Talking about a grand entrance, Mikaela's Advanced Aesthetic Center certainly knows how to make one. Its launch a few weeks ago was attended by stars and socialites, who were treated to a sumptuous dinner (courtesy of Bizu) and a cruise on Manila Bay.

But the event was more of a formality.

Philosophy by Mikaela has been in the salon and spa business for seven years now. Two years ago, its branches in The Fort, Taguig City and Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City became the favorite hangout of stars who would want to try Mikaela's eyelash extension.

Some of these celebs now play a role in the "more advanced" clinic of Mikaela Bilbao, the owner.

She told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "We're now launching the three icons of Philippine beauty in the country: Ruffa Gutierrez, who's the second princess in Ms. World, for salon expertise; then we have the gorgeous Ms. Pops Fernandez, for the non-invasive  body slimming; and Rufa Mae Quinto for skin perfection.

"They have all been clients before they became my endorsers. It was so easy for me to get them as endorsers because they did and have tried the treatments available..."

Now that she has celebrity endorsers, does this mean she's going to go head to head with other beauty doctors famous in showbiz?

Her quick reply was, "No, were not competing with anybody. We're just doing our own thing...basically non-surgical. I believe that beauty needs to not be invasive. Beauty is life, not death. Being beautiful is supposed to make you feel good, not scared."

Aside from the non-invasive treatments, the beauty clinic also underlines its advanced machines for the skin and body. "We are raising our bar, and bringing in the latest, updated version of the highest technology available. And from three branches [The Fort, Makati, and Sgt. Esguerra in Quezon City], we're branching out to Alabang in two months time."

The beauty center's publicity campaign materials have been very visible of late. We're curious about the roses in Rufa Mae's ad material and the python wrapped around Pops' body.

"It's art," Mikaela related. "A woman's body is already an art, and the python further accentuated the sexiness of Pops. It was inspired by one of Natasha Kinski's famous pictures."

Indeed, Mikaela has arrived.