Living her dream–and thankful for it

COACH bag is a hand-me-down from mom.

“I’ve been dreaming about it since I was young. I’m thankful that it’s happening now,” says 20-year-old Andrea Torres on becoming an actress.

In March, Andrea signed an exclusive two-year contract with GMA Network. Two months later, she landed a part in the afternoon drama series “Blusang Itim.”

It helped that she had joined extracurricular activities while in school. “I performed during assemblies, acted in plays, attended leadership conventions, even volunteered to read Bible verses during Masses. I was also in the volleyball team. When I was younger I took up ballet lessons. I tried everything that could help me express myself as an artist,” Andrea told Living Stars.

At 17 she started appearing on TV commercials. Two years ago, she became one of the hosts in the youth-oriented show “Ka-Blog,” also on GMA 7.

“Hosting on ‘Ka-Blog’ was something I wanted to try. What I really wanted to do was act.”

Clothes

I prefer wearing dresses to pants. I like to look sexy, but not too much. The dress in olive green color and asymmetrical cut is memorable because I was wearing it when I signed my contract with GMA 7.

ANDREA wore this dress when she signed her GMA 7 contract.

I’ve had the jumpsuit from Forever 21 for years now. I was wearing it when I bumped into my idol Anne Curtis at a restaurant. She said she liked it. That really made my day.

I like shopping for dresses at Morgan, Zara, Mango, Forever 21 and The Ramp. I also like the ones made for me by designer Kaye Olfindo. They’re very girly but not too sexy.

Footwear

I’m into wearing flats these days, but I still need to buy heels for work. My favorite is the white pair from ComFit. Not only does it look very dainty, it’s also very comfortable. The pair from Tom’s is another favorite. It’s pink and has glitters. I’m also in love with the pair of slip-ons with sequins and pearls. It’s very unique.

The heels I buy are usually three to four inches high. Wearing heels improves the posture and makes you look sexy.

The pair of heels in fuchsia is special to me. It makes me feel like I’m Barbie. The other pair, in red and patent leather, makes me feel like I’m Dorothy (in “The Wizard of Oz”). I have a pair of royal blue heels in velvet from Michael Antonio, black boots from Aldo and a studded leather pair from Charles and Keith.

I used to practice “beauty before comfort” until my feet hurt so badly after a day of malling. The shoes gave me scars on both feet. Since then I would always scout for the prettiest and the most comfortable. I don’t mind splurging on shoes because I know I could use them again and again.

Bags

I like a bag that goes well with my clothes, just like the clutch from Michael Antonio (shows a beaded bag with a Union Jack logo). The one I bought from Charles and Keith is also nice. I love its studs and gold chain. The Nina Ricci piece is a hand-me-down from mom. I like it because it’s girly. I can use it on any occasion. The clutch with zebra print is also a favorite.

Bags shouldn’t have to be pricey. Just make sure they’re from a good and reliable brand. Be sure they’re made from materials that don’t easily fade, and that their designs are unique so you can spice up your outfits with them.

Accessories

I usually go for simple studded earrings or cute bangles. If you’re wearing flashy bracelets, match them with a simple necklace or pair of earrings. This way, you won’t draw too much attention. Most of my accessories are bought from Forever 21. I like quirky stuff, but in gold, silver and neutral colors. I like wearing plain tops and add cute accessories.

Scents

I heard about Daisy by Marc Jacobs from my sister. I like it because it’s long-lasting. I also use Bulgari for its vanilla scent. The Bulgari Blue has a musky scent. I use it only for special occasions. Vera Wang is very light so I use it everyday.

I like buying lotion with matching shower gels, usually at Bath and Body Works. I use them depending on my mood. My favorite scent, the one I use if I’m in a really good mood, is the wild honeysuckle. If I’m feeling sentimental or just want to relax at home, I use moon light. I also like the cherry blossom scent.

Cosmetics

My foundation, blush-on and eye shadow are all from Mac. The brand offers thick coverage, which is good when you’re always in front of bright lights. For everyday use, I go for the translucent powder from Clinique and Eskinol’s overnight gluta-milk cream.

Books

The first book I read was Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Since then I’ve been collecting all his books. Only recently, I got addicted to reading “Gossip Girl” (by Cecily von Ziegesar). This was before the TV series. I have all of her 12 books, including the prequel.

My other favorite authors are Sophie Kinsella, Emily Griffin, Meg Cabot and Jane Green. I used to be very pessimistic, but because of these books, I learned to expect the best in every situation.

I also choose books that suit my age, so that when I come across a similar situation in my life, I’ll know what to do. I just finished Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret” a few days ago. I intend to read her second book, “The Power,” soon.

Gadgets

I have an iPad for games and Internet browsing. I got myself an iPod Nano recently which I use when I go to the gym. I also bought pink straps so I can tie it on my arm. I love the color pink. The silicon case of my BlackBerry Bold is pink.

Collections

The school certificates of merit I got for dance, speech and acting are very important to me. I still keep the souvenir program from the school play “Tales of the Golden Mount.” I played the lead role.

I’m very proud of the invitation for my 18th birthday party — I helped design it. The theme of the party was fairy tale. It was held at the Hyatt Hotel two years ago.

I like collecting cute and unique stuff since I was little, like the fan made of synthetic fur in fuchsia, or the furry tissue holder, or the pair of pink slip-ons.

In school I was known for my cute pens, like the one decorated with beads and pink feather. Since I couldn’t be kikay while wearing my school uniform, I just expressed my artistic self in the stuff I used. My mom helped me decorate my pens with ribbons, feathers and plastic flowers.

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