COMEDIAN CANDY Pangilinan says she’s a wise and practical spender.
“I invest my hard-earned money in jewelry, which will appreciate in value. I don’t spend as much on branded shoes and bags,” Candy tells Living Stars.
The Pangilinans hail from Bulacan, where some 2,000 jewel manufacturers are listed.
“Our family has been in this business for years now,” she explains. “We make jewelry and then sell them to dealers. This year, we opened our own shop, Holimar, at the Trinoma Mall. My sister runs it.”
During this visit to her Quezon City home, Candy shows us some of her favorite earrings, necklaces and timepieces.
Jewelry
I keep most of them in a vault. I don’t need to wear them at work all the time. The necklace that my sister Marissa gave me is specially valuable. She bought it in Murano, Rome. When it comes to rings, ayoko ng bilog lang. I like pointer rings with unique designs.
Timepieces
This Frank Muller watch was a Christmas gift from my pamangkin three years ago …. My favorite piece is from G-Shock, a dive watch that’s really big. It’s sturdy and perfect when I play with my son Quentin.
Expensive watches are good investments, too. The G-Shock has been with me for six years; my Rolex, for nine years, and the Cartier, for 12 years.
Hats
They remind me of the characters I’ve played in the past. I used this red velvet hat in the movie “For the First Time.” Direk Wenn (Deramas) made me buy it during a trip to the United States.
I had to buy this cowboy hat for a show abroad because I couldn’t fix my hair.
I have all kinds of hats, including one worn by security guards.
Cosmetics
I use brands like Mac, Kanebo and Natura Color for my makeup. The vintage pink makeup bag is another item I got from my mom’s closet.
Bags
My favorites are these gold sequined shoulder bag and Victoria’s Secret hot pink PVC. They serve as accessories. You don’t have to dress up when you’re using them.
I stopped collecting bags when I got obsessed with gadgets. But I used to be addicted to Ralph Laurel pieces. This was before Louis Vuitton became extremely popular. I have all the styles -- clutch, shoulder bag, backpack, body bag, sling bag.
Shawls and neckties
My mom’s friends gifted me with a lot of neckties when they heard that I was collecting. I use it for some of my shows.
My sister gave me the velvet scarf when she arrived from a trip to Europe. I also got a scarf from my professor Tony Mabesa. He said he bought it during an Asian tour. I love this other balabal simply because it’s by Kenneth Cole -- a gift from another friend.
DVDs
I first watched “Easter Saturday Night,” starring Billy Crystal, during a flight home. It’s about a has-been comedian whose jokes people already find corny.
“I’m the One that I Want,” featuring Margaret Cho, is very funny. She does nothing but make fun of herself.
Lewis Black’s “Black on Broadway” is very inspiring. I also get inspiration from Woody Allen films. I order his DVDs online.
Accessories
I made accessories when I was pregnant with Quentin. Folded and Hung bought all the stuff I made. I stopped production when he was born.
My favorite pair of sunglasses is the frame-less Oakley that my cousin gave me. He works for Oakley and he designed it himself. A lot of people notice me when I wear it.
I put all my belts in zip-lock containers. That way, it’s easier to stuff them in my travel bag. I collect belts, too. Stylish belts can make a big difference for an outfit.
Footwear
I collect flip-flops. My favorites are those I got in Hawaii. I don’t use them. They’re just so cute to look at.
For me, wedges are the most comfortable footwear. There’s a funny story about this white pair from Dubai. I bought it from a really expensive boutique. When I returned to the shop the following day, it was already on sale -- 50-percent off. Nakakainis.
I wear a lot of high heels because of my character Madam Catalina in “Betty La Fea.” I prefer brands like Anne Klein, Aldo and D&G. Sulit naman sa presyo.
I like loafers and ballet pumps, too. All actresses should also have a pair of clear high heels. That’s a staple in every wardrobe.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph
