Isn’t being chauffeured such a comfort? In this city, however, the only thing reliable is that nothing is. Your early call times and meetings depend less on time and more on fate: traffic, rain, or number coding. So you take what gets you there the fastest—public transport like Angkas, buses, and trains (or all of the above, even)—which could make you look like you’ve already had a day before the day’s even started. So how do you stay cute despite the commute? Five regular commuters share their secrets.
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EJ Nacion, Model and Content Creator
In last year’s BYS Fashion Week, when she had back-to-back shows in different venues and no time to spare, we watched EJ climb onto the backseat of a motorcycle—clutch, heels, and all—to make it to the next one. On more regular days, she still gets around the same way.
Main Ride of Choice? Moto taxis, or walking if the weather permits
Touch-Up Ride-or-Dies? A good blush and the rosy Vaseline lip balm
Most Unhinged (But Effective) Tip? “I like to think I’m in a reality show with Carrie Bradshaw as my alter ego. It makes me sit up, touch up, and show up.”
Mia Castro, MEGA Digital Editor
Even on her most chaotic, calendar-from-hell kind of days, Mia Castro manages to look like she had time to pose for a campaign in between. Her job requires her to be constantly on the move—events, meetings, shoots—but no one looks that good after an hour or two in Manila traffic… unless you’re her. Here’s how she keeps her full face, perfect hair, and scent still intact.
Main Ride of Choice? Private car-hailing services or moto-taxis
Touch-Up Ride-or-Dies? Teviant concealer topped with Koh Gen Doh Maifanshi Loose Powder, Nudestix Cream Blush topped with Chu Chu Beauty Heart Blush, Strokes Contour Stick topped with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, and the GRWM Lip Liner, Issy Lip Bullet, and Kosas Lip Gloss
Most Unhinged (But Effective) Tips?
- Shake and Flip. “The moment you remove the helmet, shake your hair—yes, just like in the movies. This is so that sweat and oil don’t settle much longer at your roots, which causes your hair to look greasy and flat.”
- Make Room for Air. “When riding a moto taxi, avoid squeezing your armpit to your body the whole ride. Make space… this way, you’ll avoid sweat patches.”
- Break the Perfume Rule. “Yes, normally it’s recommended to only spray on your pulse points, but when commuting, you’re dealing with polluted air, sweat, and different smells from different people. So don’t be too stingy when it comes to spraying on perfume.”
Mara Go, MEGA Beauty Writer for Print
If anyone knows how to keep a beat and a blowout intact despite a day of crisscrossing the city, it’s a beauty girl. MEGA’s Beauty Writer for Print, Margo is always on the move—whether for work or something born out of her go-anywhere, try-anything energy. And yet, hours later, her hair still has bounce, and her makeup still looks fresh. It’s unfair. It’s inspiring. But that’s Margo for you.
Main Ride of Choice? Moto-taxis or private-car hailing services
Touch-Up Ride-or-Dies? Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Paper, Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush, Sunnies Face Healthy Touch Blush Duo in Bikini, Pili Ani Cleansing Oil, Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Powder, Issy True Flex Setting Spray, Lucky Beauty Lip Pencil, Curel Moisture Lip Cream Balm, Rouge Dior in 505 Sensual, Dior Addict in 418 Beige Oblique, and Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Most Unhinged (But Effective) Tips? “One, if you have oily lids like me, wear your mascara or eyeliner when you get to your destination. Two, if you have an event or occasion in a mall, the beauty store and boutiques are your best friend! Drop by and try some products, spritz some perfume, and test it yourself!”
Lierge Perey, Beauty Content Creator
Beauty girls commute, if it isn’t already clear. Lierge knows the grind well. These days, she drives herself around, but back then, when she didn’t have her own car yet, it was all moto taxis and carefully timed commutes. The shoots, events, and beauty events didn’t begin until she walked in, so God forbid the elements try to get in the way. Her blowout has somewhere to be.
Main Ride of Choice? Moto-taxis, if not her own car
Touch-Up Ride-or-Dies? Lierge doesn’t bring base products to touch up because her makeup stays all day (are we surprised?), but here are her companions: a mini perfume, her lip combo of the day, and a mini wet brush
Most Unhinged (But Effective) Tip? “I always bring a pair of flats because I cannot function in heels! I also never leave my house without spraying my Color Wow anti-frizz spray. Since I always go out with a blowout, I make sure my hair won’t frizz in this hot, humid weather, because that—for sure—will ruin my day!!!”
Pat Tingjuy, Actor and Architect
She’s an actor, architect, and a former volleyball coach. Pat Tingjuy lives and breathes aesthetics, whether she’s in front of a camera or sketching behind a screen. After landing her first TV commercial in 2022, she found herself in the spotlight for real, winning Best Actress at Cinemalaya 2023 for her debut film. And through it all? She’s commuting. She’s sweating. She’s still cute. It’s all part of the role.
Main Ride of Choice? Moto-taxis, MRT, jeepney, FX ride, or a one-to-three-kilometer walk
Ride-or-Die Touch-Ups? Celeteque Mattifying Stick, a compact powder, concealer, eyeliner, and lipstick
Most Unhinged (But Effective Tip)? “MRT will always save the day. Air-conditioned and fast! One time, I was almost late to the Magic Music Awards, and I was thinking whether I should take my car, but it was really traffic and would probably take me 1.5 hours! So, I took a MoveIt and the MRT all dressed and glammed up. I made it right on time.”
Featured Image: Photographed by JHARWIN CASTAÑEDA, Fashion Direction by ROKO ARCEO, assisted by ERICA TEROL, Art Direction by TROY NONATO, Makeup by XENG ZULUETA, Hair by PATTY CRISTOBAL, Photography Assistant JOSHUA NAVATO and ALJON CELIS, Production by THESSMAR LECTURA, Model ASHANTI BELTRAN of THE AUDACITY MANAGEMENT
Photos: KIM ANGELA SANTOS of KLIQ INC., MARA GO, PAT TINGJUY, FRANK CUVIN, and MIA CASTRO (via Instagram)
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