Cosmopolitan Bela Padilla April 2017

GET oUT Why you should travel right now

SoMEonE’S BlooMinG! The new secret to gorgeous, glowing skin V

Damn, Sun!

Bela Padilla

We’ve got our on her!

GoinG on a Solo TriP? Eat, pray, love—and stay safe.

lonG DiSTancE roMancE How to make it work + why it’s So worth it

Contents april 2017

✱ On the Cover 28 bela Padilla

28

Bela Padilla is your next girl crush.

The actress-screenwriter refuses to be typecast.

64 someone’s blooming! ever heard of drinkable collagen? Yum!

74 going on a solo TriP? grab your passport—we’ve got you covered.

86 long disTanCe romanCe fight the odds and make it work.

95 geT oUT There

Crushing your time off has never been this fun.

✱ Know 16 15 Things To do

This month’s must-tries.

18 iT’s liT

Travel the world with a book!

20 Cosmo radar

The latest in pop culture.

22 Cosmo bae

emil Khodaverdi’s got big plans.

24 Cosmo ConTraCT

Provincial buses are a joyride.

26 Confessions

Worst Tourist award, anyone?

✱ Wear 38 CheaT sheeT (PHOTO) PAOLO PINEDA.

What to rock at the swim-up bar.

44 sPiriT animal go into the wild.

50 TroPiC PUnCh

Take summer style to the streets.

april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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Contents 58

95

Aloe, it’s me!

Achieve that work-chill balance.

37

Pack up, Cosmo girl.

57

BASIC BEACH

Fake a tan—we won’t tell if you won’t.

60 HOLY GRAIL Lip service.

61 NICE TRY

Every scent tells a story.

62 BEAUTY QUICKIES 65 GET READY WITH ME

Patrice Averilla is our favorite sun-kissed babe.

66 OUR DAILY BRAID

84 THE SPACE BETWEEN US

An unsent letter to an almost love.

✱ Love 89 MANTHROPOLOGY 90 CRACK YOUR ORGASM

CODE

It’s not rocket science!

92 TINDER AROUND THE

WORLD

Swipe right in a different timezone.

94 HUNK OF THE MONTH Ladies, meet Neilor Colcetta.

Good hair day, every day.

✱ Feel 78 MANIFEST YOUR PERFECT SUMMER The universe shall conspire to make it happen.

✱ Work 99 MAKE IT RAIN

This is not a drill: the side hustle has gone global.

✱ Move

82 2017 FIRST QUARTER-LIFE

102 FIGHT LIKE A GIRL

CHECKUP

We made some resolutions...now read up on our progress!

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

107 COOL FOR THE SUMMER Set up a tropical-themed party.

109 FOOD PORN La Chinesca is taco heaven.

110 WANDERLUST

A journey to three cities.

112 PLANS THIS WEEKEND?

81 REAL TALK

On travelling against all odds.

✱ Play

Unleash your inner badass.

104 SLEEP WHEREvER We rest our case.

Murals for your next OOTD.

✱ Everything Else 14 CONNECT TO COSMO 113 SHOPPING DIRECTORY 114 ASTROLOGER 116 GOOD vIBES TO GO

Gabbi Garcia: Open heart, open mind.

WWW.COSMO.PH

(PHOTOs) LOUIE AGUINALDO, DAIRY DARILAG, GETTY IMAGEs.

✱ Bloom

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Marla Miniano

MANAGING EDITOR Dyan Zarzuela ART DIRECTOR Paula Pangan FASHION EDITOR Happy Lopez ASSOCIATE FEATURES EDITOR Gaby Ignacio ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR Bianca Mascenon ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR Angelica Gutierrez EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Chandra Pepino ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Carie Aguila INTERNS Stephen De Jesus, Corine Sibug COSMO.PH EDITOR IN CHIEF Jillian Gatcheco COSMO.PH ART DIRECTOR Jico Joson COSMO. PH ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Retty Contreras COSMO. PH ASSOCIATE FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR Patricia Dayacap COSMO.PH ASSISTANT CELEBRITY EDITOR Jacinda Lopez COSMO.PH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ysa Singson COSMO. PH SENIOR MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER Jean Saturnino COSMO.PH SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Andie Estella DEPUTY GROUP PUBLISHER Christine Ongteco-Sandejas TEAM PUBLISHER Tiffany Chloe Santos Canseco SENIOR PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Natasha Faustino

CoCktail of the Month

Campfire Crunch In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, 1 ounce Kahlua, and 2 ounces half and half. Shake and pour into glass filled with ice and garnished with a chocolate and graham-cracker rim.

Louie Aguinaldo, Dakila Angeles, Faith Aranas, Koji Arboleda, Charlotta Backlund, Chissai Bautista, Martina Bautista, Lisette Bendicion, Eddiemar Cabiltes, Angie Cruz, Dairy Darilag, Yaofa Dela Cruz, Jason Delos Reyes, Dookie Ducay, Pat Dy, Marina Esmeraldo, Jelly Eugenio, Mel Evans, Lisa Freedman, Raymond Galang, Brittany Gilbert, Dave Grona, Eunice Lauren Hernandez, Catriona Innes, Aleksandra Jankovic, Danielle Kam, Jamie Kimm, Liz Krieger, Tin Laviña, April Lozada, Jach Manere, Marianna Manson, Patrick Martires, Alma Melendez, Ralph Mendoza, Erika Modina, Paul Nebres, Nick Onken, Dennis Pederson, Paolo Pineda, Emily Kate Roemer, Mark Rosales, Yuki Sakamoto, Rob Sarte Jr., Kane Skennar, Heidi Sobel Bernabe, Cath Sobrevega, Aurora Tower, Riri Verano, Bela Vitug, Tatin Yang

summit mEDia

PRESIDENT: Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng PUBLISHER: Edna Belleza

VP FOR OPERATIONS: Hansel C. dela Cruz

EDITORIAL DIRECTORS: Myrza Sison, Jo-Ann Maglipon TEAM CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Vince Uy GROUP ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Florence Bienvenido ExECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Chinggay Cabit WEB BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER: Dennison Ko ADVERTISING DIRECTOR-KEY ACCOUNTS GROUP: Regie Uy KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGERS: Joey Anciano, Junn De Las Alas KEY ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST: George Canseco III ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Dianne Suegay, Kring Caritativo, Faith Gazmin, Michelle Torres, Onnie Del Mundo, Joan Bautista, Heidi Golangco, Wesley De Leon, Daryl Abarquez KEY ACCOUNTS ASSISTANTS: Fenimar Flores, Jessamyn Rodinas, Nathalie Gianan, Vanessa Arenal ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Shiela Apolinar-Ogues, Torto Canga, Maiza G. Mueco SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Honey Dayryl Alesna, Rommel Discipulo, Jerry Cabauatan, Andi Trinidad, Len Manalo, Knelle Rosario, Perla Sanchez, Bem Caharian, Melinda Kitane INDUSTRY SPECIALIST: Lucas Reyes JUNIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Rita Barbacena, Denise Dizon, Gai Alocada, Junnel Nacional, MJ Pineda, Anna Clarise Garcia ADVERTISING ASSISTANTS: Jackelyn Que, Sheena Claricia, Lorena Santiago-Marfil ADVERTISING TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR: Eliziel del Rio ADVERTISING TRAFFIC JR. SUPERVISOR Myra Gorospe STORYLABS HEAD: Iza

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

Santos STORYLABS MANAGING EDITOR: Franch Baja-Bustamante STORYLABS BRAND EDITOR: Vincent Ong STORYLABS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Paulina Paras STORYLABS ART DIRECTORS: Ehlorie Garcia, Leia Gutierrez, Boizei Malicdem STORYLABS WEB DESIGNER: Jouie Ulangca STORYLABS JUNIOR VIDEO PRODUCERS: Ray Gonzales, Trina Elefante STORYLABS JUNIOR PRODUCER: Sarah Fragas ASSOCIATE MARKETING DIRECTOR: Arlo Vicencio ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Roberlin Rubina, Jr. PROJECT OFFICER: JC Brion SENIOR MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Neil Emerson de Guzman JUNIOR MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Katherine Anne Calleja, Mary Joyce Montinola, Nikki Anne Catindig TRADE MARKETING OFFICER: Jamie Islo TRADE PROMOTIONS ASSISTANTS Daryl Lincod SR. CONSUMER PROMOTIONS ASSOCIATE Candace U. Lobendino ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: Whilma Lopez ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Michael Lumabi, Marlyn Miguel, Christine San

Diego PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Rellis PREMEDIA OFFICER: Bong Carolino GRAPHIC ARTIST: Monica Saputil DEPUTY NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER: Glenda Gil CIRCULATION MANAGER - GMA: Noreen Peligro ASSISTANT MANAGER FOR ExPORT, ONLINE DISTRIBUTION, SUBSCRIPTION, AND DIRECT SALES: Ulyssis Javier KEY ACCOUNTS GROUP HEAD - SUPERMARKET AND CONVENIENCE STORE: Vivian Manahan KEY ACCOUNTS GROUP HEAD - BOOKSTORES, NEWSSTAND AND GMA DISTRIBUTIONS Charlotte Barlis KEY ACCOUNTS SPECIALISTS: Marjorie Abueme, Harold William Rey, Alfredo Toldeo Jr., Jennifer Tolentino, Melrose Tamboong, May Ann Ayuste JUNIOR SALES-REPRESENTATIVES: John Lakhi Celso, Julie Dunn Bantan DISTRIBUTORS SPECIALISTS: Bee Datinguinoo, Elaine Einosas, Eric Ferdinand Gasatan, Robert Revilla, Aeron Nolasco NEWSSTANDS SUPERVISOR: Joel Valdez ASSISTANT GROUP HEAD Carla soriano ONLINE DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Mark Jocell Manio ONLINE ADMIN ASSOCIATE Annalyn Arambulo SUBSCRIPTION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Clarissa Malicdem CIRCULATION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS: Katrina Angelica Boloyos, Lea Sescon SALES COORDINATOR Abigail Aller, Jennyfer Marcelo

hEarst magazinEs intErnational SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CFO AND GENERAL MANAGER: Simon Horne SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jeannette Chang SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Kim St. Clair Bodden DEPUTY BRANDS DIRECTOR: Chloe O'Brien FASHION/ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR: Kristen Ingersoll INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS EDITOR: Jacquelyn Galgey EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, COSMOPOLITAN (1965-1997):

Helen Gurley Brown

intErnational EDitions

EDITOR, ARGENTINA: María José Grillo EDITOR, AUSTRALIA: Claire Askew EDITOR,

BRAzIL: Cristina Naumovs EDITOR, BRITAIN: Farrah Storr EDITOR, BULGARIA. EDITOR,

CHILE: Ignacia Uribe EDITOR, CHINA: Yvonne Liu EDITOR, CROATIA: Aleksandra Orlic EDITOR, CzECH REPUBLIC: Sabrina Karasova EDITOR, FINLAND: Stina Mantyniemi EDITOR, FRANCE: Marie La Fonta EDITOR, GERMANY: Anja Delastik EDITOR, GREECE. EDITOR, HONG KONG: Ruqiyah Law Kam Ying EDITOR, HUNGARY: Johanna Sabján EDITOR, INDIA: Nandini Bhalla EDITOR, INDONESIA: Filisya Thunggawan EDITOR, ITALY: Francesca Delogu EDITOR, KAzAKHSTAN. EDITOR, KOREA: Hyun Joo Kim EDITOR, LATIN AMERICA: Paulina Canales Lopez EDITOR, LATVIA. EDITOR, LITHUANIA: Violeta Kalikauskiene EDITOR, MALAYSIA. EDITOR, MIDDLE EAST: Brooke Dallow EDITOR, MONGOLIA. EDITOR, NETHERLANDS: Anne Marije de Vries Lentsch EDITOR, POLAND: Hanna Wolska EDITOR, ROMANIA: Diana Colcer EDITOR, RUSSIA: Polina Sokhranova EDITOR, SERBIA: Nasja Veljkovic EDITOR, SLOVENIA: Manca Campa Pavlin EDITOR, SOUTH AFRICA. EDITOR, SPAIN: Cecilia Muzquiz Herrero EDITOR, SRI LANKA. EDITOR, TURKEY: Ozlem Kotan EDITOR, UKRAINE: Oleksandra Burynska EDITOR, USA: Michele Promaulayko .

Cosmopolitan is published by SH Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Philippine Copyright 1998 by SH Publications, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are the writers’ and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.

The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject editorial or advertising material. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

For local dealership and distributorship inquiries, look for Mr. Joel Valdez at tel. no. (632)451-888 loc. 1094. For international distribution inquiries, call Circulation at (632)451-888 loc. 1092; look for Ulyssis Javier. Visit www.summitmedia.com.ph/subscribe.

ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES TO

COSMOPOLITAN, 7/F Robinsons Cybergate Tower 3, Robinsons Pioneer Complex, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City 1550, Philippines. Tel. No. (632)451-8888. Fax No. (632)398-8060. Email us at customercare@ summitmedia.com.ph or cosmopolitanph@gmail.com THE MODELS PHOTOGRAPHED IN COSMOPOLITAN ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY; COSMOPOLITAN DOES NOT SUGGEST THAT THE MODELS ACTUALLY ENGAGE IN THE CONDUCT DISCUSSED IN THE STORIES THEY ILLUSTRATE. STORIES HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR LENGTH, CLARITY, CONTENT, AND ACCULTURATION.

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(COCK TAIL RECIPE) BRIT TANY GILBERT. BROWN-FORMAN. (PHOTO) EMILY K ATE ROEMER /STUDIO D. (PROP ST YLIST) ALMA MELENDEZ /BIG LEO PRODUCTIONS. (FOOD ST YLIST) JAMIE KIMM.

Contributors

from the editor

There’s No Place Like Home

B

Bela is one smart, tough cookie! You’ll love her super insightful cover interview.

We’ve packed this issue with tons of sunsoaked pieces!

These trendy heels are making me blush.

Our cover shoot with Bela wrapped up pretty late—but she was such a delight to work with, the team didn’t mind one bit!

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

P.S. Have you noticed our sleek new logo? It represents our new company values—drive for excellence, innovation, grit, integrity, and teamwork. Only bigger and better things in store!

WWW.COSMO.PH

(PHOTOS) SH A IR A LUN A , PAOLO PINedA , cOURTeSy Of M A x & cO. (PURSe, SHOeS), dIOR, jO MALONe.

ut the thing is, you won’t realize that until you’ve gone away. Far, far away. Not until you’ve packed your bags and hopped on a plane, headed some place whose streets and peaks and valleys you don’t know like the back of your hand, whose people don’t live or dream or eat or dance or love the way you do. You won’t realize what home means to you until you’ve given yourself a chance to break free from what’s familiar, comfortable, and easy. And you won’t Marla Miniano, Editor in Chief know who you truly are unless you get to know who you are away from home.

That’s why we’ve put together this special travel issue just for you. Because we’re aware that you have other things on your mind—maybe how to get over that boy or how to impress your boss or how to tell your parents you’re broke or how to get your skin to stop acting up or how to get out of that fashion rut—and maybe right now, travel isn’t on top of the list. But it should be. There’s no better way to invest in yourself than to spend on experiences that foster courage, fun, and a sense of adventure. Experiences that will not only enrich the person you are today, but will also empower the person you choose to become. The life lessons you’ll collect from going places, whether alone or with My current beauty obsessions: the people you love, are priceless. Trust us. a quick, easy mask and a cologne So go ahead and start planning that trip to your that smells like books and booze. dream destination, and start wondering about and imagining the hundreds of ways it will change you.

We can’t wait to hear your stories.

Cl

connect to cosmo iC k in

#yoURcopy oFcosmo

to Co sm p o. h

check out cosmo.ph for travel tips and inspiration.

#Wifezilla and #EndlessCaption Husband AKA #NicoLoco! Love these two!

—LAdy LAHEr-PoLigrAtEs

LIKe Us on FAceBooK

www.facebook.com/ Cosmopolitan.ph

FoLLoW Us on tWItteR

@cosmo_ph

FoLLoW Us on InstAGRAm

Cassiopeia [solenn’s character in Encantadia] goes Cosmo again!

@cosmopolitan_ philippines

—BAEK JooN Woo

i love you both so much, solenn and Nico! you brighten my day every time i watch your videos or see your pictures with the funny captions.

Please take care of each other and prove to the universe that “forever” is real, and that there is hope in marriage!

—ULy-AEros Mdr

@cecILLeReyesss First time buying a copy of Cosmo because you guys are on it, @solennheussaff @NicoBolzico ♥ #SosBolzForCosmo

@lilybeth.0422

GotCha! #sosbolzForCosmo

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

#MyCosmo @chescamar tin ez My first copy of Cosmo, and m #sosBolz is on th y #Couplegoals e cover! i love th e color and how bed. Plus, i read it matches my their ar ticle and i laughed my as his nails… #Nev s of f! Nico and erForget

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(p hoto s) c o ur t e s y of re s p ect i v e in s ta gr a m u s e r s .

“GoInG someWHeRe?”

emAIL Us At

cosmopolitanph @gmail.com

(TEXT, siTTings) angElica guTiErrEz. (PHOTO) kOji arbOlEda.(mOdEl) lisETTE bEndiciOn. (makEuP) cHrisTinE laviña. (Hair) raymOnd galang. (sTyling) bEla viTug. (drEss) uniqlO. (accEssOriEs) bErry lusH. sHOT On lOcaTiOn aT cOmmunE cafE + bar, POlaris sT., makaTi.

H O t ,

f r e s H ,

a n d

r i g H t - t H i s - M i n u t e

Wander WOMan if there’s one thing we know you’re passionate about, it’s travel. so this month, we’ve put together all the gear you’ll need to make the most of your summer adventures. after all, there’s nothing like leaving the day-to-day grind, experiencing the unfamiliar, and losing yourself in a different culture to make you see home in a whole new light.

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and store your keepsakes in one place with The Journaling Nomad kit. P875, Alunsina Handbound Books at Common Room.

