WATCH: Maxine Medina's mom is Ever Bilena's very first endorser
The beauty queen shares why " moms know best"
Published May 16, 2023 03:04 pm
“I come from a family of beauties. My mom was Ever Bilena’s very first endorser. That’s because she is a designer of beauty. I reached the Miss Universe stage because of her and her golden words—that ‘beauty comes from within,” Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina starts in the video.
Mommy will always be there
Not many know that Maxine experienced bullying almost all throughout her school life. She even transferred to an all-girl school after a traumatic experience, but the bullying continued. “I realized now that if I didn't go through those, I won’t become as strong as I am now. And with the guidance of my mom, because she was there all the time,” Maxine recalls. Growing up, Maxine also had her fair share of insecurities. Her mom Marfife constantly reminds her daughter to love herself for who she is, “I tell Maxine that beauty comes in many forms, but we are more inclined to notice compassion, respect, and appreciation. Have just that and find out what makes you feel beautiful—and don’t let anyone define it for you.” It is these comforting words of wisdom that are ingrained in Maxine’s heart, guiding her when it comes to critical decision making. “I face everyday asking, ‘What would mom do?’ When it’s all about beauty, and even all about everything else, of course, mom still knows best.”Bonding with beauty
This includes beauty picks. “My mom knows all about beauty. Since I was young, I always see her fixing her hair, her face, her nails. We share tips, we share clothes, we share everything,” says Maxine. “For Maxine, all I can do as a parent is to share what works for me, then I let her choose and do what makes her feel good,” Marife, who’s a mom of four grown-up children, shares regarding her parenting style. When asked what Marife’s favorite makeup products are, she reveals that her must-haves include EB matte liquid lipstick, waterproof eyeliner, and waterproof mascara. In fact, Marife was the one who taught Maxine how to apply simple and light makeup—and how important it is to never go to bed without removing makeup. As for Maxine, she admits to being a fan of Hello Glow. Her favorite is the 3-in-1 Soothing Gel. “I love that it has hyaluronic acid, because it makes my skin moisturized and hydrated. I also like the Sun Care Gel, because it’s tinted and has SPF 50 and antioxidants.” With the two of them having different tastes, this goes to show how Marife enables her children to be who they want to be—with her guidance. “She exceeded my expectations. I am also very happy because I didn't know that she was going to join the pageant. I didn't know that she's going to win. Well, she loves clothes, she loves to model and that's it. *Kumbaga*, ‘Ok i'm going to push you more.’ I didn't know that someday she’ll become a Miss Universe Philippines. And, imagine, she made it to Miss Universe Philippine Top 6. I am so happy for her!” This is what’s beautiful about their relationship despite having differences. “Unconditional love, support, and trust are the things that make our relationship invincible. Relationship challenges are very common at this stage in our lives, but at the end of the day, we make sure that whatever happens, we have each other’s backs,” the two agree. They reminisce how the two share a love for makeup. And now that Maxine is all grown up and has her own makeup and skincare picks and routine, she shares them with her mom and vice versa. Marife remembers a young Maxine watching her apply her favorite matte lipstick. Now, Maxine shares her tried-and-tested beauty tips with her mom. The two also celebrate how Ever Bilena has always been part of their lives, from one generation to another, helping every Filipina become the best version of themselves.