The secrets of Ricky Reyes' Gandang Lolas

When Ricky Reyes presented the three endorsers for her Ganda ng Lola Mo campaign at a presscon the other day, everybody gasped in disbelief at how youthful-looking they are Gloria Romero, 76, with one grandchild (from daughter Maritess Gutierrez); Pilita Corrales, 72, with six grandchildren (three each from daughter Jackielou Blanco and husband Ricky Davao, and son Ramon Christopher and ex-wife Lotlot de Leon).

The three will be featured in Ricky’s Paper Roses: Living Well, Staying Young, Aging Gracefully (A Trip Down Memory Lane) which will kick off at 10 this morning at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall for senior citizens who will be treated to a whole-day of fun and entertainment. The event will be telecast on Q-11 on Sept. 5.

For the whole month of September, all card-carrying members of the Ricky Reyes Goldies Club are entitled to 20 percent discount on services at all Ricky Reyes salons from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The three Golden Girls sat down with Funfare for some “beauty” talk.

Any beauty secrets?

Gloria: Sleep. I sleep a lot. Thank God, never pa ako nagka-pimples. Maybe it’s because of my genes, I don’t know.

Pilita: Sex is the best beauty aid; it keeps me young-looking. Hahahaha! Actually, there are so many products available not just for the face but for the voice. I have good skin. Would you believe that I’ve never had pimples in all my life? I don’t apply anything on my face.

Barbara: I’m lucky to have been born with oily skin so it doesn’t wrinkle easily. But I don’t really have a good skin so I take good care of it kasi vanidosa pa naman ako.

What’s your diet?

Gloria: I used to eat a lot of white rice pero natakot ako so I shifted to brown rice. Being an Ilocana, I always have dinengdeng with almost every meal. Magagalit ako kapag walang gulay. Hehehehe! From Maritess, I learned how to eat a lot of salads.

Pilita: I eat a lot of salads. I love vegetable soup and I eat pork only once a week.

Barbara: I eat very little; I don’t take dinner at all. I get protein from chicken, hard-boiled egg or yogurt, etc. I have to protect my liver since I’m taking medication (for cholesterol).

What’s your outlook in life?

Gloria: I’ve learned how to accept what I cannot change, I’ve learned how to forgive. I have peace of mind. When I read The Bible, gumagaang ang kalooban ko.

Pilita: Outlook in life is very important because beauty is not only physical, it also comes from within. Having a sense of humor helps make you glow. If you are mataray, it will show in your face; pumapangit ka.

Barbara: How you look at life is very important. Since my husband is a worry wart, I try not to be one.

How do you deal with problems?

Gloria: I don’t let problems affect me. I get it out of my mind and have a good sleep. When I wake up, my mind is clear at parang gumagaang na ang problema.

Pilita: I have had problems not only with myself but also with my children — you know, about their domestic problems. The whole world knows that the biggest problem that I had to face was about my love life, pero nalampasan ko naman. Look at me now, mukha ba akong may problema sa love? I pray. I always ask the Lord for help when I have problems.

Barbara: I try to solve them right away. I don’t let problems get me down. Being with my grandchildren helps me cope with any situation.

How’s your life now?

Gloria: Mas magaang na ngayon. When I shoot, my cut-off time is 10 p.m. I don’t play title roles anymore but I’m happy with the roles I’m playing now, like the one in the indie film Tarima where I play a cruel lola of  Fanny Serrano. People will really hate me in this movie.

Pilita: My life now is not as complicated as it used to be. There was a time when I was so busy that I hardly had time to sleep. I have a more comfortable schedule now.

Barbara: Very relaxed, compared to when I was busy with showbiz. Robert (Arevalo, her husband) and I seldom go out, except when there’s a good movie showing. We eat out first before going to the moviehouse.

What’s your stand on cosmetic surgery?

Gloria: Ayoko! Several people are offering me their services for free but I told them I don’t like. Naku, baka mag-mukha akong monster; baka hindi ko na makilala ang sarili ko. Every part of me is original. Anyway, my looks fit my roles. In fact, in some movies, they even make me look older.

Pilita: I haven’t had one at sana hindi na kailangan. You know, once you start it, it becomes a habit hanggang sa hindi mo na matigilan. You keep on doing it and doing it until you don’t look like your original self anymore. Thank you but I don’t want to do it.

Barbara: Different women have different views. But personally, ayoko ng kahit anong invasive. I believe that you should not tamper with what God has given you.

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