I never am stingy with secrets on how to look your best!
As the year 2008 closes, with more than 10 years in aesthetic research tucked under my belt, I am giving my dear readers a list of my fashion and beauty favorites as it is my belief that everyone can look gorgeous (whether or not they are on a budget!). Enjoy!
Skin care
I have been going to Dr. Gio Dimayuga for several years now. His thoroughly professional manner and no-nonsense attitude about giving you the best skin possible makes him stand out in the dermatological field. And I do consider him some sort of “witch doctor” as he makes these fabulous skin creams that REALLY do a superb job of keeping my skin in superb condition! Dr. Gio will NEVER sell you anything you do not need and takes time out to answer any question you may have. Most of all, his up-to-date knowledge on dermatological procedures assures patients that they are getting the latest treatments available in the country.
(Contact him at 0926-62710088.)
Body shaping
I have seen Vicki Belo’s work and it is fabulous! I always tell Vicki that although I am happy she gets a lot of publicity, I feel that it is such a shame how all the news about her personal life overshadows her true gift as an expert in body shaping. I have seen women contoured to perfection under Vicki’s care. So engrossed is Dr. Belo in the pursuit of the latest technology in aesthetic science, she travels extensively (and I do mean extensively!) attending forums and seminars and consulting with international experts in order to bring their equipment and expertise to the Philippines. Vicky has the “it” factor when it comes to shaping a woman’s body and she has the experience (and legions of happy clients) to back it up.
(Contact her at 0917-8407009.)
Superstar teeth
Here I go again with Dr. Pio Tripon. What can I say? The guy is Michaelangelo when it comes to giving you a Hollywood smile! During my modeling days, I would refuse to smile because I was so conscious of my unevenly spaced, tiny teeth. Since I have been “Triponized,” I smile for the cameras all the time. Pio is a true artist when it comes to dental aesthetics. He carefully measures every angle of your face to find out what shape of teeth suits you best. I have never met anyone who is more obsessed with the attainment of a perfect smile! As far as I am concerned, he is still the best darned cosmetic dentist in the country,
(Contact him at 0917-8903114.)
Makeup magic
Fanny Serrano is the favorite of the country’s biggest celebrities for many reasons. He makes a woman look extremely beautiful. Every working encounter I have had with Fanny has been a revelation on what true professionalism is all about. Fanny is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave during a shoot and oftentimes extends himself beyond the call of duty. The transformation he achieves with a brush and cosmetics is nothing short of magic! Fanny’s line of makeup (bearing his name) makes brisk sales as it is comparable in quality to expensive foreign brands. Fanny Serrano has earned the respect of everyone in the showbiz and makeup industry and I believe that celebrities will continue to insist on having him as head makeup artist in their endorsement contracts for years to come!
(Contact him at 925-5251 or 0917-5376168.)
Sun protection
There was a time during my golfing days that I could actually assemble a fairly sizable group of women (while waiting for our turn on the tees) and extoll the virtues of Armada SPF 60. VMV Hypoallergenics’ ultimate sunblock has already been featured in international magazines as it truly is (to my mind) the most reliable protection against UV rays. So effective is Armada that I think it may even embolden vampires (NOT the Twilight variety) to come out during the day.
‘Kusturera’ chic!
Do you have a favorite dress that you would like to duplicate? I have several! Instead of going back to the fashion designer for a second (expensive!) piece, I send my fashion fave to Linda Tolentino. With over 20 years experience in cutting and sewing, she duplicates my designer originals for SOOO much less than a couturier would! I totally adore her work!
(Contact her at 824-1387.)
Southern comfort
If you happen to live in the southern part of Metro Manila as I do, you most likely would like to go to a reliable hairstylist. I have been fortunate enough to find Egay Petines. He cares about his clients and takes time out to thoroughly understand their expectations. Before cutting my hair or setting it (for an event), we extensively discuss the desired outcome. I am happy to say that I have never been disappointed!
(Contact him at 807-5065.)