9. SAVE TIME

by keeping your tickets, passport, and money in this easy-tofind travel wallet. Glo Travel Wallet, P590, Flight 001.

8. SHOP YOUR HEART OUT,

knowing this foldable backpack doubles as an extra bag on the flight home.

P2,845, Flight 001.

2

when you use this nifty travel checklist. P350, Hey Kessy.

15 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

3. SEE THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ARTIST with CitiX60 Guides.

60 local creatives show you their favorite haunts. P840 each, Flight 001.

4 LET YOUR LUGGAGE STAND OUT

(te x t) angelica gutierrez. (photos) louie aguinaldo.

1 DOCUMENT YOUR TRAVELS

DON’T FORGET A SINGLE THING

with covers designed by Filipino artists. P1,595, Wanderskye at Rustan’s.

5. PUT TOGETHER A GIRL SCOUT KIT, which includes everything

you’ll need to survive a longhaul flight. Your To-Go Kit, P499, Vivolumio at Flight 001.

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CAN’T GET OUT OF TOWN?

Bring the beach to you with these tropical note cards.

P380, Ink Scribbler at Common Room.

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Cosmopolitan • APRIl 2017

6. NEVER LOSE YOUR LUGGAGE.

This tracker connects to your phone and lets you know exactly where your baggage is. P6,490, Flight 001.

WWW.COSMO.PH

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INVEST IN YOUR FIRST ART PIECE

( t e x t ) a ngel ica gu t ierre z. (photos) ( a rt in t he pa rk ) court e s y of a rt in t he pa rk . (l a pl aya f il ipin a s, tim horton’s, pacs a fe, shopee, m a n ho) courtesy of respecti v e br a nds.

at Art in the Park on April 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village.

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GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX

12. HIT THE BEACH IN STYLE with

at Tim Horton’s.

We especially love their breakfast sandwiches, like the Bagel BELT (bacon, egg omelet, lettuce, and tomato).

this adorable tote and these stylish sandals from La Playa Filipinas.

Laplayafilipinas.com.

13. COMMUTE IN PEACE

with PacSafe’s CitySafe bags. Their eXomesh slashguards and Carrysafe slashguard straps make them perfect for toting your valuables around the city.

15. FEAST

14. CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET and make some extra cash

while you’re at it by selling your pre-loved belongings using the Shopee app. You’ll feel better afterwards, promise!

on McDonald’s Fish and Fries. We don’t mind No Meat Fridays if it means we get to indulge in the crunchy-on-the-outside, tenderon-the-inside fish fillet, paired with the crisp, fluffy fries we all know and love. aPriL 2017 Cosmopolitan

17

iT’s liT!

“BOOK” THAT FLIGHT These titles will take you all over the world, from Tokyo to Paris.

eATInG rOme: LIvInG THe GOOd LIFe In THe eTernAL CITy

dIvInG BeLLes

By Lucy Wood Journey to the coast of Cornwall, where the supernatural is commonplace: wives travel to the bottom of the sea to fetch husbands seduced by mermaids, and a ghost anxiously sorts through a couple’s moving boxes. Lucy Wood’s short stories are a masterful blend of Cornish myth and reality.

THe COndé nAsT TrAveLer BOOK OF UnFOrGeTTABLe JOUrneys

TOKyO On FOOT

By Florent Chavouet A young French graphic artist documents his six-month stay in Japan through whimsical illustrations of the neighborhoods he frequents and the quirky characters he encounters along the way. The amusing commentary that accompanies each drawing makes for an especially entertaining read!

Edited by Klara Glowczewska Take a vicarious journey to places like Hawaii, the Himalayas, barcelona, and even bicol, Philippines in this compilation of travel journals from some of the world’s best writers.

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Cosmopolitan • apriL 2017

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( T E X T ) A NGE L IC A GU T IE RRE Z , CH A NDR A P E P INO. (P HOTO) LO UIE A GUIN A L D O. (GLObE ) R U s TA N’s DE PA R T mE N T s TORE .

By Nina George Ever heard of the profession “literary apothecary”?

There’s a book for every ailment—especially an ailment of the heart. monsieur Perdu is known far and wide for his impeccable book recommendations, but the only person he can’t seem to help is himself. This book is a must for your next airport layover.

All available at Fully booked.

THe LITTLe PArIs BOOKsHOP

By Elizabeth Minchilli When in Rome, eat as the Romans do. In this book, Elizabeth minchilli takes you on a delightful tour of her favorite city and shows you the ins and outs of Italian food culture.

these girls are not throwing away their shot.

COSMO RADAR

Women in the Sequel What Were you doing When you found out you Would be caSt in the WeSt end run of hamilton: an american muSical?

Rachelle (eliza SchuyleR):

I had just gotten back to Manila from London and was spending time with my family when I got the email from the casting team. I was elated! chRiStine (Peggy SchuyleR/MaRia ReynoldS): I was

about to take a post-workout shower when my agent called.

He asked me to sit down and I said, “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Just tell me!” I started screaming all the way to my apartment!

hoW much do you identify With your reSpective characterS? What do you admire moSt about them?

Rachelle: I love Eliza because she’s a strong character with grace, dignity, and

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

heart for her husband and country. chRiStine: Because it’s a dual role, I can relate to the duality of the characters. I love Peggy’s wide-eyed but underlying curious nature, and her skepticism but newfound bravery in rising to the occasion when she finds herself in New York City. My portrayal of Maria, though, is probably what got me the part. Her cunning and female strength is a quality I admire and keep in my arsenal.

hoW are you preparing for your role?

Rachelle: I play the Hamilton

soundtrack, read about Hamilton, and take voice and acting classes to hone my understanding of the character. chRiStine: I’m working on Maria’s song, “Say No to This” with my vocal teachers. I’d

like to do it justice in terms of technique and dynamics. I’m also hoping to go to New York soon to see the Broadway production.

What’S it like being tWo of feW filipina actreSSeS Who have SucceSSfully broken into the international Scene?

Rachelle: I love the fulfill-

ment I get from it. Every night is a different show.

And I just love portraying a character. I feel like I have the power in my hands to create something beautiful.

any advice for coSmo girlS Who Want to purSue a career in muSical theater?

Rachelle: Just do the best

you can. Of course, prayer works! Trust me! chRiStine: Believe and invest in yourself. Take lessons, see shows, support local theater, and keep learning. It’s an upward climb, but if the stars align, you may reach your destination. There is room for all of us! We hope to share the stage with you someday.

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(TE X T) ANGELICA GUTIERREZ, CHANDR A PEPINO. (PHOTOS) COURTESY OF CORNERSTONE E N T E R TA INME N T A ND CHRI S T INE A L L A D O.

Hamilton West End’s firstever Schuyler sisters, Rachelle Ann Go and Christine Allado, are ready for anything and everything the spotlight sends their way.

COSMO RADAR

(TE X T ) DYA N Z A R ZUEL A . ( A DDITION A L REP ORTING) A NGEL ICA GU TIERRE Z. (PHOTOS) (bOOk S) LOUIE AGUIN A LDO, (SO COSMO) E!

fragmentS Fragments of oF time What we learned from a refreshingly candid conversation with Before Ever After writer Samantha Sotto at the launch of her new novel, Love & Gravity.

Lesson #1: “getting puBLished and staying puBLished are two diFFerent things.”

Two years after the international success of Before Ever After, Samantha was ready to submit her second novel—but with a major reorganization at her publishing house and a new editor, her book was rejected. “I felt like one of those ’80s one-hit wonder bands. I cried on the

inside when people asked about the new book. I found myself thinking, was that it? Was that the peak of my life?”

Lesson #2: “Just put one word in Front oF another.”

“People say you should give yourself time to wallow, but what worked for me was jumping right into the next thing. Some days I would write one sentence, other days I would write a lot. I

was battling a lot of mental monsters. But if you just put one word in front of another, you’re bound to finish it one day, right? This is a book soaked in tears—I was out to prove that Before Ever After wasn’t a fluke.”

Lesson #3: “write aBout the things that Fascinate you.”

Her books are fiction inspired by fiction: The Time Traveler’s Wife (time is a huge factor in Before

“Everybody knows Isaac Newton as the guy who explained how and why the apple fell. Love & Gravity is the story of the woman who dropped it.”

Ever After), Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Love & Gravity is her “alternate truth” about the one true love of Isaac Newton), and Doctor Who (both books have shades of the British series). “I like to write about time because it’s what we have the least control of. But as a writer, I can manipulate it in ways that I can never dream of in real life. It’s almost like another character in the story.”

Behind the scenes If you loved the fashion, drama, and power play in The Devil Wears Prada, you should watch So Cosmo, a new reality series on E! that follows the lives of the Cosmo US magazine staff. Get a firsthand look at all the craziness during fashion week, the enviable perks and freebies that come with the job, and the office politics that goes on behind the scenes. It’s got all the shade you could possibly want—there is actually a corner in the office called Fire Island because everyone who walks by gets burned—but at the same time, it’s the perfect example of how any job or endeavor really takes a village. Now, how about a local version called Sobrang Cosmo? We volunteer as tribute! april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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EMIL KHODAVERDI

The Cebu-born multihyphenate is more than just a pretty face.

The people I meet. you come across so many personalities and it’s fun listening to all the stories. and the food on set is always a great plus! [laughs]

What do you love doing with your girlfriend?

We love to paint, go to the beach, hit up raves and music festivals, and go on road trips. but when we’re busy with school, we enjoy wine nights, card games, and long conversations.

cosmo is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What are some of the goals you want to accomplish before turning 30?

I want to graduate from college and get my master’s degree, drive my own car, achieve my dream physique, open up my own gym, travel to all my favorite countries... and maybe, hopefully, get engaged.

Describe your ideal girl.

I want someone who is game to do (and eat) anything! I wouldn’t want her to be too maarte. and I have a soft spot for a girl who has a great relationship with her family.

Tell us about your favorite trip and your dream destinations.

“A delay is better than a disaster.”

22

I love traveling, but I’m scared of flying! [laughs] My favorite trip was back in 2012, when I went to New york, boston, Washington, and New jersey. and last year, my whole barkada and I went to my hometown, Cebu, and celebrated sinulog! someday I’d love to see Coron, los angeles, south africa, and New zealand.

(IN T E R V IE W ) Ch a NdR a P E P IN o. (P h oTo) R ob s a R T E jR . (M a K E UP) TaT IN ya Ng. (h a IR ) R ay MoNd g a l a Ng, C y No s IN s IdE h a IR C a R E . (s T y l INg) E RIK a ModIN a . (ModE l ) E MIl K hod aV E RdI. (o U T f I T ) bE NCh. (P hoTo gR a P hE R ’s a s s I s Ta N T ) E UNICE l aURE N hE RN a NdE z .

cOsMO bAE

What do you love the most about modeling?

COSMO CONTRACT

The proviNcial Bus ride This is an agreement made by a Woman Who’s About to Go Where Plenty of Commuters Have Gone Before (hereafter referred to as The Passenger).

Having spent way too much time being ~spontaneous~ and chasing the golden hour (and taking the perfect moody sunset selfie, of course) at the beach, The Passenger will get to the terminal too late and miss her bus. She will be told that the next one arriving in two hours is already fully booked. Tired, sun burnt, and worried about getting to work the next day, The Passenger will text a friend, a local she stayed with.

2. The search The Passenger’s Friend will pick her up and suggest they drive farther north to try their luck at other terminals. The farther they drive and the more empty buses they see on their side of the road, the more The Passenger will seriously consider hopping on a Baguio-bound bus and extending her vacation. Just as she has calculated that she has enough clothes (but no vacation leaves) for two more days thanks to her over-packing tendencies, The Passenger’s Friend will spot a slightly sketchy but gloriously empty Manila-bound bus at a gas station.

3. The FreeziNg cold The Passenger may have over-packed, but she will find that she is sorely unprepared for the unbearable cold. Winter is not coming—it is here, in this bus; the cold seeping into her bones, the AC wind blowing through her hair, the god(s)-forsaken music sucking her life force one bad remix after another. There

will be barely any legroom, but for once, she won’t mind—it will be physically impossible to uncurl herself anyway.

4. The Bus sTop Three hours later, The Passenger will have a chance to stretch and thaw out her limbs. Fifteen minutes, the conductor will call out, you only have 15 minutes! With the sheer volume of people in the stopover compound, The Passenger will realize that she only has enough time for either a bathroom break or a food run. Her bladder will win.

5. The cuTe passeNger Upon returning to her seat, The Cute Passenger who just got on the bus will come up to her and ask if she could please scooch over. Not one to turn away body warmth in an attractive form at this point, she will agree, only to find that it is The Cute Passenger’s Girlfriend who will be invading her space. Regretting her generosity, The Passenger will consider taking back her invitation, but The Girlfriend’s offering, a freshly cooked hotdog sandwich, will appease her grumbling stomach. Vowing to stick to deluxe or sleeper buses (with actual toilets and mattresses on board!), The Passenger will seek solace in the VSCO-colored world of Instagram.

She will play back her beach Stories and think, hey, maybe the past few hellish hours were actually worth it. Her moody sunset selfie’s accumulated likes, just a few double taps away from triple digits, will seal the deal.

Signed: (The Passenger)

24

(TE X T) DYAN Z ARZUEL A. (PHOTO) LOUIE AGUINALDO. (ST YLING) STEPHEN DE JESUS. (PRODUCTS) COMMON ROOM, ST YLIST’S OWN.

1. The Bad News

CONFESSIONS Because sometimes, even vacations can be a pain

“I spent a semester abroad during my junior year of college, and had made friends with my foster parents’ teenage neighbors. I asked them the German translation for ‘Where is the museum?’

Later on, I found out my friends had given me the translation for ‘Do you want a picture of my penis?’ No wonder that girl’s jaw dropped.”

“It was my first time in Singapore, and my first time to swim in an infinity pool. I cannonballed my way in, and when I surfaced, the other tourists were whispering under their breath. Turns out I had lost my bikini top underwater!”

—JC, 22

—TINTIN, 26

“I’m Japanese, and some Filipino friends invited me to go wakeboarding in Laguna. I’m afraid of the ocean, but I went along because they were my only companions that weekend. I accidentally let go of the safety cable, so the boat sped ahead while I was left flailing around in the water because I couldn’t get my feet out of the wakeboard. Never. Again.”

“My cousins and I love to roughhouse.

During a big family trip to Baguio, I jokingly grabbed my kid cousin by the collar and taunted, ‘Where are you going, freak?’ To my horror, the little boy, who turned out not to be my cousin, started crying. Boy, did I piss off his mom!”

—sHOu, 19

“To welcome me back to Cebu after three years of being away, my family took me to a beachside seafood restaurant. I had a little too much to drink, so on our way out, I tripped and fell on some sharp rocks and badly scraped my knees. Needless to say, I didn’t get to go swimming on that trip.”

(COMPILED BY) CHANDR A PEPINO. (PHOTO) gE T T YIMAgEs.

—PAT, 23

WHOOPS!

“My boyfriend and I were on the Ngong Ping cable car in Hong Kong. Another couple was seated in front of us. My stomach had been upset all day, and it couldn’t have picked a worse time—I let out a fart right then and there. To make matters worse, my boyfriend tried to cover up for me by blaming it on the other couple! I wanted the cable car to snap.”

lEavE-O-mE tEr

—MARIE, 21

...YOU NE VER SAW ME. JUST GONNA HIDE NOW UH, ¿NO HABLO INGLES? WORST TOURIST AWARD NE VER COMING BACK

—BRIELE, 19

26

Cosmopolitan • AprIL 2017

WWW.COSMO.PH

In the one Z With several box office hits

and shows under her belt, Bela Padilla is a double threat that shows no signs of letting out anytime soon.

By GaBy IGnacIo PhotoGraPhy By Paolo PIneda

(Lace robe) Forever 21 (Satin romper) Suzy cLothing by corine Sibug (pumpS) caSadei.

and critically acclaimed films

C

ould you play some Lana Del Rey?” Bela Padilla asks sweetly, standing under the bright studio lights as her very first Cosmopolitan cover shoot kicks off. Wearing a figure-hugging black bodysuit, jeans that could more easily be called demolished than distressed, and sky-high black booties, she looks the epitome of an elusive kind of laid-back cool, making the request more than appropriate.

“Summertime Sadness” comes on, and with that, Bela transforms right before the team’s eyes, becoming sultry, pensive, and jaw-droppingly sexy, belying the quirky-girl vibe she sashayed in with beforehand. You can hardly tell that it’s been a long and busy day for the 25-year-old actress, who shows with every click of the camera that she is one of those most delightful of showbiz creatures: a professional.

Discovered at 17 during a school field trip, Bela is a relative veteran in the industry, as well as a member of one of the country’s most established show business families.

Despite this, she admits never having entertained the idea of acting before she was scouted.

“I was really shy,” she shares.

“When we were growing up, we would be asked to dance, perform, entertain the titas, and I would always be the kid at the back begging not to be picked. I really didn’t imagine that this opportunity would fall into my lap or that this would open up for me.”

A lack of concrete plans after graduating, however, would serve as the catalyst for her acceptance of the offer. “I think the fact that I had family members who april 2017 Cosmopolitan

29

diving deep

This, however, isn’t to say that it’s ever easy. “Every time I get a new project, or read a new script, I get scared,” she confesses.

“Everyone who’s worked with me knows that on the first day of shooting, I’m literally shaking because I’m anticipating when the character is going to sink in.”

There are tinges of Method acting in her technique: She narrates how, while shooting Ang Probinsyano, where she played opposite Coco Martin as his wife, she would come home still wearing a wedding ring. One story she regales us with details her crying and upset about the death of her “husband.” “I took feelings home. I’d snap out of it after a few hours, but until then, I relish the character,” she says.

She shares her desire to tell true, compelling stories rooted in real people’s experiences, and this revelation sheds light on how she has managed to become so versatile an actress. “I’m a different person when I’m in front of the camera, but I try to inject a bit of Bela into performances.

