There’s no escaping Kris Aquino. We see her bright and bubbly in the morning bantering with co-host Boy Abunda in their show, Boy & Kris. When we sit down to dinner at night, she reappears on our TV screens, egging on contestants to “Deal or no deal?”
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In between, she looms – literally larger than life – in billboards that crowd the major roads on our way to work. To judge by her ubiquity, we buy everything she hawks – from clothes to corned beef, shampoo to floor tiles, anti-cholesterol supplements to cakes, sabong panlaba to San Miguel beer, disposable diapers to facial care treatments.

Three years ago, she was pulling in P3 million a month. This year, you can do the math.

She even released a CD of her favorite inspirational songs performed by various artists but marketed under her name and image.

If this weren’t enough, the celebrity show host, entrepreneur and mother multi-tasks – planning the line-up of the next issue of her self-named K magazine (Kris is a dyed-in-the wool Oprah fan); managing her other ventures like her communications firm, MAD; shooting what promises to be her next onscreen hit, a remake of the thriller Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara; or relaxing at home and spending quality time with husband James Yap and kids Josh (by actor Phillip Salvador) and Baby James.

Then, let’s not forget the unforgettable controversies that lit up our gossipy lives, the last being husband James’s alleged affair with the receptionist of Vicki Belo’s aesthetic center, which Kris used to endorse. Even more singular is the way she herself fanned the flames – dishing out details (like the STD she said she got from former lover Joey Marquez) that left us gawping, speechless, impressed.

And while she inspires loyalty and loathing in equal measure, she emerges bloodied, yes; bruised, certainly; but also more bankable than ever.

So how do you solve a conundrum like Kris? You don’t. You simply tune in to her shows, try out the glossy Pantene she hawks in her glossy commercials, and wait for the susunod na kabanata in our poor little rich heroine’s checkered, luxuriant life.

How Kris copes

Someone who’s constantly on the go and always in the spotlight must find looking beautiful essential but tough. So how does Kris, with her million and one things to do, keep herself looking good? Kris let us in on a few tips that help her shine, even on her busiest days.

1. Sleep early and give your body time to recuperate. When you’re doing a million and one things a day, your body really deserves a break at night. Sleeping early – normally before 10:30 pm and waking up between 7:30 – 9 am – helps you become healthier and more alert the next day. Sleeping before midnight gives your body cells a better chance to rejuvenate in comparison to sleeping the same number of hours in the wee hours of the morning.

2. Take some quiet time to de-stress. To deal with stress, allot some quiet time for yourself. No talking, just taking in inspiring words and thoughts. Check out some inspirational writers like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer –their devotions can really re-charge you in the middle of a long and busy day.

3. Pamper yourself – you deserve it! While it may seem that work never ends, working seven days a week is not productive. Take Sundays off and make it your day to relax, bond with your family and catch up on all those little things you’ve been meaning to do – exercising, chatting with friends or reading. Kris also enjoys watching her favorite series on DVD’s, relaxing in the tub with a bubble bath or going for a facial.

4. Multi-tasking products that can keep up with a multi-tasking lifestyle. While your life can get complicated, your beauty regimen doesn’t have to be. Simplify by choosing products that can give you multiple benefits, the ones that can keep up with the different kinds of obstacles you encounter throughout the day. After all, the less time you spend in the mirror, the more time you have for all the other things you need to do!

How Kris celebrates her memories

Kris personally chose the 18 songs that went into the CD Love and Inspiration (www.universalrecords.com.ph). Released after she gave birth to Baby James, Kris says the songs celebrate her memories and hopes “they can push you to become more optimistic, grateful for all you’ve been given, but secure in knowing ‘the best is yet to come.’” Below are her thoughts – written blog-style – on some of her song choices.

1. “The Impossible Dream.” When my mom would say that my dad died in the way he most wanted to, a death with meaning and a death that eventually brought about democracy for our nation, I understand her perfectly…. I asked my dad once why we had to come back to the Philippines when life in America was comfortable and peaceful. His words resonate in my heart to this day: “Because we are Filipinos, we belong in our country and it’s up to us to make our country a good country. Nobody will love the Philippines for us but us.”

2. “I Only Want to Be with You.” James and I have started informal marriage counseling with Fr. Manny who baptized Baby James… He taught us to appreciate the time we have together, even the quiet moments when James is busy surfing online looking at new car accessories, or searching the different car review websites, and I’m reading my magazines (she reportedly has 20 subscriptions), because those moments of quiet togetherness symbolize respect for each other’s interests…. Twice a week I soak in the tub, enjoying my different fragrant bubble bath concoctions, listening to New Age music, while James does his push-ups (roughly 300 a night).

3. “Climb Every Mountain.” My Mom and Ate continually sing this song with Josh. In so many ways, it resonates in our hearts. Josh has special educational needs but because of his teachers in Multiple Intelligence…Josh can now speak a lot clearer, comprehend and process information more readily, and – this really thrills us – he’s now reading and writing…. My Mom always prays for Josh’s development. I know that she worries about what Josh’s future will be like…. Since this song is about dreams, I dream of owning a small…seaside bed and breakfast for Josh to have as his business….I’d love to retire by the sea or near the mountains, maybe 15 to 20 years from now, and be a welcoming presence, preparing meals for guests…. I know that a structured work environment may be too harsh for Josh, but a bed and breakfast will be perfect!

4. “Love Is.” Every time I watch TV while my hand is enclosed inside James’ hand, or when I watch him playing with Baby James and making him laugh so heartily, or when we were inspecting every nook and cranny of our new home, and we argued about having too much fuchsia pink and magenta in our upholstery, I realized why beauty remains when you learn to embrace the tears and pain of the past. There are still moments of lingering sadness (but) …. I’ve been trying to live my life with joyful appreciation.