… For EJ (Falcon), slippers, para may ginagamit siya sa taping; for Enchong, blanket, kasi nakakatulog siya sa taping, gusto ko may gagamitin sya sa taping , para sa kanya lang talaga; for Xian (Lim), pillow, para pag nagre-rest siya sa taping, may niyayakap siya.