ARTIST CONFIDENTIAL Pong Niu on the beauty and humility in struggle

When it comes to her everyday makeup look, Rodriguez gushes about her lash extensions from NÉW LOUNGE. “Even when I surf here, it stays on! It makes my life so much easier,” she says. In addition to this, she loves a multipurpose product like LAURENT COSMETICS Lip and Cheek Stain, adding that the local brand had just started selling products on the island. For her hair, Rodriquez also supports sustainable, local products such as SESOU. Since she is always at the beach, she also makes it a point to get treatments and trims every month and a half from celebrity stylist and personal friend Lourd Ramos.

Rodriguez’s eyes light up when the topic shifts to food. “Here in Siargao, everything is fresh! Since I’m more active here, I allow myself to eat carbs every other day. In Manila, I try to stick to a Keto diet as much as possible. I cook my own food and bring it to taping,” she says.

It isn’t surprising that she loves working out—her toned physique gives it away. She typically hits the gym in Manila, but in Siargao, her activities vary depending on the day. One might find her doing Muay Thai at SOS Gym, practicing yoga at Lotus Shores or catching a wave at one of Siargao’s many secret spots with her boyfriend. “There’s something about Siargao. The days are so long here,” she starts. “On the last day of 2019, I surfed, paddle boarded, practiced yoga and boxed. We even had time for dinner and drinks after. It was a great day to end the year,” she smiles.

When asked about a piece of beauty advice she would like to share, her response is simple and refreshing, reminding us of something we’re all guilty of taking for granted: sleep. “I only realized how important sleep was in the last couple of years. Recovery is so important, and the best time to recover is when you sleep,” she shares.

Recovery—a word many of us tend to forget in the fast-paced world we lived in. Seeing Siargao through Rodriguez’s eyes was definitely a breath of fresh air, a reminder to take a break every now and then to appreciate the view ahead.

RECOVERY IS SO IMPORTANT, AND THE BEST TIME TO RECOVER IS WHEN YOU SLEEP”

MAKING TIME Rodriguez focuses on what is important for her mind and nourishment and recovery