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This summer, the sun burns hotter than usual, which is why many of us are looking for ways to cool down and relax. Some people take chances in life hacks like creating homemade cooling pads and making ice-cold smoothies to fight against the 40-degree temperature. But sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to just plunge into the water.
Whether you’re planning to go on a quick beach getaway with friends or a weekend resort outing with family, there will always be picture-taking here and there – so, better make sure your swimsuit outfits are giving hot girl summer! If you’re looking to get yourself a new swimwear, The Beat Manila team has compiled the best local swimwear brands you can check out.
Swimwear brands with different coverage options? Yes, please! Whether you’re looking for two-piece bikinis with sleeves, skirt-like bottoms, or one-piece swimsuits that look like a dress or a romper, Sew Local is the perfect option. Talk about bikinis that fit like a glove, their bikinis are handmade and customizable! Loved by many women, including the one and only Julia Barretto.
Girlies who love all things dainty, this one’s for you! Stay elegant even when swimming in the sea or sunbathing by the poolside with Eight Mermaid’ bikinis. With cute little ribbons, ruffles, and lettuce trims, their pieces scream ADORABLE! They have dress-like swimsuits that give off a vintage, 1940s vibe. Think: Rachel McAdams in The Notebook, need we say more?
Looking for basic swimwear that is wardrobe malfunction-proof? We got you. Made for the athletic and active beachgoers, Agos Surf offers cute bikinis that are surf-friendly! They produce high-quality pieces that can even double as gym wear. Apart from all the cute pieces, they release sustainable collections like the Eco Tri-Sport Bikini and Flow With Soul from time to time – both of which are made with plastic bottles, recycled fishnets, and polyester fabric.
Simple yet fashionable – that’s what Float Swimwear offers. Popular for chic pieces that flatter all body types, the brand makes it possible for women to enjoy the waters while celebrating their shapes and curves. Strut the beachside with their pieces that double as dresses or swimsuits that hug your body in the most beautiful way!
Flaunt your hard work to achieve that beach bod with gorgeous and trendy bikinis from Helen Piece this summer. Seen worn by Criza Taa and Maureen Wroblewitz, the brand is also popular among local celebrities and influencers for their sexy cutouts and elegant silhouettes in an array of colors and prints. In short, they have Instagram-worthy swimsuits!
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The fashion industry is notorious for being wasteful. Around 92 million tonnes of fashion waste is produced globally every year, further aggravated by the rise of fast fashion. Should its popularity continue, experts estimate that waste produced could soar to 132 million tonnes a year by 2030.
The fashion industry is also responsible for a significant portion of global water wastage, as it takes 2,700 liters
of water to produce one cotton shirt. To add to that, approximately 35% of all primary microplastic pollution in the ocean is believed to come from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, all of which are used by the fashion industry to produce clothing.
While saddening, these statistics are often hidden from the ordinary consumer – and those who are aware of it may not necessarily choose to prioritize responsible decision-making.
“Plenty of customers lean towards responsible fashion but by the end of the day, accessibility and affordability will always be the first option for [many],” shared Yong Davalos.
Yong, a Filipino fashion designer based in Manila, is both an entrepreneur and an advocate. Her designs vary in style and for occasion though she is most well-known for her work as founder of Yong Studio and Tayo Studio.
A design by Yong Davalos | Courtesy of Yong Studio
Through her time spent in fashion – both in retail and as a designer for her eponymous line – Yong has become a vocal advocate for responsible fashion.
“I became inspired to change industry norms when I was exposed to the reality of workers during the beginning of my career in fashion retail,” she shared.
While Yong hesitates to expound, it’s no secret that the fashion industry can be cruel to its laborers. The modern fashion supply chain – particularly for fast fashion brands – prioritizes speed and efficiency to drive huge profit margins; workers often take on the brunt of this sacrifice, working for low wages but providing companies with plenty of profit.
To ensure that her brand veers away from such exploitative practices, Yong makes sure to put “responsible fashion” at the heart of her company’s philosophy. The designer takes on a holistic approach to creating clothes, focusing on eco-conscious solutions and humane labor practices.
“We use as much deadstock materials as possible and care for how clothes are being manufactured,” Yong shared. “We make sure that the people behind the clothes are properly compensated under good working conditions. We’d like to think of our company as not just a business but a social enterprise.”
