Zooming in on Bongbong Ria Francisco-Prieto Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 15, 2009
MANILA, Philippines--Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., representative, 2nd district of Ilocos Norte, 52 years old. Born on Sept. 13, 1957. Birth sign is Virgo. Married to Liza Araneta. Has three kids (Sandro, Simon and Vincent), all studying at Worth Abbey, Sussex, England.
Up close, Congressman Marcos looks quite young for his age. I never would’ve guessed he was over 50. I was curious to see what “beauty secrets” a politician, husband and father could share with us. Here goes:
What beauty products do you use?
Sunblock only when I’m going to be under the sun. I’m not really that vain. For my face, though, I use the charcoal soap made by Lush. I feel it cleans the face well.
What scent do you use?
I have many scents. It depends on what I’m doing. Generally, I use Penhaligon English Fern.
Fave scent on a woman?
I don’t know because scents smell different on people. Although Chanel #5 is particularly nice on everyone.
Deodorant?
No. I just shower a lot, two to three times; it depends if I go to the gym.
Are you a legs, chest or butt guy?
Legs. Only Americans are interested in big breasts. And you can’t have a good body without good legs.
Do you work out?
Four or five times a week. Cardio for half an hour and weights for 20 minutes
Guilty indulgence?
Massage, once or twice a month
What attracts you to women?
Eyes
Who has the most beautiful eyes?
My wife
Celebrity?
Audrey Hepburn. I have been a Hepburn fan from the moment I saw her in “Roman Holiday.” For me, she will always be the epitome of grace and charm.
Who do you consider classy and elegant?
I guess that would be Margaux Fontaine. Not many people know this but Ms Fontaine is a very good friend of my mom. When my mom stayed in New York (post-1986), she would always visit and have dinner with us. She was a lot older then, but still, you could see that her elegance came from within.
Hair (length, texture, etc)?
Straight. I have a preference for straight hair, generally because I think I’m Pinoy. I think it’s an Oriental thing.
Nail polish color?
Yes, I like nail polish. Red is always a classic. It’s nice because it looks dressed-up, neat and finished.
What beauty secret has your mom passed on to you?
Nothing in politics is spontaneous. It must be arranged, it must be done. It must be made to happen.
Beauty, country-wise?
The countryside is almost perfect, I think. You can’t improve on nature. I’d like to see cleaner cities, though.
What makes a woman beautiful?
There are several levels. The first thing, of course, is the physical appearance, but after that, it’s something you see behind the eyes. The charm. Intelligence, humor.
What is sexy?
Sense of humor and a good butt!
What haven’t you tried?
Waxing
Are you for plastic surgery?
Yes, if it makes the person feel better. But not in excess.
Biggest turn-off?
Unkindness. Being mean
Hands or feet?
Very much like all Pinoys, I have a bit of a foot fetish. And also, when you look at the fingers of a girl, you can tell what her legs look like.
Hero?
My dad. Because he epitomized all the manly qualities—courage, strength, industry—and at the same time, he was compassionate.
Favorite color?
Blue
Heels, rubber shoes, flats?
Flats. [Heels, but] not so high because I’m not so tall. And it looks like torture.
What makes your mom beautiful?
I think it’s her inner energy. It comes from within.
