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Friday, November 05, 2004
Feeling and looking good
By Jojie Alcantara
ON MY way to the 10th anniversary of Bioessence along Marfori road, I couldn't help but look back with fondness on my history with this clinic that has turned into a spa and a multimillion company, which originated in Davao.
Back in 1994, when I have just started my sojourn as a writer in another respectable newspaper, a pretty, young doctor saw me from across the street. I was passing by a small yet unknown clinic along Duterte Street. She asked me pointblank if I wanted to model for her new skin and facial clinic. That was the start of my interesting and growing friendship with the founder, Dr. Emma Rodriguez Beleno, whom everybody calls Tapti. This is flashback of 10 years and less 20 pounds ago for me.
Luckily born with creamy flawless skin, Tapti considers herself more of a businesswoman than a dermatologist. True, she had the best marketing abilities and perseverance. As I moved on from model to confidante to consultant for her company, I became a good friend and she, my mentor. Bioessence was one of my first clients as I tried to survive in a freelance world of PR and creative design. She in turn taught me the values of building a corporate image and how consistent good marketing skills pay off.
Together, we brainstormed on print ads, product labels and packaging, flyers, brochures, and anything she could think of within 24 hours. She was tireless, and a perfectionist. With her trusted assistant Daylin, she would visit me at midnight to just talk of ideas endlessly, or watch me create on my computer. I was an insomniac too, but her drive was too much for such a petite lady and I envied her self-esteem.
Perhaps the best contribution I gave that earned me a lifetime membership to its superb services was having created its logo, the profile of a naked woman holding on to a life-giving plant. Bioessence promotes the use of natural and healthy resources for skin nourishment. Long time clients will attest to the beneficial effects of facial skin care, massage and weight reduction. Plus if you're down, or not feeling good, a day of pampering makes a difference.
Bioessence invaded Luzon in 1998 with several branches: (SM Bacoor, Binondo, Sta. Lucia, Cainta, SM Fairview, SM Megamall and Las Piñas, etc.). Subsidiary companies like Facialhaus (Makati and Cainta) and Facialplus (Caloocan) were also established. With an increasing demand for men and women alike to have a form of indulgence and self-therapy in a stressed environment, the spa was introduced and endorsed by big names such as Dina Bonnevie and other noted celebrities. Bioessence then opened its doors to franchising business as far as Zamboanga, Angeles and Legaspi. In 2002, it has been a recipient of the prestigious. People's Choice Awards for Excellence.
That anniversary night, I looked at the Bioessence building (the old Rodriguez house transformed) from the other side of the street. Proudly looking at my logo in its neon-lighted signage, I was prouder of the Dabawenya behind the success. Tapti is now Dr. Emma Guerrero, having happily married Mayor Rodolfo F. Guerrero of Anao, Tarlac. Gone were our days of late night talks and girlish giggles, but she has moved up to shine in a world in dire need of pampering, self-esteem and self-therapy. She is still the hyper character I first knew, zipping from branch to branch, tackling tasks at once. But she is happier, as she finished her tearful speech to a crowd who attended the 10th year celebration. Soon after, singer Bimbo Cerrudo rendered bouncy tunes.
The best thing I have learned from her is to believe in yourself and your capacity to create a world of good for society. This I really aim to do! Well, right after my cellulite massage, body scrub, and milk spa (wink).
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(November 5, 2004 issue)
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