Yong Davalos designs and manufactures consciously | Courtesy of Yong Studio
But there’s a problem: as much as Yong advocates for the cause, she also realizes the contradictory dichotomy of today’s society. Known as the “intention-behavior gap,” researchers have noted that consumers may care about sustainable ideals and ways of thinking, but that in itself does not lead to sustainable buying habits. A good example of this is how Gen Z – those born between 1997 to 2012 – care deeply about issues relating to climate change and social justice. Yet, they also drive the popularity of brands such as Shein and Temu, both of which market cheap, trendy clothes that appeal to demographics online.
“Conscious consumers are usually well-educated, people who really care for the environment. However, those who support brands like Shein may also be well-educated but just ignore that it’s ruining our environment for the sake of fashion fits,” commented Yong.
While it’s difficult to convince shoppers – especially those on a budget – to change their habits, the good news is that designers like Yong are offering people alternatives. Sometimes, accessibility becomes a barrier to smart shopping but with brands such as Yong Studio, Yong manages to reach people who appreciate what she offers.
A design by Yong | Courtesy of Yong Studio
As the brains behind the brand, Yong described her designs for Yong Studio as “hyperfeminine.” Designs with ruffles, ruching, and straps are plentiful and come in bright, dynamic colors. Though Yong herself often dresses in casual, utilitarian, and street-inspired clothing, her studio fixates on the bohemian, the feminine, and the flowy.
“I design for our cult following, the sophisticated and feminine consumers,” the designer shared. “I think our brand is always evolving conservatively when it comes to new designs but we make sure to keep true to the core of hyperfemininity and timelessness.”
In 2025, Yong continues her mission to offer responsible fashion for those who desire a more conscious wardrobe collection. Her Spring/Summer ’25 Collection is soon to drop, and her current “Westbound: Chapter 2” line (inspired by the Wild West) is selling out fast. “I’m also exploring international expansions for Yong Studio,” she revealed.
Check out Yong Studio's catalog via their website and follow them on Instagram.
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If you’ve been looking for your go-to "it" shoes for this year, then you might want to check out the ones from VIVAIA.
You might have seen some of their ads circulating on social media for quite a while now and may have seen some of their pairs worn by Selena Gomez, Ashley Liao, Park Min-young, Lee Joo-young, and Jenna Ortega. But the wait is over because VIVAIA has finally arrived in the Philippines!
Many of VIVAIA’s best-selling styles and options are available at their Pop-Up Store, including the celebrity-favorite Square-Toe Margot Mary Jane, Pointed-Toe Aria Ballet Flats, Square-Toe Margot 2.0 V-Cut Flats, Pointed-Toe Addison Slingback Sandals, and the Round Toe Julie Pro Chunky Heels.
With their shoes starting at the price of P5,979, VIVAIA also carries boots, loafers, unisex sneakers, and bags.
VIVAIA’s pop-up store is located at Level R2, Bridgeway, Power Plant Mall, just by The Grid Food Hall. Make sure to drop by as soon as you can, because VIVAIA’s pop-up store is only open 'til Mar. 31, 2025!
Launched in 2020 in the U.S., VIVAIA is a chic and sustainable brand focusing on “conscious comfort,” with their shoes being made from recycled and eco-friendly materials like PET plastic bottles, sugarcane EVA, and rice husks, all in partnership with Repreve.
VIVAIA is committed to keeping their footwear in style and with intention, taking sustainability to a whole new level. Not only are their shoes made using environment-friendly materials, but they are also created through a low-waste process that sets them apart from traditional shoemakers.
Each pair of VIVAIA’s flats comes with a built-in cushion and is thoughtfully designed for all-day wear. They’re machine washable-friendly too, so you won’t have to worry if you get them soiled by accident!
VIVAIA is available across 61 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and now the Philippines.
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Sundays)
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Caring for yourself doesn’t have to hurt Mother Earth. If you’re looking to be more sustainable – or maybe just looking for affordable alternatives – consider these eco-friendly items you can use to replace ones you already have. Trust us, they’re just as good – if not better – and are kinder for the environment too!
Having your period can be troublesome. If you’re worried about period products limiting your clothing options or mobility, consider switching over to menstrual cups. This option allows you better movement and freedom and is much more environmentally friendly.
A single menstrual cup can be reused for up to two years, creating less waste than traditional sanitary products (most of which are made with synthetic and thereby non-biodegradable material). In the long run, the cost of a single menstrual cup is also much less than two years’ worth of sanitary pads or tampons.
