Body Talk with Jasmine Trias

Is Jasmine Trias here to stay?

It seems so. And perhaps, if she had a choice, why not?

Since she placed third in American Idol in 2004, the Hawaiian native (whose parents are both Filipinos) has been frequently coming and going that she has become a permanent fixture on the local showbiz scene.

Her first homecoming was in Oct. 2004 (a few months after the American Idol finals won by Fantasia Barrino) for invitational concerts and endorsements for PLDT, Smart, McDonald’s and Bench), and then in March last year to record an eponymous album for Universal Records, in September also last year to kick off the album promo, and this time to grace the Hawaii Centennial celebration, led by Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, which included shows in Manila (hosted by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza), Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Makati and Cebu.

"While here," said Jasmine who arrived with her dad on Jan. 3 and is leaving on Monday, Jan. 16, for home, "I continue to drum up my album, with a show this afternoon at 5 o’clock at SM Fairview and in SM Makati tomorrow, Jan. 15 (sponsored by Smart IDD, Information Gateway, The Philippine STAR, Crowne Plaza, Skechers and McDonald’s)."

Funfare did a "body talk" with Jasmine over late lunch yesterday at the Universal Records office. But first, I asked her if she was aware of Fantasia Barrino’s autobiography in which she confessed (much to the surprise of her fans) that she’s illiterate (meaning she can’t read and write).

"Oh," said Jasmine, "I didn’t know that! I didn’t even notice it during the American Idol run because, well, she didn’t look it. Besides, she could sign autographs with her name, complete with a ‘Thank you’ and ‘I love you, guys!’ I should read her book.

The ever-smiling, petite Jasmine stands 5’1", weighs 108 lbs., measures 34-24-34 and wears XS shirts and size 7 shoes.

How do you take care of your voice?

"I rest my voice. I try to get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, green tea or peppermint tea. I don’t take ice-cold water because it shocks the throat and hurts the vocal cords."

Do you vocalize?

"Yes, of course. All the time – at home, in the bathroom or wherever I am and whenever possible."

Are you taking more formal voice lessons?

"Yes, in Hawaii with an opera singer, my private tutor."

What sort of diet do you follow?

"I don’t eat pork or beef. Chicken, yes. I love seafood, except lobster. Give me crabs and shrimps anytime. I eat mostly vegetables and fruits. Yes, I do take rice and eggs, preferably scrambled."

What’s your favorite snacks?

"McDo Jasmine Trio (A special item put on the menu during her first visit here. – RFL) and French Fries. I love ice cream, too, any flavor (but preferably ube and green tea)."

What’s your favorite fruit?

"Strawberries."

And your favorite vegetable?

"Asparagus."

How much water do you take per day?

"More than eight glasses. But I don’t take soda. Besides water, my favorite drink is orange juice."

What do you usually have for breakfast?

"When I’m in the Philippines, bangus with rice and eggs. In Hawaii, I take chicken sausage or turkey sausage made by my mom, along with cereals or oatmeal, waffles and cakes with milk."

What vitamins and/or minerals do you take?

"Airborne, an herbal supplement rich in vitamin C. And stresstabs."

How much sleep do you get per night?

"I try to have at least eight hours. If I get less than that, my voice is affected so I refrain from talking. I make up for lack of sleep by taking power naps."

How do you cope with stress?

"I pray a lot. I listen to music, all kinds."

Whose CDs are on your player?

"Several. Those of Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano and Lani Misalucha."

What’s your all-time favorite song?

"I Will Always Love You (by Whitney Houston who sang it as theme song of her movie with Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard)."

What’s your favorite hideaway?

"My room. It has everything: a DVD player, a stereo, a big TV set, everything! I have a jacuzzi and I linger in it. I love my bathroom!"

Any favorite city?

"New York. Everything is in it. The people don’t bother with other people; they just go about with their own business. People there are real."

Do you work out?

"I used to but I’ve been so busy to do it. My New Year’s resolution is to hit the gym."

So you hardly have any exercise?

"Well, I walk my dog, Georgie, around the house. He’s a white Maltese. Dogs can be more loyal to you than human beings. You tell (your dog) what to do and he listens."

What part of your body is your favorite?

"My eyes. That’s also what I look at first in other people. You look at a person’s eyes and you will know what kind of person he/she is."

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

"My back and shoulders. When I’m stressed-out, they get painful."

And what part of your body do you think needs some improvement?

"My height. How I wish! Anyway, as it is, I’m happy with myself."

What’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

"I pray."

What do you usually pray for?

"For my family, for myself and my career, for my friends and for God to continue showering me with blessings. I also thank God for everything."

And the first thing you do when you wake up?

"I rub my eyes and then stretch. I go to the bathroom, wash my face and brush my teeth and then take a shower."

What’s your favorite sleeping wear?

"A big Bench T-shirt."

Are you vain like most good-looking girls?

"No, I’m not. I stand before a mirror not so much to admire myself but to fix myself, do my hair and makeup."

Name three men you think have nice bodies.

"Carlos Agassi. Jay-R. Rafael Rosell who looks gorgeous as underwear endorser in the Bench billboards."

And three women...

"Jennifer Lopez. Halle Berry. Claudine Barretto."

Using body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire/like him?

"Oh, I just smile at him."

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