Find time to smell the roses

Manila, Philippines - Because we are too absorbed in the demanding routine of our lives, we usually don’t pause to enjoy the things around us. Despite the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, 20-year-old Ma. Jeanette Velasco Amante finds time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

“It is important to appreciate both the big and little things that come your way,” Jeanette declares. “It can be anything, from the most defining to the most mundane. Through time, I have learned to be thankful for the many blessings God has given me.”

This remarkable outlook in life is what keeps Jeanette even closer to her Creator and her family and friends. “Put God in the center of your life and everything will come together,” she muses. “It is also important to love your family. They are my No. 1 fans and I am lucky to have them.” Jeanette is the youngest daughter of businessman Simeon Amante and wife Lorelie. She shares that her dad taught her to be brave and independent. Her mom, on the other hand, makes sure she remains grounded. “She’s the most humble, down-to-earth and kind-hearted person I know,” she says of her mother.

Jeanette, who hails from San Pablo, Laguna, singles out model Marina Benipayo as her role model. “I adore her. I was inspired by her words and beliefs. She said that at any moment, one has a choice that will lead one closer to one’s spirit or farther away from it,” gushes the Mutya ng San Pablo 2008 titlist. So the 5-ft.-5-in. morena beauty is pursuing her dream of modeling and fashion designing. She is also into photography, cooking, discovering new places and adopting pets (her original childhood ambition was to become a veterinarian).

“I live a healthy lifestyle,” muses the beauty queen. “I eat healthy food and have proper exercise. I also make sure to have at least eight good hours of sleep.” Her go-to brand for those glam days and nights is Ever Bilena. “The brand provides me with nature-friendly cosmetic products. I can count on it for natural-looking makeup.” She swears by Ever Bilena’s blush-on and lipsticks.

Jeanette knows that there is a lot ahead of her. So she makes sure to grab every opportunity that will lead her closer to her dreams. “I always find inspiration so I can do things better,” she says. Truly, inspiration fires one up and gives color to one’s life something Jeanette already knows and applies in her life.