Mocha Uson likes boyish gear but believes in sexiness

RED GLAM gown by Jenny Sibulo and gladiator shoes by DAS.

Singer-dancer Mocha Uson learned valuable life lessons from her mother’s battle with cancer.

“I did things I never thought I’d do,” she tells Living Stars. She posed nude for artists to raise funds. She organized benefit shows. “I didn’t think I could pull it off, making musicians perform for free. I guess mothers will always touch people’s hearts.”

She is grateful to her closest friends, members of the all-female singing/dancing group Mocha Girls. “I didn’t have to ask; they just understood why we had to push ourselves to work.” Mocha’s mom is now cancer-free.

Clothes

For Mocha, spandex makes the perfect workout clothes. “They’re very comfortable. An Instagram (IG) follower sent me a few. When you look good in your gym gear, you are more inspired to work out.”

She likes boyish gear—for instance, pants in camouflage and earth colors. “I prefer hipsters because they flatter the booty. I match them with

WORKOUT clothes made from comfy yet sturdy materials

loose tees or tanks.”

Mocha loves one “super comfy” pair from an IG follower. “They’re called ‘hombre’ shorts. I had this tank top especially made, but I’m trying to produce more for Facebook friends. It says, ‘Sexiness is Next to Fitness, by Mocha.’”

She bought a lot of “I Love NY” shirts on her first visit to New York last year. “It was my dream to go there,” she says.

Shoes

SHE GOES for classic pieces like this pair of silver pumps

Mocha remembers “The Shoe Buffet,” organized by the brand MMF. “It’s like a restaurant buffet; you get anything you want. I was one of 40 girls in a room filled with shoes. It was wild! I got eight pairs, mostly pumps and strappy heels.”

She shares these tips with readers: “Heels are never comfortable. Platforms are more stable. Get a pair bigger than your usual size. Always go for good sole cushioning.”

Her favorite thigh-high boots are from the Mocha Girls’ Japan tour. “This is from a shop in Harajuku. It’s suede and leather. I have another pair, a present from a friend there. It goes up to just above the knee. I have cold-weather boots, also from Japan, with fur lining.”

Gadgets

Mocha bought her Bose QC15 (Quiet Comfort) headphones in Canada in 2013. “I travel a lot; it’s perfect on the plane because it shuts out most of the noise.”

She uses an iPhone 5 to update her followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She bought her Macbook Air two years ago. “I maintain a blog, www.mocha.com.ph. I write about my

SHE IS not a techie person and only buys what she needs.

travels and post reviews of products.”

Before spending hard-earned cash on gadgets, Mocha does a lot of research, “to know if they are really useful. I also consult techie friends, and I buy only what I need.”

Accessories

Her first-ever branded pair of sunnies is by Versace. “It’s from friends at Specs Optical,” she says. “They gave me a Bulgari, too. I bought RayBan Wayfarers in Japan on a trip there with my mom.”

CLASSY sunnies from Versace, Bulgari and RayBan

Mocha got some gold jewelry on recent trips to the Middle East. “In Doha, Qatar, in 2006, I met Filipinos who urged me to buy gold pieces because they’re cheaper there,” she tells Living Stars. “I didn’t get a lot—just a personalized necklace with  ‘Mocha’ in Arabic and a letter M pendant.” She got another “Mocha” pendant and hoop earrings in Dubai in 2012.

Scents

Mocha is partial to sweet scents for daytime wear and stronger floral scents for evenings. “I wear Chanel Coco Mademoiselle for formal events. When I perform, it’s Forever Red by Bath & Body Works because it already has glitters.” Her Chanel No. 5 and Clinique Happy are from an IG follower.

Gifts

Mocha often receives necklaces and other accessories from female fans. “It’s flattering,” she notes. “If a guy sends you something, chances are he wants something in return. But when

A GIFT from one of her followers on Instagram

girls give you gifts, that’s pure love.”

Books

She has read biographies of her idols—like the late Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson, and singers Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. “Marilyn was free-spirited, like a child,” Mocha says. “It’s sad that she was ruined by love.”

Cosmetics

It’s important for performers to know how to apply makeup on their own, says Mocha. “I watch tutorials on YouTube and read up on the latest styles.”

She likes lipsticks in coral, red and nude colors, but turns more experimental during photo shoots. “I use the German brand Color Blend. It’s organic and super mild. For blush on, I use earth colors, as well as brown, nude, bronze and gold.”

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Styled by Austeen Soriano

Makeup by Guilly Valenzuela for PAC Cosmetics

Assisted by Brigs Aricheta

Hair by Aldrin Jalandoni