Those who want to try it out can check out Sinaya, a leading menstrual cup brand in the Philippines. With over 40,000 customers, Sinaya has diverted over 8 million sanitary pads from ending up in landfills, and continues to advocate for both sustainability and menstrual freedom.
What do you do with your shampoo bottle after all the shampoo has been used up? For most people, the answer is: to simply throw it away. If you’re feeling a little guilty about that extra waste, then we suggest shifting to shampoo bars. Often packaged in paper, shampoo bars can last just as long as regular shampoos but are a more environmentally friendly option (they also take up less space in your shower!).
A fantastic option for shampoo bars is Ecoshift’s line of naturally made bars. They have a variety of options that cater to different needs such as: sensitive scalp, dandruff care, hair fall defense, color protect, and volumizing. Each bar is also made with delicious smelling ingredients such as tea tree oil, patchouli, clementine oil, and cinnamon.
Waxing and shaving are popular options for hair removal, but if you haven’t tried a crystal hair remover yet, you definitely should. It might change your mind about what your favorite method is.
A crystal hair remover, like the one from Nail Staple, is both a hair remover and an exfoliator. To use, simply rub it gently against the target area (such as legs or arms) in circular motions. While it’s not recommended for use on armpits or the bikini area, it does a fantastic job everywhere else, with zero waste afterward. All you have to do is wash it and let it dry before it’s ready for another session.
Because most cotton buds are made of plastic, there’s a likelihood that the ones you used years ago are still sitting in a landfill somewhere. Fortunately, there are more alternatives these days, among which are bamboo cotton buds, made with earth-friendly materials that are meant to biodegrade.
Eco Warrior’s bamboo cotton buds are made with sustainable bamboo and organic cotton, making them a safe and healthy choice for your ears. Due to their materials, each bud is 100% biodegradable and comes packaged in cardboard, not plastic – proof that small changes make the biggest difference.
Reusable makeup remover pads | Website/The Body Shop
Makeup remover wipes are convenient, but let’s face it, they’re not very eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are reusable options that can be used more than once. Body Shop’s Clean Conscience Reusable Makeup Remover Pads come sold as a set of seven and are made with bamboo and organic cotton. They quickly and effectively absorb makeup removers, oils, and butter to make cleanup that much easier.
After use, soak the pads in warm water to clean any residue, then pop them in the laundry at the end of the week. Voila! They’re ready for use again; no waste is created.
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Bold and experimental. From maxi frames to sleek cat-eye silhouettes, Fall/Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collections were nothing short of fashionable. The season saw a blend of retro revival and futuristic innovation, with tinted lenses, geometric shapes, and luxurious metallics taking center stage.
Before we head on to the Spring-Summer 2025 season, let’s take a look at our best eyewear picks from Fall/Winter 2024-2025 that turn heads for every style.
Sporty: DITA Lancier
Courtesy of DITA Lancier
Designed for optimal vision in any kind of environment — may it be the land, sea, or air, New York-founded brand DITA Lancier’s Fall-Winter 2024 collection is the perfect choice for a sporty style. Aside from its impeccable style, this collection boasts functionality with its advanced lens technology and anti-slip rubber nose pads and temples for utmost comfort.
Our best pick from the collection is the aviator sunglasses LSA-404, which comes in three colorways: the matte crystal gray and black palladium with a grey lens for sea activities; the matte black and white gold with a brown lens for land sports; and the matte black and matte black gun with a green lens for air activities.
DITA Lancier’s FW2024 is available at Vision Express stores nationwide. You can also check it out here.
Classy: Chanel
Photo from Website/Chanel
Keeping it classy? Go for French luxury house Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collection.
Chanel’s FW 2024-25 collection perfectly nails the classy look that never gets old. Take, for example, its rectangle-shaped sunglasses, adorned with golden tweed patterns on the temple, a timeless black frame, and, of course, the brand’s iconic double C logo.
But what really takes center stage in this collection are the Butterfly glasses, which turn heads with their uniquely shaped frame and lenses that mimic that of a butterfly. It comes in blue light glasses and sunglasses variations, depending on your preference.
Dare to be different? With a contemporary and bold take on sunglasses, Parisian luxury brand Dior’s VeryDior M1U sunglasses made its debut at its Winter 2024 show and instantly became a hit with fashion enthusiasts with its edgy look — kind of like what mysterious super spies wear on a mission.
These sunglasses, which take on the shape of a wrap-around frame, boast an avant-garde look with a gold-finish metal Christian Dior signature at the temples and woven patterns at the temple tip. It can also be worn as a headband, combining luxury, style, and functionality in one.
