Rising Star

MANILA, Philippines – A woman is meant to shine when she takes the universe’s lifelong lessons to heart.

Miss Philippines Earth-Eco Tourism 2014 Monique Teruelle Manuel’s inherent love for learning and positive outlook in life allow her to function at her best. “There’s definitely more to life. Everything is an act of appreciation because once you appreciate the things around you, everything else will unfold,” says Monique, who graduated with honors from the Assumption College with a degree in Psychology. She is a licensed psychometrician.

The daughter of safety engineer Manuel P. Manuel and former accountant Teresa Manuel, 25-year-old Monique is thankful for the invaluable lessons her parents imparted to her. “I witnessed my father’s struggles as an OFW in Qatar and with that, he made me learn the value of sacrifice. The universe will grant you what you want and need for the sacrifice you have done especially for your family,” Monique shares. “From my mom, I’ve learned the value of nurturing habits. I believe that women are given a special task to nurture. Everything that I am right now is because of my mom’s nurturing. She sacrificed her career to take care of my two siblings and me. It’s mom who kept the family intact while dad was away for work,” she adds.

Aside from her parents, Monique, with a grateful heart, looks up to Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, the person who granted her full scholarship in the Assumption. It was during a pilgrimage with thousands of youths to Mount Samat in Bataan when Monique met Bishop Soc.

“While walking on the pilgrimage path, it just so happened that Bishop Soc and I walked side by side and exchanged stories. He did not know me personally. He asked me what year was I in. At the time, I was in fourth year high school. He asked if I wanted to be a scholar at an exclusive school for girls in Manila, he told me to take the exam. I was surprised because it’s not every day that an opportunity like that comes along,” she recalls. “I thought Bishop Soc saw something in me that made him give me that opportunity. For that, I will be forever grateful. And through that life-changing encounter, I realized that maybe I was destined to do things extraordinary. Everything was planned for me, I know. That’s why I’m thankful,” shares Monique.

It is through traveling around the Philippines and meeting new people that Monique finds peace. Exploring the beauty of the country gives her a certain rush that opens her eyes to what life has to offer. Her love for travel increased further when she hosted Pinoy Destinations, a travel show that highlights the best tourist destinations around the Philippines on ABS-CBN Global (The Filipino Channel).

“I’m happy when I’m at peace. Whenever I travel, I appreciate life more. When you see how beautiful the country is, I cannot help but exclaim, ‘Thank you for the nature’s wonder, Lord!’” says Monique, an environmental advocate, who supports programs like “Think Twice,” a social media-based environmental awareness campaign.

A TV commercial and print ad model, Monique believes that people’s perception of beauty is constantly changing. “Beauty is you. Gone were the days when beauty is just viewed physically. I believe beauty is also about emotion like the feeling one has after seeing the physical beauty. It shouldn’t be technical,” she notes.

For Monique, it is powerful when a person can deal with life’s different challenges and accepting what the world has to give. “Right now, I am ready to take on new challenges and just never stop learning.”

Proudly embracing her femininity, Monique nurtures her natural beauty with the right products that highlight her best features. With a wide range of easily accessible products by leading local cosmetics brand Ever Bilena in her beauty kit, she is confident in acing her VTRs and go-sees.

“I love makeup! Since I love makeup, I take care of my skin from the inside with a regimen. I also live a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” reveals Monique, an Arhatic Yogi who practices pranic healing. “It’s about the healing of energy and chakras. I believe one also have to cleanse one’s ‘energy body’ to be well and have a good aura.”

When it comes to makeup, Monique believes that one need not spend a lot as long as one knows what fits one’s lifestyle and skin type. “You have to look for products that would really cater to what your skin needs especially with makeup. For me, you should go for a brand that fits your lifestyle, and also budget-friendly like Ever Bilena.”

Ever Bilena Powder Foundation

It works both as a powder and foundation that helps cover skin imperfections and minor blemishes. It blends well on the skin giving a smooth finish. Adding to its benefits is its Vitamin E formulation, which keeps the skin moisturized

Ever Bilena Matic Brow Liner in Earth

It is a longwearing brow liner that allows one to accurately fill in and shape the eyebrows. This Earth shade gives that natural touch of brown for a more youthful look.

Ever Bilena Liquid Dip Liner

This liquid eyeliner provides extra definition to the eyes. Its fine applicator allows one to easily outline the eyes for a smudge-free look.

Ever Bilena Thicklash Mascara

This mascara is great for adding volume to the eyelashes.

Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Love That Red

This lipstick is made to give the lips that velvety finish. It has ingredients that keeps the lips moisturized. Try the well-loved Love That Red for that elegant look.

Photography by Rita Marie • Styling by Edrelyn Santos • Makeup and hairstyling by Ever Bilena • Sheer top and faux leatherette top both by Forever 21 (forever21.com);

earrings and necklaces by Sfera, SM Makati