FHM.com.ph

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALDWIN ASPILLERA
INTERVIEW: ALEX C. PAITA
STYLING: JASMINE MENDIOLA
MAKEUP: OMAR ERMITA OF SHU UEMURA
HAIR: JERRY HAVIER OF L'OREAL PROFESSIONEL

“Take off as little as you can, slowly!” are Gwen Garci’s words of wisdom on the art of strip-teasing. And with a boldness CV as extensive as hers, you know you could do worse than listening to her sage advice.

As opposed to her minimalist stance in this feature shoot, however, the ex-Hot Babe is putting on more garb as a serious, wholesome actress—out on her own, carrying her own name, and hopefully reaching out to a wider audience. Fresh from playing the lead role in the film Room 213, Gwen has several projects—movies, TV appearances, guestings, out-of-town shows—lined up. For all we know, this could be her last time to show this much skin. Or she could be bluffing. But you know very well there’s this thing called a Christmas wish…


Last time we saw you was on the January 2006 cover with Jocelyn Oxlade. How have things been since then?
Ayun, finally nabigyan ako ng launching movie ng Viva—Room 213, shown months ago. Yun ang last na project ko and I’m thankful kasi nag-two weeks siya ng showing sa movie-house.

For those who missed it, can you tell us what the film was about?
It’s about a couple who’s been together for 10 years. Di sila magkaanak, hanggang sa nawawala na yung feelings nila sa isa’t-isa. So what they did was they tried role-playing games to save the relationship.

My family, in Baguio. It’s always best to spend Christmas with your parents.
Does that mean there’s no one special to spend it with?
Meron but I don’t think I’ll be spending it with him kasi busy siya.

Lastly, what’s the proper way to do a striptease?
It should start with your upper body. Mas maganda if you have a scarf, shades, hat or anything so you could take them off first. Basta make it a point to take off as little as you can, slowly!