In a heartwarming celebration, Connie Balingit-Ortiz honored her mother, Mercedes Rodriguez Ortiz, or simply Nanay Meding, on her 90th birthday.
Surrounded by loved ones, Connie beamed with pride as she spoke about her mother’s age-defying beauty, a charm that remains undiminished even at 90.
"Kahit sa ganyang edad, hindi nagbago [yung ganda niya]," Connie said of her mom's beauty in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the party held on July 9, 2025, at a buffet restaurant in Pasay City.
"Talaga sobrang lalo pang gumanda! Nakakainggit nga! Naiinggit kaming magkakapatid kasi how we wish, how we wish na maging kasing-ganda namin siya pagtanda."
PEP asked Connie to recall a standout moment when her mom's beauty truly shined, she replied: "Siguro the most beautiful na nakita ko siya, bukod sa birthday niya is every day kasi, every picture, talagang maganda siya... lalo na pagkasama niya kami."
NANAY MEDING'S BEAUTY SECRET FOR THE PAST 60 YEARS
Asked about the secret to Nanay Meding's age-defying looks, Connie revealed her mother has one beauty staple she has relied on for over sixty years.
"Yung Pond's Cold Cream, yung green!" she revealed.
"Because that year 1960, it was the number one famous product of skin care. At the same time [it makes your skin] very smooth and very clear.
"Habang nanonood kami ng GMA Supershow, yung favorite niya pag Sunday. Tapos yung mga palabas dati, mga Gulong ng Palad.
"Nagpapahid siya every time na nanonood siya.
"Kasi nung maliit ako, simula magkaisip ako mga apat pataas, katabi ko siya sa kama, kami ng kapatid kong younger brother.
"So nakikita ko siya talaga, di siya natutulog kapag di siya nag-apply."
Even up to now, her mom uses the brand's age-defying line.
"When I opened her luggage last night, there's Pond's Miracle Day and Night. Every night na yun... morning and evening kasi yung day and night cream, di ba?"
From a young age, Connie watched her mom follow a beauty routine, but she admitted she wasn’t as beauty-conscious herself.
It wasn’t until she noticed the early signs of aging that she began doing her own skin care.
"Di naman talaga ako mahilig mag-make-up. Hindi ko namana sa mother ko yung mahilig mag-apply.
"So papasok lang ako sa school, sa office, wala talaga make-up, wala lipstick.
"But then I realized when I got older, siyempre nagkaka-wrinkles na.
"So I'm just starting na, 'Should I follow yung tradition ng mother ko?'
"Although it's late na pero wala pa rin namang, di pa rin naman siguro sobrang huli na."
Observing her mother's youthful radiance and commitment also made Connie realize that skin care is truly about maintaining consistency.
"Unang-una, to see the effectiveness kasi parang ganyan, e, pag walang tiyaga, walang nilaga.
"Yun ang nire-remind niga sa amin, you have to do your skin care every day."
Inspired by her mother's smooth, taut skin, Connie decided to share their story with Pond's.
She first tried to contact the brand a decade ago on her mom’s 80th birthday, but the email was sent to the wrong address.
Now, ten years later, her message finally reached the right people—and caught the attention of those behind Nanay Meding’s favorite beauty product.
As a result, Pond’s sponsored her birthday photo shoot, complete with hair and make-up.
For Connie, this recognition is the best birthday gift she has ever given to her mom.
"Kasi yung material, meron na rin siya, e. Very simple kasi yung mother ko, hindi naman siya [materialistic]. Kung ano lang yung simple na meron siya.
"So ayaw naman niya yung magarbong mag-gift. So sabi ko, so deserve niya yung recognition na ito."
INNER AND OUTER BEAUTY
Beyond her beautiful skin, Nanay Meding is also admired for her kindness.
"Yung beauty outside, magfe-fade siya, e," Connie said.
"Pero yung memories mo ng being kind, being good to others, and doing the will of God is much more important, and an investment that you will leave this world and until you see the Father in Heaven.
"So very important talaga na every day, every opportunity that you have na makakatulong ka sa kapwa mo or gawin mo yung best to treat them well.
"Kasi di naman natin alam hanggang kailan natin sila makakasama, kahit yung ibang tao... lalo na yung nangangailangan.
"So yun ang tunay na beauty para sa akin, yung inner. Kasi yung panlabas, pansamantala na iyan."
To her mom, Connie gave this message: "...all the sacrifices you have given to us, I will never forget...Love you Nanay, Happy birthday."
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