That’s what I’m trying to live by now, in trying to make the characters I play more authentic: I try to delve deeper into all my

30

Branching Out

Writing, though, is a more conscious effort for Bela. With several finished scripts and concepts already under her belt, including the hit movie Camp Sawi, she shares that she hopes to legitimize this facet of her career. “I don’t want established writers to wonder why I’m getting a break. I’m taking writing courses so I can feel that I put the work in. I want the work to feel real,” she says.

It’s a smart move on her part. “I don’t see myself acting forever, because the turnover for actors is so fast,” she says.

“I’m trying to position myself in a way that I can write as a career if people stop casting me. If people would have me, of course I’d want to act for as long as I can.” It’s a pragmatic statement, and one can’t help but respect her for her transparency.

“Writing’s not something I thought I’d do full time, because I’ve transitioned from seeing acting as something fun that pays the bills, to really loving every bit of it,” she explains. “On set, that’s my comfort zone. Everywhere else, it’s like I’m living half a life, but when I’m on set, I feel like I know what I’m doing and what I’m doing is something I can be proud of.”

It would be easy to assume that, having crossed over,

Cosmopolitan • april 2017

grOwing up

She would know, after all, about haters. In 2012, she found herself in the middle of a controversy when a men’s magazine put her on its cover, alongside several models painted in blackface. The internet cried foul, citing racism, and promptly attacked Bela. “I honestly don’t think about it anymore,” she says of the brouhaha. “You can’t predict how things turn out. You make the most out of things, I guess.

I would have reacted the same way now as I did then, which was to apologize. I didn’t do anything intentionally hurtful, but that people were hurt by it was a signal for me to apologize. You don’t have to be in the wrong to say sorry. I know the team didn’t intend to

hurt me; they didn’t want to put me in a bad light.”

One could say it was a baptism of fire. She’s mellowed, though,with experience. “It wasn’t easy, but I guess with the duration I’ve been in show business, you get a little bit more ‘Ah, who cares?’” she says. “I used to be really affected. If there were a hundred comments, and 99 were great but one was bad, I’d fixate on the bad one.

Now, I appreciate the 99 more. Those little things used to scare me, that I’d lose my job over that one comment. Now I know it’s not true. You get more work by being professional, and I hope the people who write those hateful comments realize that the people who pay us know more about what’s going on.”

Bela says she keeps doing the work, despite the challenges, for the most important people in her life: her family. “I was

(sweater, shorts) Forever 21 (booties) h&M.

were in showbiz made it easier for me to imagine myself acting. It’s still overwhelming, but it was definitely helpful seeing people I’m close to and people I trust working in this industry.”

characters,” she says. “I do feel the pain every time I cry, or get slapped, or every time my character gets hurt by another character, so I hope it translates.”

Bela would insist on being involved in each script, but she corrects us: “Out of respect for other writers, you play what’s written.” When writing scripts for herself or for friends, however, is when she can flex her creative muscles. “I notice I tend to downplay characters I write for myself and try to uplift the others,” she explains. “It’s a conscious effort. People here have so much to say about everything, so it’s just to be safe.”

“You can’t predict how things turn out. You make the most out of things, I guess.”

GoinG StronG

Whatever it is that she’s doing, it’s working, with her work as a writer and as an actress receiving acclaim, both locally and abroad, most recently in the drama I, America, an independent film that chronicles a young girl’s search for her foreign father, and the romcom Luck at First Sight, which she helped conceptualize.

How she manages to find time for herself is a mystery, but Bela insists it’s the simplest things that keep her happy...and sane.

“I like driving by myself. It’s funny, sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic, I cry in my car by myself, just so I can let emotions out after a week of crying non-stop for other people. You have to let yourself breathe,” she says, before candidly sharing that work doesn’t end when shoots wrap. “I have to work out, I have to go to the derma—most free days now are just left for errands and

32

Cosmopolitan • april 2017

self-maintenance, but really, if it were all up to me, I would just be at home watching Netflix or driving somewhere by myself and having a cup of hot chocolate.”

It’s refreshing to hear a young star so open about the work that goes into this said stardom, and it makes her even more likeable. “Our shoot today was very sexy, and it’s not something I would necessarily choose to do, but I understand why I need to do it, because we have to be holistic,” she confides. Still, she adds, “There are different personalities and the industry’s big enough. I don’t want to be seen as just one thing. But I still want to stay myself.”

“I don’t want to be seen as just one thing. But I still want to stay myself.”

Who, then, is Bela Padilla?

A talented actress, yes. A promising screenwriter, absolutely. But more than anything, she’s passionate about her career and her craft, driven, and very, very thankful to be doing what she loves most. “Every project I get is a dream role. The fact that I’m still working is a dream,” she shares. “When I’m really tired, I think ‘You wanted this. So work hard.’ Sometimes I’m really embarrassed by how much I love it, like it’s too obvious. Hopefully, it doesn’t turn into something negative, because right now, it’s what drives me.”

With so many opportunities

at her fingertips, Bela is a creative force that is growing day by day, which is exactly how she wants to take things. “I wouldn’t want to know what the future holds,” she says thoughtfully. “I hope I keep getting moments when I’m handed a script and it’s such a good surprise. I hope life keeps surprising me.”

We could say the same thing about Bela herself.

We want her to keep surprising us, to keep giving us moments where we can really take in and feel what she’s trying to portray.

While we may not know which direction her career will go in, we do, however, know that with a lethal combination of talent and passion, those surprises are bound to be great.

WWW.COSMO.PH

(OUTFIT) (OnesIe, TUlle dress) FOrever 21. (MAKeUP) Jelly eUgenIO. (HAIr) PAUl nebres. (sTylIng) CATH sObrevegA AssIsTed by rIrI verAnO And FAITH ArAnAs. (nAIls) HAIdee sObel bernAbe OF POsH nAIls.

sent a really good script that I was dying to do, but there were too many scenes where my character would have to make love, and I couldn’t imagine my mom watching them,” she says with a laugh.

“That’s my benchmark for accepting roles: would I want my mom to see this movie? Because I do my work for them. I work for my family—I help out now, financially, because my dad’s been sick for a while—but also to make them proud, not just to put food on the table. I want to do things they would be able to tell their friends about.”

“My life is an open book. And if I have a love life, hindi ko naman itatago ‘yun.

It’s something that should be celebrated. Love is a good thing.”

(dress) ever new. (PHOTOs) iemOji.cOm, iG @sOlennHeussaff, @cHurreria_la_lOla, @Kayla_iTsines, cHris ecKerT/sTudiO d.

Pack light or bring options?

34

CoSMoPolITaN • april 2017

(OuTfiT) (denim jacKeT) fOrever 21 (TOP) eve swimwear (bOTTOms) Hey babe swimwear (bOOTies) alaia. (PHOTOs) (Taj maHal) wiKimedia cOmmOns (scarf) cOsmOPOliTan (camP sawi sTill) cOurTesy Of viva films (clOser sTill) cOurTesy Of cOlumbia PicTures.

COSMO QUIZ

Nickname:

The one movie I re-watch constantly:

Birthdate:

My top three dream travel destinations:

Solo travel or squad trip?

Seaside or city?

The best lesson I’ve ever learned:

The three things I can’t travel without:

WWW.COSMO.PH

We like your sTyle—

so sTarT oWning iT

ready, JeTseT, go!

(PHOTO) dairy darilag. (TEXT and sTyling) HaPPy lOPEz. (assisTEd by) cariE aguila and aPril lOzada. (suiTcasEs) Tumi. (HaT and scarf) sm dEParTmEnT sTOrE. (swimsuiT, rings, nEcklacE, jackET) H&m. (sHOrTs) mangO. (sHOEs) mEndrEz. (sunglassEs) ray-ban. (cluTcH) sTylisT’s Own.

Headed to your dream destination? Pack your essentials in equally fashionable luggage, and take on a new adventure with the perfect vacation outfits that will have you strutting in style from the airport to that sweet, sunny summer spot.

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swim-up ba

long sleeve

Try a new trend this summer! Go for a sporty luxe vibe by adding boyfriend jeans and lots of attitude. rashguard, p849.75, and bottom, p849.75 (part of a set), both angelfish. jeans, forever 21, p1,535. sunglasses, parfois, p1,290.

(photos) dairy daril ag. (te x t) Cosmo au. (st yling) happy lopez. (a ssisted by) Carie aguil a and april loz a da . (interns) Corine sibug a nd stephen de jesus. (m a keup) john paga dua n. (h a ir) george a liben f o r k i e h l’ s . ( m o d e l ) a l e x a n d r a a g u i r r e o f p m a p.

take the hottest swimwear shapes from the surf straight to happy hour.

bikini

cut-out

The mesh top packs small, is crease-proof and looks great thrown over a bikini.

Take it to the next level with a topknot and a fringe skirt to highlight those sassy cut-outs.

A lace dress shows off what’s underneath but won’t show up with wet chest circles.

Crop + high-waisted skirt = the cutest, most flattering combo.

Maillot, Yuminum, P1,850. Fringe coverup (used as a skirt), Forever 21, P1,275. Earrings, H&M, price available upon request. Bag, P1,490, and bracelet, P490, both Parfois.

Shoes, Zalora, P1,499.

Dress, Suzy Clothing, P1,650. Bikini, I Love Koi, P1,880. Bag, P1,490, and bracelet, P490, both Parfois. Shoes, Zalora, P1,799.

Bikini, Angelfish, price available upon request. Skirt, H&M, P1,490.

Bag, P1,990, and bracelet, P790, both Parfois. Shoes, Zalora, P1,799.

Mesh top, Forever 21, P915. Bikini, I Love Koi, P1,880. Shorts, Mango, P995. Bracelet, Parfois, P490.

Sandals, Zalora, P1,299.

high-waist bottom

crop

april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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one-piece Your one-piece will literally double as a bodysuit, so pull out that jazzy mini skirt.

Maillot, Yuminum, P2,450. Skirt, and earrings, H&M, price available upon request. Clutch, Parfois, P1,990.

Shoes, Zalora, P1,999.

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017

retro

boardies

off-the-shoulder

Pair a retro, classic one-piece with a high-waisted skirt to keep in theme.

Team boardies with sparkly metallics and heels. The look is unexpected and cool AF.

A sexy off-the-shoulder bikini top is the perfect mate for culottes’ boyish feel.

One-piece, P1,698, and sunglasses, P349, both Georgina Sasha. Skirt, P915, and clutch, P1,015, both Forever 21. Heels, Zalora, P1,799.

Top, P1,495, and pumps, P1,995, both Mango. Shorts, Forever 21, P805. Earrings, H&M, price available upon request.

Bikini, Yuminum, P2,450. Pants, Mango, P2,695. Coverup, Forever 21, P905. Slip-ons, H&M, price available upon request.

WWW.COSMO.PH

s Tue

M o nda y

da y

Criss-cross Platforms Zara, P2,995.

Strappy Midi Wedge

shopping cart

We d n e s d a y

Charles & Keith, P2,299.

it’s shoes day! slip on these fancy flats and show off your perfect summer pedicure in style.

Th

y a d s ur

Wrap Fringe Mango, P2,995.

Furry Sandals

Pom-pom Slides

Zara, P2,595.

y

a d tu r

Sa

S

unday

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Knotted Block Heel Zara, P3,995.

Cosmopolitan • aPril 2017 See Shopping Directory for details.

Studded Fabric Slip-ons

Fri day

Stradivarius, P1,990.

WWW.COSMO.PH

(st yling) happy lopez. (mango, z ar a , charles & keith, s t r a di va rius) court e s y of re spect i v e br a nds.

Zara, P2,595.

fashion 3-way

wear it like...

(S T y l ing) H A P P y loP E Z . ( Z E nd AyA , MiCHE l E , H y l A nd) r E x f E AT UrE S . (BE r S Hk A , S T r A di vA riUS, PUl l & BE A r, M A ngo, Z A r A , SUPrE, Z A r A , PA rfoiS) CoUrT E S y of rESPECTivE Br AndS.

Shorts in the office? Totally doable. Here are three classy ways to do it.

sarah hyland

zendaya

lea michele

Dress up a sporty combo with metallic pieces for a luxe athleisure look.

A classic black and white suit looks sleek and powerful in the boardroom.

Show everyone at work who’s the boss in a fiery head-to-toe red set.

Bomber, Stradivarius, P1,590.

Earrings, Mango, P795.

Shirt, Zara, P1,795.

Top, Stradivarius, P295.

Choker set, Pull & Bear, P595.

Blazer, Stradivarius, P1,990.

Blazer, Mango, P2,695.

Shorts, Mango, P995.

Bag, Bershka, P995.

Bag, Parfois, P1,990.

Shorts, Supre at Zalora, P889.

Bag, Bershka, P1,995.

Shorts, Uniqlo, P390.

Heels, Zara, P2,795.

Shoes, Mango, P2,995.

Heels, Mango, P1,995.

Bracelets, Pull & Bear, P495.

See Shopping Directory for details.

april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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Spirit animal Be a force of nature in wild animal prints and earthy, sexy neutral tones.

BY HAPPY LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAIRY DARILAG

Bikini top, P1,398, and bottom, P898, both Aquaholic.

(THIS Page) Maillot, Naked Sun, P2,250. (oPPoSITe Page) (ToP) Swimsuit, Naked Sun, P2,350.

(BoTToM) one-piece off-shoulder swimsuit, aquaholic, P2,898.

(this page) Bikini, h&M, price available upon request. (opposite page) swimsuit, aquaholic, p4,498.

(PHOTO) (PHOTOs) dOOkie dairyducay. darilag.

(TeXT (TeXT and and sTyling) sTyling) HaPPy HaPPy lOPez. lOPez. (assisTed (assisTed by)by) carie carie aguila aguila, andaPril aPrillOzada, lOzada. (makeuP) jasOn delOs reyes.

(Hair) sTePHen mark derOsales. jesus. (Hair sHOTand On lOcaTiOn makeuP) eddiemar aT sugar cabilTes. facTOry, uniT (mOdel) gf5 grOund yaOfa dela flOOr, cruzsHangri-la Of mercaTOr THemOdels. fOrT, 3rd ave. cOr. 30TH sT., bOnifaciO glObal ciTy, fOrT bOnifaciO, Taguig ciTy, (632) 958-5175.

Earrings, P355, and cuff, P455, both Call It Spring. Top and skirt, stylist’s own. Sneakers, model’s own.

Dress, Lifewithbird.

Sunglasses, Sunday, Somewhere. Lei, worn throughout, J’Adore Floral Designs. Necklace, Sollis. Bracelet stack, worn throughout, Samantha Wills.

Initial bracelets, worn throughtout , Dallasandcarlos.

Clutch, Mimco.

tropic punch Pops of color and punchy prints make the perfect cocktail of style—just add some fizz.

STYLING BY CHARLOTTA BACKLUND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KANE SKENNAR

Top, shorts, both Zimmerman. Shoes, H&M. Earrings, Sollis.

Sunglasses, Le Specs.

Bag, Jasmine & Will.

Top, skirt, both Coop by Trelise Cooper. Shoes, Mimco. Earrings, clutch, both Sollis.

Top, H&M x Kenzo. Bikini bottom, Midnight Swim.

Necklace, Mimco.

(PHOTO) dOOkie ducay. (TeXT and sTyling) HaPPy lOPez. (assisTed by) carie aguila and aPril lOzada. (makeuP) jasOn delOs reyes.

(Hair) mark rOsales. sHOT On lOcaTiOn aT sugar facTOry, uniT gf5 grOund flOOr, sHangri-la THe fOrT, 3rd ave. cOr. 30TH sT., bOnifaciO glObal ciTy, fOrT bOnifaciO, Taguig ciTy, (632) 958-5175.

(opposite page) top and skirt, both Kenzo x H&M. Bikini top, Fellaswim. Flower crown, J’Adore floral designs.

(top) Bikini top, Rip Curl.

Skirt, MRP. Earrings, Sollis.

Necklaces, aqua, Dallasandcarlos; black, Petite Grand. Bag, Jasmine & Will.

(LeFt) Dress, Thurley.

Hat, Lack of Color.

G I r l- C r u S H - w o r t H y

G o r G E o u S

I n S I d E

A n d

o u t

BASIC BEACH

(TEXT AND STYLING) BIANCA MASCENON. (PHOTO) LOUIE AGUINALDO.

That island-hot glow you get after a beach trip?

You can fake it! Just buff an all-over body bronzer for a nice, even tan, spritz a sea salt texturizing spray on your hair, layer on loads of golden highlighter, and finish with a light smattering of freckles using brow ink. It’ll be our little secret.

Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines All Over Body Bronzer, P1,800. MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Show Gold, P2,100. K-Palette 2-Way Lasting Eyebrow Liquid, P895.

Beach Born Sea Salt Spray, P180.

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holy grail

Nivea After Sun Moisturizing Soothing Spray with Aloe, P259, deserves just as much space in your beach bag as your sunblock.

Slather on a thick layer—it feels like heaven after a day under the scorching sun.

Avon Naturals Aloe Vera Hydration Mask, P199.

A quick fix for when the sun leaves you a little dull.

Aloe Derma Brightening Facial Mask, P590.

YOU HAD ME AT ALOE Don’t let sunburn get in the way of your summer romance.

Instant cooling relief on the go.

Bench Organics 92% Aloe Face and Body Mist, P219.

If you’re a beach babe, make sure you’re stocked up on Tony Moly I’m Real Aloe Mask Sheets, price available upon request.

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The Face Shop Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel, P795, serves as an all-around refreshing moisturizer—keep one close by for emergencies.

( T E X T A N D S T Y L I N G) B I A N C A M A S C E N O N . ( P H O T O ) L O U I E A G U I N A L D O .

Take a break from harsh cleansers in favor of Daiso Japan Aloe Face Make-up Cleansing Tissues, P88.

holy grail

MELT WITH YOU World-stopping warm shades you’ll want to dance in from sunrise to sunset— all under P800.

