It is said that in any relationship, it’s all about give and take… That is the kind of relationship I have with one of my BFFs, Preview magazine’s editor-in-chief, Pauline Suaco-Juan. We give a little and we take a little.
For the past three years, Pauline has been bugging me to feature my home in her magazine. I’ve always declined. Time and time again, I would give her my overused spiel to discourage her: My home is not ready; There’s very little to show; It’s not yet inspiring for the “Preview girl”.
One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is to improve our living space. I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve done some bits of renovations for our place, so much so that upon posting a vignette of our console table on Instagram, I immediately got a call from Pauline telling me that, “You’re home is so ready!” Haha!
I finally caved. I said yes. And in doing so, “I gave a little”.
Here’s a teaser of my feature in the Best Dressed issue of Preview this month:
To read the full story and to get a glimpse of La “Maison Epperson” (yes, glimpse lang, as in kisap-mata levelz! Haha!), grab a copy of the Best Dressed (July) issue of Preview magazine!
But now, it’s my turn to “take a little”. I reckon it’s only fair that Pauline answers her magazine’s 25 Questions here on my website!
Yes, the tables have turned, ladies gentlemen, and gays! Presenting… the editor who is as elusive as my home (Haha) Pauline Suaco-Juan:
25 QUESTIONS
Pauline at “Casa Juan”
1. How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up?
As much as possible. I’m not one of those people who get up as soon as they wake up. It’s an epic struggle for me to resist sleep’s warm embrace. I always need five more minutes.
2. How long do you spend in the bathroom in the morning?
It depends on the makeup peg I am attempting. God forbid it involves liquid liner or else I’m in there for a loooong time.
3. Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty?
Cinderella—only because I believe that the right pair of shoes can change your life.
4. Which part of the newspaper do you read first?
The date. I read newspapers at the end of the week when I’m in my mother’s house.
5. Name your favorite ice cream flavor:
Sebastian’s Butter Pecan. I’m gaga over how the rich butter ice cream plays off the salted pecans. I always make it a point to indulge in a scoop when I’m in Podium. I wish they would reopen in Makati.
6. Have you ever cheated at solitaire?
Isn’t that like cheating yourself? What’s the point?
7. Do you believe in feng shui?
Only when it’s convenient.
If I wore a caftan for my sitting, someone’s got to wear something formal too! Haha! Pauline in BCBG pleated gown.
8. How many sit-ups can you do?
I. Hate. Sit-ups. I’ll even pay so I don’t have to do it!
9. What is it you love about your life?
My four boys.
10. Favorite superhero:
Mom.
11. Can you dance the swing?
I could if it were choreographed. I have trouble with the spontaneous kind because I don’t know how to follow the leader.
12. How many Facebook friends do you have?
0
13. Last song syndrome:
“Louder.” That was the song my three-year-old and I were dancing to today. He thinks the title’s “Ladder” though.
14. What was the longest you’ve every gone without sleep?
Days—that was when I was working as a producer at Probe Productions.
15. What is comfort food for you?
Japanese white rice. These sticky, pillow-y grains are my absolute Waterloo.
16. How much weight would you like to lose?
Can’t remember the last time I got on a weighing scale. Now that fat caliper’s another matter.
17. Favorite vegetable:
Kang-kong, especially if it’s in sinigang, though I prefer eating the stems to the leaves.
Work and Play. Pauline with her youngest son (she has three sons) Max.
18. What is your karaoke anthem?
I have a confession to make: I’ve never sung karaoke in my life.
19. How many hours can you walk in 5-inch heels?
Like Jenni, I have a high threshold for pain. Bring ‘em on!
20. Prescription to mend a broken heart:
A kick-ass workout. The key is to equate the physical pain with your feelings, so when the soreness of your muscles ebbs, so does your heartbreak.
21. Name your favorite Pinoy moment:
It’s funny how when you’re in a crowd abroad, you can tell who’s Pinoy because they’re the only ones who answer when you say, “Psssst!”
22. What would you give up for world peace?
Japanese white rice.
23. What’s your latest obsession?
I’m not the type to get obsessed. I’m deadma that way. =)
24. Your favorite shopping destination? Why?
Any city, barrio, or liblib I’m traveling to. I’m a shopper kind of traveler; a huge part of the travel experience for me is shopping the local brands and markets, as well as checking out the retail scene.
25. What is your greatest weakness? Your strength?
I managing my time–I’m always wishing I had more of it. Strength? At home and in the office, I have a great team behind me.
Behind-the-scenes:
The beauty about working with friends is that it’s really not work.
Below are snapshots taken from my Preview magazine shoot in our home:
Clockwise: Pauline inside La “Maison Epperson”; Fashion + Home, Pauline’s Celestina sunglasses and croc print phone cover against my son’s toy soldiers; Chocolate and flowers from the Preview girls; Brunch at La “Maison Epperson” with the style team; Sugar-less mini ensaymada for my figure-conscious guests; Former Preview Lifestyle Features Editor (now Elle Decor Philippines Associate Editor) Chiara Castañeda-McDermott
Thank yous:
First of all, thanks Pauline for being my Sittings Editor! I couldn’t have looked slim without your posing guidance. Haha!
Thanks too to Kissa Castañeda-McDermott for the beautiful feature on me. I love it that you were game to copy my pose! LOL
To Ken and Roman for making me look descent in front of the camera. Especially that I had to wake up extra early on a weekend to cook frittata, biscuits, and corned beef for all of you! Choz!
Last but not the least, big thanks and lots of kisses to my hubby Tom for taking my photo!
Shoppingera, grab a copy of Preview’s Best Dressed issue this month!