Master Wedding Photographer:

MR ANDY TECSON

For as long as I have been doing wedding makeovers, there’s one gentleman who has long been capturing weddings splendidly through his photographic lenses. That man is none other than Mr. Andy Tecson, master photographer.

As an event planner, I tell my clients that one of the most crucial decisions they have to make is choosing a professional photographer who can capture the essence of the occasion they are celebrating. Of course, there a lot of good photographers out there but it takes a special kind of something to be able to build a quick relationship with a photographic subject so that the latter is comfortable posing for the camera.

Subok ko na talaga ito si Andy. We have done so many weddings together. The chemistry is there already. While I’m tasked with making the brides beautiful, his is to make sure that everyone remembers this for generations to come through his wonderful, elegant portraits.

Among the weddings we have done together include the nuptials of Lorna Legaspi, Rosanna Ramos-Guintu, Marie Tan-Nolasco Labid, Miriam Chui-Ireton, and the bride of Atty. Aquino, among others. All these brides really sparkled like diamonds during their special day and thanks to Andy, this memory will be fresh in their minds because of the photographs.

Andy has had 45 years experience in photography. He was first trained by his potrait-painter father, Lauro Tecson, a protégé of the great Philippine National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.

Besides being a photographer for , Andy is also an accomplished financial and estate planning consultant. Andy is also a talented musician who skillfully plays the violin, guitar and mandolin.

Andy Tecson is indeed one of the Fil-Am community’s Leading Men. Mabuhay ka Andy!

If you want to learn more about Andy’s work, please feel free to email me at monet@monetsalon.com.

I hope everyone had a great and safe 4^th of July celebrations!

The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also the 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 dream of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com, or call 213.216.4923.

Ruffa After The Storm

Time and time again, my good friend Ruffa Gutierrez has proven that you can’t put a good woman down.

By now, everybody has probably heard about her messy breakup from her Turkish ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas. And I’m sure a lot of people have their own opinions about the domestic dispute and other issues that have branched out as a result of them.

As someone close to Ruffa, I was witness to her personal struggles. I first met her when she was a 15-year-old girl with her mom Annabelle. Even then, I viewed her as a kind-hearted and nice person.

Over the years, Ruffa and I forged a tight bond that can only be built by sharing common experiences. I’m close to the Gutierrez family because we’ve been present in each other’s lives in both low and high points.

Back then, I was just bouncing back from a turbulent career/financial crash when the Gutierrez family was also trying to start a new life here in Los Angeles. We went through the same challenges as we tried to reinvent our lives.

I vividly remember picking up the Gutierrez family (Eddie, Annabelle, the twins, and Ruffa) from the Royal Hotel in my beat-down station wagon. Siksikan talaga kami sa kotse on our way to my salon on Beverly Blvd.

I would give them haircuts. We would share a humble meal of fried galunggong and rice that we ate with our bare hands. Afterwards, I would drive them back to their hotel. Those were simpler times!

Ruffa went on to become a sought-after actress and international beauty queen but she would still come back to the states, where she enjoyed relative anonymity, away from the maddening crowd and chismis.

I saw the multi-faceted Ruffs, as I call her, throughout the years. There’s the fun-loving Ruffa that I went out to clubs with. There’s the kind-hearted Ruffa who has passion for helping the less fortunate. And then there’s the Ruffa who fell in love with a young, handsome guy named Richard and on impulse married him in Las Vegas. That marriage, needless to say, did not work out.

Then Ruffa took up a job with Century Productions that took her all over the world to cover events.

One night when she was in Cannes to cover a film festival, I received a call and it was her on the other end giggling like a schoolgirl. She was talking about this guy named Yilmaz whom she swore to me was “the one.” I was so thrilled for her.

They invited me to come visit them in Istanbul, with Ruffa’s parents Annabelle and Eddie. Those were great times. Yilmaz was such a generous and gracious host. I viewed him as gentle person lalo na kapag naglalambing kay Ruffa. I was also witness to their earliest tampuhans as a married couple, which I thought was only but natural for people in relationships.

What came next was the en grande, fairytale wedding of the young couple in Manila, which sadly I wasn’t able to attend.

When Ruffa gave birth to Lorin at Cedars Sinai (Beverly Hills), yours truly was also there to help the family welcome the new baby into this world. I saw Ruffa in so much pain that I had to take a moment to thank the Lord for not making me a full-blown woman.

And then when Ruffa was in labor with her next baby, I was again at Cedars Sinai with her publicist Jun Lalin to anticipate Venice’s arrival.

After the children’s birth, Ruffa went back to Istanbul to resume her busy life as wife to a multi-millionaire businessman and mother to Lorin and Venice. In between, she preoccupied herself with volunteering for charities and working in fashion as president of Fashion TV Turkey.