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4 5 6 3 1 BYS Matte Lipstick in Damsel in Distress, P299.

2 L’Oreal Color Riche Gold Obsession in Le Gold, P400.

3 Maybelline Rosy Matte Lipstick in Apricot Beige, P299.

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4 BYS Matte Lipstick in Fury, P299.

5 The Face Shop Moisture Touch Lipstick in OR02, P795.

11 10 ( T E X T A N D S T Y L I N G) B I A N C A M A S C E N O N . ( P H O T O ) L O U I E A G U I N A L D O .

6 The Face Shop Moisture Touch Lipstick in RD02, P795.

7 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Kiss Me Coral, P350.

8 Celeteque Matte Lipstick in Ruby, P595.

9 Celeteque Matte Lipstick in Nude, P595.

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10 Ever Bilena Luxe Lipstick in Charm, P165.

11 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Foxy Lady, P350.

12 Ever Bilena Luxe Lipstick in Diva, P165.

13 Revlon Matte Balm in Fierce, P575.

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14 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Chocolicious, P350.

60 LM

Cosmopolitan • aPril 2017 See Shopping Directory for details.

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(TEXT AND STYLING) BIANCA MASCENON. (PHOTO) LOUIE AGUINALDO.

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1 He made her a mojito and she didn’t know which she enjoyed more: the icy drink or the view of the beach. —Ange Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin, P3,600.

2 She never thought she’d like, much less love, the cotton candycarrying guy she tripped on and spilled her bottle of fruit juice all over, but what did she know?

—Gaby MAC Shadescents in Candy Yum-Yum, P3,500.

3 When she walked in, wearing a classic little black dress, he couldn’t help but stare from across the room.

It was love at first sight.

—Paula DKNY Be Tempted, price available upon request.

4 He was the calm to her chaos, a steady reminder that she’ll always be okay.

—Bianca Radioactive Mushrooms in the Forest Satori Oil Perfume, P600.

5 The moment you look at your crush, and he looks back, and you look away, but he knows you were looking. —Chandra Lanvin Modern Princess, P5,098.

6 It’s been five years, but she can still smell that first bouquet. —Marla Zara Rose Roll-on Perfume, P295.

7 Just as intoxicating but fresher and lighter—like getting back together with your long-term boyfriend after some much-needed time apart. —Dyan Chanel N°5 L’EAU, P5,950.

8 Like spending all of Sunday wrapped up in our crisp, white, newly laundered sheets.

—Happy Acca Kappa Green Mandarin EDC, P2,900.

nice try

MESSAGE SCENT

A scent can launch a thousand words, but sometimes you only need a few to tell a good story.

See Shopping Directory for details.

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Face tHe WORLD

Avene Thermal Spring Water 50mL, P556.

It’s no secret that makeup plays a big part in building your confidence and selfesteem. Visit the La Vie Institute (lavieinstitute.com) for their Lifestyle Makeup Workshop, a five-hour backto-basics, step-by-step class that’ll get you started on your exciting beauty journey.

Avene Skin Recovery Cream 40mL, P861.

ask bianca

My RasHes aRe FLaRiNg up. HeLp!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, P5,050.

RetiNOL ReWiND

beauty quickies

The beauty world’s biggest news broken down into bitesized portions.

The Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum contains three—yes, three!—types of retinol to combat the earliest signs of aging. It also fights even the most severe acne breakouts. Best skin ever? Best skin ever.

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Cosmopolitan • april 2017 See Shopping Directory for details.

beautiFuL iNsiDe Out

With Benefit’s new Bold Is Beautiful campaign, Filipinas can look good, feel good, and do good all at the same time. For the whole month of May, proceeds from Benefit Brow Waxing services will be donated to Mano Amiga, a developmental center dedicated to uplifting the lives of the less fortunate through quality education.

Babyliss Curl Secret, P7,950.

FaNcy iN a FLasH

Curling your hair has never been this easy. Clamp a section down, watch it automatically curl into the barrel, then release when it beeps.

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(TE X T, HAIR AND ST YLING) BIANCA MA SCENON. (ADDITIONAL REPORTING) CHANDR A PEPINO. (PHOTO) NIKKI RUIZ, ROGER CABELLO, SVEND LINDBAEK, JEFFRE Y WESTBROOK /STUDIO D, FE ATURED BR ANDS. (MAKEUP) SYLVINA LOPEZ. (ST YLING A SSISTANT) R AY VEN NEPOMUCENO. (PHOTOGR APHY A SSISTANT) AIK A RE YES. (MODEL) MARTINE VEL A SCO. (OUTFIT) FORE VER 21.

Stress aggravates flare-ups, so the first step is to relax. Spray on some Avene Thermal Spring Water to hydrate and soothe the skin, then apply Avene Skin Recovery Cream to calm the irritation and create a barrier against external factors.

Soft & Natural Brows Kit, P1,900.

Drink Up A beginner’s guide to the sKin-sAVing world of ingestible collAgen.

BUt what is collagen, even?

A protein naturally found in our bodies, and in abundant quantities at that, collagen provides structural support for our tissues (i.e. our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments). It makes up nearly 25 percent of our bodies, and 75 percent of our skin, making it a very, very important substance indeed.

We’re born with tons of the stuff, which partly explains why babies have the most gorgeous skin ever. By our early 20s, however, our

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natural ability to produce collagen begins to slow down and, coupled with years of exposure to the sun, pollution, and the terrible lifestyle habits that accompany modern life, the amount of collagen found in the body starts to decrease.

This, in turn, leads to less radiant skin, weaker bones and joints and, some claim, decreased metabolism that all

add up to an overall lower level of health.

Replenishing the collagen in our bodies, though, is made faster and easier with ingestible collagen. Most readily available in capsule or powder form in the Philippines, ingestible collagen’s claims are myriad. Benefits include healthy skin, nails, bones, joints, and hair, but also, ac-

cording to some studies, improved digestion and increased metabolism.

great, how Do i start?

If you’re interested in integrating collagen into your routine, we recommend keeping two things in mind: First, check the ingredient list of whatever supplement it is you’re taking. Top brands like Koragem Premium (P300/10 capsules), Belo Neutraceuticals Collagen Powder Drink (P1,593/box of 14), and Potion ivi Premium Collagen Powder Drink (P1,595/box of 14) are made of hydrolized marine-derived collagen, meaning the collagen is processed for easier absorption. Each brand blends the collagen with other amino acids to increase absorption and to improve palatability, so be sure you aren’t allergic to anything listed. Most doctors agree that there are no negative side-effects to consuming collagen, though most stress not taking any supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Second, don’t expect immediate results with ingestible collagen.

Although anecdotal evidence suggests effects after about two weeks of consistent use, this is one of those long-term investments, so don’t feel bad if you don’t see changes after you chug your first collagen cocktail (Note: we do not recommend mixing it with alcohol). Changes will come soon enough, so keep at it!

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(TE X T) GABY IGNACIO. (PHOTO) PAT DY. (MAKEUP) ANGIE CRUZ, MAKE UP FOR E VER. (HAIR AND SIT TINGS) BIANCA MA SCENON. (ST YLING) CORINE SIBUG. (PHOTOGR APHY A SSISTANT) CHISSAI BAUTISTA. (MODEL) JACH MANERE. (OUTFIT) SUZ Y CLOTHING @SUZ YCLOTHING.

Q

uick, think of a skin care ingredient more associated with providing tight, taut, unblemished, poreless skin and all-around youthful gorgeousness than collagen. Can’t?

Neither can we.

There’s no denying the classic ingredient is still one of the most important buzzwords in the world of skin care, but though not much has changed about the claims collagen makes towards beautification, how it is introduced into our routines has evolved.

Enter: the ingestibles.

Collagen has been a mainstay in anti-aging creams for literally decades, but in recent years, sparked by the East Asian trend of collagen drinks, pills, powders, even chewable candies, and thanks to several studies that claim ingested collagen’s higher levels of efficacy, we’ve found ourselves putting down our jars of moisturizer and instead cracking open blister packs to feed our need to stay gorgeous and youthful forever.

BEauty notEs

“I recently realized that the less products I use on my face, the less breakouts I get. I just wash my face with the Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash, then use moisturizer after.”

TANNING TIPS:

1. TAN SAfELy! Choose a time when the sun isn’t too harsh— around 8 a.m. is fine. I’ll only lay out for 10 minutes, then just enjoy the beach and have a good swim.

2. fIND ThE RIGhT PRODucT.

I usually use coconut oil. Beer and Coke are effective too, but they tend to stain bikinis. It’s hard to find, but the Maui Babe Browning Lotion is hands-down the best.

3. STIck TO ONE. If you know you’re going to be at the beach for several days, pack bikinis with similar straps so your tan lines are consistent.

4. PREvENT PEELING. An aftersun spray feels great, and stops peeling in its tracks by moisturizing your skin.

“I don’t dye my hair anymore because it fades out too light after being under the sun. It also dries out really quickly, so I leave some regular conditioner on it.

The conditioner helps my hair retain moisture.”

(IN T E R V IE W ) BI A NC A M A S CE NON. (P HOTO S) PAT RICE AV E RIL L A @ AV E LO V IN, F E AT URE D BR A ND S , LOUIE AGUINALDO AND JEFFRE Y WESTBROOK /STUDIO D.

GET READY WITH ME

GOLDEN GIRL

Beach babe Patrice Averilla’s guide to living the good life in a bikini.

“I get a lot of whiteheads after beach trips, so I do this weird thing I learned from YouTube: I use the steam from a garment steamer to open my pores, then I apply a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda on the whiteheads for five minutes, then scrub it off with a toothbrush. It works!”

AvE’S BEAch kIT: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, P225.

Covergirl Clean Foundation, P578, Beauty MNL.

LM

Maui Babe Browning Lotion, P1,798, Beauty MNL.

Pantene Aqua Pure Conditioner 180ml , P149.

“My skin is sensitive, can get oily, and I’m also pretty tan. Finding bases that match both my skin tone and skin type is hard. I’ve stuck with the Covergirl Clean Foundation in Classic Tan since 2012 because it’s what works for me. Whenever I come from the beach, I just mix darker foundations in to create a shade that matches my current skin tone.”

See Shopping Directory for details.

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Daily Braid Our

Hallowed be thy mane.

BY BIANCA MASCENON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAT DY

Monday

THY QuEENDOM COME

Thou shall not make a habit out of a ponytail. Divide your hair with a center part, then start braiding from the nape of your neck upwards (it’ll help to keep your head tilted down as you work your way up), then cross over at the front to create a makeshift turban.

Secure flyaways with bobby pins.

Tuesday IN PERFECT UNITY

The unicorn braid is a surefire standout (and so easy to do).

Recreate this whimsical look by crossing two big sections of hair clockwise, twisting as you go along. Spray on some colorful temporary hair color to highlight the twists.

Wednesday BOOK OF REVELATION

Peek-a-boo braids are an easy way to freshen up your look without whipping out heat styling tools. Take small, random sections of hair and don’t worry about making it too neat. Use black or transparent rubber bands to keep the braids in incognito mode. Large, floppy hat optional.

Thursday FORGIVE US OUR TRESS-PASSES

Starting from one side of your head, twist two sections together and insert a new section from the top of your head, letting the section fall between your twists. Repeat the braid an inch or two below, inserting the same top sections between twists.

Friday

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

(TEXT) CHANDRA PEPINO. (MAKEUP) ANGIE CRUZ, MAKE UP FOR EVER. (HAIR) BIANCA MASCENON. (STYLING) CORINE SIBUG. (PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT) CHISSAI BAUTISTA. (MODEL) JACH MANERE, PMAP MODELS. (OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES) SUZY CLOTHING @SUZYCLOTHING, MUUNO SWIM @MUUNOSWIM, FOREVER 21.

Boxer braids are making a serious comeback. Be sure to pull tight as you braid down, then loosen up the strands when you reach your neck. You’ve heard of glitter makeup, but glitter braids are an unexpected twist— perfect for costume parties or spontaneous nights out.

EmpOwErEd, EnliGhTEnEd, and bETTEr Than EvEr

(TEXT) Gaby IGnacIo. (PHoTo) PaT Dy. (MaKEUP) anGIE cRUZ, MaKE UP FoR EVER. (HaIR anD SITTInGS) bIanca MaScEnon. (STyLInG) coRInE SIbUG. (STyLInG aSSISTanT) cHanDRa PEPIno. (PHoToGRaPHy aSSISTanT) cHISSaI baUTISTa. (MoDEL) JacH ManERE. (oUTFIT) FoREVER 21.

GET OUT

Whether it’s to a beach a few hours away from the city, or somewhere that requires a passport and a plane ticket, traveling helps you discover yourself while you discover the world. So immerse yourself in the countless experiences life has to offer—the sun’s out, after all, so you should be, too!

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Or: How not to end up on Locked Up Abroad.

Your TiCkeTs are booked, your hotel res-

ervations made, and you’re thisclose to your very own Eat, Pray, Love moment. But traveling is hard enough in itself, what more if you’re going solo. Our handydandy guide covers every-

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thing from what to bring to why you shouldn’t stay away from the street food, so pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

Your trip is going to be epic.

never forget Traveling internationally?

Don’t just double check if you have your (valid) passport with you before heading to the airport, but also make sure it passes all the criteria for whichever country you’re going to.

Keep in mind that you may not be allowed to enter or WWW.COSMO.PH

(TE X T) gaby ignacio. (PHoTo) gE T T y imagEs.

The Cosmo Girl’s Guide To TravelinG solo

(preferably government issued). In both cases, to be safe, make photocopies of everything.

Check out of checking in

On The Line Free WiFi is a godsend, but if you’re using a public server, be sure you’ve deleted private info like saved passwords and credit card numbers beforehand.

exit certain countries if you’re flying less than six months before your travel documents expire. Some countries also ask you to leave a certain number of blank pages on your passport before you’re granted entry, so know what the

requirements are. If you’re traveling anywhere that requires a visa, be sure yours is valid and, if it’s on an older passport, bring both expired and valid passports with you. Keeping it domestic? If you’re flying, you’ll still need an ID

Chances are you’ve overpacked. We recommend traveling light (i.e. making do with carry-on luggage), which lets you skip not just exorbitant fees, but also the long wait and lines at the baggage carousel.

Don’t pack anything you wouldn’t wear back home, and you’ll probably only need as many outfits as the number of days you’re on vacation, plus an extra ensemble. Some people swear by doing laundry in their hotel rooms (though some establishments frown upon the practice), and if you plan on doing the same, think about taking quick-drying fabrics and bringing a laundry line along. As for toiletries, decant liquids and gels into 30 mL bottles, label them, and make sure they all fit in a quart-sized packing cube or dry bag.

Be a girl scout A phone charger is a millenial’s figurative umbilical cord, so don’t forget yours.

Bring along a power bank and a travel plug adapter, and you’re golden. Other things that will come in handy when traveling include a mini-sewing kit; hair ties or rubber bands; a large scarf, malong, Turkish towel, or sarong; a few meters of string or twine; a collapsible water bottle; a compact eco bag;

a large Ziploc bag or two; and some duct tape. It’s not as crazy as it sounds, especially if you’re doing the backpacking thing. Trust.

Cash it in When traveling, cash is king.

Have enough on you to pay for everything plus enough to cover an extra day or two.

Don’t keep all your money in one place, and put your wallet in a bag you can keep in front of you (read: not a backpack), or one of those scarves or belts with hidden pockets. You can even employ the classic Pinterest hack of rolling up cash in an empty lip balm tube.

Tit for tat If you have to exchange your pesos for the local currency, try not to hand over all your cash at the airport, where rates tend to be much higher—exchange just enough to get you out of the airport and to your hotel, and look for options from there.

Certain banks also allow you

“We recommend traveling light, which lets you skip the lines and long wait at the carousel.”

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even if having all these things reeks of katitahan, you’ll thank us later.

to withdraw cash from international ATMs using your card, but be aware that fees can range in the hundreds of pesos for this service.

nutrition facts The local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling.

For all the flavor with none of the tummy trouble, head for the stalls with the longest lines—if it’s good enough for the locals, it’s worth trusting and it’s good enough for you.

Dining solo? Don’t be afraid to take a seat at the bar—it helps calm the anxiety of being at a table on your own.

It’s also worth remembering that servings at some restaurants are large enough for two people, which translates to two meals for you.

1. ImodIum

3. Condoms

you’d planned to experience castles and temples, not sit on the throne, after all.

Because the only souvenir you want to take home is something you got at the gift shop.

2. HydrIte

4. AntIHIstAmIne

Perfect for if you do end up getting a case of the runs, or if you’re hit with a massive hangover.

Will address allergies brought on by plants, bugs, animals, and whatever else your

for, or be charged for things or services you didn’t avail of— so if the thought of this terrifies you, don’t be afraid to shell out a little more at a reputable establishment; it’s a small price to pay for your peace of mind.

stay safe A basic rule: follow the law, whatever your destination.

It could mean the difference

drink to that Be wary of strange people offering you mixed drinks or open bottles of beer. Watch how your drink is being made, and keep an eye on anything you order or consume. If you fall into a scammer’s trap, you might be asked to pay much, much more than you bargained

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touch Base No, it doesn’t defeat the purpose of traveling solo if you let people back home know what you’re up to, so send updates to family or friends every once in a while.

immune system might not have an affinity for.

5. PAInkIllers ibuprofen or paracetamol, though most prefer the latter.

For the eventual headache or the muscle soreness you’re bound to experience.

between the best vacation ever or needing to call a lawyer. Another thing to keep in mind: Much like visas, there are countries that require visitors to present proof that you’ve had certain vaccinations. This means they retain the right to turn you away at the border without them, so get your shots from your trusted doctor at home.

