A pair of luxury heels, a vintage sweater and prayer beads

Cassy Legaspi

It’s always interesting to find out what celebrities hold dear because it makes them more relatable, more human. It can be something as simple as a vintage sweater or as chic as a pair of signature pumps. The back stories behind these Sparkle talents’ favorite things give us a peek into their private lives.

Young actress Cassy Legaspi was initially unsure what her favorite item was, explaining how she’s “really not into material things.” But if she had to choose, she said it would be her Christian Dior heels. “That was the first luxury item I bought with my own money that I’d saved and worked really hard for,” Cassy said.

She bought the pair during a family trip in Hong Kong. Her mother Carmina Villaroel suggested then that it was probably time for her to invest in good shoes and bags, items that she would get a lot of wear from. Carmina had always been the one buying limited edition bags and wallets for herself and her daughter. After a couple of hours deciding what to buy, Cassy chose a pair of black Dior pumps.

“It took me that long to decide because I don’t really like buying luxury items kasi nasusuka ako sa presyo (laughs). I really have to think before buying. Is it worth it? Should I buy it? When I finally got the pair, I had to excuse myself to use the toilet. To all the luxury stores, thank you so much for your restrooms,” she said.

Arra San Agustin

For Arra San Agustin who will play a bounty hunter adept at disguises in the new series “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” her favorite item is a gray sweater originally owned by her grandmother. “My lola from the US handed it down to my mom, but since my mom doesn’t get cold easily, I took it for myself when I saw it at home. I always have it with me when I’m taping because it can get cold while we’re on standby, waiting to shoot,” Arra said.

She said she prefers comfortable clothing over “girly” attire and enjoys wearing sweat pants and a sweater or a T-shirt.

“The sweater is vintage and looks cool, plus the fit is flattering on me. I always reach for it when it’s in my cabinet and not in the hamper. It’s really comfy,” she said.

Padilla (above) and her prayer beads

Kylie Padilla, one of the lead stars of “Urduja,” reaches for her prayer beads when she’s feeling anxious. She has been practicing Islam since 1998 and clutches the 33 beads to feel grounded. “When I have self-doubt or anxiety, hinahawakan ko, and it gives me strength. Sometimes kasi, kailangan ko ng something physical when I don’t have anyone to console me.”

The prayer beads were originally her older sister’s, but Kylie asked her for them. “They’re long enough to be a necklace, but too big to be a bracelet. When I’m not holding them, I keep them hooked near my altar, my holy place at home.”