MANILA, Philippines - Being a mother is definitely a life-changing experience for Floralice “Liz” Almoro. To this day, she’s still amazed at how “a woman’s body can drastically expand to accommodate another life inside of her and be able to sustain and nurture a human being until it is ready to come out.” Four years ago, she gave birth to Juan Emmanuel. Since then, Juamee has become the most important person in Liz’s life. He is her source of strength and inspiration.
“I am a worrywart as a mom. I freak out at the smallest thing,” laughs Liz, a very hands-on mother. “I bathe him every morning and brush his teeth, too, whenever I can even if he has a yaya.” Liz prepares him for school and reads him books when they are at home as she wants to instill in him the love for reading. “I also volunteered three times for his first year in pre-school to be a teacher for the day. I wanted to be familiar with his school, teacher and friends,” says Liz, who looks up to her own mother.
“My mom has so much passion for life. She takes care of herself really well and has managed to look good after having six children,” she shares. Liz hopes to someday achieve what her mom has accomplished. “She has a very positive outlook in life and has a contagious laugh.”
Liz starts her day early at 5 a.m. to prepare Juamee, who is in Casa 2, for school. At 6:30 a.m., she can be found in the garden checking on the plants. “I don’t really meditate but just being in the garden relaxes me,” she muses. “Lately, I started doing some home exercises again.” Liz, the executive vice president of the family’s logistics company Lalaine Logistics International Inc., is on the way to work by 9 a.m. “We do freight forwarding, warehousing and we have a customs brokerage firm,” she explains. Liz proudly shares that she passed the board exam to become a licensed customs broker. “It requires continuous study on Taxation and Customs Law. I am still in the process of mastering my craft and network as well,” says Liz, who, as a kid, originally wanted to become a public servant.
This childhood dream was inspired by her father, who used to be a congressman in Laguna and presently Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. “I experienced being of service to other people through him,” says Liz, who was Student Council president in high school. “One day, I will continue serving in my own little way. I want to take part in making other people’s lives better.”
Because of her pretty face and svelte figure, Liz also got into modeling. This was through Rustan’s Young VIP in 1994. She was in Rustan’s with her mom when she was handed an application. After her two-year stint there, she was invited to be part of Xpose’s roster of models by Allure’s Luis Espiritu, who, Liz says, is her mentor. “My most memorable experience working as a model was being able to travel to Europe for the first time to do a shoot in Paris, France. We also went to Basel, Germany for a trunk show,” she says. “I met so many interesting people and got exposed to European fashion, art and culture.” During that stint, Liz also made a side trip to Zurich, Switzerland and stayed with a family friend who owns an art school. “We stayed there for just two weeks but it was one of the best two weeks of my life!” she gushes.
Liz, who never leaves home without her sunglasses (“I’m a squinter so, to prevent wrinkles, I try to wear shades when I get exposed to the sun. It also adds so much character to the face.”), believes that it is important for women to look their best. “Dressing up is an expression of who you are without uttering a word. Grooming ourselves isn’t all aesthetics because it also enhances our self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Liz goes on to share some of her own beauty secrets: “I wear sunscreen every day. I always make sure that I have a clean face before sleeping and I eat in moderation.” Makeup is also important for Liz because it enhances a woman’s features and covers her imperfections. She furthers she loves Ever Bilena’s bronzer, eyeliner and lip gloss. “I’m fair so my skin looks healthier when I apply bronzer. I love putting black liner on my eyelids. I also have the habit of applying lip gloss in between meals or drinks. Once they see that my lip gloss case has a mirror and light, people can’t help but say it’s cute,” she smiles.
At 33, Liz found the best beauty secret yet. “I try to de-stress by staying positive. I achieve this by doing my responsibilities at work, meeting up with my friends and being the best mom that I can be,” says Liz, who admires how Princess Diana lived her life and touched so many lives.
Liz, who also had her struggles, learned these important lessons in life: “That we can be unburdened if we pray and lift it all to God; to forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve done in the past; and what really matters is family and friends.”
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Hair and makeup by Thoty Primavera of Ever Bilena • Cosmetics by Ever Bilena • Wardrobe by JUN ESCARIO • Accessories, model’s own • Shot on location at Benjarong, Dusit Thani Manila • Special thanks to Ms. Danelle Palang