The return of the supermodel

MANILA, Philippines - You’ll know Alexandra Escat is in the room when you notice the number of heads that turn. There will be the requisite oohs and aahs, of course, but there’ll also be some chin rubbing going on, indicating bewilderment towards the girl.

It isn’t too far from when Spanish-Filipina Alex returned to Manila after a five-year-or-so absence due to a self-discovering sojourn in Madrid. The brands have come knocking, since then, the tower of bloom being whisked from shoot to shoot.

In a world where everyone looks and feels generic, Alex Escat is her own woman. She is confident, compassionate, and is a lover of life, love, and has a lust for all things beautiful and pure. When you meet her, you realize why she transcends race and distance. She may be jetting off some place else soon, but that divine presence of hers will still be felt, of course, considering the TV commercials she shot while here on break could have her beguiling face beaming from it.

While she’s here, though, she chooses to play Cupid alongside Steph Zubiri as they set up their own soiree: Cupid’s Tropical Masquerade, held last night. The reason is one to love: “I’ve been single for quite some time... and I’m loving it!” But more than appearing at parties and events, the private Alexandra is as candid as can be. “I miss those times when modeling was modeling, “referring to those times when models sold covers and bewildered the masses. Part of her portfolio are covers from fashion forward Preview and society staple Philippine Tatler and her travails around the world span Miami to Milan to Dubai to London to Porto Cervo to Paris to Zurich — in all 23 years of her young life!

Her zest for life is invigorating, as her life's mantra is. “The unexamined life is not worth living,” said Socrates. “The uneventtful life is not worth having,” said Alex Escat with a wink.

Alex Escat’s mood playlist

When I wake up, I listen to... BBC. I watch TV first thing in the morning

The song that I sing in the shower is... I don’t sing I just hum.

While having breakfast, the song I’m humming to is... I don’t sing or hum when I eat— that’s rude!

In the car, on my way to work, the radio is playing... House music.

At work, my mind is tuned to... any upbeat music that gets me into work mode.

On lunch break, I can hear... the person I’m eating lunch with.

Back at work, my motivational soundtrack is... more upbeat. Ibiza dj more chill, very happy matinee space.

Merienda time, I groove to... Alicia Keys and Amy Winehouse.

After 5, the best chillout tune for me is... anything from Aqua Lounge, Ananda Hotel, Arte of Barcelona and Barcelona Night.

Dinner tastes better with the sound of... classical music.

To get the night started, I play... Kylie Minogue’s Fever album

To get me in a party mood, I play DJ to the sound of... Ibiza beats and Manolet Dario.

I embark on a sweet dream journey listening to... Buddha Bar and Nirvana Lounge.