MANILA, Philippines—Iya Villania is convinced that she gets her money’s worth by buying branded shoes.

“It’s not just the brand name you’re paying for but also the quality,” said Iya as she led Living Stars around her four-bedroom condo unit in Mandaluyong City. The actress-TV host, a mainstay of “ASAP ’08,” “Us Girls” and “MYX,” had just bought a pair of funky Christian Louboutin shoes and was excited to show it to us.

“It has earned its name and credibility,” she said of the brand. “This pair actually fits better than some other brands that I have.”

A peek into Iya’s walk-in closet revealed footwear from Aldo, Steve Madden, Zoë Wittner, Colin Stuart and Kenneth Cole.

“I’ve worked very hard and felt that I deserved it,” she said again of her Christian Louboutins. “It’s my first really expensive pair. I don’t know why other girls buy expensive shoes, but at the time that I bought this, I just felt like rewarding myself.”

Shoes

I got my favorite boots from the US. They’re also funky. A lot of people notice it. I wear them with leggings or stockings.

I like shoes that are cut low on the toes and have high heels. I like them colorful, too, although I have some in basic colors like these (Nine West) beige pumps that I can wear anytime.

My favorite pair of sneakers is from Adidas. I buy sneakers one size smaller because they tend to stretch as you wear them out.

Tops

I like tank tops. They’re so comfy. My favorites are those that my Ate gave me. They’re from Insight. I also love my white Bench sando.

I bought this (white blouse with black accents) in Hong Kong. It’s super cute. The color goes with anything.

The stuff you wear must reflect your personality, compliment your body shape and color. If you’re round, stick to dark colors.

Bottoms

I don’t like skirts. I love the color purple—so when I found a pair of purple pants, I bought it without blinking. I also love my pair of plaid pants. It feels like I’m wearing pajamas.

Dresses

I like mini-dresses because my legs are not as long and skinny as a supermodel’s. I buy dresses abroad para walang kapareho. I was lucky to have spotted this purple tube dress. I think it’s made of satin. The fabric allows the dress to wrap around my body.

Gadgets/Musical instruments

I own an electric guitar. I bought this in 2001 for a concert. I prefer playing the piano, though, because I took professional piano lessons.

I own a MacBook. I also have an iPod and a couple of speakers. I recently bought a digital camera.

Make-up

My concealer, which never fails, is from Naturactor. It’s not too expensive but it really works for me. I also own some items from Estée Lauder—a Christmas gift from my manager.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph