Andi Manzano—what makes her tick

Known as Andi-9 to many 89.9 FM radio listeners, Andrea Bianca Martin Manzano, is more than just the face behind the sweet voice on Magic 89.9’s Top 5 @ 5 radio show. A DJ, former MTV VJ, host, endorser and online strategist consultant for one of the country’s leading real-estate firms, Century Properties, Andi has established her name in the industry and is rapidly expanding her expertise by venturing into other businesses.

A familiar face on television, Andi started working at 13 when she appeared in teen noontime shows such as “AngTV2” and “G-mik.” She also landed various commercials and print ads, eventually winning a spot on MTV’s VJ hunt and a radio show on Magic 8.99. Fun, fearless and dynamic, Andi has one of the freshest and cutest faces in Manila today.

Name: Andrea Bianca Martin Manzano

Age: 24

What’s your favorite scent on a guy?

If he smells like a baby or amoy bagong ligo.

Define your style:

Classy and edgy. I go for comfort more than anything else, but I love dressing up, too.

Who are your favorite designers?

Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Donatella Versace

What’s your favorite bag?

Balenciaga

What are the five  most essential things in your bag?

Blackberry, Iphone, Carmex lip balm, credit card, hair tie, eyeglasses

What products do you apply on your face?

Honestly, it was just recently that I started taking care of my skin. I never put lotion even if I had the driest skin. My dermatologist  Dr. Betsy of Kazemi Clinic  always scolds me for not putting sunblock every day, and up to now, I still don’t. Shhh.

What’s your favorite facial soap?

Bath Origins. My mom makes bath products and I love her “herb” collection.

What’s your moisturizer?

Aveeno

Makeup philosophy:

The natural way is always the best for me. Less is best. I never like the feeling of thick makeup on my face especially when it cakes up. It’s the worst feeling for me. I feel so dirty. That’s why after every photo shoot or night out, I remove makeup right away no matter what.

If you could change one thing physically, what would it be?

Beauty queen answer—I wouldn’t want to change anything in my body since God has blessed me with this. But seriously, when you look at yourself in the mirror, you tend to see things you’d like to tone or chisel. So let me start with my legs. I wish they were firmer and smaller. Second, my height: I’m just too small. I would love to be three to four  inches higher. (GP will kill me.) Third, I’ve got a round face, so maybe if it were a little bit more fierce or “Angelina Jolie”-contoured, that would be perfect.

What’s your daily makeup routine?

First, I put on moisturizer. Then I’m very particular about my eyebrows. I’m a neat freak in that area. A little extra hair or baby hair growing there—it’s out by the time you know it. Next, I put a little blush on and curl my eyelashes then. I try not to put powder cause I like my freckles seen. I love my freckles. I find them cute!

You always have rosy cheeks; what’s your favorite blush?

Chanel. It was only this year that I started investing in expensive makeup. When I was starting out I’d shop in the department stores and get cheap makeup, since I didn’t have enough money to buy the big brands and I wasn’t also too familiar with the brands as well. When I started having pictorials, I’d ask makeup artists their recommendations, and slowly from there I built my makeup kit.

What do you use on your lips?

Carmex. I’ve loved it ever since, and it’s the solution for everything. The dry spots on my face? I’d put a little Carmex at night, and when I wake up, they’re gone.

What’s the best beauty advice your mother has ever given you?

No amount of makeup can compare to your smile. She always says it’s the beauty within that counts, and that people are after the heart. She’s always there to inspire me no matter what. I love my mom.

What’s your advice to young girls who are insecure with their personal appearance?

I know the media dictates what beautiful is, but define beauty yourself. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Own your beauty and be confident. It always starts with yourself and how you see yourself. Sometimes you have to quiet your mind and think of who you are, how special you are, how beautiful and blessed you are. Sometimes the traffic in our mind and the judgment of people blur things for us.

Everyone has flaws, so accept yours. Love who you are, and your confidence will show.