A SIZZLING summer forecast surely gives us the perfect excuse to check out what?s really HOT! And in these media-genic times, that can mean a lot of things ? including a beautiful girl in a skimpy bikini.

That would be CJ Jaravata, ?who has a great body and is a total pro,? says Make-up Forever?s PR, Celine Gabriel, of the FHM online cover babe and popular commercial model.

She lived up to both promises. With only three hours of sleep after shooting for the Anne Curtis-Sam Milby starrer, ?Babe, I Love You,? she arrived chirpy and ready to dive into the cover pictorial.

She is ?in the process of success,? says the 5?8? stunner who has been modeling since she was 14. Unlike other model turned actors who bemoan the ?fakeness and drama of egos? in the entertainment industry, CJ considers her fellow actors her closest friends.

Spending time with them during movie projects has allowed for real connections with them, she adds, as well as a shared passion for the craft.

Asked if this is her breakout year, CJ candidly admits that she ?isn?t there yet.? But judging from the offers she?s been receiving, this seems to have the makings of a landmark year.

Her work strategy for now, she says, is to ?burn her candle at both ends? until she earns enough to focus on her dental studies and pursue acting as a favorite hobby.

Why the rush?

?There are lots of other pretty girls out there, younger than me, so I need to maximize my opportunities now.?

CJ?s passion for seemingly incongruous disciplines stems from her youth and exposure, having come from a family of dentists.

As for acting, she confesses to enjoying the limelight. ?I have absolutely no stage fright,? she declares. Single-minded and driven about her goals, CJ keeps herself open to other options as well. ?I may have a long term plan but I can be swayed from my goals,? she adds.

?I guess I want to do it all because I?m pretty impulsive. Despite my busy career and focused studies, who knows? I might still end up a housewife.?

A few more facts on this girl who keeps her cool in the midst of searing pressures to get there fast:

SIM: First things first. You?re pretty well known as ?CJ? ? is that a real nickname or a showbiz monicker?

CJ: It?s short for Criselda Janice, which is my real name. My mom named me after two celebrities: ?Criselda,? from the beauty queen Criselda ?Dang? Flores Cecilio, because she wanted me to become one myself, though I didn?t want to. And then she added ?Janice? because she was such a fan of actress Janice de Belen.

SIM: What was it like growing up? Were you always aware that you stood out?

CJ: ?Stood out? is correct, but only because I?ve always been tall and my classmates, being typical Filipinos, were really short. So for a while, I felt really shy and self-conscious. And I tended to slouch so that I could fit in. Otherwise no one would want to be with me, right?

SIM: You seem to be doing so many things at the same time ?modeling and acting and dentistry studies. Any reason for this?

CJ: Yes, I?m pretty much juggling everything now. But I guess I?m in too deep and, even if I wanted to, it?s too late to quit now. I live alone and support myself. And since I recently broke up with my boyfriend, I have lot of time to overwork myself?

SIM: So you?re free to date. Would you consider going out with guys shorter than you, or do you have a particular type?

CJ: Yes and no. I don?t have a particular type ? all my boyfriends looked different. But I do like guys who are responsible and hardworking.

SIM: Name one of your best talents currently unknown to most people?

CJ: I have mastered the art of eating crackers, ice cream, burgers and all sorts of fast food items ? and getting away with it (without gaining an ounce).

SIM: Care to share your secret?

CJ: Just eat and brighten up your eyes at the same time.

SIM: What?s your current favorite role?

CJ: I like the ?MyPhone? ad that I did because it took me out of my comfort zone, and the ?pa-cute? genre which I normally play. The character I play is so ?over the top? it was fun to not be myself for a change.

SIM: Would you work for free, or a very small budget?

CJ: Yes, if I really liked the project. I used to work with Cinemalaya people ? and that was really when I discovered that I could act. They made me cry for three straight hours. And later I realized, it wasn?t only me who was crying. So was the audience watching me during shoot! Unfortunately, they had to cut that scene out because it was too tearful!... In the end, they made me redo it ?deadpan style.? Still, I enjoyed the process of being able to touch the audience that way.

SIM: Would you be willing to put on 50 more pounds for a role?

CJ: Yes.

SIM: You worked in LA for a while. Have you ever thought about going back and making a go of it in Hollywood?

CJ: It?s a scary thought because I know how hard it is over there. You really need to fight for roles and struggle ? plus it?s hard to pull myself out of this place when things are going well. But if I were given the opportunity, I would surely grab it.

SIM: If the world were to end tomorrow, what would be the three things you would do?

CJ: 1) Ride the most luxurious private jet plane with my parents, and take them to a breathtaking place to just reminisce all the good times; 2) Eat all fattening food; and 3) Marry my ultimate crush!

SIM: What would be your next big purchase?

CJ: A Kindle. ?

CJ?s Cool Down Tips

1. Wear white. The color alone looks refreshing, plus it makes it easy to accessorize because white matches with everything.
2. Choose cottons or other natural materials like linen, in a style that is flattering and a cut that is not figure-hugging. Natural fibers breathe better, and a relaxed style will allow air to flow through the material onto your skin.
3. Open-toed shoes are a comfortable must during summer. Just as covering up your extremities will keep you warm in cold weather, exposing them will help keep you cool. Besides, seize this great opportunity to show off that fabulous pedicure!
4. Hot shades protect your eyes and add a touch of mystery to your overall look. And this is never a bad thing from a chic point of view. In fact, it?s my fave celebrity look!
5. Wear a straw hat (on the beach) or visor (for sporty and outdoor events). The sun can be very cruel to your hair and face.
6. Layer on a greaseless oil-free sun-block and spare your skin the exposure and torture, even when you?re not on the beach.
7. This is the season to bare those legs in shorts and skirts. If the legs are not ?fab fit ready,? keep the length below the knees and wear them with low heels so legs look elongated. And, of course, don?t forget to wax!
8. Invest in pretty sleeveless tops and dresses, as they are the perfect go-to summer look.
9. Cut your hair or tie up your locks so your neck/nape can breathe!