Reality TV Worth Watching!

BELO BEAUTY 101

Did you catch the premiere of “Belo Beauty 101” last Sunday, May 20^th on TFC? While I admired the cutting-edge production values, I have to say that the most outstanding aspect of it was its goal to educate and create more awareness about why people make a decision to change or enhance their bodies.

I really feel it is a personal decision an individual of legal age need to make for him or herself.

The pilot episode of “Belo Beauty 101” followed the case of comedic actress Beverly Salviejo. In a recent press conference held here in Los Angeles, Dr. Vicki Belo talked a little bit about how much Beverly’s situation moved her, as it did me when I watched that episode. (Please watch the video of the press conference in the next item on this blog)

Even as a successful working actress Beverly carried insecurities of feeling “ugly” because of the highly noticeable acne scars on her face.

The Belo Medical Group performed on Beverly this procedure called stem cell auto-grafting (SCAG) for facial scars and blepharoplasty or laser eyebag removal.

And the results were astounding! While it may not be the end-all in curing all insecurities that Beverly has, hopefully she can be a step closer to having more confidence in her face-to-face dealings with people.

“Belo Beauty 101” is riveting television. Future episodes will feature actor John Estrada on his hydrogel butt enhancement, sexy stars Joyce Jimenez and Katrina Halili on Smart Lipo, “Eat Bulaga” host Toni Rose Gayda on Thermage, Lorna Tolentino on Fraxel, Ara Mina on Lipo Lite.

Don’t forget to tune-in and witness the amazing before and after stories.

Not only does “Belo Beauty 101” feature celebrities, it also promotes medical tourism to the Philippines.

Dr Vicki Belo is a strong proponent of this effort because she really believes in our country’s potential to be the next beauty capital in Asia.

“Belo Beauty 101” promotes tourism by highlighting unique locations or events in the country that tourists can flock to.

The 30-minute program airs every Sunday, 10:30pm on TFC.

For feedback or inquiries, TFC viewers can call 1-800-8BELOMED (1-800-8-2356633) or e-mail beauty101@belomed.com.

Or you can also send your inquiries to me at monet@monetsalon.com.

***

We are still accepting applications in the search for the 2007 Miss US-Philippines Expo.

Candidates must be single females between 18 to 25 years of age, with Filipino ancestry. Contenders will be judged according to intelligence, talent, personality and looks.

To obtain a copy of the official application form and the complete list of requirements, please send an email to projectmanager@eventsbymonet.com or call 818.687.1042.

Winners of this year’s pageant will receive a cash prize and an array of exciting gifts, not to mention the honor and prestige of training under professional beauty pageant coaches.

Take advantage of this opportunity to be the next “IT” girl!

**The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19^th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dreams of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.

ESI presents Belo Beauty 101 Press Conference

Congratulations to Mayor Marides and Senator Manny!

Good people still finish first! I’m delighted that two of my all-time favorite Philippine leaders won their reelection bid from the recent May 14 polls.

Congrulations to Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando and Senator Manuel Villar. No two people could have deserved this victory more.

I had the opportunity to visit with these two charismatic leaders during my recent homecoming to the Philippines this past February.

Mayor Marides -- I’ve been singing this lady’s praises ever since I witnessed for myself the remarkable things she has done and continues to do for my very own Marikina.

I grew up in Marikina and I do have a credible frame of reference from how it used be as compared to how it’s been since the Fernandos took over.

You can see and feel the difference when you enter the city limits of Marikina coming from another town. It’s won awards for its cleanliness and love for the environment.

From what was widely perceived as a dirty town, Marikina made the transformation to being the sophisticated metropolis that it is now.

The country's shoe capital owes this dramatic change in large part to the Fernandos--newly re-elected Marikina Mayor Marides and her husband Bayani before her.

I consider Marides to be one of the most effective women leaders of the country. She runs a pretty tight ship.

She has a determination that just brings out the best in everyone; in her staff, her constituents, her colleagues in public leadership, and not to mention her family.

Mayor Marides is the woman behind a very respected and successful man, MMDA chairman Bayani.

I’m happy to announce that Mayor Marides is heading to Los Angeles this coming August 4-5 to participate in the cultural heritage showcase during the US-Philippines Expo 2007 at the Fairplex, Pomona. She will represent all the Marikeños in featuring the history of the Philippine pride: Marikina-made shoes.

I’m very excited about this expo event being organized by the R-Page group (www.r-page.com). Stay tuned!

Senator Manny – I feel a familiar sense of kinship with this brilliant public servant. His is an inspiring story of success that started from the lowest ranks.

It reminds me of my very own struggles growing up. Senator Manny was born in Tondo to a family with simple means.

He spent long hours after school working at the wet market to sell fish and shrimp just so he can support his own education.

I remember a time in my life when I sold goods at the palengke when my own family was strapped for cash.

Senator Manny honed is entrepreneurial skills at an early age. His enterprising mind paved the way for bigger things in his life.

Meeting him personally a couple of months ago was a humbling experience. He is very accommodating and sincere.

Most of all, being in his presence reminded me just how important it is to never give up on your dreams. Because if you really reach for them, sky’s indeed the limit.

Again, I say congratulations to Mayor Marides and Senator Manny. They make me proud to be Filipino.

I hope the recent elections bore great leaders who truly love our country. Mabuhay and Pilipinas!

*The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dreams of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.

