Dawn Zulueta celebrated her 47th birthday last Friday, March 4, this time with her family—husband, Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo Jr., and kids, Jacobo and Ayisha.
“This is the first time that I’m spending it with my family. I was always at work,” Dawn revealed at a recent luncheon for a beauty product. “I want to make it up to them, because I’ve been so busy the past years.”
“Family is important. You [should] stick together through thick and thin,” said the actress when Inquirer asked her what she had learned from doing the ABS-CBN drama series, “You’re My Home.”
Taping for the series ended recently, but the program would continue airing until the end of the month, said Dawn, who plays Marian Fontanilla.
Unlike many women, Dawn doesn’t keep her age a secret. “They say that you shouldn’t immediately believe a woman when she tells you her age. I’ve always been honest about mine.”
She then revealed her beauty secrets: “I believe a woman can maintain youth and beauty—aside from using the right antiaging products—by having peace of mind and reducing stress in her life.
“You also feel good when you give back to other people. There’s a different pleasure that you get. You can’t get that from any piece of jewelry or acting award.”
“I’m not a believer of surgery or invasive procedures,” added Dawn, who is the brand ambassador of L’Oreal’s new skin anti-aging cream, Revitalift.
As for her birthday gift to herself, Dawn said: “It’s always jewelry. For me, it’s the wisest investment.”
The actress has been in show business for 30 years and is still very much in demand.
“I feel fortunate because I know that not all actors get to enjoy this kind of success,” she said. “I treasure it, and I work hard to deserve the breaks I’m given.”
The actress recently began shooting her still-untitled movie with Piolo Pascual and Coleen Garcia where she plays the role of a married fashion designer.
“Piolo and I are still working on our rapport. We’re now getting to know each other better,” Dawn said. “I can say that I enjoyed his company in the last two days we’ve worked together.”
Does she still wish for anything at this point in her life? “My only two wishes are that I continue to have good health and for my family to remain healthy, too,” Dawn answered. “I have nothing else to ask for.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.