MANILA, Philippines - Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Tessa Nieto-Villalon and Rima Ostwani are as beautiful as they are brilliant. Just by looking at them, you can tell that looking their best is an ideal they reach to effortlessly. It isn’t a matter of vanity so much as caring for those around them, their causes and passions; it preserves their youthfulness from head to toe.
They may appear to have it all, but they worked for it all as well. Juggling successful careers and personal achievements: how did they do it? We asked them for their secrets.
Amanda Griffin-Jacob
I feel the most beautiful when… I feel healthy and strong.
My beauty/body inspiration is… my mother. She looks 20 years younger than she actually is and it’s because she pledged to live a healthy life a long time ago and has amazing inner discipline that guides her on her journey.
The best beauty/body advice I’ve ever received is… besides the usual “wear sunblock/always moisturize” rule, the best beauty advice I’ve gotten is to not compromise on your happiness. Because nothing ages you faster than stress and unhappiness.
Every woman should... get to know herself (face and body) and discover what works best for her. I have discovered that Facial Care Centre and Marie France work for me. So I’ve been with them ever since (10 years and counting!)
Mikaelalagdameo-Martinez
I feel the most beautiful when... I don’t wear foundation! (Laughs) I know it’s a weird answer but really, I feel so ugly with thick makeup.
My beauty/body inspiration is… Gisele Bundchen. Even after having kids she still manages to look like a supermodel. And I love how she has her curves. She looks so naturally sexy!
The best beauty/body advice I’ve ever received is… to always moisturize face and body with lotion! I’ve been doing this ever since I can remember and I think my skin is thanking me for it.
A woman should... never, ever let herself go. It may be a struggle sometimes to always maintain looks by sticking with beauty products, body treatments, nails and hair even, but it’s so worth it. Looking and feeling good is not only for yourself but for your family, too — the way you look is a reflection of how you are inside. One exudes a different glow and confidence.
Amina Aranaz-Alunan
I feel the most beautiful when... I’m with my husband. He never fails to make me feel my best no matter what.
The best beauty/body advice I’ve ever received is… working with nature is the best. Try to go natural as much as you can.
A woman should... not be too hard on herself. We all have our flaws and we should work with them.
Tessanieto- Villalon
I feel the most beautiful in… the morning. The moment I wake up after a good night’s rest.
My beauty/body inspiration is… Julianne Moore who is taking a natural route to aging — going for regular facials and using products that her skin gets along with to stay gorgeous. She’s a classic beauty and I adore her!
The best beauty advice I’ve ever received is… to always clean your face and moisturize heavily before you sleep and use sunblock every day (even when it’s not sunny, the rays still take a toll on your skin!).
Every woman should… exercise (even just 10 minutes a day), drink a lot of water (at least eight glasses), and get monthly facials (it’s never too early to start taking care of your skin to stay forever young-looking).
Rima Ostwani
I feel most beautiful when… I’m wearing no makeup at all.
My beauty inspiration is… my mother. At her age, she has maintained such flawless skin that people always mistake us for sisters.
The best beauty/body advice I’ve ever received is… drink lots of water and never sleep with your makeup on no matter how tired you are.
Every woman should… feel comfortable in her own skin.