Most of the time, simple is best. It keeps things fluid, effortless and comfortable. Michaela is all that. Just in her short story below, we met through her now husband, who is my chiropractor at Intercare. I wasn’t expecting anything from that meeting since I figured Michaela already had finalized her makeup artist options since the wedding was a few months away.
Both families come from a line of professionals and achievers, I admire the values that her mother Tang and father inculcated in their children. Seeking higher education is always worth pursuing more than the material values that are fleeting and superficial. I also saw how the family came together and pulled out all the stops, to help, soothe and calm a nervous bride specially as the magic hour is nearing .
This is what class is all about. I love how you were so cool and calm throughout your preparations and your inner glow definitely showed through, just like how a blushing Bride should be. Thank you for making me a part of your love journey, I wish you and Miguel a happy and prosperous marriage filled with blessings, joy and happiness.
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
Hi! I’m Mika. I’m an architect who specializes in sustainability. I work with the Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Carbon Lab team that does a mix of ensuring energy efficiency, low carbon and LEED/WELL consulting.
During my free time, I love to paint, eat BBQ popcorn + watch movies, hike, play board games, and skate. I started skating with my sister earlier this year, and we both love it so much that we go at least once a week.
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
I first heard about you from my (now) husband Miguel. He randomly gave me a calling card saying his patient was a make-up artist and I should try her out. Admittedly, I didn’t call you RIGHT after that, because in my head – “he does not know the difference between foundation and primer” But a few days later, my tita had mentioned you too, saying that her friends had worked with you previously, and that you had made all her friends look amazing!
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
Today’s forecast, bridal showers
I liked you trial pa lang! Haha! By that time, I had tried na three make-up artists and was already getting frustrated that I had not found “the one” for my big day. I sound so arte, but my skin is actually so sensitive. (Full make-up really feels like a chore because of how heavy it feels on my face.) I had broken out in rashes after the trial with make-up artist #3, and ended up with a bad stye with make-up artist #1. I was close to picking make-up artist #2 just cause I did not break out into rashes after the trial. Buti nalang, Miguel and my tita mentioned you. So, I said, “Sige na nga one more trial.”
The minute you started prepping my skin I knew na you were different. I mean, how many people have tried a make-up artist who will exfoliate their skin and then massage it before the make-up?
As the trial went on, you airbrushed my make up on. (My first time to try airbrushed make-up) Not only did it feel great – feeling like I didn’t have any make-up on my face, but I loved how you made me look too! I felt the make-up looked so natural – like I was still me, but a flawless, glowing version of me! Totally what I was going for, for my big day!
So of course, on the day itself I sat on the make up chair with no worries at all. The full trust I had in you made all the difference.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
It’s not the wedding itself, but the day before. Getting ready with my family was such an intimate time for me. This includes both my immediate family and my extended family. My extended family – siblings of my parents and their children, were with us prior to the wedding too. They all came to Tagaytay the day before and we spent the night hanging out. I felt as if they were all hand-holding me all the way to the wedding.
5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?
Can I say none? Haha! It’s not that I didn’t feel beautiful on the day, but I didn’t have what I would call a beauty moment. The day was beautiful over-all, because of the way everything fell into place.
6) Favourite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?
If you cant get to a dermatologist, this is the next best things to flake off dead skin cells and give you a smooth canvas, ready for makeup.
I really loved the Cure Aqua gel exfoliator that you used on me. I felt like it got (cause i use it regularly now) all the gunk/dead skin cells out. I also liked the eye massage. Felt great to get a facial massage on the day itself!
7) Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?
Find the best suppliers for the big day – suppliers you are happy with, then on the day just watch them all work their magic and watch everything fall into place.
8) What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?
I don’t know if I would change anything to be honest. Wedding planning was definitely stressful, but the day itself – the ceremony and dinner went perfectly. Everything that happened prior ended in something beautiful.
9) Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?
None really, aside from the Cure Aqua gel exfoliator that I mentioned in # 6.
10) Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.
The wedding ceremony was quick, and felt surreal. I didn’t realize I was smiling and laughing a lot too throughout the ceremony. So when I saw the photos, it was such a pleasant surprise to see so many photos where Miguel and I were just laughing. It’s such a great reminder of the day that unfolded, and how much fun we had (and have) together.