Travel insurance is also an

often-overlooked aspect of any vacation, but if you travel more than once a year, it’s worth considering shelling out for.

the bottom line Don’t forget why you traveled in the first place. It’s easy to lose sight of what made you pack your bags and discover the great unknown—and all on your own, at that!—with all the planning and researching and worrying you’re bound to do, but don’t stop reminding yourself to keep an open mind and heart to everything you’re going to experience. Take the time to really take things in, and not just document them for the sake of the ‘Gram. Traveling can only make you a better person: it’s an education that broadens your horizons. Get to know the locals, the culture, and the destination itself, because there’s so much to learn.

Few experiences can compare to seeing the world on your own, and even if you only planned to discover a new town, city, or country, you’ll realize that, along the way, you’ll discover yourself, too.

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(PHOTO) ge T T y images.

Pain, Pain, Go Away: 5 things to keep on you

How to

Manifest Your

Perfect suMMer

As a self-confessed fan of the odd visualization tactic or two, one writer explores the power of literally pinning your hopes on a mood board. Think of it as the law of attraction in action.

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(TEXT) mEl Evans. (PHOTO) gETTy imagEs.

pparently, if you stare at something long enough, and want it hard enough, that “thing” will come to you, courtesy of the universe. Roll your eyes, sure, but there’s something in that. I used to turn my nose up at such malarkey, but now I’m a convert. All it took was a cover of Cosmopolitan and a business card with my name on it. I thought I’d give the ol’ visualization thing a go 18 months ago, so I looked at each of these images when I woke up and before I went to sleep as I waited on confirmation that the job was mine. I was using the power of visualization and after getting the said job, I was hooked. Odds are I got my role based on my mad skills and not some galactic event of “putting it out into the universe,” but we do underestimate how we can manifest our goals by tangibly focusing on them and locking them into our subconscious. When it’s all you think about, you’re more likely to go out there and grab it by the balls.

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Victoria Beckham is a fan of positive thinking and “creative visualization.”

Oprah is why we became obsessed with The Secret and says “the way you think is the reality you create for yourself.” Even Kanye said he became the best rapper because he “sat around and thought about it.” Basically, we can all be Yeezy if we wish hard enough. Visualization is something that’s infiltrating our psyche, one tiny thumbtack at a time.

Life coach Katie Maynes toyed with vision boards in the past, but it wasn’t until she introduced them to clients as part of their practice that she realized their full “magical” potential. She finds them key to figuring out new opportunities, identifying what you want and, in turn, figuring out what you don’t want.

Going even further, she sees them as a means to bring “space” to your endeavors, as we often focus too much on the product, and don’t think about how it will fit into our life.

“If you don’t create space, the opportunity may be there but it’s not going to present itself to you because you’re too busy,” she says. “Having something visual and tangible reminding you of what you want will also help you think about why you’re doing this and what you want to achieve with it, all in one space. If you stop to reflect by putting it on a board, it helps prioritize where you want to go.”

Rewind to the height of The Secret’s success in 2006 when visualization was on steroids. The book has sold over 20 million copies and been translated into 50 languages—the power of manifestation is a global want, apparently.

For Kelly, 35, the fascination with visualization started after making the leap to London. “I stated that I wanted to work for an innovative company and visualized signing a contract in November of that year,” she says. “I signed a contract in London in November after moving there the same month.” Then, several years later, she made a board with the goal of buying her own apartment, declaring the date of September 21, 2009, to the universe.

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says. “I wasn’t sure how I would do it but after stating the goal, visualizing and using my board as a reminder, I took action. I noticed that the property next door to where I was renting had opened for viewing. When I met with the salesman, he explained the property was ‘shared ownership,’ a UK scheme to help firsthome buyers get on the property ladder. This meant I could buy part of the property and rent the rest. This property was within my reach! As I moved forward and received a schedule of dates and next steps, I saw that the contract exchange rate was September 21, 2009. I got tingles!”

Does the universe really have a say in whether you get that pay raise or find The One? Scientists seem to think so, which is why there is such a thing as the law of attraction. Even Einstein spoke about this law, and many believe the proof is in the scientific pudding.

“Science tells us everything in this universe is moving and ‘vibrating’ at a certain frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum,” says Sarah Prout, author of The Power of Influence. “This includes the thoughts we think and the beliefs that have imprinted in our subconscious minds since childhood that are expressed through our personal vibration and energy fields.”

This is where quantum physics comes into it, explaining the process as “like attracts like.”

“We can harness the power of the universe by managing our energy as we move through life,” Prout explains.

“There is so much more to the law of attraction than setting the intention to manifest something and then waiting for it to show up. It’s about energetically aligning with your desires so you can activate your vibration and it will be magnetically drawn to you. And it’s

also about actively doing something. More often than not, people get too impatient when they set their intentions, and it creates resistance, which blocks the flow of energy in their life—so their desires won’t manifest. It’s about remembering ‘Universal Law’ to ride the wild wave of spiritual expansion.”

Even with the scientific backup, it’s sometimes hard to imagine or believe we can “vibrate” things into our life. Then you hear about the story of Hollie, 27, and you wonder what tricks the universe really does have up its sneaky little sleeve.

“I made a vision board two years ago and put a picture of a castle in Cirque Terre because I wanted to travel to Italy,” she explains. “The picture I put on the board is the exact spot where my boyfriend proposed to me, down to the view of the restaurant we celebrated in after.

I wasn’t putting it there to get engaged— it wasn’t even on my radar! My fiancé never saw the board and the only reason he picked that spot was because it was one of the first stops of our trip. He chose that castle after it was suggested as a good spot to get photos.”

Right now I’d wager you’re on your way to the mall to collect your vision board starter kit. It all seems so easy, no? You’re focusing your energy on something and, in turn, you make shit happen.

“Don’t think too much about it, sit down, dedicate the time to building it— you don’t have to consciously look at it every day,” Hollie, now a life coach herself says. “A lot of people who are really into it do visualization meditation and visualize these things coming to life.

They’re the hardcore ones. All this does is make you more aware of these opportunities that you may have previously overlooked.”

Now that you know the big secret (no pun intended), go forth, my lovelies, and become masters of your own universe!

“We can harness the power of the universe by managing our energy as we move through life.”

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Mood boards 101 Creative community Eden & June’s founder and CEO Chiara Garcia shares her top tips on how to make your own kickass (and possibly life-changing!) mood board:

Find inspiration everywhere.

Pinterest has become the number one, go-to place for inspiration but the truth is, inspiration is everywhere! I personally take tons of photographs of whatever I find interesting when I’m out in malls, coffee shops, even when traveling. I also take screenshots whenever I’m scrolling through Instagram, especially if I know I can use them for future reference.

have a clear objective For your Mood board.

From the onset, you have to define what exactly you’d like your mood board to achieve. I usally make mood boards for work at Eden & June, and since we organize creative workshops, I end up collating a whole lot of inspiration from table settings, lighting, furniture, branding and design...the list goes on. Just make sure whatever your mood board is about, your ideas are clear and unified.

have Fun!

The best part about creating mood boards? There’s no one way to do it. Feel free to play around with the layouts, colors, patterns. In my experience, the more fun you have while making it, the better it looks.

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#REALTALK

Making My Way

One woman shares how and why she travels the world, despite a disability.

(TE X T) Rina CamaCho. (PhoTo) gE T T y imagEs.

a friend asked Me Why i travel, and though I’m not as well-traveled as some other people I know, I said this with much certainty: I travel to escape and to learn—to experience something new.

I also travel because someday I might not be able to do so. You see, I was born with the most severe form of Spina bifida. This means my legs are weak and I walk with a limp, not to mention I have no control of the organs concerned with flushing out body waste.

Traveling with this condition is no joke. It’s certainly easier to travel with family because they already know what to do should something happen.

I find it difficult, however, to trust people outside of my family—given that Filipinos can be a bit rude towards PWDs, what with the stares, the comments, the jokes. It’s hard to determine who to let in on my condition.

I also don’t want to inconvenience anyone. I try to be precise about everything— the things I need to pack (like medical paraphernalia, among other things), observing the sleeping schedules and rituals of my roommates, and work-

“I travel to escape and to learn...

I also travel because someday I might not be able to do so.”

ing my schedule and rituals around theirs.

I don’t travel to seek thrills unless I want to embarrass myself and literally pee my pants. Bungee-jumping, skydiving, you name it and most likely I’ve never tried it. I love the beach but I can’t swim, surf, or do anything except wade in shallow waters and tan to lechon levels. Inasmuch as I would love to try hiking or mountain-

climbing, the thought that my legs might fail me and I end up falling to my death prevents me from doing so.

Maybe I’m allowing my disability to take over. If I actually put my mind to it, I could probably get on that surfboard in Baler or climb Mt. Pulag. I could probably run a marathon in Boston but until then, my usual itinerary will consist of heritage tours and looking for the best places to eat.

I’m not saying other PWDs are like this. I’ve seen others with conditions much worse than mine do adventurous things while traveling. Being disabled, therefore, is not really an excuse not to seek adventure. It just takes more effort, some research, and the willingness to test limits. Traveling with people who are mature enough to understand the situation also helps. Situations will differ, but a little patience and consideration on the part of the healthy travel companion is important in situations like these.

So why do I travel? I travel because I’m not going to let my disability prevent me from seeing the world.

I travel so I can one day say that despite my disability, I lived. Watch out, world.

Here I come. april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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First Quarter Set goals this year? So did we. Here’s how we’re doing so far.

Goal:

Goal:

Master chef-ing Find Love in When you live alone, cooking isn’t a priority. At least it never was for me. I didn’t need to go to all that trouble to impress myself, and I’d never been a picky eater. So for eight years, dinner at home meant fastfood delivery or instant noodles, and later on, when my metabolism slowed down, a salad from the grocery.

So when I moved in with my boyfriend in December last year and people started asking me if I knew how to cook, I panicked. The answer was yes, kind of: I knew a bunch of pasta recipes, and my stirfrying game was decent, but did I actually have the time and desire to pick up a knife instead of simply sticking something into the microwave and calling it a proper meal?

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The answer, it turned out, was also yes, kind of. This year so far has been about building a routine in the kitchen, trying to find a comfort and familiarity that would make me forget all the delivery hotline numbers stored in my head. Nothing fancy yet—still a lot of pasta and stir-frying shortcuts, but it’s a start. For Valentine’s dinner, my boyfriend and I whipped up aligue pasta and Mediterranean pork chops. On lazy mornings, we’d have scrambled eggs and fried rice instead of sugary cereal. And one weekend, I watched him and his best friend slurp away at the spinach and mushroom spaghetti I’d made while they were off at circuit training, helping themselves to seconds and thirds, a smile stretching across my own face.

Hopefully, by the end of the year I’d be able to dazzle guests with my culinary genius, or at least stop shrieking when the oil splatters from the pan. I’ve got a long way to go, but I learned that when you’re feeding someone other than yourself, a dish is never just a dish. It’s a labor of love. And that makes it so much more worthwhile.

a hopeLess

pLaCe

dyan ZarZueLa, Managing editor My only new year’s resolution was to be more present, and that, naturally, applied to my nonexistent love life. Before this year, I couldn’t remember a time when I wasn’t pining for The Ones That Got Away, or imagining what The One would be like. I wasn’t satisfied with what I had at the moment—or so I thought.

Right after the holidays, I matched with a nice, scruffy, whip-smart startup founder who was visiting Manila. I felt my fattest at the time, but with him I wasn’t body conscious at all. From him, I learned that nothing’s sexier than knowing what you want and asking for it—and that self-preservation requires a certain level of detachment.

The next guy happened to be another scruffy, well-traveled startup founder. He looked good on paper, but in reality, was selfish, egotistic, and clingy. He left a bad taste in my mouth that was thankfully washed away by an encounter with a DJ-slash-future diplomat. It was just a conversation, but it was the mosh pit meet-cute I’d always wanted.

When Valentine’s Day came around, I was fine, no, happy with the way things were. The rose from the guy I was seeing at the time, a poker player in an open marriage (!), was just the cherry on top.

He flew out the same week to see his wife—sweet but weird AF—and they’re coming to Manila this summer (!!!), but that’s a story for another time.

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(c omp il e d b y ) g a b y ign a cio. (il lu s t r at ion s) m a c y a lc a r a z .

MarLa Miniano, editor in ChieF

LiFe CheCkup Goal:

burn, baby, burn Gaby iGnaCio, assoCiate Features editor

I’ve always loathed working out. Not disliked—loathed. I’d much rather spend my time bingeing the series du jour than squeezing myself into a pair of compression tights and hauling my butt to the gym.

This, however, doesn’t mean that I’ve been blind to facts. We all need to work out, if not to get our beach-ready bodies (a discussion for another time),

then to keep from digging ourselves into early graves . I’m also not getting any younger, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that my days of incidental cardio—which kept me a lean, mean fighting fitness machine—were long over.

Serendipitously, technology had the answer, and I was introduced to the Nike + Training Club app. Being someone

who’s all about ease, convenience, and not having to deal with people at the gym, I absolutely love it.

Using it is ridiculously easy: It pretty much does all the thinking for you, with plans customized to your specs. Missed a workout? NTC lets you switch around your schedule—a priceless feature in my eyes. Want to train with like-minded fitness fans? You can join an NTC Live class, held weekly.

At the risk of sounding like the HSN, this app has changed my life. I actually enjoy working out

now, and I find myself looking forward to getting home and doing burpees (not really, but you get my drift). It’s only been a few months, so though I may not yet be as #fitspo as I want to be, I’m stronger, more motivated, and generally just... happier. And isn’t that the point, really?

Goal:

just brew it

Chandra pepino, editoriaL assistant

Back in college, every time my wallet would be lucky enough to rub against a P500 bill, I used to gorge on instant coffee. Come Hell Week, I would live off cheap caffeine highs, relying on the sugar rush to churn out page after page and scramble through readings. Coffee wasn’t an experience; it was a means toward an end. But one rainy day in Parañaque, I ducked into Magnum Opus Fine Coffees on a whim, had my first taste of the real thing—a badass called the Belgian Heartbreaker—and made a face.

Why is it so sour? I thought.

But coffee, like sea urchin, frozen yogurt, and other good things, is an acquired taste. I took a few more sips and accustomed myself, wrapped around the cup like a long-lost friend. The love story began there—I put together a list of Metro Manila’s best coffee shops, and promised myself I’d visit each of them once before 2018.

So far I’ve been to 12 out of 30, and the list is still growing.

My favorite café is the Exchange Alley Coffee House,

where the owners and the baristas have become so close, they are happily intrigued when I come in with a new date.

(Just a friend, guys.) Wherever I end up, I make sure to chat up the baristas and get a real idea of what’s in my cup, because coffee involves an intimate step-by-step process.

I’m also learning to make coffee at home.

But third-wave coffee shops did more than wean me off 3-in-1s. Now, whenever I enjoy a cup, I slow down. My schedule is packed and there’s always something happening, but coffee equals me-time. I get to sit and learn to enjoy my own company. Everybody needs a ritual, and this one is mine. And it’s a ritual I’m happy to oblige when life becomes too overwhelming and I need to stop and smell the roses.

No, really—the cup I’m drinking as I type this has hints of rose and it’s fantastic. april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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cOSMO fIcTION

The Space BeTween US After six months of living on my own, coming back to Manila was a welcome relief. The Ivy League doesn’t mess around (this last semester whipped me into shape, and then some). Several times I wanted to throw in the towel—journalism school is a stern mistress—but I’ve made it this far and ought to see it through. I fly back here for winter break, and suddenly my family and friends aren’t on the other side of the world.

They’re next door, they’re in the other room, they’re a half hour drive away. And you—I just couldn’t wait—I got home from the airport and texted you at 2:30 AM to give you these monstrous cookies from the bakery across my apartment in Harlem. But you were asleep, and I resigned myself to seeing you the next day.

Our first meeting was hesitant. You sank your teeth into the cookie and let out a satisfied sigh—I’d forgotten how lovely your voice was. Before I knew it, you were in my arms, listening to anecdotes about rude, ambitious, impatient, beautiful New Yorkers, locking your fingers with mine.

“I’m going to stop before I get carried away,” I began. “With you it’s like muscle memory.” But you pulled me back and kissed the corner of my

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mouth. Here we go. I lingered on the apple of your cheek. The car engine purred. You tilted your head just a little and our lips met, finally, after so long, finally.

And then—release.

Our second meeting had us set in our old ways. Discussing religion over a platter of Mexican chicken. chipping away at a bouquet of overcooked churros. Getting in the car to drive to nowhere in particular, the road wide and ominous, the sky starless, the city lights a faint afterthought. Singing along to Hamilton at the top of our lungs.

Winding down in some dark corner so I can relish the smell of your skin and hair and quietly, breathlessly, take ownership of your body. I’m sorry I made you make me your everything. I cannot apologize enough.

Three weeks back home wasn’t nearly enough time. There was just too much going on. You had asked to meet again, and at this point I’d painted myself into a corner. I hadn’t the faintest idea how to handle the situation without dropping or cracking you, who I had always held so carefully.

So I disengaged. I stopped

responding to your messages. And I flew back without saying goodbye. That’s on me, I’m an idiot, I’m a jerk, just please stop crying.

You and I are never going to get this right.

The ocean is too deep and too large. I know you wanted to try, despite my crippling fear of inertia, despite how terribly I’ve treated you, despite the way you ended up with more questions than answers. I’m never sending you this letter, and I’d never say this to you in person, but you were the most incredible thing to happen to me. And I’m glad we had what we had. Because they need to invent a stronger word than serendipity to describe what came of it.

To be continued (part 3 of 4).

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(TE X T) Chandr a PEPino. (PhoTo) GE T T y imaGEs.

H

ear me out. I swear I’ll explain everything.

F I N D I T, D E F I N E I T, M A K E I T A L L N I G H T L O N G

YOUR LDR SURVIVAL GUIDE

(text) angelica gutierrez. (phot0) getty images.

For most people, a long-distance relationship seems impossible to maintain—which is why when one-half of a couple decides to study or work abroad, it can spell the end of the relationship. But what do you do when you’re not ready to let the love of your life go? Well, the good news is that while the odds are slim, it can be done. Turn the page for relationship coach Aileen Santos’s (aileensantos.com) tips on surviving an LDR, along with success stories from Cosmo girls who’ve made it work.

