Beautiful inside and out
MANILA, Philippines – Crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas in 2007 after besting 29 equally gorgeous ladies, Anna Morelos believes that what makes a person beautiful is when she does, feels and says beautiful things and inspires others to do the same. “Beauty is in the good things that ones does — the way one understands, trusts, loves and cares for a person,” asserts Anna.
Looking back, Anna, 20, shares that it was not at all easy to bag the coveted crown. But she recalls her experiences in the beauty competition with much joy. “The Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant was one of the most formative experiences that I have had. It is very special to me because it was my first national title,” she says, adding, “I swayed my way to the pageant, tried my luck and I was blessed to bag the title and crown every beauty queen aspirant dreams of.” Anna furthers that meeting other ladies who had the same goal of getting a beauty title was the most memorable for her. “We had some contestants from Filipino communities abroad so we were pretty much a mix of cultures. Yet we have come together as one to promote peace, goodwill, friendship and Philippine tourism.”
Her winning the title opened doors of opportunities for this statuesque and svelte young lady. For one, she was able to travel around the Philippines to help promote tourism. Anna says, “It gives me so much pride to take part in promoting our tourism. I’ve been to a number of places and countries. But I can say that it is in the Philippines that I’ve seen many wonderful things — the views, cities, countryside, different lifestyles and the people.”
Ana is a simple woman who finds bliss in simple things. “Art is my passion,” she muses. “If words fail me, my art piece speaks. It’s my way of expressing myself.” Anna, who is also dedicated to constantly learning things through traveling, was also into sports when she was in school. She revealed that she played both basketball and volleyball.
“Mutya definitely made me a better person. It brought out the best in me and developed my confidence,” says Anna, who is an endorser and model for cosmetics company Ever Bilena. She maintains her whistlebait figure through regular exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle. “I wash my face regularly and make sure that I drink at least eight glasses of water a day,” she reveals. “But most of all, a positive outlook in life makes me more beautiful inside and out.”
Anna believes that when it comes to everyday makeup, the “less is more” rule should be applied. Her daily makeup must-haves include brown eyeliner, cheek blush and a bit of lip gloss. “I am thankful to have found a beauty partner in Ever Bilena because its line of makeup products is really something that can compete with other foreign brands. As with tourism, I believe that we should support our own,” Anna concludes.
Photography by John Darilag • Styling by Ira Mata • Hair and makeup by Arman Mista for Ever Bilena • Long gown by Tango (Glorietta 3) and earrings, stylist’s own • Jacket, shirt and shorts by Details (Power Plant Mall) • Sleeveless overcoat by Tango and metallic leggings by Details • Mesh bag and black purse, stylist’s own