Tis wedding season!! I met Raisa through her mother, Rosette Gana Benedicto, her parents and mine go a long way, they were friends since way back in the 60’s, maybe even longer.
A call came to me through her younger sister Carmela Gana Araullo that Rosette’s daughter is getting married and they were asking for my rates. If you read the story below, it turns out her mom Rosette really wanted me to do the hair and makeup for Raisa! The last time I saw Rosette was from the Velada. Velada is a jubilee celebration of the homecoming of the alumnae culminating in an evening of song and dance. Our alma mater is the Assumption College! I was deeply touched since I haven’t heard from Rosette in so many years and she remembered me for her daughter’s special day.
Oh Raisa, thank you for making it so easy for me, Rosette You raised a good daughter right here.
Below is our conversation with Raisa.
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
“Hi! I’m Raisa Benedicto. I’m a Pediatric dentist by profession (but one of the lost boys from Neverland by heart). I like to read and play tennis during my spare time. and I LOVE dogs.”
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
“When my mom heard I got engaged, she instantly said, “We HAVE to get Acie as our make out artist.” My mom trusted you, so I trusted you. and like any millennial, I immediately stalked your portfolio on Instagram – definitely liked what I saw! and the rest is history!”
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
“It was perfect! Although I was a little frazzled on the day (as all typical brides are) you made me feel so comfortable and distracted. I appreciated all the small talk and the explanations to help keep the edge off. “
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
“I’m probably still on a wedding high, so it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite one. The day went by so fast; it was such a blur. What did stand out, though, was the surprise father daughter dance, we had planned for the guests.
This photo isn’t very flattering of us, but it captures our dynamic together as father and daughter. We’re both not performers and definitely not dancers, but it was a fun production and even more fun bonding time spent with my dad.”
5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?
“Honestly, I’m not the type who wears make up or fixes myself up everyday. In fact, I just recently learned how to use foundation and concealer. That being said, the entire time I was being made up felt like a dream to me. I especially felt my best once I stepped into my finished dress for the first time.”
6) Favourite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?
“For some reason, what really stuck with me was the face mask and the facial massage. It wasn’t something I normally witnessed during bridal make up sessions. I enjoyed being pampered.”
Before the makeup application I apply a mask to the bride’s face and use a Jade roller on top to massage the product in the face.
7) Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?
“LET GO on the day. There’s no point in stressing over little details. Everything is going to be perfect whatever happens. The wedding is just for the festivities, but don’t forget what the day’s focus is truly about. “
8) What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?
“Maybe having an airconditioned prep room – that was one thing I overlooked/didn’t bother to think about. Either way, the villa I stayed in was breezy enough. I really wouldn’t have changed anything.”
9) Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?
“The complimentary facial spa treatment I got from Dermalogica (c/o you, Tita Acie), was absolutely FANTASTIC. It was so relaxing and soothing, just what I needed right before the wedding.”
Photo from Rustans Beauty Source
10) Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.
“I don’t usually enjoy having my photo taken, but that day I had enough confidence to pose and emote. My photographers were amazing at making me look like I knew what I was doing, but the real MVP was my HMUA for making me, not just look, but also feel, like I deserved to be in the spotlight. I loved that my make up was so light and natural-looking that my freckles were showing through. My eye bags seem non-existent!”
Photography : Nice Print Photography and Exige Weddings,
Gown : Rosa Clará
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
I’m Pam. I currently work in one of the special agencies of the United Nations in Geneva.
I love being outdoors, doing activities like swimming, cycling, and hiking. I am also an avid cook who tries to come up with my own recipes. I love to write songs – songs of worship, of praise, and of love. During my free time, I travel and explore; discovering new things, learning new skills, tasting different food, and experiencing different cultures. I feel like the world is too big and have only seen very little.
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
Last January 2013, Ram and I were at the PICC wedding exhibit wherein you were one of the exhibitors. You were kind, friendly, and very accommodating to us. When we looked at your portfolio, both bridal and editorial, we immediately became interested in you. What we really liked about your work is that your make-up style is so natural. It enhances, highlights, and brings out the best features of your clients.
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
Ever so accommodating, you always replied promptly to our emails, giving us tips and advice about beauty and skin care regimen which we highly appreciated. You also took into consideration our preferences, our personalities, and skin types.