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HOW DO YOU make aN LDR WORk? Pick up—love is on the line.

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T

eeffany, 27, and Marshall, 28, are living proof that longdistance relationships can succeed. After Marshall went off to Boston for college, they stayed together for 10 years and tied the knot

last year. In the beginning, the decision was simple.

However, it was a choice they had to make over and over.

“And each time is just as important, if not more, than the last,” Teeffany says. “As we got older and started to grow into two separate individuals, we had to really think about our decision to stay together. And every single time, we decided that with effort and compromise, it’d all work out—and finally, it did!”

For Rina, 35, who spent three years in Munich for research, technology made it easier to take the leap. “It’s WWW.COSMO.PH

whether you believe in religion, your dealbreakers, etc. After all, “you’ll need to save your stamina and strength for the ‘distance training,’” Therese says. “And even if you’re not talking about marriage yet, I think it’s important to be on the same page.”

putting in the WORK Before the LDr starts:

talk about your time frame.

“It shouldn’t be an indefinite setup,” Aileen says. Let’s face it—being an ocean away from someone is hard enough. If you don’t know when it’s going to end, that’s just torture. “I don’t think it can go on forever,” Rina agrees. “You also have to know how to be in the same place with the other person.” She also suggests planning when you’ll see each other next, whether it’s going home for a visit or meeting up in a different country.

When you’re in a neW LDr:

Know your love language.

“The internet gives couples a chance to see if their relationship has substance.”

hard to let go when the reason to end a relationship isn’t that you stopped loving each other.

Since we were both willing to use the tech at hand, we decided to go for it. The internet gives couples a chance to see if their relationship has substance— and really tests if you trust your partner and yourself.”

Our takeaway? What’s important is that you and your boyfriend both have the conviction that an LDR is the best decision for the both of you. “You have to be in complete agreement,” relationship counselor Aileen Santos cautions. “If

one of you is not convinced, there’s a huge chance it’s not going to work.” You also need to make sure you really have a future worth seeing through together. This was what convinced Therese, 37, to give an LDR a shot when she met her Swedish husband, Axel, while volunteering for an international foundation in 2009. “I was 30 and figured it was time to get serious, and so did he,” she says.

Before you or your partner leaves, talk about everything you want in life: your career plans, where you want to live, whether you want kids,

Everyone has different ways of expressing and experiencing love, and according to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, they fall under five types: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. For people who speak the first four love languages, it’s still easy to express affection through the internet or by sending gifts. But if your love language is touch, that poses a slight problem. “Even if you know your partner loves you, when you feel lonely, it’s so easy to mistake someone april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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who’s just there to give you a pat on the back or a hug as someone who loves you more, because it’s your love language,” Aileen explains. “So you have to spend time with your partner at least every six months, so that you don’t forget your love for each other.” Don’t know your love language yet? Take the quiz at 5lovelanguages.com.

Master your coMMunication skills Figure out which platform works best for you, considering your time zones and schedules. Some couples are fine with texting, while others prefer phone calls or

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video chat. Therese and Axel Skyped every day for two hours for three years, while Teeffany texted Marshall throughout the day so he could read her messages when he woke up.

But be careful with chat, which leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation, Aileen says. Before you react negatively to anything said over text, clarify what your partner meant first.

But even more important is to know your own self.

After all, expressing yourself, especially in a fight, is harder when you’re not physically together.

“You have to have higher EQ than others,” Aileen explains. “When you’re upset, you have to know why you feel that way, then clearly explain it to your partner, because they won’t be there to interpret it for you.” For example, Teeffany and Marshall told each other how they wanted issues to be addressed and how they wanted to be comforted if needed. “But before you can tell your significant other that, you need to figure it out on your own—which for me was the hard part. In LDRs, you learn a lot about your partner but also so much about yourself and your happiness in the process.”

Therese suggests setting ground rules for fighting, such as sticking to the classic “When you , I feel ”, and setting a time limit for how long you argue before you decide to cool off and continue talking later—while reassuring each other that you still love each other. Avoid stonewalling at all costs—it’s damaging enough when you’re in the same place, let alone in different countries.

Have a support system

For Therese, airport goodbyes were the worst.

But it helped that her friends were there for her every time. “My girls had a drill whenever Axel would leave. It was like this relay— they’d take turns taking care of me. My friend Ina would bring me back to her house, and she always had food like chocolate cake and ice cream, and we’d watch RuPaul’s Drag Race, or whatever we wanted to watch that boys wouldn’t appreciate.” So when you miss your guy, busy yourself with work and focus on all the girly things you can enjoy without him.

Anticipate and accept change “It’s very important to discuss how different things will become, and how you will both be open to that and adjust accordingly,” Teeffany explains. “In a few months, instead of you two against the world, it will be more of your completely separate worlds coming together and functioning side by side.”

“The most difficult thing is giving each other the space to grow because there is so much physical space between you already,” Rina agrees. “It can be hard when you know there is a huge part of your partner’s life you aren’t really a part of— and it gets harder when the distance becomes a strain on the relationship (I think it’s inevitable).” Her solution? “Trust your partner and yourself.

Remind yourself that you love each other, and trust in that love.”

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( T E X T, s i T T i n g s ) A n g E l i c A g u T i E r r E z . ( p h o T o s ) k o j i A r b o l E d A . ( m o d E l s ) y u k i o f m E r c AT o r m o d E l s A n d l i s E T T E b E n d i c i o n . ( g r o o m i n g ) d A v E g r o n A . ( m A k E u p ) c h r i s T i n E l A v i ñ A . ( h A i r ) r A y m o n d g A l A n g . ( s T y l i n g ) b E l A v i T u g . ( o n y u k i ) ( T o p, b o T T o m ) u n i q l o . ( o n l i s E T T E ) ( T o p, b o T T o m ) b E r r y l u s h . s h o T o n l o c A T i o n A T c o m m u n E c A f E + b A r , p o l A r i s s T . , m A k A T i

“You learn a lot about your partner, but also so much about yourself and your happiness in the process.”

When you’re starting to get the hang of it:

manthropology Your Guide to the Male Brain

36

well, that doesn't look right.

PErCENtAgE of mEN wHo HAvE CHEAtED oN tHEir wivES wHilE oN A buSiNESS triP, EvEN if tHEY SAiD tHEY wErE HAPPilY mArriED. SOURCE: SURVEY Of 100,000 RESpOndEntS fROM “tHE nORMAL BAR” BY CHRISAnnA nORtHRUp, pEppER SCHWARtZ, And JAMES WIttE.

SANDY CHEEKS

(TEXT) CHANDRA PEPINO. (PHOTO) GETTY IMAGES. (STILL) COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES.

fliNgY mCfliNgStEiN

tHe four kindS of GuYS You Meet in tHe SuMMer

Just like chickenpox: Once, and hopefully never again.

The Sappy SofTboi He'll make you feel like the only girl in the room, then drop you like a hot potato.

The DirTy Dan This guy's got the most wack bedroom moves you’ve ever seen. Luckily, you check out tomorrow...

The CroSS-ConTinenTal CuTie He’s in the Philippines for just a few nights. Perfect—as long as the language barrier is conquerable.

The aWKWarD aCQuainTanCe This guy you barely know came along because your airline had a four-person group deal and there were only three of you. The sex is piso -fare quality.

A HAndY Guide to Sex on tHe BeAcH

(Are you sure, though? You booked that villa for a reason!)

Pick A dArk, deSerted corner. Chances are you can’t get it on on the busy shores of Boracay or Cebu, so you’re gonna have to look for the sketchiest, somebody-probably-gotkidnapped-here section of the beach. Or maybe do it on a private island to spare all involved parties from potential humiliation.

if it didn’t work in tHe BedrooM, it definitelY won’t work Here. Contrary to popular belief, sex on the beach is all about efficiency and

practicality. Nobody has time for your Cirque du Soleil maneuvers.

Make it quick and keep it moving before you see security guards and the glow of smartphones in the distance…and end up going viral on YouTube to the horror of your titas.

for tHe love of God, don’t weAr A Bikini. Those stringy AF bikini bottoms are only going to get you in trouble when you get caught butt naked on the line where the sand meets the sea (sorry, Moana). Better to wear a

sundress or cover-up; that way, you and your man can just roll over and pretend you were giving each other back massages. Or singing incantations to the Great Barrier Reef. You do you.

SAnd in Your Butt iS An inevitABle trutH. Not even Salma Hayek and Pierce Brosnan in After the Sunset could keep their steamy sex scene from looking like an elementary playground frolic. Welcome the sand. The sand is your friend. And so is the post-romp shower.

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CraCk Your orgasm Code—

! t h g i n

by T o

Sometimes, having the perfect climax—or just one at all!—can feel like decoding a riddle…that’s wrapped in a mystery… hidden inside an enigma. (Yup, we just paraphrased Winston Churchill. In a sex story.) Gratefully, women can enjoy a veritable buffet of orgasmic experiences— from our lips to our nips to our toes. Follow our guide to finding your bliss.

1

get over What’s BloCking You the Big things…

You’re in the Wrong headspace It’s easy to let your mind wander: Is my cellulite showing? Is he liking this?

Am I liking this? “Anything that engages your brain can be distracting,” says neuroscientist Nicole Prause, PhD, founder of the sexual biotechnology lab Liberos. “If you want to orgasm, you have to shift into a zoned-out state.”

Close your eyes and focus on the physical—his hand

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out noises in your head.

Cliterate. “Once you know what you want, transfer that to sex with a partner.”

You’re not sure What Works for You

You’re scared to ask for What You Want

So…practice! Start by tracing a finger along your labia and clitoris—95 percent of us need clit stimulation to O—or try out a vibrator.

“Masturbation is the cornerstone to good sex,” says Laurie Mintz, PhD, author of Becoming

Trust us, guys don’t mind a little guidance—in fact, they feel serious pride if they make you see frisky fireworks. Be direct with phrases like “Touch me there” or “That feels amazing.” Even easier: Move his hands directly where you want them to go.

on your breasts, the way he kisses your neck—to filter

Cosmopolitan • ApriL 2017

...And LittLe things

it’s allergY season Antihistamines can dry up your nasal passages…and your penis passage. Use lube!

You have cold feet Literally. Women who wore socks during sex were more likely to peak than those who didn’t, per recent research.

You guzzled coffee Caffeine can restrict blood to your hoo-ha. Skip the java.

Your vagina will thank you.

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2

cLImax conundrumS ShouLd I ever fake It?

try a neW angLe

The Coital Alignment Technique, or CAT (meow!), is a spin on missionary that stimulates your clitoris during sex. Get in proper fornication formation by lying flat on your back as he presses his body against yours, lining up your pelvises, while he thrusts in an upward motion (versus the usual horizontal push-pull). This way, his pubic bone rubs against your clitoris as you rock your hips together. (Wish you could send this move’s inventor a thank-you card? Us too!)

3

( T E X T ) jul iE va dn a l . (phoTo) louiE aguin a l do. (sE X Toy s) c our T E s y of shop ilya .c om. (bl a ck bo a rd) c our T E s y of c ommon r o om.(bl a ck b o a rd il lu s T r aT ion s) s T E p hE n dE jE s us . (l a b c o aT ) c orinE sibug.

SLoW the eff doWn

on average, it takes a woman 20 minutes to orgasm with a partner. the number of minutes for dudes? four. so what we’re saying is: give yourself plenty of “everything but” windup time. stage a sexy striptease. guide his hands up and down your body with massage oil. vow to make out—and make out only— for five full minutes. By the time you get to the actual act, you’ll both be totally turned on.

it’s a pretty bad idea. “you’re training your partner to do something that’s not pleasurable for you,” says mintz.

“That doesn’t benefit anyone.”

do I have to come every tIme? There’s no rule that says so, and you may feel just as great sans climax: prause’s research shows that an aroused brain and an orgasming brain look pretty similar. “and your body still gets most of the benefits,” she says.

What If I’ve never orgaSmed? about 10 percent of women say they’ve never come, says mintz. but keep in mind: “not every orgasm is an earthquake. some feel more like ripples.”

4

go for an oraL o

as your partner heads downtown, try out any of these breathing moves. each plays double duty, says mintz: measured inhales and exhales calm any is this taking too long? worries while also creating and relieving muscle tension—all of which lead to major pleasure. › inhale deeply through your nose or mouth, then visualize that you’re exhaling through your lady parts. sounds weird, totally works. › pant in short, rhythmic

gasps from your mouth. research shows that trancelike breathing can enhance your good feels.

› hold your breath for several

seconds at a time as you’re about to orgasm. it creates crazy-amazing tension before the big moment.

Stock your nIghtStand make solo—and partnered!— play even more 0-mazing with one of these toys.

fun factory StronIc dreI

This toy doesn’t vibrate—it pulsates, and has 10 different rhythms and patterns from mild to wild.

LeLo Ina Wave

The come-hither motion of the larger part massages your G-spot while the smaller end rubs against your clit for OMG action.

LeLo tara

This couples’ toy is sure to blow you both away—it sits nicely on your clit, swirls, and vibrates to give you and your guy maximum pleasure. a l l ava il a bl E aT s hop ilya .c om.

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have tinder, will travel Swipe right on your most memorable trip ever.

Say what you will about tinder in Manila,

on a date. A regular date here is different from one in, say, the UK. In London, I went to watch a movie with a date, but the simple act of walking through Leicester Square to get to the movie theater was a fun experience in itself.”

Matching with fellow tourists has its own appeal as well, according to Sara, 21. “It’s nice to

explore the city with another lone soul,” she says.

“Another person who’s just in it for some fun and is just as game to try new things as you are.”

There’s a lot less stigma attached to the app in other countries, says Jae, 32. In Singapore, where she’s based for work, it’s even normal to look for serious relationships on Tinder.

But if you’re not looking for any-

thing long-term, there’s the appeal of anonymity. Sara likes the fact that the people she dates are complete strangers she has no common friends with.

“I couldn’t care less if he talked about me in the future. I wouldn’t know, since those people don’t know me anyway.

So whatever I do, it’s kept under wraps.

If I don’t like the guy, I could just never see him again, piece of cake.”

tinder travel tipS try a little profile flirting.

Mention how it would be great to meet up with someone who can act as your tour guide and take you somewhere off the beaten path. Saying you’re

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there for just a certain period of time also helps, since it sets expectations.

wrong with meeting on the same day you matched.

go ahead and aSk hiM out!

Always meet outdoors, and make sure a few people know where you’re going and with whom. Ask

You really don’t have much time, so there’s nothing

Cosmopolitan • APrIl 2017

Stay Safe.

to meet for coffee instead of drinks, and get a friend to check in with you—if it’s a bad date, you can pretend they’re calling you about an emergency or a previous engagement you forgot about.

beSt. dateS. ever.

“My date brought me to the Bulgari exhibit in San Francisco, then a picnic in the nearby Japanese gardens.”

—Tina, 35 “I matched with a Pinoy who went to Toronto for his MBA. When I asked where I should go on my last day, he asked me out to dinner and took me to a 5-course meal at a French restaurant. Then on the way home he took me on a personal tour of the city—he pointed out his favorite places and explained their historical backgrounds.”

—anna, 28

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( T E X T ) A n g E l i c A g u T i E r r E z . ( P H O T O ) l O u i E A g u i n A l d O . ( w O r l d m A P ) c O u r T E s y O f H E y k E s s y.

but using the app abroad can be a lot of fun. Want to experience the city like a local? There’s no quicker way to do that than by dating one. “They might show you a part of the country or culture you’re not aware of,” says Tina, 35, who used Tinder in the US, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. “Like, they’ll bring you to a small museum you haven’t heard of, or a restaurant the guidebooks don’t tell you about, or you do the stuff they would do

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HUNK OF THE MONTH: NEILOR COLCETTA Stalk him on Instagram: @neilorcolcetta

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(TEXT) CHANDRA PEPINO. (PHOTO) KOJI ARBOLEDA. (gROOmINg) DAvE gRONA fOR CyNOs INsIDE HAIR CARE. (LOCATION) COmmUNE CAfE + BAR, POLARIs sT., mAKATI.

“Filipina girls are just like Brazilian girls: sun-kissed, feisty, and game for anything.”

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Crush Your time off!

(TEXT) LISA FREEDMAN. (PHOTO) GETTY IMAGES.

Quick question: Would you rather get a vacation or a raise?

In a recent survey, more than onethird of employees said they’d prefer days full of mai tais and palm trees over a pay bump. Stacks of studies show that taking vacations can improve your health, mood, creativity, and productivity. So whip out your calendar, block off some me-time, and get ready to feel amazing.

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FiRST, FEEl ENTiTlEd

Nearly 50 percent of millennials think that sacrificing their breaks will impress their bosses. News flash: Being a martyr is rarely a good look. Never assume your boss is anti-vacation (she may even be impressed with your ability to plan an awesome trip).

“They might not be talking about it, but we find that managers are overwhelmingly supportive of vacation time for their teams,” says Katie Denis, senior program director at the US-based vacation advocate Project: Time Off. Supervisors want a positive work environment and to avoid staff burnout, and know vacays help with both. Another tactic: Remember your days off are part of your compensation. You’ve earned them, so don’t give back your benefits.

COORdiNATE WiTH YOUR S.O.

Constantly putting work before the person who hears all about it (all the time) means fewer opportunities to build positive memories together, warns Meg Batterson, a psychotherapist and

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YOUR VACAY

BY THE NUMBERS

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The percentage of millennials who say they shame coworkers who take time off, compared to 24 percent of people in older generations. No mas! Support your colleagues and they’ll likely do the same for you—not to mention, help cover your workload while you’re out.

relationship counselor. There’s never a “perfect” time to get away, and synchronizing two schedules is harder than dealing with one, but it is doable. Make a point to sit down and look at your calendars— especially at pivotal moments, like when one of you gets a new job or at the start of the summer—and block off some dates, even if they’re months away.