Her friends and family had high hopes for her marriage to Yilmaz but as their highly-publicized breakup would show, it’s just not meant to be.

Throughout the whole ordeal, Ruffa has tried to be strong and focused. Now that this storm in her life has passed, she now sees beautiful blue skies ahead.

Recently, she signed a contract as a “Kapamilya” under ABS-CBN and look at her—now one of the network’s hottest properties alongside Kris Aquino and Judy Ann Santos. She is now co-host of The Buzz, starring in a film fest movie and appearing on a regular soap opera and with countless product endorsements to boot.

After the turmoil, she’s received many blessings. God has answered her prayers after she returned to being Christian again.

But whatever religion you follow, I believe that it’s what’s inside your heart; your good intentions that God hears.

To Ruffa, may your star continue to shine brightly. May your caring heart continue to beat for the poor that you are helping through your charitable foundation. And may you and your family be blessed by good health and guidance from the Lord.

Happy belated birthday from your Monetskie!

The Shades of Summer

Now that summer has officially started, there’s no stopping you from enjoying this warm season in style!

For me, summer is one of the best times to try a new look. This is the time people go on vacations and spend more time at the beach or by the pool. When you lounge by the beach, it is but customary for you to go with the flow and be as “hot or hotter” than the summer heat, is it not?

Start with your hair color. Sometimes, the shade does make all the difference.

At my salon, the hairstylists usually know right by the second you walk in what kind of hair color will suit you primarily by your skin tone. We offer free consultation so please come and drop by Monet Salon or Reflections Salon and we would be more than glad to assist.

At Monet Salon, we take pride in our special blend of hair colors that flatter. We got our inspiration from living in a multi-cultural community of people whose skin tones are as really as varied as they come.

Pictured from left: ETHEREAL APPEAL--Monet Salon uses warm colors of red browns, amber, honey, cinnamon, and rich berries to achieve this shade through its signature blend called “Bohemian Raphsody.” PURE & SIMPLE—this is a must-have hair shade for the sweltering summer, the “Parisian Fantasy.” Monet Salon uses soft highlights and lowlights with a focus on cool blonde shades to powdery light browns. DARK GLAMOUR—a tad on the mysterious side, Monet Salon uses dark rich tones of black, dark brown, plum, dusty blues or blueish greys to achieve the “Oriental Sunset.” Ask about these colors today—Call 213.216.4923!

One of our signature blends is the “Parisian Fantasy” which is a combination of highlights of three, cool shades. Our clients ask for this special blend more than anything.

We also have the “Bohemian Rhapsody” which is consists of carefree, exotic colors such as reds, burgundies, browns and rich berries. This blend suits the typical, tan-skinned Asian woman. It brings out a rich, glowing tan.

Another blend that is growing more and more popular is the signature Monet Salon “Oriental Sunset” which is best for ladies with straight black hair. “Oriental Sunset” is three layers of colors that converge into a beautiful, subtle tone.

After picking the right color for you, next we tackle the hairstyle.

For the summer, you can choose to have a hairstyle that’s choppy, or sleek, or cute, or daring. Our stylist can recommend you several to suit the profile of your face or face shape.

Monet Salon offers sassy styles that conform to the laid-back spirit of summer.

Why not try the Digital Perm—or semi-permanent sexy, savvy waves that is sure to add a little bounce to your days at the beach.

What about Hair Rebonding or going for the extra-sleek look, which is always timeless anyway.

Whatever hairstyle you are in the mood for, don’t forget to end it with the Monet Salon Hair Reborn System to restore your hair’s natural shine and health following the stresses of styling and hair dyes.

For more information about Monet Salon services, please log on to www.monetsalon.com.

Have a beautiful summer 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.

LA's Most Gracious Host:

MARY ANN OPENA

If there’s an award for the Most Gracious Host, this award should go to Ms. Mary Ann Opena.

This lovely woman goes above and beyond expectations just to accommodate guests who are new in town and in need of the customary tour of Southern California. Matiyaga at maalalahinin, she will never stop until she’s sure you’re having a great time.

This is why paborito siyang bisitahin ng mga bagong dating galing Pilipinas. Mary Ann is the favorite hostess of Philippine stars who come here to take a break from all the intrigues of showbiz.

I first met Mary Ann when she was nominated to become an honoree as L.A.’s Finest during the Reflections Awards Year 10. But we never got to truly bond until several years ago when we went to Turkey together to visit our dear, common friend Ruffa Gutierrez.

Doon sa Istanbul, Mary Ann and I got a chance to develop a deeper friendship as we toured the country. It was so much fun being with her. We grew closer then. Saksi kaming dalawa when then-newlyweds Ruffa and Yilmaz would have tiffs here and there. We just chuckled in private in understanding that this was a part of their life as a young couple. Never did we imagine the big controversy that it would become…(Anyway, that’s a whole different story!)