It has been a very pleasant experience working with you and your team for the first time during our engagement photo shoot. Not only were you at the venue well ahead of time, perfectly prepared and equipped, you were also able to envision and execute the look that we wanted for the theme that we chose. You even prepared three different face charts of what you pictured my make-up would be. Your professionalism was indeed very impressive.
You rendered the same impressive professional services to us on our wedding day, this time with a much bigger crowd as you and your team had to deal with the hair and make-up of practically the entire entourage, to everyone’s satisfaction. Needless to say, I, the bride, looked radiant and glowing on my special day. Getting your services was one of the best decisions we made.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
It’s not easy to choose among the many beautiful shots that were taken during the engagement photo shoot and on the wedding day itself, but we think these photos stood out among the rest.
Credits: Hair: Tony Dusich, Photography : Nice Print Photography and Exige weddings, Gown : Rosa Clará
People ask me if I had worked with celebrities as part of my job perks and highlights. Yes I have done a few and I am still working on my portfolio to say the least and besides, anyone who sits on my beauty chair will still look and feel like a celebrity. Last December, I was privileged to work with Rhea Lopez Valmadrid who was cool as a cucumber and hilarious during her special day. We shared a “personal” moment in the bathroom while she was being prepped for her second look for the reception. Good thing she showed her good humour and was classy all the way on how she handled that delicate situation. She was a celebrity on her right and I have compared her to Bea Alonso and Judy Ann Santos who by the way lost so much weight and is looking so good these days as shown in her Rite Med and Sunshine Spaghetti billboards.
Here is my celebrity inspired interview with her.
Photo from Kenneth Uy Photography
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
“I ‘m a Government employee, working at the Central Bank and so does my husband Ivan. Hobbies? I practice and enjoy doing Bikram yoga, but I can’t say that I am a good yogi! I still can’t do a headstand. I also enjoy watching YouTube videos, which is more interesting than watching TV because I’m a frustrated Vlogger. I always wanted to make videos about beauty products, talk about a little bit about fashion, traveling and reviews about bags/purses. I love traveling and I’m a self-proclaimed bag hag! I also love going on dates with my husband, eating out (OMG I love food!), watching movies, shopping, or just simply staying at home with Ivan watching reruns of FRIENDS or any comedy shows on TV.”
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
“I met you at a Bridal Fair at the beginning of the year. Alam mo yung feeling na instant chemistry? I felt really nice and comfortable when I was asking about your work while browsing through your portfolio (bridal and magazine photoshoot). You spoke very well and your work looked natural, doon ako na-amaze. I know I made a good decision in booking you, and I think it’s important to work with someone you could trust.”
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
” I’m just so happy and grateful! I’m so satisfied because you did a beautiful job on my wedding day and also during our prenup shoot last August 2013 in Ilocos Norte.” We communicated through email about the pegs that I wanted for my Prenup and Wedding day , and it’s so nice that you sent me reminders on what to do or how to prep my skin a few months before the wedding. You’re like my beauty guru! Your team did amazing work, I felt like a princess (haha!). You are so professional and so fun to work with. The makeup and tools that you used were all high-quality and top makeup brands talaga! I also enjoy our chickahan while you and your team were doing my makeup and hair, and it’s nice that I was able to ask you for tips and advice about makeup, and we also talked about some personal stuff. You’re so sweet and it’s so nice working with you.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
“I loved every single minute I spent with you! On my wedding day, you and your team came very early in Tagaytay. I wasn’t able to sleep that night, but you made me look so pretty & well-rested! I also remember that you had this “magic powder” that you used to make me look fresh. During our prenup shoot in Ilocos with Mr. Kenneth Uy, our photographer, it was like an adventure and also a wonderful experience. I’ll never forget that day, I really felt like a model and actress (haha!).. Ganun pala yung feeling ng photoshoot sa malayong location, long drive, naging changing room ko yung van, nag-hike sa hill just to find a perfect spot, humiga sa damuhan, and we had amazing native Ilocos cuisine. It was so tiring but it’ was so much fun!
You also called me “Bea Alonzo” and I was so kilig and flattered haha!
On my wedding day, my friends and family were amazed on how perfect my makeup turned out, my childhood gay friend (one of my members of the entourage) actually told me “Ang galing ng makeup artist, pinalutang ang ganda mo.. hindi ka coated ng makeup!” and that is exactly what I love about your work: You transformed me into this classic, beautiful bride!” (Both photos below from Kenneth Uy Photography)