CONSidER A lONg WEEkENd Stuck with just one

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( P H O T O ) A L E K S A N D R A J A N K O V I C / S T O C K S Y.

MAKE YOUR VACATION DREAMS A REALITY

Her morning commute: From one end of the pool to the other.

week off? As with veggies, every little bite—or in this case, day—is good for you. “Look for opportunities to leverage existing holiday weekends to

get a few extra days away,” suggests Denis. Even a short break benefits your mental health, says Jessica de Bloom, PhD, a research fellow at the Univer-

sity of Tampere in Finland. No matter how long your trip is, the middle of it tends to be the most relaxing (so make the most of that Saturday!).

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YOUR VACAY BY THE NUMBERS

3 0 EXIT GRACEFULLY

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SAVE All THE MONEY

Plenty of contractors, tutors, waitresses, and other hourly employees don’t get paid vacation. If that’s you, try budgeting more or picking up extra hours or shifts to make up for the time (read: money) that you’ll miss while on your trip, says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. Consider starting a separate vacation savings

account with your current bank or using an app like Wally or Money Box Pro. “Goal-oriented savings accounts allow you to visualize your progress when working toward a specific target,” says Woroch.

“That keeps you motivated. And on some apps, you can track your progress and even share your goals on social media, so your network can help keep you accountable.”

FEEl OUT OFFICE ETIqUETTE

Before booking anything, consider talking to coworkers who’ve been on the job longer than you have, suggests Cynthia MarcoScanlon, PhD, interim director at John Carroll University’s Center for Career Services.

They may have learned valuable lessons about the best times to take off or how your boss will react

The percentage of workers who worry no one will be able to do their jobs when they’re out. Chillax: A wellfunctioning office shouldn’t disintegrate in your absence. Before you go, figure out who will take point for you on any projects or shifts. Then meet with each person to walk through a game plan.

a braggart, right?).

But actually, preparing your manager and coworkers—early and often—is a better bet. “Remind people of your upcoming vacation, put it on their calendars, and don’t forget to set up your out-of-office replies,” says Denis.

Do a walk-through of your day with anyone who might be filling in for you. Don’t forget to let clients (or any other people you work with outside the company) know you’ll be out, and give them a point person to check in with.

lAY dOwN SOME RUlES to your request. Ask them how many days they usually use in a row and how far in advance they vocalize their plans.

SET REMINdERS

You might think you should downplay your big trip (no one loves

“A lot of evidence shows that checking e-mails and calling into work is a bad idea—and may erase the well-being benefits of time off,” warns de Bloom. So do everything you can to go offline. If you must check in with work, set up

Infinity!

The number of days off some tech companies, like PayPal, are now offering salaried employees. (No need to drool. Informal surveys suggest that employees with unlimited vacation take no more time off than they would otherwise.) april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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guidelines in advance. Example: Plan to check your e-mail every night at 5 p.m. or call in every other morning. Unless there’s an emergency, don’t start responding to messages.

MAXIMIZE YOUR BREAK

ExplorE a NEw placE

To really energize your mind, travel somewhere you haven’t been before.

Broadening your proverbial horizons and learning new things are key for amping creativity and gaining fresh perspectives, says Robert Epstein, PhD, a senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology. The resulting mental boost could help you crush it at work when you return.

Do what You waNt!

Feel like lazing around on the beach all day…or taking jam-packed tours of local sights? There’s no wrong activity when it comes to milking the mindbody benefits of

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Your vacaY BY thE NuMBErs

vacation. Experts say what matters is that your itinerary consists of things you want to do.

livE iN thE MoMENt

Ditch the selfie stick and try (like, really try) to think less about documenting every single moment, especially during meals. “Research shows that the mere presence of a phone on the table while people are talking can make them feel less connected to one another,” says Emma Seppälä, PhD, science director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education and author of The Happiness Track.

wElcoME BraiNstorMs

“Vacations make us think differently,” says Epstein.

That means you may well cook up new ideas or have a breakthrough on a tricky problem while traveling. He suggests packing a notebook and jotting down thoughts as they come to you.

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Number of paid days off companies are immediately required to give you by law. If your benefits are less than great, try negotiating for more time off. Explain that a vacation will help you become a higher performer.

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The percentage of people who say they’ve done vacation research at work, according to a survey from Travelzoo. The sheer act of planning a vacation can boost happiness, so get on it (maaaybe during lunch).

Epstein calls this process capturing, and it’s a great way to foster creativity before you get back into the zone at work.

PROLONG THE GLOW

plaN Your rEENtrY

“I don’t like to schedule too many appointments after a vacation,” says Marco-Scanlon. Instead, she uses day one to read up on what she’s missed. Follow her lead by blocking off at least the morning of your first day back to catch up on e-mails and calls.

If you don’t have the luxury of planning your own schedule, consider getting to work a little earlier than usual for a few days post-trip.

staY off thE GriD

Resist the urge to hunt down every Insta photo and tweetstorm that happened while you were gone.

“Chances are, nothing drastic occurred in your absence,” says Seppälä. “Use this as an opportunity to jump-start a new relationship with your social-media feeds… meaning, only checking them one or two times a day, so you can reclaim your life.”

Repeat after us: I can do this.

switch up Your workspacE

Remember those new perspectives?

Hang tight to them now that you’re parked at your desk.

“Static environments are bad for creativity,” says Epstein, so hang photos or souvenirs (think: postcards, seashells) nearby and swap them out regularly.

The more frequent and dramatic your changes in environment, the bigger the mental boost may be.

kEEp thE fuN GoiNG…

…Before, during, and after work. Integrate as many vacationlike activities into your everyday life as possible, says de Bloom. “Go for a morning swim, eat outside at lunch, or take an evening walk in nature,” she suggests. Or, really, squeeze in anything that’s entertaining or relaxing (meditation podcasts and chats with colleagues count). Studies show that the benefits of vacation can fade as soon as a week after returning to your daily grind. Keeping the vibe alive can extend your bliss—until your next trip.

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The World Is your offIce The side hustle has gone global— here’s how to get in on the action.

( T E X T ) V ick y V izca rr a . (PHOTO) daV id br a ndOn gEE T ing.

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hanks to leaps in technology, you can leverage on your skill set to work remotely, so for the adventurous at heart, there’s no reason not to get paid and still get your passport stamped.

“The world is much smaller now, thanks to the power of the Internet,” says Cath Quiambao, freelancing advocate, marketer, and founder of Freelancing.ph.

“It has enabled freelancers to digest a ton of new information and skills that can help them propel their online career forward.” Fitz Villafuerte, entrepreneur and a co-founder

hoW To maxImIze your Travel TIme of 199Jobs, agrees, “Technology has made it easier to work together and collaborate. It’s really possible to work even if you’re traveling.”

Here are some skills you can take to the bank—and anywhere else you’re backpacking to.

conTenT WrITIng A great freelance gig for the avid traveler is writing: the client provides topics and the work is often output-based, so there’s little supervision as long you submit quality work by the deadline. It’s a skill you can exercise anytime, anywhere, and, says Quiambao, “You can

ouTsource Where you can use your downtime during your flight to write last-minute articles.”

are online constantly, so “it’s only through self-discipline that you can do your work.”

socIal medIa managemenT

graphIc desIgn

Overseeing clients’ online presence can easily be done remotely, especially now that “there are tools that help you schedule your posts,” says Quiambao, who uses software like Hootsuite or Buffer. “A lot of work can be done on your phone, especially if you’re doing social media,” says Villafuerte. The challenge is that digital marketers

“New places give you lots of inspiration to create,” says Quiambao. “Wake up early.

You’re usually more productive when the world is still quiet.”

Just make sure you have the tools you need for this task: If you’re on-the-go, make sure you have a sturdy laptop, your own pocket modem for a reliable Internet connection, and a premium cloud storage account to keep large digital files safe.

Get help so you can focus on the meat of your work. Villafuerte, for instance, hires a freelance proofreader so he can concentrate on writing his blog.

do your homeWork Make sure you’re accessible wherever you go. Before booking a room, check reviews for which hotels have good WiFi.

seT a schedule and sTIck To IT “The key to enjoying your trip and still being productive is to be smart with your time,” says Quiambao, who recommends scheduling client meetings ahead of time and working around them.

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Your Guide to Fitness and Loving the Body You’re In!

Co-presented by

#HotSos is available in bookstores, newsstands, and convenience stores for P295.

(TEXT) MARIANNA MANSON AND CATRIONA INNES. (PHOTO) DENNIS PEDERSON. LEFF AMSTERDAM LT70023 TUBE AUDIO BLUETOOTH SPEAKER SUPPLIED BY HS JOHNSON/WATCHMAKER & JEWELER EST 1946.

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DreAM in PinK Struggling to sleep? Surround yourself with rosy hues. But before you deck out your bedroom to look like Kendall Jenner’s, we’re talking pink noise, not interiors. Yep, while insomniacs have been swearing by the power of white noise (think the fuzz of your TV before it goes on standby), scientists have now discovered that pink noise is even more effective. Used by soundmen to test loudspeakers and equalize equipment, it neutralizes surrounding sounds with a noise comparable to gentle rain on a pavement. Researchers found that when participants were exposed to pink noise or no noise, 75% of those surrounded by the rosy stuff reported a more restful sleep. Get your dose with Sleep Genius, a NASA-approved app, which plays pink noise 15 minutes before your set bedtime. Flamingo sheets optional.

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Looking for a different kind of workout? Try hitting the dojo.

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f gyms bore you and team sports aren’t quite your thing, then martial arts might be the workout for you. It’ll never feel tedious, since you’ll be exercising both your body and

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mind as you practice new moves and learn to outsmart and outmaneuver your classmates during sparring.

You’ll pick up values like humility, discipline, courage, and resilience as you

face off with opponents, and nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment as you move up levels or earn new belts. Plus, if you’re looking for a bodypositive workout, coaches are more

interested in honing your skills, teaching you the correct form, and building your strength than getting you to lose weight. And let’s face it—practicing a martial art is pretty bad-ass.

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(text and sittings) angelica gutierrez. (Photo) dix Perez. (hair and makeuP) christine laviña. (model) Paui Peña. shot on location at kinetix lab, uP ayala technohub, quezon city.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

A martial art that’s great for self-defense, BJJ involves grappling and ground-fighting, and is founded on the principle that anyone can defeat a larger opponent using leverage and technique.

Where to train oriGins bjj Fees: P2,500/month WebsiTe: originsbjj.ph conTacT number: (02) 897-8310/0917-856-0007

Kenjutsu If watching Rurouni Kenshin had you harboring secret dreams of being a samurai, here’s your chance! Okami Samurai Arts school practices Kenjutsu not as a sport, but by wholistically training the mind, body, and spirit for real-life combat, just as it was done in ancient times.

Apart from traditional Japanese swordsmanship, it incorporates unarmed combat and the use of various weapons, as well as Wu Shu techniques.

Where to train

Karate

While your coaches probably won’t have you waxing cars, they’ll definitely teach you some kick-ass moves that would make Mr. Miyagi proud.

Where to train associaTion For The advancemenT oF KaraTedo (aaK) Fees: P3,500/month Annual registration fee of P1,120 WebsiTe: aakarate.com conTacT number: Elena Miranda 0912-342-8962

The FiTness FacTory Fees: One-time Okami Samurai Arts School membership fee of P2,500 (inclusive of lifetime membership, uniform, and free samurai shirt) Gym Fee: P2,500/month WebsiTe: thefitnessfactoryph.com conTacT number: (02) 772-0727/0915-726-5425 ninja academy Fees: One-time Okami Samurai Arts School membership fee of P2,500 (inclusive of lifetime membership, uniform, and free samurai shirt) Gym Fee: P2,500/month WebsiTe: ninjaacademy.ph conTacT number: 0917-565-8945

Krav Maga

Remember when Ted of How I Met Your Mother got beaten up by the girl he dumped on her birthday? That was Krav Maga, a martial art developed for the Israeli Defense Forces, which focuses on hand-to-hand combat and self-defense.

Where to train Krav maGa PhiliPPines Fees: P4,500/month WebsiTe: kravmaga.ph conTacT number: (02) 726-5021/0917-8435728/0947-990-5728 The FiTness FacTory Fees: P4,500/month WebsiTe: thefitnessfactoryph.com conTacT number: (02) 772-0727/0915-726-5425

aiKido

Unlike other martial arts, Aikido focuses on defending yourself against an opponent without causing injury. This is accomplished by taking advantage of your attacker’s momentum to throw or grapple with them.

Where to train maKaTi aiKido club Fees: P900/month WebsiTe: makatiaikidoclub.com conTacT number: (02) 890-1976 to 77 april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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Sleep Well…

WHerever The best tricks for copping Zzz’s beyond your own comfy bed

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dation. A night without enough can lead to poor decision making, weight gain, and acne.

Next trip, pack these strategies.

to get used to it,” he says. Setting up the room like your own gives your body the cues it needs to nod off. Do this:

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play Goldilocks

how to sleep

At a Hotel Whether you’re at a four-star resort or a no-tell motel, it takes about two days to adjust to the smells, sounds, and temperature of a new place, says clinical psychologist Michael Breus, PhD, author of The Power of When. The bed is the biggest obstacle. “Sleeping on a different mattress is like wearing new shoes. Your body has

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Bed too soft? Ask for a room with a smaller one. “The larger the mattress, the more likely it is to sag,” says Breus. Bed too hard?

Layer an extra comforter under the fitted sheet.

Byop Pack a pillow you know is fluffy or firm enough—one that allows you to find a position that’s not awkward (no twisted shoulders, cocked head, or arched back), says physical therapist Karena Wu.

RedecoRate Don’t go nuts, but do bring a few comforting tokens from home, like a blanket or small photo, says Rebecca Robbins, PhD, coauthor of Sleep for Success! “Little things go a long way toward making you feel at ease.”

Go daRk Not all hotels have blackout curtains, so pack a sleep mask.

Forgot it? Case the joint for light sources, then block them. “Cover clocks, put a towel under the door, and use a hair clip to fasten the curtains shut,” Robbins recommends.

pluG youR eaRs Any noise above about 60 decibels (the elevator, the wedding in the lobby) can affect sleep. she’s gonna need a wakeup call… and clean sheets.

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(text) liz krieger. (photo) getty images. (illustrations) marina esmeraldo.

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hen it comes to sleeping tight, there’s no place like home. Your just-plump-enough pillow, your favorite sheets, even the familiar whir of your wonky ceiling fan are all part of passing out and staying out. When you’re away, your subconscious knows. On your first night in a new place, brain activity rises because half your noggin is watching out for trouble, a recent Brown University study shows.

Traveling itself—time zone changes, middle seats—can wreak havoc on the amount and quality of sleep, says Natalie Dautovich, PhD, environmental scholar for the National Sleep Foun-

Sweet dreamS of firSt claSS.

Bring a pair of (comfy) earplugs or download a white-noise app.

before use, then add more air right before you go to sleep.”

Adjust the thermostAt

use deep-pocKeted sheets

Your body sleeps best when the temp is between 68 and 72 degrees, says Breus.

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how to sleep

On Planes, trains, and Automobiles

The most annoying thing about sleeping in a moving vehicle—whether at 30,000 feet or on the freeway—is that you’re sitting up. It’s not a natural sleep position, because your body has to work against gravity to pump blood to your brain. That keeps your heart rate up just when you want it to go down, explains Breus.

Plus, it’s likely noisy and cramped. Do these instead.

tAKe the window seAt If possible, choose one on the same side of the plane as your mattress side. Leaning into the wall in that direction will feel more natural, says flight attendant Heather Poole, author of Cruising Attitude.

support your heAd And necK “Crescent-shaped pillows are a traveler’s best friend,” says Poole. They allow your head to tilt without overextending.

“To keep your head from flopping forward, turn the pillow so the opening is at the back of your

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how to sleep

On the FlOOr

If you have a choice between the couch and the floor, combine them.

Couches are generally too soft. Instead, lay cushions end to end, jerryrigging a mattress. “The floor’s hardness will come through the cushions and provide support,” says Wu.

They’re less likely to slip off the edges and slide around while you’re sleeping. (While you’re at it, BYOP again.) low and disrupted sleep and, as it wears off, lessens the likelihood you’ll hit the REM—deep— stage. Plus, it’s a diuretic…you don’t want to keep waking up to go to the bathroom.

stretch out After the plane takes off, place your carryon against the front of your seat, extending your legs over it.

Don’t cross your legs or use your arm as a headrest, says Wu: “That could cause a tingling sensation or loss of feeling and wake you up.”

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how to sleep

neck,” she suggests. You can also place a pillow or purse on top of the tray table (clean it first!), then rest your head there, offers Wu.

sKip the Airport bAr Although a glass of wine will make you sleepy, alcohol leads to shal-

On an Air Mattress

from over-arching, and if you’re a side sleeper, it will protect you from rounded shoulders, which could lead to neck and shoulder tightness.

top it oFF When and how you inflate it is key, says Corey Lewison, product line director at Coleman, maker of air beds. “The firmness of your air bed may decrease after you initially inflate it— totally normal, it’s a result of the material stretching. Blow it up a few hours

her hopeS for a bliSSful night’S Sleep have been deflated.

Add An extrA lAyer The air in the mattress will be the same temperature as the air in the room, explains Lewison, so you might wake up cold. “Place a sleeping bag on top of the air bed, then add sheets from there.”

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how to sleep

In A twIn

To keep from rolling off, tuck a pillow under the sheet at the edge, suggests Breus.

No guest room? No problem. Make the best of dozing on a glorified pool float.

Do this:

Fill ’er up The firmer your air mattress, the better, says Wu. If you’re a back sleeper, it prevents your lower back april 2017 Cosmopolitan

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Finds

COP THESE CO O L PICKS, STAT!