The Healthier Way to a Fairer Skin

Remembering Nanay

A SALUTE TO ALL MOTHERS

It’s been four years since my beloved mother, Catalina Francisco Lu, passed away. In my heart, I always celebrate not only Mother’s Day but everyday to honor her memory.

I still feel the pain of loss when I remember how much her physical presence uplifted me. I don’t think the longing to spend even just one more day with her is ever going to go away. She was my pillar of strength and inspiration.

During times of uncertainty and turmoil, my mother was there to make sense of the situation. She would often compare me to a kalabasa (squash) because I would always work myself to the ground, so to speak. She’d say that while I toiled and crawled, the fruits got left behind. Gapang daw ako ng gapang, pero naiiwan naman ang bunga.

She would say that to me over and over again. Eventually, I got the message. To this day, I still live my life trying to heed her words. She really provided me a lifetime’s worth of advice.

My fondest memories of my mother were our alone times together. I used to take her to movies and concerts. She loved going to concerts so much. Her favorite was Ms Nora Aunor. As much as she loved Nora, I think she was also one of Nora’s most transparent critics.

She was wheelchair-bound in the latter years of her life but even then, she had the most dramatic way of showing people how she felt. In one of Nora’s concerts, she turned her wheelchair opposite the stage when she didn’t like the song or performance. Witnessing this was amusing but at the same time, I realized how much I resemble my mother in this aspect. Because I am the same way when I don’t particularly like a performance. I like spending my time wisely so I just walk out when I don’t like a show.

Another memory that stands out in my mind is how my mother performed the balancing act very well. She had 11 children but she managed to shower us with the same amount of love and attention. Each of the 11 children in the Lu household received equal treatment from Nanay.

It’s true what they say, that mothers know best. Iba talaga ang pagmamahal ng isang magulang, especially mothers. Their love is unconditional.

Mother’s Day is very special to me, even if my mother is not around anymore.

To those whose mothers are still with you, I urge you to take advantage. Tell your mother that you love her everyday. I did. That’s why I feel at peace that I didn’t have any unfinished business as far as my mother is concerned. I served her well down to the last second of her life on earth.

All of you whose Moms are still alive, constantly show them how much they mean to you.

To all the mothers, I salute you! You are the true heroes. You give so much of yourselves to your children that there’s hardly anything left for you.

To all the sons and daughters, even if Mother’s Day is over after this weekend, let’s cherish mothers every single day. They deserve it.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Nanays out there!!!

Monet Salon Expansion To Las Vegas -- COMING SOON!

A Woman With A Mission

MS LYDIA F SORIANO

The adage “silent waters run deep” reminds me of one remarkable woman who prefers to remain out of the spotlight despite the great things she’s been doing for the Fil-Am community in Southern California.

I consider her one of my Leading Ladies in our beautiful community and her name is Lydia F. Soriano.

I met Lydia through a mutual friend during my Reflections Awards/Fashion Show a while back. My first impression was, this woman is every inch a Filipina – very proper, soft-spoken and gracious. When you dig deeper, you’ll find she’s also very accomplished. She’s been a long-standing Fil-Am community leader and member of different organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, Valley Vote in San Fernando Valley, Monarch Lions Club, PHILSELA, San Fernando Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce, the Kalayaan of Southern California Inc (KOSCI) and many other groups.

Currently, she is the President and Overall Chairperson of the major event that will commemorate the 109^th Philippine Independence Day in the greater Los Angeles area dubbed as “Kalayaan 2007” being presented by KOSCI.

Kalayaan 2007 is a huge undertaking. As an event producer myself, I know that organizing even just one event takes a lot of time and effort. But the indefatigable Lydia Soriano, and her KOSCI team and supporters, are actually holding several main events happening simultaneously to celebrate the 109^th Philippine Independence. The Kalayaan 2007 celebration entails the Gala Night, the Coronation & Awards, the Sportsfest, and the Expo and Carfest (For more info, please visit www.koscinc.com)

I asked Lydia to say a few words about this major endeavor that she has embarked upon. But the self-effacing Lydia rarely wants to talk about herself. Instead, she touted community effort as the force behind the success of Kalayaan.

On why she has taken on the job as overall chairperson of one of the biggest cultural celebrations in California, Lydia says it’s all for the spirit of unity. And this spirit, she says, is very much alive based on the overwhelming support that Kalayaan has been receiving from the community.

I probed Lydia on how she overcomes struggles. She stated that “communication and understanding” are important in surmounting challenges.

I also asked her what message she wants to impart to the Fil-Am community. So far, I think this is my favorite quote from her: “Give chance for change.” She suggests the observance of a 10-minute silence to reflect if any change is necessary, and then move on from there…

Lydia told me she doesn’t believe in obstacles. She prefers not to dwell on negativity and chooses to stay focused on moving forward.

On her motto in life, Lydia says it’s “be happy all the time.” Now who wouldn’t want to draw some inspiration from this admirable woman?

I know I have. And I hope that you have too.

To Lydia, I wish you mabuhay! in carrying out the mission and goals of Kalayaan. Kudos also to the entire KOSCI team, volunteers and supporters for this major undertaking.

I request everyone to please support Kalayaan 2007. The main events will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on June 9-10. For more info, please call Lydia Soriano (562) 809-1995 or Noel Omega, (818) 605-4417. Or you may also email me at monet@monetsalon.com and I will gladly forward all your inquiries to KOSCI.

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

*The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19^th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dreams of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.