BACK in 2021 even during the pandemic, 26-year-old actress Barbie was pinning to have some pampering, although she didn’t have a clinic yet to go to at that time.

“I wasn’t doing anything at home, so I searched the Internet, gusto kong gumanda,” Barbie smilingly recalled. “I wanted to be confident again when I go out even with my face mask on. I wanted to do facial treatments and feel that I’m an artist again.”

Through social media, Barbie discovered Avignon Clinic, which she visited in Quezon City. “What’s good about the clinic, nasa QC lang siya,” Barbie said. “I am from QC, so it’s not far from where I stay.

“I was willing to pay at that time. Hindi pa ako endorser. I booked an appointment. On the day that I went, Sir Chris (Cachuela, founder and chief executive officer) was there. That was the first time we met.

“When I was about to pay, he said, ‘Hindi. Sa amin ka na.’ Di okay. But I was really willing to pay dahil ang ganda ng service ng Avignon. I was very satisfied.”

Recently, Barbie was tapped to be the model for Avignon Zaffiro treatment, the first painless, innovative facelifting procedure in the Philippines, that combines hydrating, brightening, tightening and lifting all at the same time.

“Now when it is always hot, I try to avoid the cream-based products,” Barbie said. “I prefer the water-based, gel moisturizers. I never forget to wear sunscreen both on the face and my body.

“I stay hydrated and I never forget to remove my makeup after. Toner, moisturizer and sunscreen are a big help. Maarte kasi ako. I make time to get my treatments and to really experience pampering with my nails, my hair, my face.

“I guess it also falls on my obligation that I’m an artist and a celebrity. I need to look presentable. It’s really relaxing when we get pampered. I call it my ‘me-time’ because it’s outside of work and it’s my way to relax and look good after.”

Barbie makes sure to surround herself with really good people, which is a must for her self-care practices. “People who give me inspiration, motivation, source of happiness and energy,” Barbie said.

“Sa taping, when you’re already tired, I’m so happy that I have my Team Barbie with me. They are the ones who give me self-care. It helps that okay kami off-cam.”

Meanwhile, the self-care practices Barbie does with her boyfriend, Jaq Roberto, is merely quality time for both of them. “When I visit Avignon Clinic for my treatments, he also goes to his clinic for his treatment,” Barbie said.

“We are both artists and we know we need to take care of our looks. More than that, it boosts our confidence, as well. Nagkakasundo kami in doing that. Dating follows after.”

Barbie, who is turning 27 in July, is now taping for GMA 7’s new primetime show, Pulang Araw, that will be aired soon. The period war drama, directed by Dominic Zapata, stars Alden Richards, Dennis David Licauco, Rhian Ramos, Derrick Monasterio and Sanya Lopez among others.

Eventually, the young cast got close to each other in the course of taping. “Wherever we shoot, we explore the food there,” shared Barbie. “In Sariaya (Quezon) or Los Baños (Laguna), nag-uunahan pa kami to buy the food and share it with others.

“Lahat kami nagkakasundo kung ano ang kakainin. It really helps that okay kaming lahat even off-cam kasi sa bigat ng concept ng material namin. We get to help each other.

“Kaya namin maging prangka sa isa’t isa. We ask each other kung okay ba sya kanya ang gagawin ko. Mas nagiging magaan.”

Barbie recently returned from Canada, where the Sparkle World Tour 2024 happened for the first time. They were in Canada from April 2 to 10.

Rayver Cruz, Julie Ann San Jose, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid and David Licauco were also billed in the concert tour.

“Our friendship grew stronger in that trip,” Barbie said. “Especially with Julie (San Jose) and Bianca (Umali). In the Philippines, we get to work on All-Out Sundays only.

“In the recent tour, from the flight until the hotel, we were always together. Nakita ko ‘yung ugali ng bawat isa. All of us were together. Tulungan kami sa mga maleta.

“We were zipping up each other’s clothes kasi quick change lang. Kasama ko rin ang handler ko, si Diana Evangelista, the one woman show.

“We enjoyed the cold weather. All of us were able to go around downtown Toronto. On our free day, we looked for hole-in-the-wall coffee shops. I can’t wait to go around the world with the Sparkles’ Best.”

The shows were staged on April 5 in Calgary and April 7 in Toronto. At the helm is Johnny Manahan.

Barbie merely shopped for chocolates and maple cookies in Toronto, but in their lay-over in Dubai, she enjoyed shopping for herself.