Newest Flawless endorser and spokesperson Edward Mendez (Photo by ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — Edward Mendez may just be one of the many showbiz newbies these days, but the model-actor is determined to make his unique mark in the industry.

“I realized that the game has changed, but I try not to think about that (competition) too much because my own competition would be myself eh,” he told Bulletin Entertainment during his launch as the newest endorser and spokesperson of beauty clinic Flawless.

Edward graced the pages of Cosmpolitan magazine a few years back, and appeared in the film “Pinay Pie” as Ai Ai delas Alas’ partner. He also did ramp, fashion and commercial modeling in countries outside the Philippines such as in Singapore and Thailand.

But it looks like Edward is up for a new beginning, as he considers his “Magkaribal” stint as Bea Alonzo’s financier with a dark past — Mark Laurel — as his first job in terms of acting.

“I should say that I’m more determined now. Kasi a couple of years ago, I was young and I thought more like being on TV was cool, but now my perspective is different. I begin to put more passion. Acting is more serious to take rather than just being on TV.

“I think when I began to work with those veterans in ‘Magkaribal’ I learned to appreciate acting more because I saw real acting. And it’s quite serious and a big role to play so it’s a challenge, and that challenge made me love the craft,” he related.

Edward realized he wanted to do something different when he took a break from modeling and worked at his aunt’s company.

“I thought there was something more that I should experience rather than keep on doing the same thing over and over again for many years. That break was something that made me realize and see the bigger picture in the world. It gave me the knowledge and wisdom for other areas in my life. It’s something I needed,” he recalled.

As he seeks to establish himself as a respected actor, he related a piece of advice he got from whom he only identified as a “great actor.”

“I was given an advice to just love the craft. Don’t worry too much about these things (competition), because if you love the craft you will put your heart into it and once you’re able to establish something when it comes to that craft then the rest will follow,” he said.

While Edward hopes to be as big as the country’s leading actors John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual, he will "take it one day at a time. I don’t want to be overconfident because I know there is still room for improvement.”

To further enhance his skills, 26-year old Edward took acting workshops, and recently, some self-studying through watching movies.

“I’ve been watching movies and a lot of good actors like Al Pacino, Will Smith… I watched his movie recently, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ and I just try to observe more on how they deliver. So now I’m becoming more technical in watching movies. It really changed my perspective,” he said.

When it comes to maintaining a well-toned body, meanwhile, Edward said he has been following the formula of “70% nutrition and 30% exercise."

“I try to avoid fried food. I eat the right food which also helps in keeping my skin healthy.
 
"You just have to have a simple regimen, like you have to have a good toner and also a good facial wash. I also go to the gym two to three times a week. I also play basketball during the weekends,” he said.

So, with his ‘Flawless’ physique, is he willing to pose nude someday?

“Maybe when I’m 50!” he joked, laughing. “The closest siguro was in Cosmo, with the surfboard in front of me. It’s gonna remain a secret if I had anything under there or not.”

During the launch last Oct. 28, Edward also discussed what the nine-year old beauty clinic dubs as its four new top-of-the-line services: “Shape and Sculpt” which is said to be a ground-breaking three-in-one advanced body-shaping technology which helps eliminate fat and improve muscle tone; Flawless Nutraceuticals, their line of healthy dietary supplements including Shape & Sculpt – L-Carnitine, SkinLift-Collagen, and Nano White -Glutathione Plus;  Sweatox, which helps reduce excessive sweat, and; ZerO’C Finish, the “ultimate in facial treatments” that makes use of liquid nitrogen at zero degrees to help tighten and minimize pores.