UNLIKE her scandal-plagued contemporaries, Sarah Geronimo has kept her image prim, proper and pristine. That’s why brands are scrambling to get her services. A cursory look at her Instagram feed gives a glimpse into the various products she carefully chooses to promote but there are hardly any hints of her personal life.
I first saw Sarah in 2003 when I was assigned to interview Regine Velasquez for the defunct Today newspaper. Regine was then the host of the singing search Star for a Night, which the future Pop Princess was destined to win.
Over the course of her stellar career, Viva, Sarah’s home studio, has shielded her from intrigues while her famously overprotective mother has fended off heartbreaks. From a timid teenager back when I last saw her up close, Sarah has blossomed and a self-assured woman greeted me in early July.
The occasion was Sarah’s formal introduction at Marriott Clark Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone as the new ambassador of Gardenia, after the trailbazing bread brand opened a massive plant at the Teco industrial estate in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Simplicio Umali Jr., the president and general manager of Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc., said at the opening of the P2-billion plant, “There are four major aspects to become successful in the bread business in the Philippines. You have to have the right plant. You have to have the right process. You have to have the right products which come from the best ingredients in the world. And, you have to have the right people.”
Umali can easily be referring to Sarah as one of the “right people” making Gardenia a resounding success.
“I’m so blessed because Gardenia has been a part of my childhood. It’s very clear in my memory that every time Daddy or Mama buys Gardenia, I always say, ‘Ang sarap talaga ng tinapay na ’to! Ang lambot-lambot tapos parang gatas. Kahit po hindi ko lagyan ng palaman, lagi ko po ’yang pinapapak at sinasawsaw sa gatas or sa hot chocolate,” said Sarah, whose favorite is the classic white bread and the choco chip loaf bread.
Sarah couldn’t identify what brands she was wearing, as she was styled by Qurator Studio headed by Pam Quiñones. Since the theme was “Bake to the Future,” she was dressed in a luminous beige/cream blouse with puffed sleeves, red metallic pants and shoes encrusted with multicolored crystals.
Among fashion items, which ones do you collect, I asked? “Shoes. But I lost track of the number of pairs I have. It’s a must that your shoes are beautiful because even if you have on a simple outfit, they could serve as the accent. They also must be durable. But with heels this high, I can’t dance in them,” Sarah said. Besides The Voice Kids, Sarah is working on a new movie about dogs, titled Unforgettable.
Following on the big beauty trend worldwide of celebrities having their own makeup lines, Sarah also launched her own Pop Studio, with prices ranging from P199 for a moisturizing primer, to P1,999 for a “starter set.” The range includes blush with contour, day and night eyeshadow palette, brow pencil with mascara, foundation stick with liquid concealer and matte lipstick with lip balm.
What else would you like to achieve?
“More on personal growth. I’m at a stage in my life that, when I started my goal was to become famous, to have lots of money because I came from a poor background. But my perspective in life and on my artistry has changed. I want more now to grow as an artist and as a person, as well,” said the multitalented entertainer. “I was previoulsy asked what fame has taught me. It’s like nothing. It doesn’t mean anything. What’s important is how you live your life, what impact you have on people, your legacy in case you’re gone.”
Image credits: PHOTO BY RENJIE TOLENTINO