Sarah Geronimo shines

MANILA, Philippines - The girl is all grown up. Sarah Geronimo is a defiant mix of contrasts: a shy, retiring figure, yet a powerful performer. A simple girl living a life most people can only dream of.

Discovered at a young age at a singing competition  she had been shuffled from one contest to another throughout her childhood, her powerful pipes earning her cash prizes that went to supporting her family Sarah presents the appearance of being perennially surprised by her fame and good fortune.

But luck has nothing to do with her success. After winning big bucks at the age of 14 in a star-making show, she quickly released album after album, went on to tour in the US, Canada and Dubai then showed off her acting chops in TV shows and movies. Her film with John Lloyd Cruz was one of the biggest-grossing local productions ever made.

With her voice, wide doe eyes and long, shining mane, she’s become that omnipresent face smiling at you from the TV, looming above you at the intersection from a billboard, staring back at you from the newspaper that young girls model themselves after.

Along with all the success comes a measure of self-confidence, a sheen of sophistication that can be found in her expertly-styled hair, her immaculate ensembles and her discreet designer accessories.

The young girl is now a woman who knows what she wants and how she wants it. Instead of trooping to rehearsals in the celebrity uniform of sloppy tee and jogging pants, she can more often be found in a crisp pair of jeans and flats, her belongings stowed in a Balenciaga purse or LV tote.

She hasn’t quite succumbed to designer everything, though she does sometimes indulge in a pretty piece of frippery when the mood strikes “like Hermes perfume,” Sarah says. Whenever she’s in the US for work, her first shopping stop is a constant: “The outlet stores,” she says, is her favorite place to shop.

Among her favorite local designers “Rajo Laurel and Rhett Eala,” she notes you’ll find a French label or two. “I like Lanvin,” she remarks.

Her latest purchases include Louboutin boots and Lanvin pumps. Though her style has definitely gotten more upmarket, she’s determined to keep life, and her aesthetic, simple.

“Less is more,” Sarah says.

The STAR sat down with the star to get the lowdown on life, the celebrity with the best mane and how she gets her hair looking so shiny.

When are you happiest?

Whenever I’m onstage performing.

When are you saddest?

When I’m alone.

What freaks you out?

The downside of show business.

What is the most rewarding and challenging thing about work?

The applause of the audience, doing your best in every project.

How do you recharge after an especially long day?

Listening to my favorite songs.

Your favorite off-duty activity?

Bonding with family and playing with my dogs.

What are you currently working on?

A TV series.

How would you describe the direction you’re heading in musically?

Now I can say that I have finally recognized my own style and musicality.

Artists whose career you want to  emulate?

Beyonce, MJ, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. They were able to maintain their status in the music industry.

How did you wear your hair as a kid?

I had long, straight hair.

As a performer you’ve had a lot of hairstyles. That can’t be healthy for your hair.

Although I have fun in concert, my hair feels stressed after a performance because of the sweat, products, etc.

How do you prefer to wear your hair?

Straight and long so it’s easy to manage and looks clean.

You met haircare expert Teddy Charles recently. What was your impression of him?

I found him professional and nice and very knowledgeable on different types of hair.

What did he do to your hair?

He styled it. He also taught me things that my hair needs and how I should take care of it.

Having met a hair expert, what have you learned about your hair that you didn’t know before?

That you can’t just use any kind of shampoo. You really need to know your hair type before you can select the right product for your hair. From Yuko, I learned that friction is very bad for hair, so there’s a right way to towel dry your hair.

Is there a celebrity whose hairstyle you’d like to emulate?

Sandra Bullock for her simplicity.

For women who’d like to have hair like yours but can’t afford a celebrity stylist, what do  you recommend?

Because it’s made with hair experts around the world, it’s like having an expert do your hair every time you use Sunsilk. And it’s important to drink a lot of water and eat the right food. Also, you should find a hairstyle that enhances the shape and features of your face.