MANILA, Philippines?Young actress Kim Chiu confesses to an obsession with the color pink.

?This started when I was really young,? says the 20-year-old Cebu native. ?I just didn?t give in to it because I never had enough money to buy pink stuff. Now that I?m working, I?m able to indulge myself.?

The star of the comedy series ?Maling Akala? explains: ?Masaya kasi ang environment kapag puro pink.? Recently, Kim had the interior of her Ford E150 customized. ?I had its insides replaced with everything pink.?

Even Kim?s work station is pink. ?People can easily identify my dressing area. The mirrors are pink. My chair, comb, hair dryer, towel and robe?they?re all pink,? says Kim, ?Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Season 1? winner.

Bags

Although I own an Hermes, I just use it for special occasions. My favorite is the black Goyard bag that Sir Deo (Endrinal, ABS-CBN business unit head) gave me recently. I like it because I can use it with just about any outfit.
I prefer big bags to small ones because I bring a lot of stuff with me when I go to work. When I buy an expensive bag, it?s because I consider it as a reward for all my hard work. It?s a way to motivate oneself, para ?di ka magsawa with what you do.

Cosmetics

I use Mac foundation; it?s the only brand that I?m not allergic to. I don?t leave home without make-up on, kahit konti lang?powder and cheek tint will do. When you buy makeup, be sure it complements your skin color. Make sure you don?t look like espasol.

Shoes

I prefer wedge shoes to stilettos. I have a lot of them?hilig ko kasi. I use stilettos only when I have shows. On normal days, I wear wedges to make me look taller. Unlike stilettos, they?re not painful on the feet and legs. I don?t have a preferred brand. I buy depending on the design?I like them girly and colorful. I have a few pairs of flats, but I seldom wear them.

When buying shoes, make sure to try them on first. I don?t buy ill-fitting shoes, no matter how pretty they are. I?m a size 5 1/5.

Scents

My favorites are Moschino and Bulgari Amethyst. I like their powdery scent. When I use them, I feel like I?ve just come out of the shower.

I buy scents that really last, although I use only baby cologne when I?m at work. Umaasim kasi ang amoy ng perfume when you perspire a lot. With baby cologne, you smell fresh all the time.

Accessories

I have a plastic container full of accessories?from the simple to the exaggerated. I wear the big ones when I appear on shows like ?ASAP XV.? They sort of enhance one?s looks. I advice girls not to buy heavy earrings. Those kinds may look pretty but they hurt the earlobes. Comfort is important. I also like wearing bangles, but not the really showy ones.

Clothes

I?m very much into T-shirts. I?m thin, so I like shirts with layering para ?di ako mukhang manipis. I also like those with ruffles or those with cute designs. I hate satin tops bagsak kasi. I prefer cotton.

This floral dress is one of my favorite outfits. I?d use it every day if I could. It?s perfect for malling or going out with friends, or having dinner with loved ones.

My favorite pair of pants is by Bench. I like its faded look. It?s also something I can wear on any occasion. Very versatile.

DVDs

I keep my collection of DVDs in the car. I like rom-com movies. I also enjoy watching Korean and Chinese action films. I watch ?Legend of the Shadowless Sword? over and over again. I want to play a role similar to the film?s lead character. You can never tell, I might do action films some day.

Gadgets

I can?t leave home without my iPad. It has everything?my favorite games, my music. It also contains my script. I don?t need to bring my laptop. I also surf the Net using it. It?s not bulky at all.

Ms Kris (Aquino) gave me an iPhone. It?s still in its box. I told myself I will preserve it. She wrote a note for me on the box. I was really touched.

My newest phone is called Blush from Cherry Mobile. It?s as small as a compact mirror. I really like it because it?s so pink and girly. Its camera takes very clear pictures, too.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph