Iwa Moto

Don’t be surprised if 21-year-old actress Iwa Moto smiles with relish when strangers say to her face, “I hate you.”

For Iwa, such sentiments are compliments, especially now that “Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?” is halfway through its run. In the GMA-7 drama, she plays Rosanne Montenegro who is out to give people hell. “When people say such things to me, and many do, what I actually hear is ‘You’re doing a great job,’” she said.

It’s not the first time Iwa has played antagonist. Many of her projects in the past, including “Darna,” “Magdusa Ka,” “Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap” and “Luna Mystica,” cast her as the one people love to hate. “Many actresses aspire to become leading lady but I don’t mind playing contravida roles forever. Yes, FOREVER. Admit it, many contravidas have longer careers because almost every story has one or two. Besides, they make life more interesting for his ‘victims.’ In a way, the bida should thank the contravida for saving them from a life of total boredom,” she joked.

It doesn’t come easy for Iwa, though, because her real-life persona is totally different. Outside the glare of the spotlight, Iwa is a sweet girl who even enjoys watching cartoons at her age. Her fantasy? To play the role of a princess, notwithstanding if the character has a mean bone. “Sleeping Beauty pa nga, eh. Don’t laugh,” she said.

Iwa is effective in her portrayals because she carefully studies the script and her scenes. Doing so gives her an understanding of where her character is coming from, no matter how twisted that place is. “It’s a job so you have to prepare for it and give your best,” quipped she who counts Jean Garcia and Princess Punzalan as two of her favorite contravidas.

Iwa said there are several types of contravida. Her favorite is the scheming type; the one who looks harmless, acts harmless when you’re around, but stabs you in the back unapologetically.

“Pero si Rosanne Montenegro yung other type. Siya yung tipong manunugod at kokomprontahin ka. Hindi siya masaya kaya gusto niya, hindi din masaya yung mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya,” said she.

“Unhappy” is an adjective that can’t be used in describing Iwa. Aside from her career going great guns, the “StarStruck” First Princess has a lovelife with her non-showbiz boyfriend of two years.

She also recently opened her first business, Posh Nails in Katipunan, Quezon City. “I’m a very practical person. I know that it can’t always be up times, and that’s okay. Kaya nga you prepare by saving up and investing your money wisely, para dumating man ang lean times, smile ka pa din,” she said.

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Flawless offers huge discounts this weekend to start off summer

Just like before, all of us mere mortals might just get another chance to hobnob with our favorite celebrities and enjoy huge discounts on services and products in all 32 Flawless branches nationwide as the country’s leading facial and dermatological clinic begins its extraordinary summer treat just about now.

From March 12-15, Flawless Aesthetic Clinic gives up to 50% off on services like the Nano Power Peel, to exfoliate your skin and make you glow; the Laser Hair Removal, which is the most effective hair removal technology available today; the Flawless White Injectables, which does not only whitens skin faster but can also minimize freckles, age spots and other “flaws;” and Nano Radiofrequency, which alienates unsightly bulges and trims them down almost instantaneously.

Who knows, during the weekend, one or two Flawless endorsers from its pool of big-name stars and celebrity friends (Lorna Tolentino, Richard Gutierrez, Judy Ann Santos, Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras, Alyssa Alano, Butch Francisco, Tess Bomb, and the big winners of the recently-concluded Picture Flawless campaign – Julianne, Robert and Doris) might just be there when you decide to have that long-overdue power peel or other favorite service of yours in Flawless. That should make your summer treat much more exciting, right?

Some products that are perfect for the avid beach bunny are also going on sale this weekend. Make sure you check out Flawless’ wide range of sunblocks. They have sunblock creams for dry skin, and a cool sunblock gel for oily skin. Also on sale is the Cool Clenz Soothing Moisture Lotion, whose combination of botanicals, anti-oxidants and vitamins provides comfort, speed healing and reduce redness for accidental over-exposure to that cruel sun.

Make sure you head over to any of Flawless’ 32 branches nationwide this weekend to avail of that huge discount – and so you look beach-ready in time for super-peak vacation season.