The multi-faceted Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez

Ask any expert in the fashion and advertising industries and they will tell you that it is an almost impossible feat for any model to crossover successfully from fashion to commercial modeling and vice versa. Look at the endorsers in the consumer ads on TV and in print media, then compare them with the models in the fashion editorials and runway photos, and you will clearly see a distinction. But one model has shattered this long-held perception with great success and that is Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez.

Tweetie is an in-demand fashion model and a much sought-after consumer product endorser; her face and persona project quite naturally to a wide audience — from the fashionista to the masa. Who else can peddle expensive South Sea pearls one minute and be seen selling milk the next?

Tweetie began her career as a model in 1982; her first foray into modeling came by way of a Royal Tru Orange TV advertisement at the age of 14. In what would become telling of her future career in modeling, from that soda advertisement she next became the exclusive model of Anne Klein in the Philippines. She effortlessly moved between the worlds of fashion and commercial modeling and made a name in both, becoming the face of Heno de Pravia one year and the Ford Model-Philippines Super Model winner another. She signed up as a Nestlé products spokesperson while gracing the covers of fashion magazines. Along the way, she even ventured into acting, portraying the role of Vic Sotto’s wife in Ok Ka Fairy Ko for six years. She gave up a lucrative career on television in 1996, six months after getting married and becoming pregnant with her first child. She kept a low profile for a few years, concentrating on domestic life. Several years later, she eased her way back into modeling and started her own business making accessories.

Today, she is the proud owner of a thriving accessories business called TdLG (the acronym for her name), the Maldita muse and the beauty ambassador for Pond’s Gold Radiance Facial Care line.

Tweetie is a woman in perpetual motion, always on the go but in clear control of her priorities. Her laser-like focus allows her to perform her roles as a wife, mother, fashion model, product endorser and entrepreneur with much grace, energy and undeniable passion. Despite her achievements, Tweetie is humble and completely unaffected by the fame and fortune that comes with success.

I finally caught up with Tweetie and sat down with her to talk about her modeling career, her family life and TdLG.

PHILIPPINE STAR: Wow, what an amazing career you’ve had as a model and there seems to be no stopping you. To what do you attribute your longevity in the business?

TWEETIE DE LEON-GONZALEZ: While I never considered modeling as my whole life, I always treated it as a serious career. I pride myself in being a consummate professional and I have built very good relationships with the people I have worked with; that is why, perhaps, I am still modeling to this day.

After all these years of modeling, getting married, having children then starting your own business, how have you changed as a person?

You know, when I was young I was impulsive and somewhat self-absorbed. I caused some unnecessary hurt to myself and other people but after I got married and had children, I found order in my life and peace in my heart. I became more mature. I realized what was truly important in life and I became more serious and nurturing, also more secure and self-confident. Having children has taught me to be more patient, sympathetic and forgiving. I can attribute all these wonderful changes to my great marriage with my husband, Mon (Gonzalez).

You and I are two of the few models who exercise regularly and keep fit. Have you always been active? When did you start exercising? Is it part of your lifestyle?

Yes, I’ve always been active; as a young girl I was always outdoors, playing and climbing trees, even roofs! Ironically, I started exercising at the gym at the age of 15 because I had trouble gaining weight. Exercise is an important part of my lifestyle, it helps keep me healthy and makes me feel very good about myself; I can say I am at my best fitness level right now.

Have you ever been overweight outside of pregnancy?

I don’t think so (Laughs). There were times when I was heavier than usual but I have never been overweight.

What is your weekly exercise regimen like?

I play squash thrice a week for two hours each time and I do core training twice a week. I also run on occasion but I am more of a leisurely runner.

Since you take such good care of your body, you must also take very good care of your skin, particularly your face. How do you care for your skin especially now that you’re in your 40’s?

You know, there was a time in my life when I didn’t care and I stayed under the sun for hours at a time without sunblock. In my late 30’s, I became more careful and conscious so I started wearing sunblock every day and limited my sun exposure to as little as possible. To keep my face moisturized and young looking, I use Pond’s Gold Radiance Facial Care; it’s perfect for women our age. In the morning, I wash with the Radiance Revealed Facial Mousse then I apply Youthful Glow Day Cream; at night, I use the mousse again and then dab on the Youth Reviving Eye Cream; I top it off with the Precious Youth Serum. I also visit a dermatologist once a month for a glycolic peel to remove the dead skin cells from my face.

How would you describe your fashion style? Are you a big fan of luxury brands?

My style is clean, relaxed, polished and classic. Honestly, I am not a “must-have” kind of girl. I buy bags, for example, for functionality, not for the brand or because it is the “it” bag. I have the same philosophy with clothes and since I know many good Filipino brands and talented local designers who make fabulous clothes, I have a lot of Filipino labels in my closet. But I also wear mid-priced imported brands.

Are you a saver or a spender?

Most definitely a saver, I’m kuripot!

Do you remember how you spent the money you made from modeling?

I bought a lot of CDs and hobby equipment like a mountain bike and scuba gear; but my first big buy was a car to drive and get me from one modeling assignment to another.

What won’t you be caught dead wearing?

Mommy dusters!

How and when did you get started in the accessories business?

Believe it or not, I got into the accessories business out of boredom, idleness. I had a lot of time on my hands between pregnancies and raising our kids. I could have actually started a business on anything but I received a book from my mother-in-law that taught how to make accessories so I told myself, why not? Afterwards, I took online courses with the Gemological Institute of America for more expert training on gems and accessories making.

About eight years ago my hobby turned into a real business when Rhoda Campos-Aldanese of Rustan’s invited me to open a small outlet in Rustan’s Essenses-Makati. Now I have one in Essenses-Alabang as well and I consign to Myth-Greenbelt 5; I also started exporting my accessories in 2006.

Which do you enjoy more, modeling or making accessories?

Each one gives me a different kind of satisfaction; modeling instilled discipline in me plus it opened many doors of opportunity for me. Making accessories satisfies my creative side because it constantly pushes and challenges my artistic limits.

Who would you say were the biggest influences on you as a model?

In case you don’t remember, Tetta, you taught me how to walk! Wanda Louwallien trained me very well, too. Ogee Atos and Jackie Aquino showed me that friendship does not have to get in the way of a professional relationship.

(For the record, I do remember Tweetie; it was during the “Adopt a Model” program of the PMAP that we taught junior models how to walk the runway).

Who is one celebrity you would like to meet and chat with?

Roger Federer!

Who is Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez in three words?

Three only? Kulang. Can I add? I am intuitive, loyal, sympathetic and emotional. I am also diplomatic and moody. According to my son, I am kind, generous and smart but that’s probably because it’s Christmas!

Do you have a vice or a pet peeve?

(Mulling the question intently) “Vice”? Does Facebook count? (More serious thinking…) “Pet peeve”? Smoke belchers, I hate them with a passion!

What do you consider the biggest turnoff in a man? A woman?

Arrogance in a man and need to gossip in a woman.

Is there something else you would like to do that you haven’t done yet?

Lots! I want to learn how to sail, travel to Bhutan, go back to Europe this time with my kids and learn how to do a cartwheel!

What is your current state of heart and mind?

Grateful, lucky and blessed. My life is peaceful and perfect.

* * *

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez is the kind of woman you would love to hate because she is gorgeous, talented and stylish, and she seems to have everything. But you simply can’t because, pardon the cliché, but she truly is beautiful inside and out. And that is what designers, advertisers and consumers see and feel in her: the total package; a good-natured person wrapped in a fit and healthy body, beribboned with a mesmerizing, radiant face.