Then theres Elemi oil, which comes from the sap of the tree.
This oil has firming properties, and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
When I was first introduced to Pili Ani, I felt a special connection to the brand.
I also loved that the brand was founded by Rosalina Tan and her daughter, Mary Jane Tan-Ong.
In fact, my mom only knew it as an edible snack!
Mom:When I was growing up, we had this big tree in the back.
…
Thats how I know what Pili is.
The fruit starts as green and when it ripens, it gets black.
We would boil some water, put it in, and then eat it.
Mary Jane:So with us, we were never really from Bicol.
And it was a centennial old tree.
I love the people from Bicol.
I had said that whenever I would move, I would make it my second home.
So I moved to Bicol, and there, I discovered more about the Pili.
Rosalina:How long have you been away from the Philippines?
…
Mom :Oh, Ive been in the States 51 years.
Where are you from the Philippines?
Rosalina:Our base is in Manila but my second home is in Bicol, in Pili.
I say it was destiny.
Marie:What was everyones beauty routine like when you were younger?
Mom:I didnt have a mother who raised me, and my aunt was very strict.
You could not even put on lipstick.
Mary Jane: Let me add on to that.
Thats basically what Filipina beauty is like, very plain, more natural.
We kind of like to embrace everything natural.
So like the coconut in the backyard.
And probably a little color.
So it kind of exudes that happy feeling and it shows on your face with that glow.
The Filipinos are very resilient.
So it kind of exudes if youre happy.
From inside, you glow naturally.
So I didnt have any beauty routine just like your mom and her.
How was your beauty routine?
Rosalina:What did I do?
Just my eyebrows and wash my face.
Only now Im using lipstick because its my own product.
Mom:When I was a teenager and away from my aunt I started wearing lipstick.
Now I dont go out without lipstick and I always want a red, red one, too.
I dont know how many different kinds of lipstick I have, Marie keeps bringing me some.
Mary Jane:The lip butters are going to be perfect for your mom.
Like with my mom, it was red lipstick, I always wear red lipstick like her.
It brightens up my face and makes me feel happy and more confident.
And also to always moisturize.
Mom:A friend asked me, why do you always like to wear red lipstick?
I said because its easy for me to show you my lips.
I think basically, if youre happy with yourself, it shows confidence.
And then moisturizer is basically the most basic thing that you need.
Marie:Its really great to see that there are even more Filipino beauty brands coming out.
It just felt like, finally!
Mary Jane:Also, we have had so many Miss Universe winners.
So we have had that talent and that [impact on] beauty out there.
Marie:It feels great to celebrate what makes Philippine beauty unique.
Mom:Me too, Im proud that youre doing this with Pili from Bicol.
I never could have thought you would be able to do something like this with it.
Mary Jane:Yes, many Filipinos dont even know that Pili can be used on the skin.
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