Apples Aberin • A brilliant beauty

MANILA, Philippines - She stands with bearing and grace, an exquisite balance of power and femininity. And with contentment radiating from her well-defined features, it seems that Apples Aberin has found her place in the sun. As the PR head of Unilever, overlooking 17 different brands, Apples expertly juggles all the roles bestowed upon her — mother to Samantha, 22, and Martin, 14; boss, mentor, daughter, model and host.

“I’m the proverbial slashie,” she reveals with an easy smile. 

Apples made her grand debut at 16 when she sashayed down the runway for designer Malou Veloso and continued to gather steam, joining Professional Models Association of the Philippines and becoming its president in 1996. From the runway to the limelight, her keen eye for detail took center stage when she became one of the judges on Project Runway Philippines. But her specific skills set, rich experience in the world of fashion and beauty, and strategic brilliance seemed to be better put to use behind the scenes, in the corporate world as the global PR head of Pond’s in Singapore in 2009.

“(At that time) I was an outsider, a journalist who saw things from a different perspective. I’m very right brained. I see the big and little things, and how we can form ideas,” she reveals. And this is perhaps why she was handpicked to head the Unilever teams as PR head, a position she has held since 2012. 

 “I’m really passionate about what I do. I love the environment I work in, the people I work with. Hopefully and thankfully together, we’re making an impact. Not just for the company but the people out there whose lives we are hoping to enrich,” admits the Journalism graduate from University of the Philippines Diliman.

Like most successes, they do not come fast — or easy. And Apples, as a boss, as well as an employee, makes sure that everyone — most especially herself — puts in the hard work. “I can be quite tough and very demanding of my colleagues and partners, as well as myself. I have a high level of expectation. But I try to lead by example,” she explains. 

“I appreciate good work and will shout it out to the whole world. However, when somebody makes a mistake, I’m straightforward. I will take him aside, and talk to him in the most frank manner I know, but with heart. I don’t even baby my own baby who’s studying in Paris. It’s just not my style.”

Perhaps more than just her steely work ethic or her open leadership, the success of Apples lies in her genuine understanding of consumers. Like the many women and patrons of her brands, all their issues ring true in her as well — from wrinkles to age spots, from relationships to finding inner peace. 

“I’m supposed to be this confident, successful woman, but sometimes I doubt myself,” she says, revealing vulnerability in her strength. “I’ve learned that as much as I can be independent, feisty, and try to make it on my own, I need the people I love and who love me back. I tend to be so independent sometimes, to the point of overprotecting myself...At the end of the day, you have to let your guard down. You have to let your fears go.”

While she has weathered some tough storms, like a flower that still reaches for the sun after the rain, Apples will continue to bloom.

Photography by RITA MARIE ABIOG • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Styling by REESE RUBIN • Makeup by PIA REYES for MAC Cosmetics • Hairstyling by DAVE LOPEZ • Purple dress by Charina Sarte; and pink dress by Noel Crisostomo • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO MEMBERS VIP LOUNGE