The family Atienza is a household name, but Chi is someone who uses her own voice to amplify those of the Filipinos that need to be heard, especially now more than ever.
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A TV host and a kindhearted soul, who, even in time of distress and fear, keeps her faith. By doing so, she found an abundance in a desert as she would like to say.
She radiates an understanding comfort of her existence defined to make a positive difference in the world. Possessing an opinion about what her eyes and ears so keenly observe, she strives to break the cycle of poverty and helplessness by speaking when no one dares to and instilling back hope to those in despair. Chi recognizes and owns the potential of her platform to give everyone equal power and choice.
With an endearing tone to her voice, it was easy to fully trust Chi when she told us, “you are beautiful”––which is her exact definition of beauty. For her, it’s clear and straightforward; being beautiful is regardless of an outward appearance. In its truest sense, she shares how real beauty never fades because it does not adhere to any list of standards. It’s all about being genuine and exuding more than what meets the eyes.
The moment she welcomed us with her infectious smile at her home, we already had no doubts on how she can bring out the best in everyone she speaks to. Although she shares narratives that are inspiring and complex, she holds beauty in its humblest form. Chi reminds us that being beautiful today is simply being able to speak up for the truth and to be unafraid to break the mold.
BEAUTY TALKS
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
My beauty philosophy has always been less is more. I always try to stick to what works for me. I believe that natural is always best. So even when I apply makeup on, I still go with what enhances my face.
WHO ARE YOUR BEAUTY INFLUENCES?
I would like to think it’s my Mom who’s had a huge influence in that area. She is a mix between simplicity and a little vanity. She would always say that God made me perfect the way I am. However, she would always remind me to take care of my face, my skin, and my body.
She’s the one that influenced me to invest in an eye cream as I hit my 20s and she is also the one that reminds me never to put too much makeup on. She is also the one that taught me the value of hitting the gym or playing a sport to keep my body strong and healthy. She always says keep things simple and so I honestly don’t wear makeup when there’s no need to do so. Just perhaps a lip balm to keep my lips from chapping and a Benefit cheek tint to make me look fresh.
WHAT ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF A BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU LIKE BEST?
My beauty routine is fairly simple. I make sure I wash my face well, tone, and apply SPF. Kiehl’s has been my number one go-to product and I love their midnight serum. I have the whole calendula set, however, there are months where my skin would just not cooperate and that’s where Dra. Jean Marquez Dare Clinic’s clarifying products come in. It helps ease breakouts very well in just days. Recently too, I was sent by Alex Roque her product called Miracle White –– I tried it and it did work like magic. I like pampering my hair too, so I invest in Kerastase hair products.
IS THERE ANY INSPIRATIONAL BEAUTY STORY THAT COMES TO MIND?
I remember back when I was going through a workshop In ABS-CBN years ago. Before we were launched, we were asked to go through a series of classes that included personality development. I remember attending one class and the teacher showed us what “beauty” looked like, saying that these are what it takes to make it in the industry. He showed us pictures of Caucasian looking models while emphasizing that beauty meant an oval-shaped face, a long nose, and big eyes. As I looked into the mirror, from the confidently positive person that I was, I started questioning whether or not I was fit to enter the industry given that I’m chinkee eyed and that I did not look like that. Given that I was a teenager back then, I started losing faith in myself because of that workshop.
Months passed and we were launched, I was able to get numerous TV ads and shoots. I then realized that what the teacher said were only his points of view and it should not have affected me that much. Years have gone by and I remember what my Mom told me that we are all beautiful regardless. So, from that moment on, my perception of beauty changed and evolved. It does not anymore adhere to any list of standards. Beauty sticks with you no matter what the outward appearance looks like.
IS THERE ANY CURRENT BEAUTY STANDARD YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE AND WHY?
Well, I noticed that beauty trends change over time. I guess what I want to change in terms of beauty standards is having the standard itself. I don’t think beauty should ever be placed in a box. People especially women are greatly affected when they do not fit a beauty mold that changes over time. Basing it on my catholic belief, God created us all equally beautiful and marvelous, no matter what race, face type, body type, or any stereotype there may be. If you take care of yourself, no matter how you look, you are beautiful, and no one should make you change that belief ever.
WHAT ROLE DOES BEAUTY PLAY IN BEING A WORKING MOM?
I work in front of a camera and somehow, I know I need to make sure I am presentable at all times. I guess no one would want to watch someone who does not try to at least look well presented. Honestly speaking though, I don’t fix myself up for others – I do it for myself. I am a working mom and I work in front of a camera, so I need to feel good while doing these things. I fix myself up for myself, it sounds vain but the only audience I try to please is God and myself. Even if the world may think I’m doing a good job, if in my heart I know I lacked or if I did not consider what God thought, then that would all be meaningless.
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK?
That would have to be jeans, a playful top, heels, and accessories. I love accessorizing and I love big pieces. Thankfully I have Diamondco.ph that sends me their beautiful pieces all the time. They are more than enough to make any outfit look stunning!
WHAT ARE THE TOP TIPS YOU LEARNED ABOUT BEAUTY FROM THE MODELING INDUSTRY?
To make sure my skin is always in good condition since it always requires heavy makeup. When I don’t have shoots, I normally don’t wear makeup just so I can make my skin breathe. I also invest in Kerastase hair treatments at home since blow drying makes my hair super dry. These products are wonderful, and it gives life to my hair in minutes. I also recently discovered this Korean brand Milbon that makes my hair silky smooth.
For modeling, I learn that when a project is for you, it is for you. I remember having to attend so many go-sees and final castings but not have any of them approved. Whereas all my commercials and ads I had were given directly by casters and mind you, I was the only one considered to do the role. So yes, if a project is for you, it’s for you and you need not fret.
WHAT’S YOUR FIRST SKINCARE OR MAKEUP MEMORY?
I honestly learned to take care of my skin when I was already in college. The products I used then were mostly from Clinique. I studied at DLSU and I was under the sun all the time. I loved using the Clinique facial sunblock that has a bit of tint and the Origins cheek tint, which were the only tints available back then.
DESCRIBE YOUR SKINCARE AND MAKEUP ROUTINE.
My skincare routine is fairly simple, but it varies depending on my skin’s condition. When my skin is not acting up, I use Kiehl’s calendula facial soap and toner, and their SPF. At night, I use the same product but with the midnight serum and their intensive night eye cream. Lately, it’s been acting up, so I was sent Dra. Jean Marquez, owner of Dare Clinic her clarifying products. Just recently, I tried the Origins night eye cream and I like it as well.
WHAT BEAUTY ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS, TO YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Care for your skin even at a young age. My daughter is almost a tween and I already taught her how to use Kiehl’s facial soap and when she notices that she’s about to have acne, I make her use the Kiehl’s toner since it’s made with natural ingredients. I guess the only advice I would have to give is to always stay simple. Focus on your innermost beauty first and the outward beauty will follow. I always believe that you are made by God and that in itself makes you beautiful.
Photography Floyd Jhocson
Art direction Nicole Almero
Makeup and Hair Charisma Tiangco
Shoot Coordination Patricia Ramos
Jewelry from DIAMONDCO.PH
