All fired up!
MANILA, Philippines - Centuries back, Spaniards were a real threat to us Filipinos. A year ago, a Spaniard was once again a threat — only that time, it was for a cause: the Miss Earth pageant. When Spanish beauty Alejandra Echevarria landed on Philippine shore in 2009, Filipinos (specifically the people behind Carousel Productions) treated her with the hospitality that Filipinos are known for.
“My experience in the Miss Earth pageant was very good!” exclaims the 20-year-old beauty queen. “I love the Philippines and its people. They were extra helpful and supportive of me.”
Like most teenage girls in her native town of Jaen in Spain, Alejandra also dreamt of having a crown on her head. She recalled that at 15, while watching the televised Miss Spain pageant, she promised herself that she would join the contest when she becomes 18. “After winning Miss Spain, it opened many doors of opportunities for me. I became famous in our town and I also did modeling and hosting,” she says. “It was even better when I won one of the crowns in the Miss Earth pageant.” As Miss Earth-Fire (equivalent to third runner-up), Alejandra’s love for nature was all the more solidified with activities like tree planting and environmental information dissemination. “I’ve always loved nature and wanted to help in caring for Mother Earth. My parents taught me and my brother to conserve water and electricity.” So even when she’s not wearing her crown, Alejandra remembers these conservation tips by heart.
Because of her natural beauty and undeniable charm, the 5’11”-tall beauty queen forged friendships with Filipinos during her stay here. Some of the Pinoys she was closest to were the executives of makeup brand Ever Bilena. So, when she was asked to be the beauty company’s international endorser, there was only one answer on her mind. “First, I like the products especially the foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow. Second, I love how Ever Bilena takes care of me especially its president and CEO Dioceldo Sy and executives Onin Mas and Mark Salecina,” she says. “I always use Ever Bilena in all my activities in Spain. My friends also love them because the makeup stays long and is not irritating to the skin.” Alejandra also shares her beauty tips: “Well, I only use Ever Bilena products here in Spain. They sent me one year supply of makeup. My only beauty secret is that I make it a point to clean my face after putting on makeup.”
Alejandra’s long list of plans includes finishing her studies, continuing to promote Earth preservation, running her own business and hopefully having a family of her own (“When I’m ready,” she gushes.).
“I was very excited to come to the Philippines. I made my research about its people and its culture,” she furthers. Alejandra learned that Spain and the Philippines have a lot in common. “And when I get to know the people further, I fall in love with the Philippines more and more.”
Indeed, Alejandra is one Spaniard who fell in love with the “beauty” of the Filipinos.
Beauty buzz: EB Mousse Eyeshadow
1. Use light eyeshadow colors for the base. The base helps in emphasizing the eyeshadow color that will be used for contouring.
2. Make use of medium eyeshadow colors from EB Mousse Eyeshadow collection for contouring. Contouring creates illusions in the eyes like deep-set eyes or smokey eyes.
3. The last step is to create highlights. Use shimmery light colors as highlights to enhance the eyeshadow used for contouring and the eyebrows.