Whatt th the he Fu Fungus ungus

Have you ever noticed discoloration or cracks on your toenails, or do they feel thicker and more brittle? Bad news: You might have a nail fungal infection, and wearing socks and closed shoes isn’t helping. But no need to fret because applying a fungal nail treatment like Emtrix can help kill fungus cells and improve discoloration and deformities. Use it immediately to help stop the infection from spreading to your your other nails—or worse, to other people!

For more information, visit facebook.com/ EmtrixPhilippines.

Say No To Dry Skin

Kokuryu introduces the new packaging of its Dreamy Lotion, which comes in two variants: Whitening Lotion and Dreamy Lotion for Dry Skin.

It has a non-greasy, non-sticky formula that contains potent ingredients like lanolin, soybean, wheat, sylimarin extracts, and vitamins.

Available at The SM Store.

Freshen Up

Download the app now!

Never underestimate the power of smelling good, whether you’re on your daily commute or heading to date night with your guy.

Kokuryu’s Skin Fresh Body Spray comes in six scents perfect for every occasion: Passionate, Modern Rush, Sweet Embrace, Enchanting Lush, Love & Romance, and Charm & Stylish.

Available at The SM Store.

Cosmo girls just wanna have fun

Cool for the summer

(TEXT AND STYLING) MARTINA BAUTISTA. (PHOTOS) DAKILA ANGELES. (SITTINGS) MARLA MINIANO.

Kick off the season with a Pinterest-ready tropical party that you can set up in a snap.

Just throw together some fruits, flowers, and flamingos, and you’ve got yourself an affair to remember.

Turn the page to start planning!

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Plop a glass plate on top of fresh leaves for that banana-leaf eating experience— without having to wash and clean actual banana leaves!

Before you part ways, why not give your guests something they can use all summer long? Take some inexpensive woven fans, spruce them up with fresh or faux flowers, and your guests will thank you when those heat waves come rolling in!

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All it takes is a bit of extra effort to make your favorite snacks fit your theme, and no one will ever guess that your pastries were store bought!

Flamingo cupcakes: On a sheet of flamingo pink paper, sketch a flamingo neck, then draw a halfinch base at the bottom to keep the flamingo neck from falling over. Cut out the shape, bury the base in icing, and voila!

Pineapple donuts: Using the same method, take some green paper and cut out pineapple tops. Instead of drawing a straight line for the base, draw an arrow for a better grip and make a small incision on the donut so that it’s easier to insert the pineapple top. Use a small knife for best results.

Summer is all about brightly colored greens and flowers.

For your centerpiece, gather some tropical leaves (we used anahaw, philodendron, and palm leaves), throw in a bunch of fruits, and finish with flowers in glass vases.

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(TEXT AND STYLING) MARTINA BAUTISTA. (PHOTOS) DAKILA ANGELES. (SITTINGS) MARLA MINIANO.

Put some mint leaves on your ice tray before popping it in the freezer.

The mint cubes add a refreshing zest to lemon-infused water. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and flavor, this drink helps your body detox and boosts your metabolism.

FOOD PORN

WE CAN TACo ‘BouT IT

(TEXT) CHANDRA PEPINO. (PHOTO) PATRICK MARTIRES. (SITTINGS EDITOR) DYAN ZARZUELA. (LOCATION) LA CHINESCA, 248 AGUIRRE AVE., BF HOMES, PARANAqUE.

The best damn Mexican food in Metro Manila, we’ll proudly declare, is down south at La Chinesca in Parañaque—another brainchild of Bruce Ricketts, who also runs Ooma, Sensei Sushi, and Mecha Uma. But the small taco joint is memorable not only for the food, but also for the witty Photoshopped posters that cover its walls (pop culture references abound). You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their carnitas taco, which was so recklessly delicious we had to have seconds. Bring your friends over to crush that Sunday morning hangover.

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WANDERLUST

a sense of fun One woman explores three cities on her own.

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raveling: fun, adventure, luxury! But also, traveling alone, as a woman: sounds a bit sad, if not scary? When you think travel pieces for women, you think “Top 10 Safest Places for Women Traveling Alone,” or more accurately, “Where to Go to Have Fun and Not Get Kidnapped.” While these are legitimate searches one can find in my Google history, let’s get to the, erm, surprising reason why I (and many women out there) love traveling alone: to have fun!

Oh, no way, you ask? It’s not about soul-searching, you ask? It’s not about falling in love with a stranger, you ask? Well, I’m just out here to have a good time. To eat all the good food. To brave the fear of a stranger running away with my phone when I ask them to take my OOTD. I work as the beauty editor of a fashion magazine, and I’m lucky enough to travel often for work.

Once, I wrote about shopping the

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Paris drugstores a.k.a. European skincare Mecca—that’s awardwinning journalism right there—and I would say that it was the perfect balance between personal and work travel. You see, traveling for me means three-day (or at most, twoweek) press junkets, with some time for my own adventures if I’m not being a granny or a scrooge. Being on my own meant having my own rules… and my own lessons to learn.

IT sTarTed In seoul. I was 22, a fresh grad, very excited. They put me in Park Hyatt! They stuffed us every four hours at fancy restaurants, took us shopping at Myeongdong, and sent us home with a slick goody box. I explored a shopping street in the summer in airport athleisure, thanking the beauty gods I was in a place where an oily nose was socially acceptable.

I was basically shuttled off to South Korea and back in under two days,

( T E X T ) BEL L E RODOL FO. (PHOTO) LOUIE AGUIN A L DO. (S T Y L ING) S T EPHEN DE JE SUS. (T R AV EL PHOTOS) BEL L E RODOL FO. (PRODUCTS) COMMON ROOM, ST YLIST’S OWN.

in business class, so casually like I was just being sent out to buy suka. It was the trip that taught me to revel in having a sense of awe. A lot of people lose it when they’ve had the privilege of traveling for so long. You know that girl who thinks a third trip to Europe is ugh, so boring? Don’t let yourself be that person.

Some time After, i went to PAriS. What do you learn in a

10-day jaunt to fashen city, going backstage at Fashion Week, trying not to get lost or pickpocketed, and drinking tap water for the first time (maybe Parisiennes only use Avène for their face because it’s kinda weird to drink the same water you wash your face with)?

You learn to enjoy slowing down.

I had a few days to myself, which I spent visiting Versailles, going on bike tours, eating steak frites (best as your first meal in Paris)—and

breaking my boot and flapping along Saint-Honoré (only the high fashion street!).

finAlly, let me tell you About tokyo. My second time there, I was probably at peak granny mode. I’m not an adventurous traveler, and since the advent of Netflix and mask, I don’t even go out on weekends. The important thing I forced myself to learn in Tokyo was to get my ass up. I told myself, how many times can you go to Japan anyway? How many times can a grown woman spend hours on the Studio Ghibli floor at a Shibuya toy store? Not many. So I got up, and got out there. It was worth it.

Sure, travel can lead you to life’s greatest lessons. But I’ll tell you what—it’s not always about the deep realizations, really. We’re just out here to have a good time. And isn’t that more than enough?

plans this weekend?

WonderWalls

“Between the Lines” by Cyrcle, Icon Plaza

“David’s Hand” by Bunnie Reiss, Mango Tree Bistro

“Calamansi and Sampaguita” by Pastel, BGC Corporate Center

“Sweet Dreams” by The Mighty Bhutens, Bonifacio High Street Central

“Pilandok” by Egg Fiasco, B8 Bonifacio High Street

“Magic Owl” by Bunnie Reiss, B1 Bonifacio High Street

“Untitled” by Drew Merritt, Globe Tower

“Wonderland” by FAILE, One Global Place

“May You Find Comfort Here” by KFK Collective, B1 Bonifacio High Street

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(PHOTOS) RALPH MENDOZA. (SITTINGS) DYAN ZARZUELA.

Up your aesthetic—and OOTD background—game by checking out these gorgeous murals in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

BEAUTY Acca Kappa Rustan’s The Beauty

Source Aloe Derma Select Watsons branches Avène Watsons and Mercury Drug outlets Avon At major department stores Babyliss At major department stores Beauty MNL (Beachborn, Maui Babe) beautymnl.com Benefit Greenbelt 5, SM Megamall Burt’s Bees At Beauty Bar outlets BYS At major department stores Celeteque At major department stores Chanel At Rustan’s department stores Chic At major department stores Clarins Rustan’s The Beauty Source Clinique SM Makati Covergirl At major department stores Daiso Japan Robinsons Galleria, Greenhills Shopping Center DKNY Rustan’s The Beauty Source Doll Face shop.beautybar.com.ph Dyson Supersonic Century City Mall Elizabeth Arden At Rustan’s department stores Estee Lauder At Rustan’s department stores Ever Bilena At major department stores Jo Malone Greenbelt 5 K-Palette At major department stores Kiehl’s facebook.com/ KiehlsPhilippines Lanvin Rustan’s The Beauty Source L’Oréal At major department stores

and supermarkets MAC SM Makati, SM Megamall Maybelline At major department stores Murad At Rustan’s department stores Nivea At major department stores Origins At SM Beauty in SM stores Pantene At major department stores Radioactive Mushrooms shop. radioactivemushrooms.com Revlon At major department stores The Body Shop thebodyshop.com.ph The Face Shop facebook.com/ ThefaceshopPhilippines Tony Moly SM Megamall, Eastwood

FASHION A’postrophe Glorietta 4

Aldo facebook.com/AldoPhilippines Banana Peel TriNoma, Eastwood Bench SM Megamall, Eastwood Bershka bershka.com/ph Call It Spring SM Aura Premier Cesa cesaph.com Charles & Keith Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall Ever New The Podium Exztra facebook.com/Exztraplus Eye Society (Prada) SM Aura Premier Float Swimwear floatswimwear.com Fly Shades Robinsons Galleria Forever 21 SM Makati, SM Megamall Fringed fringedmnl.com Georgina Sasha georginasasha.com H&M SM Mega Fashion Hall I Love Koi ilovekoi.com.ph Mango Shangri-La Plaza Muuno Swim instagram.com/ muunoswim Naked Sun facebook.com/

NSSwimwear Owndays The Landmark Makati Parfois Glorietta 4, SM Megamall Primadonna facebook.com/ primadonnashoesofficial Private Storey instagram.com/ privatestorey Pull & Bear SM Mega Fashion Hall Ray-Ban At major department stores Sfera SM Makati, SM Megamall SM Department Store (SM Woman, What Women Want) thesmstore.com Stradivarius stradivarius.com.ph Suzy Clothing instagram.com/ suzyclothing Topshop Power Plant Mall Tumi Greenbelt 5 Uniqlo SM Mega Fashion Hall Zalora (Angelfish, Aquaholic, Mendrez, Supre, Yuminum) zalora. com.ph Zara SM Mall of Asia

LIFESTYLE Craft Central Greenbelt 5

Common Room (Ink Scribbler) Power Plant Mall Commune Cafe+Bar 36 Polaris St., Makati Flight 001 EDSA Shangri-La Mall Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street Hey Kessy UP Town Center La Chinesca 248 Aguirre, BF Homes, Parañaque National Book Store nationalbookstore.com Rustan’s (Wanderskye) EDSA Shangri-La Mall The Craft Central thecraftcentral.com Typo Greenbelt 5

SUMMER RESCUE SHAMPOO AND 3 MINUTE MIRACLE Helps repair UV damage No need to wear a hat or a ponytail at the beach! With Pantene Summer Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner, you can let your hair down without worrying about sun damage. No wonder these products from Pantene’s limited edition collection are part of the Cosmo Summer Beauty Bucket List!

horosc With loving Venus, communicative Mercury, rule-abiding Saturn, lucky Jupiter, and powerful Pluto all going retrograde, expect the unexpected.

5.22–6.20 A pack of planets in your zone of friendship and work is stirring up trouble. Since Mercury goes retrograde on the 9th, wait to make a move on that colleague who has caught your eye.

Y o u n e e D : A night off.

G e m i n i G u Y : He’s doubling down at work, but think of your time apart as coming up for air in between kisses.

6 . 2 1 – 7. 2 2 If you have to deal with one more crazy drama at work, you’ll scream...so forge ahead. Find reliable people to lean on, and a fix will present itself by the 21st.

Y o u n e e D : To embrace change. c a n c e r G u Y : He’s ecstatic about heading in a new direction at work.

Uncork the bubbly, then make him pop!

7. 2 3 – 8 . 2 2 You may meet the ying to your yang at work on the 7th.

Don’t get overly spendy in excitement— you have to test your ideas—but the project you cook up could bring a huge win.

Y o u n e e D : To be optimistic and pragmatic.

L e o G u Y : His “dream big” mentality can lead him to miss the details. Play a lusty game of Guess Where I Want You to Touch Me to address that issue.

8.23–9.22 On the 9th, you might discover that someone has been deliberately misleading you.

Don’t get even; get over them. Block out the BS artists, then get away at the end of the month.

Y o u n e e D : To record your thoughts.

V i r G o G u Y : He can be cerebral to a fault, but the periodic table of his heart has only one element: U!

9.23–10.22 Time to take a closer look at the nuts and bolts of your relationship.

No quick fixes this time. If you’re not on the same page by the 7th, move on.

Y o u n e e D : To be patient.

L i B r a G u Y : Stress

is causing Mr. Always Sees Both Sides to be Mr. All About Himself. Remind him who makes him Mr. Happy and he’ll get his act together in a flash.

10.23–11.21 Finding balance will be difficult now: As soon as you put out a fire at work, a family matter strikes.

Have patience near the 5th—a great day to work with others to find a long-term fix.

Y o u n e e D : To start saying “No.” s c o r p i o G u Y : Tell him, “You do you” if he tries to get over-involved in your business.

Show him he can support you in more hands-on ways...

scorpio LiBra VirGo Leo cancer Gemini taurus 114

Cosmopolitan • APRIl 2017

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(text) aurora tower. (StILL) courteSy of Mac coSMetIcS.

4.21–5.21 If you’re feeling adrift lately, ask yourself if the effort you expend on certain people in your career— and in bed—is worth it. Devote yourself only to people who matter most.

Y o u n e e D : To honestly assess, not idealize, your relationships. t a u r u s G u Y : If he’s a bit testy, resist the urge to snap back.

opE ope 11.22-12.21 What’s “OMG, exciting!” to you can be “WTF? We’re screwed...” to someone else.

Be a steadying force for your panicky friends near the 7th, when the Sun opposes Jupiter.

Y o u n E E d : To show your crew you care.

SAgIt tARIuS guY: You keep each other on your toes, but if his waiting games kill your mojo, tip him out the door.

12.22–1.19 You’ve laid the groundwork for success. Now it’s time to ignite the fireworks. The 5th is a fantastic day to share your plans. When Saturn goes retrograde on the 6th, slow your roll and mingle with the crowd.

Y o u n E E d : To be more honest. cApRIcoRn guY: He has all the feels and wants you to know! Enjoy his passion play and spoil him right back.

1.20-2.18 Be your most boss self on the 14th: Cut to the chase and just ask “What’s up?” at work. Don’t commit to any more money or time sucks.

Y o u n E E d : To filter out the nonsense.

A Q u A R I u S g u Y : Boy is bouncing around like a ping-pong ball.

Help him clear his mind so you two can return to steadier play.

2.19-3.20 You don’t let lack of money get in the way of your dreams, but with Venus going retrograde in your sign between the 2nd and 15th, every decision seems sucky.

Make sure you can trust those you work with.

Y o u n E E d : To be more flexible. p I S c E S g u Y : If he’s low on confidence now, show him that you believe in his talent and he’ll show you a few hidden ones in the bedroom...

ARIES

3.21-4.19

S t E l l A R g I f t S : You are competitive but kindhearted, which means you maintain strong friendships even as your ambitions grow.

B l I n d S p o t S : Aries waits for no one, which can leave friends feeling left behind or disconnected.

Y o u R m o n t h : April showers bring May flowers, right? Between the 2nd and the 28th, examine your finances and romantic situation. Then when the Sun unites with visionary Uranus on the 14th, initiate a few overdue changes that leave you feeling way more free.

Y o u R Y E A R : First, take any minor health annoyances seriously before they balloon. May is fantastic for love, and July is A+ for travel— with a new beau, perhaps? Fall is all about hard work—before a big November payoff.

Y o u n E E d : Plenty of self-care.

ARIES BEAUTY SECRET

Kick off the summer with a punchy orange blush that’s sure to garner double takes at the beach!

pIScES AQuARIuS cApRIcoRn SAgIttARIuS

BEST MATChES l I B R A : You two have the witty-banter thing on lock. g E m I n I : His clever nature and constant curiosity are beyond sexy to you.

ARIES GUY

l o v E S : Sporty, active women who respect his boundaries.

h A t E S : Clinginess and nitpicking that make him feel trapped. d R E A m d A t E : An outdoorsy challenge that serves as fun and foreplay.

W I n h I m o v E R : By drawing out the courtship phase and being open to spontaneity.

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good vibes to go

my SECRET TO BEING HAPPy

Gabbi Garcia “To me, happiness is doing what you love, being surrounded by family and friends, and feeling at peace with whatever your current situation is. That said, there will always be not-so good days. I turn a bad day around by calling my sister, or Ruru (Madrid, her onscreen partner), or my best friend. I eat comfort food like sinigang and salmon sashimi. I pray. I go to the beach—if I can!”

“Portraying interesting characters like Alena on Encantadia is honestly one of the biggest things that bring me joy.”

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(INTERVIEW) DYAN ZARZUELA. (PHOTO) DOOKIE DUCAY. (MAKEUP) JASON DELOS REYES. (HAIR) MARK ROSALES. (STYLING) HAPPY LOPEZ. (STYLING ASSISTANTS) CARIE AGUILA AND APRIL LOZADA. (OUTFIT) CALL IT SPRING, COTTON ON, CHARLES & KEITH, TOPSHOP. (LOCATION) SUGAR FACTORY, G/F SHANGRI-LA THE FORT, 3RD AVE. COR. 30TH ST, BGC, TAGUIG.

We catch up with the fan favorite Sang’gre as the hit TV show Encantadia comes to an end.

Know, Wear, Bloom, Feel, Love, Work, Move, and Play with today!

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