Mary Ann Opena, as many may know, is an outstanding entrepreneur (she runs a home health care company). She is sister to the excellent make-up artist, Arwin Bernabe. Back in the Philippines (she hails from Taguig), she was a teacher at St. Paul College and was even a favorite teacher of Ms. Sharon Cuneta.

Mary Ann is very generous when it comes to giving her time and energy to those who need her. company and assistance. If you watch showbiz-oriented shows on TFC or GMA, you might have heard hosts greet her all the time.

Palagi siyang binabanggit nina Ogie Diaz, Jun Lalin, Lorna T, and Kris Aquino, among many other celebrities. She’s a close personal friend of the Gutierrez clan, headed by Annabelle and Eddie. They have such high respect for her because of her reputation as the “uncrowned queen of tourism.”

Her accommodating nature is the reason why Kris and James Yap make it a point to see her whenever they come to the states. Kris is so fond of her that she gifted her with a very elegant Philips timepiece.

Award-winning director Chito Rono also considers Mary Ann a dear friend. TV Host and talent manager Lolit Solis is by far her closest showbiz friend because of a special bond they share: they’re both very candid and sincere.

Mary Ann really makes you feel at home. She will take you to the best places here in Southern California, and she even opens up her home to her guests. She will even cook for them (she makes the best beef steak, based on her original recipe).

Every time her celebrity friends come to town, Mary Ann makes sure that they get to taste the famous cuisine at Crustacean Beverly Hills.

Even during a regular outing among her L.A. friends, Mary Ann knows where to take us. She usually brings us to Redondo Beach for seafood. Hindi talaga siya tumitigil hanggang hindi niya nakikitang busog at masaya lahat.

Even if Mary Ann is well loved by high-profile celebrities, Mary Ann’s persona is very low-profile.

She prefers it that way. She wants to be behind the scenes while she makes sure everyone has a great time.

Her generosity in giving back to her friends and acquaintances has returned to her ten-fold. She receives many blessings because of her continued kindness to people.

Recently, when Dr Vicki Belo raffled off a genuine Louis Vuitton bag among hundreds of her balikbayan clients, guess who won. Yes, Mary Ann was the one who walked away with the coveted prize.

To Mary Ann, I hope you continue your reign as the unofficial “queen of tourism.” You will always be loved by your friends and family! More power to you!

**

IN MEMORIAM

I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of my good friend Bong Prada Lim in the passing of his beloved mother.

My friend, I know letting go is hard. Reminds me of the time when my own mother left this earth.

Acceptance is knowing that she is in better place with God, where there is no more suffering.

Be strong, my dear friend. Take it one day at a time.

The hurting may never completely go away but it helps to remember the good times you had with her. She knows you served her well and cherished her as your mother.

Again, my deepest sympathies go to you and your family…My prayers are with you.

**

SALAMAT

Special thanks to those who have been sending their feedback about my weekly articles here in Asian Journal. Thank you for reacting to my stories. I feel humbled that you take time in your busy schedule to read about our community. Please keep the letters coming. (monet@monetsalon). Have a great Father’s Day weekend!

**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.

Summer Styles by Monet Salon

Mabuhay Ka, Governor Vilma Santos!

After an exhaustive campaign and high-stress elections, it’s official: Ate Vi is now Governor of her beloved Batangas.

The Star for All Seasons has captured the hearts of her constituents because of her spotless track record. Kitang kita ko naman with my own two eyes when I came to visit her last 2005 as she diligently performed her role as Mayor of Lipa.

Ate Vi is a devoted public servant who doesn’t leave anything to chance. She works on what needs to be worked on.

I’m so proud of her like she was my own ka-pamilya, as I’m sure all Vilmanians are.

As mayor of Lipa, she has paved the way for much progress in this city.

During her term, Lipa landed the number 13 spot of top cities in the whole Philippines. This ranking was based on infrastructure, cost of doing business, quality of human resources, responsiveness and overall quality of life.

Her leadership has also won for Lipa awards and honorable citations in the areas of education, health, peace, and order management, among others.

Ate Vi was even named outstanding mayor two times in 2000 and once in 2002.

Now add these recognitions to her acting awards and blockbuster films and you have a woman who’s truly come full circle.

When I visited her at her office two years ago, I got a glimpse of what a typical day is for such a busy and important woman.

I was one of those waiting for her arrival because as a high official, she has all these appointments to go through and of course, her office has to prioritize which ones are urgent and official business.

So wait lang ako while she met with her city councilors who were pushing for certain projects. She also met with her elderly constituents and other dignitaries.

