What’s in the bag for Ritz?

MANILA, Philippines - Topbilling a new teleserye with Derek Ramsay and gracing the cover of FHM, Ritz Azul is on her way to the top.

The public first met Ritz when she joined TV5’s reality-based star search, Star Factor, last year. Fresh-faced and full of optimism, Ritz’s charm and talent allowed her to finish fourth in the said competition and later on sign up under the network’s talent development department. Her first project was Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak.

The series won awards such as Amazing Female Newcomer at the 2011 Yahoo! OMG! Awards and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress at the 2011 Golden Screen Awards. Ritz has appeared in O5, Hey It’s Saberday, Pidol’s Wonderland, Magic Gimik, Regal Shocker, Star Confessions and Glamorosa.

Ritz made headlines recently as she was chosen to star opposite Derek in the upcoming series Kidlat, where she will play Josephine “Joey” Palomares, a mortal who falls for Derek’s character. Weeks later, she landed on the front pages when FHM uncovered its cover for November.

When asked about how she maintains her slender figure, Ritz says she makes sure to squeeze in work-out sessions in her busy schedule and watches what she eats. “It’s not easy to do but it’s part of my job to take care of my body,” says Ritz. “If my schedule permits, I jog and I exercise. Bawas din sa rice and other forms of carbs. More of fruits, vegetables and fish po kinakain ko.”

Ritz makes sure she also pays regular visits to a skin professional. “Para po dun sa mga problems na hindi kaya ng diet at exercise lang, I go to Flawless. Meron silang program dun na nakakaalis ng fats sa ibang target areas, yung Shape and Sculpt. Syempre kasama na rin dun yung pag-aalaga sa skin ko para kuminis ako. I always have their facial and Powerpeel.”

A brand that built its reputation as the country’s preferred clinic for face, body and medical services, Flawless launched Ritz as one of its endorsers earlier this year. “I’m happy with Flawless because they’ve been taking care of me since Star Factor.”

“From the moment I saw Ritz, I instantly knew that she was going to be someone big someday,” shares Rubby Sy, Flawless CEO. “Hindi nga ako nagkamali. I feel so happy every time I hear good news about her. I just know there’s so much more waiting for this promising girl.”

Rubby adds that one more star is slated to join Flawless’ roster of celebrity endorsers that includes Jhong Hilario, Mark Herras and Lorna Tolentiono. “I am urging everyone to watch out for the newest face of Flawless. She’ll be launched this coming December, in time for our 11th anniversary, and just to give you all a hint, she’s someone you’re all familiar with.”