See how Dior’s M1U glasses fit your edgy style here.
Casual-Chic and Streetwear: Versace
Photo from Website/Versace
Have that perfect blend of a casual and chic style like Sabrina Carpenter or aespa’s Ningning, or the swag of NBA player Alexandre Sarr? If you do, Versace’s eyewear should be your go-to.
For Fall-Winter 2024-2025, the Italian luxury designer brand unveiled the 2024 version of their iconic Medusa Biggie glasses, named after the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. The collection features cat-eye-shaped frames, which are perfect for a chic ensemble, while the bold, low-lens-shaped sunglasses give off a cool vibe, perfect for a streetwear-inspired style. Its temples are also equipped with a gold-toned heritage Medusa Medallion for that added luxury and signature Versace identity.
Check out Versace’s new Medusa Biggie eyewear here.
Preppy: Miu Miu
Photo from Website/Miu Miu
If you’re in the mood for something cutesy and preppy, we recommend Miu Miu's Fall-Winter 2024 eyewear collection!
Aside from the usual black and brown lenses, the brand is also popular for their pink and blue-hued lenses, both of which go well with bright-colored fits and girly girl styles. We especially love the Nocturne collection, a reinvention of sporty sunglasses, which also comes in various lens colors.
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Eyes here, bag collectors! House of Littlebunny PH, the Thai bag brand brought to the Philippines by Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu, has finally opened its first-ever showroom in the country!
Located inside the Transorient Maritime Building along Timog Avenue in Quezon City, the new showroom gives walk-in customers a peek into the brand’s collections up close and allows them to purchase in-store.
The showroom also provides customers witha temporaryshopping experience while the brand’s official store is in the works.
In a social media post, the actress explained that the showroom’s opening was inspired by the holiday season. “This decision was inspired by your continuous support and overwhelming requests, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you this holiday season,” the post read.
At the showroom, customers can explore House of Littlebunny PH’s bags and purses, including their signature Bento, Soleil, and Lulu bags, as well as their long wallets and more.
In time for the holiday season, the showroom is also offering HOLB gift cards and gift bags adorned with ribbons — perfect for gifting your loved ones!
Check out House of Littlebunny PH’s collections at their new showroom, open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, or purchase yours via their website. For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Location:House of Littlebunny PH, 3rd Floor, Room 301, Transorient Maritime Bldg. 1, 66 Timog Avenue, Quezon City
Operating hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
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Streetwear has always reflected culture — bold, rebellious, and unapologetically real. As fashion evolves, so does streetwear, expanding to appeal to larger audiences — sometimes to different countries.
Streetwear, as a culture, goes beyond the confines of boundaries, and Southeast Asian brands DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, and Ageless Galaxy
showcase this message through their latest collaboration titled, “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders.”
Unveiled at a dynamic and intimate launch held at the Saikou Bar & Café, the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection exhibits cultures representing the three countries these brands come from — the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia — and their united front of showing what Southeast Asia is all about.
For someone who does not typically wear streetwear, the collection (or streetwear in general) may appear intimidating to try, style, and wear. But you’d be surprised to know that streetwear is one of the trendier fashion styles Filipinos wear daily.
Elements of streetwear can be seamlessly mixed into any kind of wardrobe or aesthetic; you may not even realize that some of your go-to fashion items could even fall under the “streetwear” category.
So, with that in mind, here are a few ways we’d style the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection regardless if your style is streetwear-focused or not — all Philippine/Southeast Asian weather-friendly, of course.
Minimalist
Courtesy of DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, Ageless Galaxy
Minimalist streetwear is already a sub-culture on its own, characterized by sleek lines, monochromatic color palettes, and a more subdued take on graphics. This style combines the aesthetics of streetwear with the simplicity of colors and an eye for versatile pieces.
All T-shirts from the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection all seem too loud to be considered for a minimalist take on streetwear but hear us out. The “National Fruits” tee designed by Ageless Galaxy is the one to go for if you’re looking for a piece that’s not all “in your face” with the design.
Featuring the national fruits from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the shirt is vibrant and rings true to “what Southeast Asia is all about.” To keep with the minimalist aesthetic, pair this top with a polished, plain bottom (whatever you want), layered with a blazer of the same color (or in the same color palette), and a pair of sneakers.