My turn to see her continued to be pushed back because of some urgent matters that needed her attention pero I didn’t mind because I knew she has to make decisions that affect an entire city.

The purpose of my visit was to invite her to come to L.A. to be a distinguished honoree in my annual Reflections Awards. There’s been a long-standing clamor from members of the Fil-Am community and Vilmanians to honor The Star for All Seasons. I thought it was the best idea to see her and extend this invitation in person.

We had a camera crew with us at that time and she even said on the record that she was accepting my invitation.

I was so happy! But of course, things came up unexpectedly in the next few months that changed her schedule and she couldn’t make it to the Reflections Awards.

Pero Ms. Governor, please know that I’m not giving up!!! Hopefully someday, the stars will align and you will make it to LA to receive this special recognition that my fellow Vilmanians and I feel only you deserve.

Mabuhay ka, Governor Vilma Santos! More power!

**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.

Succumbing to the O’ Indulgence

MS. OLIVIA QUIDO'S FULL RELAXATION TREATMENT

In a first of a series, it’s my pleasure to reintroduce talented skincare experts to our community. This week, I’ll start with my most recent experience under the hands of the young and immensely talented Ms. Olivia Quido, owner of O’ Skin Care.

The past couple of months have been really stressful for me because of different projects pulling me left and right. I’m not complaining but the truth is, my routine can be very straining physically – flying to Vegas and back to LA every week because of my salon expansion, among others.

So it was such a wonderful treat being pampered for a facial by Olivia and getting the full relaxation treatment.

Based on experience, Olivia is really a pro at what she does. The licensed esthetician seems very prepared to take her practice anywhere her clients are.

The setting was the quaint living room of my friend Ruffa Gutierrez’s condo in Beverly Hills.

Ruffa and her mom, Annabelle, were also in dire need of some pampering. So we girls were ready for Olivia and her capable team to work their magic on us.

O’ Skin Care came fully prepared to transform the ambience of Ruffa’s salas into a beauty spa. They came with relaxation music, massage beds--the works. When I closed my eyes, it truly felt like I was communing with nature.

The Miss Universe pageant was actually being broadcast live at that time but I had to put my foot down and insist that we forget about that for a moment to concentrate on our “night at the spa.”

It was a bit of a challenge to let ourselves relax, especially as I was with the vivacious Gutierrez women. Annabelle, who’s a known firecracker, and Ruffa, who is always so perky even amid all the challenges she’s facing right now.

But once we started to calm down through the “O’ Indulgence” treatments, it was quite heavenly.

Olivia first treated Ruffa with a scrub which, she thought was excellent. Simultaneously, I was having my body massage and then followed by hydrafacial. I’ve never had this treatment before and it really felt so good.

With Olivia’s able massage therapists Ms. Kristene Ong and Ms. Ellen Beltran, it was as if we had an out-of-body experience. We felt lighter afterwards.

The stress in our bodies were zapped off. And we carried this feeling until the next day!

I want to take this opportunity to thank O’ Skin Care, especially Olivia for that memorable spa experience. Ruffa and Annabelle were also very happy with the service.

I wish Olivia and O’ Skin Care all the success because they provide a valuable service.

I first met Olivia last year when she was nominated to be an awardee during the Reflections 18 Awards Salute to Beauty Innovators.

Her resume is very impressive. She has completed numerous post graduate courses from the American Institute of Esthetics, International Dermal Institute, Visual Changes Academy, Bio-2 Skin Cosmeceuticals, and John Robert Powers International. She is also a Business Administration graduate from De La Salle University, Philippines.

Barely five years in the industry, O’ Skin Care (located on 17808 South Pioneer Blvd Suite 111 Artesia CA 90701. Tel. 562-897-1445) has been making waves as a skin care center that offers topnotch products and services for reasonable prices. They have been appointed sole distributor of Tegoder Cosmetics by Grupo Tegor of Spain to the Asian-American market. This special arrangement is due in large part to Olivia’s fluency in Filipino, Fookien (Chinese), and Mandarin.

Before meeting her in person, people have been telling me how excellent Olivia is and that’s why she landed among the honorees in the Fil-Am community’s most excellent skin care experts. I fully agree she is one of the best out there.

In the next several weeks, I will be featuring other cutting-edge skin care experts in the Fil-Am community. They are our beauty heroes because they have trained and practiced the art of keeping their clients youthful-looking and beautiful. To name several, there’s also Gandi Villareal, Biologica, Pro Derm, Jocylane Dinsay, Estela Cottle, and of course, Obagi.

Ang kasabihang bawal na ang maging pangit sa mga panahong ito, to me, is really do-able because of these beauty experts that we have.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone! Stay beautiful!

*The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also the 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 dream of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.