In the 21st century, women empowerment has transformed and created a new concept of beauty. Beyond skin deep, what used to be a personal ritual from centuries ago has now become an integral part of contemporary lifestyle. Working women of all ages, encompassing all fields and industries, have adopted the art of beautification into their day-to-day lives.
In the Philippines, Filipinas are welcoming and living this way of life. Leading the country into this progressive new age is renowned institution of beauty in the country — the Facial Care Centre (FCC). Understanding the demands of every woman of today, the byword in the world of skincare, has gathered five prominent Filipinas who are successes in their own fields and exemplify the current concept of beauty and standard of living. These exceptional women namely Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Agot Isidro, Giselle Tongi, Stephanie Zubiri and Shalani Soledad-Romulo are influential in their respective area of expertise and represent the voice of the modern Filipina.
Amina Aranaz-Alunan
Amina Aranaz-Alunan wears many hats —mother, wife and businesswoman. She admits to having a crazy schedule but is quick to say that she manages very well.
As an FCC client since 2000, Amina also knows how to pamper herself. On days when she wants to relax, she goes to FCC for her facial to keep her skin forever young-looking. “The Diamond Peel is the best.” She also avails herself of the magical LaserLight.
Amina embraces the fact that she is now in her thirties. “When in your thirties, you are more sure of yourself, more confident.” She becomes more confident about herself because her husband Rafa always tells her, “ Oh, you’re so beautiful,” no matter how she looks. “For my husband, it’s like I can do no wrong. He always tells me that he loves my soft, smooth skin.”
Amina says FCC is like a family to her already. “It knows how to take care of me,” says the beautiful bag designer. “Facial Care makes my skin look fresh and glowing. And, well, should I say young?
More than anything else, Amina says Facial Care makes her feel loved. “You know, it makes me feel like I have a license to take care of myself and love myself.”
Shalani Soledad-Romulo
Shalani Soledad-Romulo enjoys many things in her life — that of being a wife to Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, being the No. 1 councilor of Valenzuela City and being a TV host for TV5.
“Being married is fun! It’s nice to know that when you go home, there’s someone at home you can talk to — you have your best friend, your boyfriend, your husband all rolled into one. It’s good to know that you have kakampi no matter what,” says Shalani.
She also enjoys her job as a public servant and a TV host because “I get to interact with many people and somehow affect their lives in a good way.”
For her beauty treatments, Shalani says she has been going to Facial Care for two years now.
“Treatments-wise, FCC brings in the latest technology and treatments that make Filipino women more beautiful. It’s nice to be a part of a family that is innovative and at the same time, it also takes care of my natural beauty,” she says.
Aside from her regular facial treatments, Shalani avails herself of OptiLight to clear her blemishes. This treatment makes her skin clear and rosy.
Giselle Tongi-Walters
Giselle Tongi-Walters relishes her life in the Philippines now, more relaxed compared to the one she lived in the States. She enjoys her role as wife to Tim and mother to their two very young kids Sakura and Kenobi.
When not busy with her fulfilling commitments at home, Giselle can be found at the set of ABS-CBN teleserye Aryana two to three times a week. Aside from acting and modeling, she also has the passion for producing films. Just recently, she finished her first documentary film titled The Basco Balikbayan Project.
With the many things that she does every single day, Giselle knows how to take time for herself. Recently, she was asked to become the newest endorser of Facial Care.
“I feel very privileged to be one of the endorsers because the women who represent Facial Care are all women of substance. Not only are they all beautiful, they’re also very accomplished in their own merits,” she says.
Giselle says she is excited to find out more about Facial Care Centre’s non-invasive treatments because “I’m a big believer in preventive maintenance for keeping your skin healthy. I’m excited about all the things I can do without having to surgically enhance myself.”
Agot Isidro
When actress Agot Isidro is not busy with her showbiz commitments, she’s normally found in the gym doing her fitness routine. Or if she’s not there, she is at Facial Care Centre having her facial treatments.
Agot says she’s not afraid to tell people her real age — 46. But many times she gets many compliments that she doesn’t look her age. She goes for beauty treatments but she does not like them invasive.
“That’s why I like Facial Care. It’s non-surgical. The treatments I avail myself of — like ReFirme — delay the aging process. They do not change the way I look. For me, it’s important that when I look in the mirror, I still see myself,” says Agot, an FCC client since 2008.
Agot is also all praises about the Collagen Facial because it makes her skin feel velvety. It makes her appear “pretty even if I don’t wear makeup.”
She says what makes her more beautiful is her being a positive thinker. “I always see the good in people and it makes me feel good about myself.”
Stephanie Zubiri
Stephanie Zubiri started her “love affair” with Facial Care Centre in 2011. Since then, it has been a beautiful affair between her and FCC.
“For me, I do like that Facial Care Centre treatments are non-surgical. And the treatments are more about overall maintenance than a drastic change,” says Stephanie, who keeps herself busy with her catering business. She also maintains a weekly column in The STAR.
Stephanie says that any treatment at FCC is an investment. She swears by the effectiveness of the hair removal treatment called Laserlight. “I don’t have to shave my legs anymore. It’s great!”
“For my skin, for a chef like me, I’m always exposed to a hot environment with a lot of steam and oil. So availing myself of Diamond Peels makes my pores really clean, and my skin, clearer,” she says.
Stephanie says she loves FCC because it promotes acceptance of oneself. It brings out one’s natural beauty and helps one enhance it all the more.
“Taking care of yourself is not a one-time thing. It’s a regular thing. You get that at Facial Care Centre,” she concludes.