The Beauty Equation … A very Inspiring work Written by A World Famous Model & Fashion Photographer Mr. Nigel Barker. Who unknowingly wrote another Story about four Friends, four Manila Girls with the same Passion and love for Him. And, a life long friendship for the four of us. Before Nigel & His Team landed in Manila for the book signing, the BE face book page was already buzzing with fans like myself excited to meet him at last. I started posting whatever was in my Mind at the very moment. And, gotten loads of likes and comments of LET’S MEET UP! from fellow fans. But there were 3 young ladies who got my attention. Quesa Caidic, Vanessa Del Carmen & Supercalifragilistic Expialidocious… These three young ladies whom I was excited the most of meeting. By the end of the night, we ruled the page with full of comments. We had fun like we’ve known each other for ages. Since they were far away from greenbelt, we never gotten a chance to meet up. I went to Greenbelt ; they went the next day to Trinoma.

Last April 14, 2011 Greenbelt Book Signing that was supposed to start at 6pm I was there by 2:30pm. I never left the venue. I had to buy Another Book for the Book Signing. So, all I the patience’s was rewarded when I got more than I what I thought I would which is Mr. Barker Remembering my Face & My Name. As I got home and excitedly posted photos, it was the three of them who were the first to congratulate, commented and cheered for me. In returned telling them to get there early and looking forward to their photos. While the BE page was exploding from Photos & thankful fans the friendship of the four of us grew. It was been almost five months since Nigel Left Manila … some fans went silent but the four of us never did. We still communicate, we text, we comment on each others face book accounts or even call each other. Just recently after endless attempts of adding myself into Nigel’s authentic face book account, I met a new friend and one of the contributors of BE ONE. Whom I fondly call Mommy Chrissy Varey. Who told me not to stop trying. A day after she told me this on a Monday morning, Friend request accepted! And again, my Sisters cheered for me. Took a chance and FRIEND SUGGESTED them to Nigel’s account. And just yesterday when I got home from work opened my face book and found loads of cheerful sisters thanking me and of course Nigel because Nigel added them. I was so happy, I treated them like my younger sisters since I’m older than them, I didn’t want to leave them. I just had to take a chance and again as I always say, PATIENCES IS A VIRTUE. Nigel, you made a book and a story of friendship. You will always be the center of this friendship. You will always be our DADA NIGEL. Thank you! We are looking forward to your next visit in manila. And hopefully by then you will meet the four of us all at the same time.

Last week my team and I had a whistle stop to the Philippines courtesy of Ayala Malls in Manila. I originally visited Manila 3 years ago and fell in love with the people and the unique charm and extraordinary hospitality of the Filipinos! From the gracious manners and respectful treatment of my team, I was excited to revisit Manila this time armed with the Beauty Equation. I didn’t just bring my book but invited Jay Alexander to come with me with his autobiographical and self esteem building read – “Follow The Model”.

Our trip was non stop with photoshoots everyday for the Philippine Tatler magazine. I photographed 13 gorgeous women who are all stars in their own right in the Philippines (Yeah I know I have a hard job….;-) The shoots went amazingly with a fun concept of tons of mirrors and the ladies reflecting both physically and emotionally for every shot!

Each evening after the photoshoots we went to a different Ayala Mall for book signings and discussions on beauty with Miss Jay and myself. The crowds were enormous and delightful. Our first stop was at the Greenbelt Mall, then we went to Trinoma and finally to Alabang Town Center Mall. Our evenings were completed by fine dining in the top restaurants and lounges in Manila. My favorite night was at a lounge/restaurant called Establishment owned and run by good friend and Tatler editor in chief Anton San Diego, where I got cajoled into singing Karaoke on stage with Miss Jay….So far I have been spared the YouTube rendition of my version of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin! Another memorable dinner was sitting next to Imelda Marcos at Tivoli…..
I look forward to returning to the Philippines soon

Last year I was lucky enough to do 24 book signings all around the world and in 2011 I am still on the road with the Beauty Equation. We have had a signing in January at the 21 Club in NYC and this past Thursday at Eden in Washington DC. Next month we are in NYC at the Core Club again followed by signings in Manilla in the Philippines and Shanghai China. I’ll be doing other signings at schools and colleges too so please let us know if I can come visit your town, college or school!
Our DC trip was particularly wonderful as we were invited to visit the Sri Lankan Ambassador at his residence in DC. I am part Sri Lankan on my mother’s side and still have family there so you can imagine how thrilling this was for me. The Ambassador was extremely gracious and we schemed on getting ANTM to shoot in Sri Lanka potentially….. wouldn’t that be wonderful. The book signing was at great DC Lounge called Eden where we had a sell out evening. Which really means they should have bought more books The evening wrapped with a dinner at Hook, a delicious seafood restaurant that serves a mean oyster shot!