MANILA, Philippines – Exactly how and when Renee Magtibay Salud added another E in his name is obliterated by the why: E stands for Eternal, as he has been in the profession of the three C’s — couture, charisma and even cinema — for the longest time. This month, he turns diamond, and like the dazzling rock of ages, Renee is shining even brighter with time. And add the term of endearment “Mama” stuck to his name by the indefatigable Melanie Marquez, whom he launched into beauty queen hood despite her linguistic audacity, then Renee becomes the Eternal Mother of glam and glitz.
That he wields the magic wand which captured the crown for a long list of beauty queens like Dang Cecilio, Desiree Verdadero, Marina Benipayo, Chiqui Brosas, Bong Dimayacyac and Chat Silayan, to name only a few, is legend, but what should be more epic is his devotion to transform every bride that comes to his shop into a ravishing beauty. Like a true mother, he asks each starry-eyed girl what she wants and then complements this with his vision, capitalizing on the personality that comes with the physique of the client.