The 90s Era - Grunge
Courtesy of DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, Ageless Galaxy
The 90s were an era filled with a variety of fashion trends, from the carefree and feminine glamour and preppy styles to the rise of grunge fashion and flannel shirts being commonplace, the 90s were an era worth all the nostalgia.
With the fashion trends of the 90s being revived almost every year, streetwear elements can easily find their place with them. The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” tee in Black Sandwash designed by DBTK is your best bet if you’re trying to achieve a mix of grunge and streetwear. The shirt has a “Unity Bridges Culture” print on the left chest and a sun and stars graphic on the right at the front. More symbols for Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines can be seen at the back, all in neon colors.
To give this shirt a grunge twist, pair it with a pair of faded or distressed wide-legged jeans, layered with a plain long-sleeved top inside (of thin material), some fishnet if you feel it, and a pair of combat boots (doesn’t have to be Doc Martens, but us 90s kids will tell you to go for it).
Loungewear
Courtesy of DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, Ageless Galaxy
Most people nowadays want to blend comfort and style in their fashion choices, and loungewear is just the solution. However, this trend isn’t just about putting on outerwear over home clothes, pairing it with trendy sneakers, and calling it a day — it’s about choosing comfy fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and refined basics.
Incorporating streetwear into the mix can seem like a break into the homey vibe that loungewear gives, but it can elevate the look and give it a different mood.
The “Triple Threat” T-shirt designed by Pestle & Mortar Clothing is a good choice for the “loungewear but with some prints” kind of feel. Now, it may look a bit like our minimalist take on streetwear too, but the fabrics and silhouettes are what make these two styles different. The characters symbolizing the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are seen at the front, paying homage to these countries’ cultural unity and craftsmanship.
For a loungewear streetwear look, pair this shirt with a black, relaxed loungewear set and a pair of sneakers with a loud color, and you’re good to go. Being comfy doesn’t mean you have to be slouchy.
Cottagecore
Courtesy of DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, Ageless Galaxy
Wait, what? What do you mean by Cottagecore and Streetwear looking good together?
At first glance, these two fashion styles don’t seem to complement each other; cottagecore is whimsical, nature-inspired, and vintage, whereas streetwear is urban and edgy. However, when you put these two together, they make an unlikely but surprisingly cool pairing. The contrast between the flowy fabrics of cottagecore and the structured element of streetwear creates a new take on “opposites attract” and allows creativity to find its way into fashion.
The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” Coach Jacket is the perfect example of this, with the graffiti-inspired graphics making a bold statement, while still leaving some room for a dynamic look. Perfect for the Southeast Asian weather, this Coach jacket can be dressed up or down, depending on the look you’re going for.
A style tip: Try to match a flowy dress and chunky boots with the Coach Jacket. Make sure to put the jacket as the point piece in your outfit by pairing it with earthy and neutral tones. Plus, accessorize appropriately with the boots and jewelry, of course!
Streetwear as a Personal Statement
Streetwear, like every other fashion aesthetic, is an expression of one’s personality. The logos and graphics on your chosen articles of clothing reflect who you are, what you stand for, and how you want others to perceive you.
Fashion is all about experimenting, collaborating, and breaking boundaries. DBTK, Pestle & Mortar, and Ageless Galaxy showed how streetwear transcends borders, providing a space for cultural appreciation while remaining true to their roots.
The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection is made for anyone, whether you’re a die-hard streetwear fan or prefer a different aesthetic. From clean lines and refined fabrics to bold graphics, fashion can be redefined to reflect how you wear your culture on your sleeve.
Location: Ageless Galaxy Headquarters, Jl. Bangka Raya No. 10, Unit C, Pela Mampang, Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta Selatan 12720, Indonesia
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Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza is booked and busy. With projects left, right, and center, Barbie is one of today’s most sought-after actresses.
With her back-to-back schedules and showbiz appearances, it’s a wonder how Barbie keeps up with her skincare regimen and youthful glow every day. Barbie says it's all because of her commitment to taking time for herself and 9 Young-Basic's newest collagen drink.
In the official launch of 9 Young-Basic's collagen drink, the Gen Z icon shared how she takes care of her skin and how she keeps her vibrant, youthful glow despite her busy schedule.
Courtesy of 9 Young-Basic
During the event, Barbie shared details about the skincare routine she follows religiously. This includes an “everything shower” and skincare products that she’s grown to trust over the years.
