Complete Woman
Marriage and motherhood complete Charlene Gonzalez. By Cora Llamas.

Hers is the life that many women envy. Neither time, the stress of show business nor motherhood has aged Charlene Gonzales one bit. Neither is the glow merely skin-deep nor the handiwork of aesthetic science. Charlene exudes a sense of contentment, a mixture of serenity and childlike joy. What's her secret? Is it a blissful marriage with matinee idol Aga Muhlach, a young mother's loving bond with her twin children, Andres and Atasha, or simply diligence to an exercise program and a healthy diet? HealthToday talked with Charlene to find out.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU? HOW DO YOU JUGGLE SHOWBIZ LIFE WITH BEING A WIFE AND MOTHER?
We tape [the ABS-CBN lifestyle program] "Feel at Home" two to three times a week. When there are tapings, I wake up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., and arrive on the set by 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. Depending on how many segments we are shooting, we finish at the end of the day or sometimes extend up to midnight. Then there are other projects, like commercials, modeling stints, TV guestings and provincial appearances.

But in all of these, my family remains my priority. I spend time with Aga and the kids. My free time is spent with them. Aga and I want to be hands-on parents. One of us has to be with the children all the time. If I'm not with the kids, he is. And vice versa. We adjust our schedules accordingly. Sometimes, I bring them to the location shoot, or Aga will bring them to work. If I have to go out of town, I bring them with me.

AND WHAT IF YOU DO HAVE THE OCCASIONAL FREE DAY?
I spend time with my kids throughout the day, as early as 8 a.m. Then, when they sleep, I play sports and do my gym workouts.

WHAT SPORTS ARE YOU INTO? AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAY?
Everything, from basketball to softball and badminton. I've done sports since I was a kid. Sports have always been a part of my life. I played basketball for more than 12 years before shifting to other sports.

Right now, I play sports about 2 hours a day with my husband and friends. It's my outlet, it makes me feel strong and physically fit. I feel recharged after playing-and I feel sluggish when I don't exercise. Feeling good about your strength helps you emotionally and mentally as well.

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR GYM REGIMEN?
I spend an hour and a half at the gym two to three times a week. I prefer doing lightweight reps because they firm up my body.

WHAT DIET PROGRAM DO YOU FOLLOW, AND WHY?
I really watch what I eat. When I start to gain a little weight or when my pants tighten, I immediately stay away from salty, sweet and oily foods. That means I only take broccoli, grilled chicken and kamote [sweet potato]. I like to cook, and I love to eat! I create my own health-friendly recipes, which is in itself therapy for me. I'm more of a water drinker. I drink more water than juice.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY? ANY BEAUTY TIPS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?
I drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day. Water cleanses your system and makes your skin a lot nicer and prevents dryness.

If you have the time, try using a milk compress. Place a face towel in half a cup of cold evaporated milk and half a cup of ice water, and press the towel to your face. The compress moisturizes and cleans your skin. The milk has to be cold to close skin pores. You can't let the milk seep into your skin.

My skin is very sensitive. That's why I'm very careful with what I use on my face. I don't use astringent or anything that can peel my skin.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE STRESS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PRESSURES OF WORK START CREEPING IN?
I don't entertain stress. That's one of the best beauty tips I can give to anyone. When problems crop up, just think about the good things that are supposed to happen-and tell yourself that the problem is going to end soon.

We all lose our cool sometimes. I'm a typical Taurean; we are very patient and rarely get mad but when we do, we really go ballistic. When I feel my anger rising, I calm down and count from 1 to 20.

HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD AFFECTED YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE?
I've been most active with my exercises after I became a mom. After you give birth, a little bit more effort is required. When you're single, you may not be as conscious about how you look. But as a mother, you're more conscious of your exercise and diet.

HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD AFFECTED YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH AGA?
The kids have enhanced our relationship-they are blessings! They strengthen our bond. Aga and I read books to them and we go out as a family.

Aga and I are fixing our farm in Batangas. It's a project we're doing as a couple. We plant trees and vegetables, taking care of the look and the ambience. And the kids run around in the fields as we work!

We want our kids to be nature people like us. We want them to appreciate the simple things that nature provides for them. We also teach our kids how to eat the right food-vegetables, chicken and fish. I don't let them get used to eating rice. We give them more potatoes and broccoli, so they'll become more of vegetable eaters.

Being with your children is a big thing. It's important for them to know that for the rest of their lives, their parents will always be there for them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ABOUT AGING GRACEFULLY?
It's a common misconception that once a woman becomes a wife and mother, everything goes downhill. I believe marriage and motherhood complete a woman. Family and kids are gifts from God. More women bloom when they get married and have kids.

Women should always take care of themselves. Eat a healthy diet, keep fit and stay beautiful.