BEYOND her legacy as one of the enduring icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), pop songstress Geneva Cruz has reinvented herself as a poster girl for health, fitness and women empowerment.

Thanks to her healthy lifestyle, rigorous fitness routines and sensible diet, she continues to wow netizens with her whistle-bait figure, ageless beauty and youthful looks.

Because of her positive mindset and aura, Geneva continues to attract positivity into her life. Proof of this is her string of endorsements that share her vision for health empowerment.

Just recently, she was appointed brand ambassador for Forticare Health Systems International, a health maintenance organization (HMO) founded in 2019 that provides affordable and accessible healthcare services to its members.

Aside from its emphasis on preventive care, the company also puts a premium on its CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts, engaging in community outreach programs and other medical missions to underserved populations in its desire to make a positive impact on society.

Geneva is also endorsing BeautyWise rejuvenating and whitening products. The brand boasts of a comprehensive catalog of soaps, serums, toners, creams, sun blocks, foams and masks, all made from organic herbs and essences.

The proud mother of two also swears by the efficacy of JC Organic Barley from New Zealand. In recent years, barley has gotten its fair share of positive reviews for the medical community for its antioxidant properties, making it a surefire cure for diabetes, high-blood pressure, arthritis, kidney diseases and even cancer.

For her sparkling and showbiz-worthy smile, Geneva trusts Urban Smiles Dental Clinic, with its comprehensive range of dental services available throughout its nine branches in Metro Manila.

Geneva remains grateful for the trust and confidence bestowed upon her by the various brands. She says, “It’s always a blessing to align with brands that cater to health and wellness, and will also impact the lives of our fellow Filipinos in the long run.”

For now, the proud Air Force reservist is setting her sights on joining her first-ever triathlon, the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic, scheduled this June.

Geneva trained really hard in running, cycling and especially swimming for the triathlon and she is looking forward to be part of the much-awaited event.

Marian’s follow up to ‘Rewind’ an indie film

FOLLOWING her highly successful Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, ‘Rewind,’ that grossed over a billion at the tills opposite her real-life husband Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera comes out with her latest Cinemalaya entry, Balota, directed by ‘Liway’ and ‘Bar Boys’ filmmaker Kip Oebenda.

Marian previously appeared in the 2013 Cinemalaya release, ‘Ekstra,’ topbilled by Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos-Recto. ‘Balota,’ however, is her first lead role in Cinemalaya.

The actress got excited for her first Cinemalaya lead, ‘Balota,’ where she portrays a teacher serving in the elections, but she will run into the wilderness with a ballot box, the last copy of the election results when violence in their town erupts.

This year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs from August 2 to 11.

Marian expressed her excitement for the film’s release as it marks many firsts for her as an actress, including having no make-up or stunt double. The film will have her delivering lines she does not often say in her films or teleseryesWs in the past.

“Hindi ako nagpa-double sa stunts, so ang dami dami kong sugat.” Marian said. “Ito ‘yung rurok ko sa paggawa ng fight scenes. Pero okay lang. Gagaling at gagaling din ang mga sugat ko. Ang importante, nabigay ko ng 100 percent ang hinihingi sa akin.”

The actress ended up contemplating about her experience working with her first-time director, Kip Oebenda and she is considering another attempt at a Cinemalaya film in the future.