“Lagi akong nagte-take ng 'Everything Shower.' I really take my time when I take a shower, kasi parang feeling ko, 'Me Time' 'yun e. Time with myself. Tapos syempre, maarte ako. Ang dami kong nilalagay na kung anu-ano [like] 'yung skincare ko (I always take an 'Everything Shower.' I really take my time when I take a shower because I feel like that’s my 'Me Time.' Time with myself. And of course, I’m nitpicky; I put on a lot of things for my skincare)."
Her daily intake of collagen blends seamlessly with her current skincare routine, which adds on to her youthful glow.
The Beat Manila was able to ask Barbie what advice she could give to people struggling to find a skincare routine that works for them. The short answer? Knowing what your skin needs, staying hydrated, drinking collagen, and wearing sun protection.
She recounted how she also experienced breakouts due to products that weren’t suitable for her skin type, and like everyone else, she tried almost everything that she saw online before finally landing on products and formulating a routine that works specifically for her skin’s needs.
“I guess the best first step before making your skincare routine is to know what your skin needs. That’s where everything comes together. You have to know what your skin type is — if you’re on the drier side or the sensitive side. From there, you can opt for lighter textures of skincare products,” Barbie told The Beat Manila.
Courtesy of 9 Young-Basic
Barbie also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, using moisturizing products, and doing your research before trying anything. “Pero para sa akin kasi, ang pinaka nag-work talaga is staying hydrated. I think 'yun 'yung number one talaga. Kahit anong skin type mo,'yun 'yung kailangan mong i-practice talaga (But for me, staying hydrated was the one that worked the most. I think that’s really number one. No matter what your skin type is, that’s the most important thing to practice). Drink lots of water.”
She added, “And actually it’s encouraging now because we’re normalizing the collagen drink. Because before, if I’m not mistaken, it’s quite intimidating when we hear about collagen drinks. But it’s really safe, it’s healthy, and it really improves your skin health.”
“Actually, I read something; of course, I did my research. Collagen improves our skin elasticity. It even helps reduce cellulites and improves our skin’s texture. Because as we age, we see the signs of aging because our collagen production lessens. So, the fine lines and wrinkles appear, and our skin gets dry faster."
Courtesy of 9 Young-Basic
Beyond her meticulous ways of maintaining her beauty, Barbie also stresses the importance of taking care of oneself from within. According to the actress, doing things that make her happy is what helps her in doing so.
"For me, it's living life to the fullest. Trying different things, [like] travel. Basta 'yung talagang mapasaya mo 'yung sarili mo (Anything that would make you happy), [like unwinding] after a busy schedule,” Barbie told the press.
While the 27-year-old star is seeing success in her acting career, she also confesses that working her way through it is not a walk in the park. Thankfully, her optimistic attitude helps her overcome such challenges, "I admit that sometimes, it's challenging because of the demands and challenges that my job entails. I see to it that I enjoy my job. I always try to see the good in everything, and it really helps when you're friends with your co-workers; the environment on the set is great, so even if I'm tired, I go home happy and fulfilled as an actor."
She also reminds people to prioritize themselves above all things, "Ang trabaho ay trabaho lang (A job is just a job). At the end of the day, sarili mo pa rin ang pinaka importante (you're the most important). You have to really take care and love yourself. If that means taking a break from work to go somewhere, to go on a trip, be with your friends, para lang mawala 'yung stress mo (just to relieve your stress). And again, don't forget to take good care of yourself from within."
If she has one piece of advice on how to be confident, it’s to be aware of your own needs and wants.
"Bago mo masimulang mahalin 'yung sarili mo (Before you start to love yourself), you have to be self-aware. You have to be aware of your needs, your wants, and your desires. But you have to start with yourself. From there, masisimulan mo nang maging (you'll start being) confident, [from] how you address people, how you go on about your day. It all starts with yourself."
Photo by The Beat Manila
Barbie Forteza made her television debut at the age of 12 when she portrayed a young Jodi Reyes for the 2003 GMA remake of the South Korean drama “Stairway to Heaven” and has since gained prominence locally and internationally for her acting prowess.
In 2016, she won the Best Actress Award at the 36th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal for the indie film, “Laut." Most recently, she starred in the historical fantasy portal drama “Maria Clara at Ibarra” as Klay Infantes and currently stars in the historical war drama “Pulang Araw” as Adelina dela Cruz, a vaudeville actress-turned-spy.
Want to live young like Barbie Forteza? Check out 9 Young-Basic's newest collagen drink via TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Shopee.
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