An invitation to ‘peel off’ Skin

I am happy to have hosted the super successful launch of Skin, my good friend, Dr. Vicki Belo’s latest baby. It’s the Philippines’ first magazine on skin and body care. It contains comprehensive articles on health, youth and beauty. Skin has the 411 on everything Dr. Belo wants to achieve for her clients, everything that can contribute to their confidence and well-being. In Skin, the secret’s of the stars are revealed, along with exclusive details on their cosmetic enhancements. No more speculations and guessing games. Just the naked truth!

The glittering event was attended by some of the biggest names in the entertainment scene like Kris Aquino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ara Mina, Jomari Yllana, Rica Peralejo, Drew Arellano, Juddah Paolo, Mylene Dizon, Paolo Paraiso, Bobby Andrews, Quark Henares, Katya Santos, Baron Geisler, Ces Oreña Drilon, Heart Evangelista, Nikki Valdez, Lana Asanin, Roselle Nava, Albert Martinez (who was the over-all director for the said event), Troy Montero, Michelle Bayle, Cherry Lou, Liza Lorena (who was simply ravishing during son Tonton’s wedding to Glydel Mercado thanks to Dr. Vicki Belo’s medical breakthrough, the Aptos Thread Seamless Lift) and Skin cover girl Aubrey Miles. Also seen hobnobbing with the celebrity guests were gorgeous Margie Moran-Floirendo, Pepper Teehankee, Keren Pascual and many more.

Everything you wanted to know about the Belo Medical Group’s latest treatments are explained in Skin by their world-class doctors, each focusing on his particular area of expertise and written in words we can understand. From the latest laser treatments, eye and nose surgery to breast, buttocks and lip enhancements, one is sure to find something to tickle his/her fancy. Fighting acne, stretch marks, varicose veins, getting rid of cellulite, rhinoplasty, liposuction – Skin magazine gives these all to you straight.

In its pages, you can read what really happens, what to expect, and the reservations and rewards of each procedure (with before and after photos to boot!).

The premiere issue of Skin is now out in newsstands for only P120, with a special double cover featuring sultry Aubrey Miles on the Faces section and voluptuous Angela Velez on the Bodies section.

Soul Sessions

Just when you think the soul music genre is already a well-defined, tight-fitting category, along comes a Stone to shake things up a bit. Meet Joss Stone, the 16-year-old wonder lass who has given soul music a playful, youthful change. She is as pretty as the next pop princess but her voice is as powerful and impressive as Aretha Franklin, Angie Stone, Betty Wright and all other originators of soul music.

Joss’ first single, Fell In Love With A Boy, has everybody doing a double check: could that be Aretha Franklin doing a cover of the White Stripes? Fell In Love With a Boy is Joss Stone giving a prime example of that oomph and aah that come with a real soul music. It is also a display of the 10 tracks in her debut album, The Soul Sessions, which Joss sings with burning passion and instinctive good taste. When you listen to Joss Stone, you hear the song she’s singing – not the sound she’s making.

The Soul Sessions has been recognized by Billboard as the number one Heat Seeker Album and noted as "Buzzworthy" by MTV in the United States. The 16-year-old Diva has also been featured in MTV’s In the Cut and is The Rising Star for March on MTV in the US.

There is much hype on Joss Stone and rightfully so. While she grew up in the rural English countryside of Devon, her voice is steeped in nothing but Southern-style soul. Forget the light shows, the catchy choruses, or the cool clothes. When Joss sings, it’s as if Joss demands your full, undivided attention.

Just like all things wonderful, The Soul Sessions, came out in a moment of eureka. As Joss was preparing her supposed debut album, she came upon some classic records by the soul legends that have become involved in this particular project: Betty Wright, Timmy Thomas, and Wille Hale, among others. She put her own album on hold and spent some quality studio time with these architects of the Miami Soul Sound Biggies.

What started out as a side project grew into an obsession for everyone involved, most particularly Joss Stone. Completed in only four days, The Soul Sessions is a collection of classic and little-known soul gems, alongside some contemporary tracks re-interpreted by Joss and her titanic band of accomplices.

Her kick-off single is almost indecipherable from its blueprint, Fell In Love With A Girl by the White Stripes. Recorded with The Roots (with backing vocals from Angie Stone and Betty Wright), Joss’ Fell In Love With A Boy is now a funky, percolating version of the original. The Chokin Kind opens the album and introduces Joss’ fine, fine voice. The singer transforms the Aretha Franklin original All The King’s Horses into a simmering funk track, while Super Dooper Love proves to be a super dooper cool song.