Teresa Herrera’s not just a pretty face, she’s a wide reader, too

Teresa Herrera is the face of Neutrogena and Avon, ate of Calcarrie’s Tina, Embassy’s Jon, stylist Rosario and Ateneo student Victoria Herrera. Daughter of Theresian Corito Paredes-Herrera, Teresa Paredes Herrera’s early performing ambitions leaned towards dance. Having first trained in ballet at the age of five, she quickly fell in love with the art form. Later, she became interested in acting while traveling as a working model around Asia. A perfectionist by nature, Teresa trained with acting coaches Larry Moss, Jeffrey Tamboor, and Milton Katselas. She has worked with such directors as, Tsui Hark, Shane Black, and Yeun Woo-Ping. She has also appeared in several TV shows and TV commercials in the US, Europe and Asia. She played a small part in the movie Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which featured Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. Of the movie, Teresa says with a chuckle, "Don’t blink, you might miss my part."

Reading is part of Teresa’s life. Here are her top 10 favorite books:

1. The ODYSSEY by Homer

Because I love Greek mythology and get a lot of inspiration from them

2. WHEN ELEPHANTS DANCE by Tess Uriza-Holthe

I think it is a beautifully written book about part of our history as Filipinos. It was very interesting how the author was able to weave the storylines between the different characters and time periods.

3. THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.  It was like eating really good desert, I really savored every bite. It’s a beautiful coming of age story during the backdrop of the civil rights movement.  I didn’t want it to end.

4. SEVEN SPIRITUAL LAWS OF SUCCESS by Deepak Chopra

I often refer to this book and read it at least once or twice a year.  It is an easy read and a quick reminder of the universal laws that we, humans, must follow.

5. TRAVELS by Michael Crichton

Traveling is one of my passions (I can’t stay put in one place for long), and I love reading about stories from places I haven’t been to yet.

6. LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Because I’m a hopeless romantic. We are all in a search for true love.

7. 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE by Stephen R Covey

This book changed my life.  My best friend gave it to me as a graduation present from high school.  It gave me the tools I needed to be an effective listener and communicator.  It has helped me a lot in my personal relationships as well as business.

8. THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

We all have a destiny to follow, if we stay on course we will find true and lasting happiness.

9. THE INTENT TO LIVE by Larry Moss

This is one of the best books written on the subject of acting. It was written by my teacher Larry Moss. A must- read for someone who is pursuing life as a performing artist!  It changed life and has brought out the best in me as an artist.

10. THE HIDDEN MESSAGES by Masaru Emoto

I love this book because it is so fascinating.  I don’t want to say too much about it. One must experience this in their own time. When you read it, you will understand what I mean.

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The Reading Club recommends The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Rafon. I could not put it down. It made me late for meetings. The book is available in all National Book Store Branches, Powerbooks and A Different Bookstore. I continue to recommend Oprah. Her January issue is a must read. Available for subscription through Emerald Headway.

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Your comments and suggestions are welcome at readclub@aol.com, political press releases are not.