Once Chie Filomeno gets off the dancefloor or exits the camera frame, she swaps out her fiery vixen persona for a more easy-going but still just as warm energy. That, at least, is what her go-to hairstylist Aries Manal feels whenever he gets to doll her up. The two have been working together for about two years now, and they've collaborated on some pretty memorable looks together. One of them is the actress' flawless passport photo, which was a gig Aries never thought he would get booked for.
Preview Exclusive: Aries Manal on Being Chie Filomeno's Hairstylist
In an interview with Preview, Aries shares more of these noteworthy moments with Chie, and how her fun-loving nature translates to her personal style.
Please describe the first time you and Chie Filomeno met.
"She was very cool when we first met. There's never a dull moment with this amazing girl. She makes sure that insider you're comfortable. Our collaborations are always great."
How did you end up working together? How long have you been working together since?
"The first time we worked together was during the trial shoot for her calendar pictorial back in 2021. Little did I know that we would work together 'till this very [day]."
How would you describe Chie as a client?
"Chie is an extremely gracious client. There will never be a dull [moment when you're] working with her. When Chie and I are together, we are always laughing and having fun, and I believe that everyone else feels at ease around her."
How has working with Chie impacted your career as a hairstylist?
"Working with her had a huge impact because [clients now] want Chie’s hairstyles, particularly when she exudes hip Y2K vibes. More Gen Z clients have been drawn to my service [because of her.]"
As her hairstylist, what can you say about her personal style/aesthetic?
"One word: SEXY. That's her brand, and that makes things more exciting 'cause of the range of hairstyles she's willing to try."
Has your personal relationship developed since you first met? How would you describe Chie as a friend?
"Of course. She's very supportive. That's why I feel like [work is] not work but more of bonding moments for us."
What’s your most unforgettable moment working with Chie so far?
"You might need a full page for this. I can't even pick among all of the unforgettable shenanigans we've had. But the most unforgettable moment with Chie [would have to be] when she [booked] me because she needed to renew her passport and she wanted to look pretty."
"When I arrived at her place, I asked her, 'Ano event mo today?' And she was like, 'Magre-renew ng passport.' Sabi ko talaga, 'Weh, baliw!' Siguro mga tatlong beses ko sya tinanong [kung] ano ba talaga work [nya noong araw na 'yon.] [Pero para sa] passport nga! Hindi talaga ako naniwala! Naniwala lang ako nung tinanong ko na mama nya. Hahaha."
What’s something interesting about Chie that her fans don’t know yet?
"They are unaware of the fact that she enjoys eating! Although she enjoys eating, she makes sure to maintain her body."
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