Only Belo touches my soul, who touches yours?




This writing was sent to Asia CEO Awards 2011 presented by American Express who recognizes most accomplished business individuals in South east Asia. The author, James Penalosa nominated Dr. Belo under the Global Filipino Executive category. Same writing was also submitted to My lcon, My Hero Journalism contest a recognition to the most admired Filipinos in 2010 presented by The Philippine Star.


Every time that we speak about beauty there is only one name that always stands out. “I want everyone in the Philippines to look beautiful, one person at a time.” That’s the famous line from Dr. Victoria “Vicki” Belo, whose ambition is to make our country to be touted as “The Beauty Capital of Asia”. I bet you know her because she’s a prominent media and social personality that might be as popular next to Manny Pacquiao and Kris Aquino who started her beauty empire 20 years ago as an ordinary dermatologist in her humble clinic before becoming a “fairy godmother” to celebrities, top political and social personalities today.

Educated with a degree of Psychology at University of the Philippines, Medicine at University of Santo Tomas and Dermatology in Thailand, Dr. Belo pioneered in introducing medical procedures of liposuction and Aptos thread seamless facelift to the Philippine market. Belo Medical Group founded the 1^st ambulatory surgical center outside of hospitals recognized by the Department of Health, created a medical magazine program on television via The Filipino Channel called as “Belo 101” that imparts trends in beauty and wellness and promotion of Belo Essentials, a complete skin care collection for men and women. Truly the Belo brand has grown successfully reaching all markets here and abroad after Reader’s Digest named them as the most trusted brand in 2010. At present, Dr. Belo has 10 medical clinics including a branch in California, USA. Recently, she ventured in a complete body wellness clinic called Body Solutions which defines your body into a new level of sexiness managed by daughter, Cristalle Belo Henares.

These achievements are part of her professional career but what made me think that she is fit for this recognition is not primarily because of these accomplishments but more of her undying love and respect for her parents which is very Filipino. She is known to be an adopted child, but her Ike and Nena Belo Foundation speaks of her unparalleled gratitude to her parents who have molded her in every inch of what she is today.  The organization’s core advocacy is geared towards physical, mental and social welfare of its beneficiaries. They are active in community outreach programs, public service assistance, medical missions, surgical assistance and environmental drives. This action of hers naming a foundation under the legacy of her parents is undeniably significant that no other genuine child could match.

Frankly speaking I’m not a Belo fan or friend but her works made me say that she is fit for a credit. Her name maybe synonymous to controversies and other negative issues but as for me, no human being live a perfect life. People think in various perspectives and it doesn’t really matter what they think about us, for as long as we know who we really are, we have goals set for ourselves, for our loved ones and for the betterment our fellow men, I think that these are the most important things we have to treasure in our lives than knowing what others would say. Dr. Belo is like that. Only Belo touches my soul, who touches yours?