It's a busy holiday for Amanda Griffin
Like a well-wrapped present, the best of Amanda Griffin is on the inside. We caught up with her and give you a peek. By Ivan Noel Olegario, M.D.

While everyone else gawked at her TV and print ads, I stole a few moments with one of Manila's hottest tickets and got up close and personal. There is a Santa Claus after all.

Amanda Griffin is everything I imagined. At 13, she began her love affair with the camera and it shows. She is flashy, engaging and perfectly comfortable in front of it, a card-carrying international model. The lights flash and she smiles, tosses her head, poses. Every frame is perfect. But her smile and ease belie her commitment to her craft. Behind the camera, Amanda is no-nonsense. Tireless.

To wit: On the environmental show "Team Explorer," she combs the archipelago through rough-and-tumble terrain, mountain peaks and sandy beaches to deliver the message of awareness and conservation. She flies to Malaysia every three weeks to shoot Channel [V]'s One Hit Wonders and other segments. When she isn't in transit, she runs Tabú Swimwear, a clothing store that carries chic Australian beach couture, and an events management company. Finally, she appears on "F," a weekly fashion-and-lifestyle show that provides a welcome change of pace.

Seaworthy
Working with environmentalists triggered an inner metamorphosis, Amanda says. Initially, travel in itself was the appeal of "Team Explorer." But like a moth drawn to a flame, the beauty and richness of nature consumed her. Recently, Amanda and a group of friends launched a coffee-table book called "Bahura: A passage through Philippine reefs," a breathtaking collection of 180 images of the magnificent flora and fauna of the Philippine waters.

"'Bahura' is the Filipino word for 'reef,'" says Amanda. "Surprisingly, very few people are familiar with that term."

"Even though the situation is getting better, dynamite fishing still persists in far-flung areas. There is still a need for more action to preserve the coral reefs of the Philippines; they're one of the country's most precious treasures.

"I hope that through 'Bahura,' more people will learn to appreciate these treasures--from vibrant coral reefs to the magnificent whale sharks, to crocodiles and even sea creatures no bigger than your little finger.

"Even if you aren't a diver, you will be blown away by the beauty of these wonders," said Amanda with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

The transformation did not stop there. Appalled by the unforgiving conditions experienced by the urban poor, Amanda is determined to help get children off the streets and into school by supporting United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), a resolution for the New Year. She will also put involvement with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) into high gear.

"I was so surprised to find out we have such an organization. I don't believe animals--even birds--should be kept in cages," said Amanda, who has three dogs.

Grace under pressure
Despite the heavy schedule and exposure to the sun and sea, Amanda is surprisingly low-maintenance, the product of basic care and good genes.

"My dad is a big Englishman, but my mom is a Filipina; they gave me good features and a fast metabolism. I can outeat any guy!" She also eats a lot of vegetables and drinks plenty of water.