n spite of an enduring acting and modeling career, it's refreshing to talk to someone as honest and down-to-earth as Chesca Garcia.

With her long, luscious locks, eternally flawless skin, and adorably petite frame, Chesca Garcia could be mistaken fro an elf from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Blessed with these features, it's no surprise the Ang TV alumnus scored two of the biggest beauty endorsements (Ivory and Pond's), and is signed up to endorse sassy, local clothing label Petit Monde next to three of the brightest young actresses: Anne Curtis, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Angel Locsin.

Though she's portrayed a realistic kontrabida in the soap Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga, it was quite easy to do the Cosmo interview with Chesca—especially since she required no special treatment. Early in the interview, the older sister of heartthrob Patrick Garcia candidly confessed she wasn't always so self-assured. “I used to be super negative. When I'd get offers for commercials or movies, I'd think, ‘It's too good to be true.' Now I'm working on giving myself a positive outlook.” That's when we knew it would be hard not to like her.

How does it feel to be the next woman gracing the cover of Cosmo?

It's one of my happiest moments to date! I'm so mababaw, but it's something to be really happy about.

What is a Cosmo girl?

A Cosmo girl knows what she wants. She's someone who can be proud of herself.

What makes you proud to be a woman?

There's nothing that a man can do that a woman can't. me can't wear dresses, but we can wear their suits.

Did you become self-conscious while you were posing in sexy lingerie for Preview?

I wasn't so bad ‘cause I was comfort able with the photographer, Xander Angeles. I only got self-conscious because there were bystanders watching the shoot.

Think you'll ever do nude shoots or portray racy characters in movies?

I don't think so. I also don't think it suits me. (Laughs) I was actually offered to do a bold [roles] before, but I turned them down. I mean, what will I show?

Have you ever imagined yourself getting implants or having anything enhanced?

Nah! I'm happy with the way I look, but maybe I'll get a facelift when I'm older. Haha!

What makes you sexy?

I think I'm a lot of fun!

How do you keep in shape?

I don't do anything at all. I even eat a lot of carbs! I eat rice, my ulam, mashed potatoes, and corn all at the same time. I eat every hour. It won't hurt if I gain a few pounds. In fact, people I don't know come up to me and say I could pass for an Olsen twins. It really annoys me! They're so bothered with the way I look, and I want to tell them, “What can I do? I'm thin talaga!”

Are there any roles you'd like to take on in the future?

I'm open to doing anything, except roles involving exorcisms. I'm afraid I might get possessed! Even if it's all make-believe, you'll never know! My first ever action film was with Monsour del Rosario and Danica Sotto. We had a scene where goons shot at us. I didn't think it would be scary, but when they started shooting, it was really loud and intense! I screamed, ran, and hid. If felt so real. I don't mind doing action films, but it'd rather portray a character like Elle Woods [from Legally Blonde] ‘cause it's fun.

Are you a real-life drama queen?

I can be! Especially after I've had a couple of vodkas.. Haha! I can become so melodramatic about the smallest things. One time, I was looking for my eyeglasses. I said, “Where are my spectacles? My spectacles! They're lost!” My boyfriend even has a video out of it!

Speaking of your boyfriend Doug Kramer, how did you two hook up?

I met him in Boracay through a common friend. He asked for my number, and I gave it ‘cause I found him cute.

How does it feel to have a boyfriend who's also in the limelight and lusted after by teenage girls?

[Giggles] He doesn't act in a different way. He's very normal. I'm not the type of girlfriend who's clingy. I just let him be. Sometimes, I'll leave him and go with my friends. He'll say, “Come here! Why did you leave me? This girl was bumping me! And you're talking to your friends…” I'll be like, “Never mind, babe. That means you're hot!” That makes me feel proud of him.

Is Doug romantic?

He is. He's a very sweet guy. He likes to be around me and put his arms around me. He's my gentle giant. Once, he filled my bed with roses, cards, stuffed toys, pillows with “I love you” written on them, and my favorite chocolates. He put the main gift under the pillow and when I opened it, it was a horseshoe necklace, just like Carrie's in Sex and the City.

Are there any issues because Doug is younger than you?

I don't have a problem with it ‘cause he doesn't act his age. I don't feel like he's 21. I think he feels like I'm 12 years old.

What kind of guys do you go for?

All the guys I went out with were down-to-earth, kind, and easy to get along with.

Did you start off as friends with your ex-boyfriends?
No. There's no more time to be friends since you already know their intentions. All of my boyfriends, I like them already before I agreed to go out with them.

What's the worst rumor you've heard about yourself?

A blind item said I went out with a married man. I've never been in a place around him, and I was away on a cruise when the news came out. That was the strangest him.

What quality do you like most in yourself?

I'm very fair person. I don't take sides. Just because we're friends, doesn't mean I won't tell you you're wrong won't tolerate what you do. But I'm very careful with what I say. Whenever I saw something, it means I've thought it over. I make sure I can back up what I've said.

Where do you want to be 10 years from now?

Here, in Manila ! I like it when I'm busy. I can't imagine myself retired anywhere else in the world.

CHESCA'S FIRST AND LAST

FIRST THING YOU SAID TODAY WHEN YOU WOKE UP
“Day, pagkain.”

LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO BEFORE YOU LEFT THE HOUSE
“Doug. He called me.”

FIRST CALL YOU MADE ON YOUR CELL
“My friend, Zara.”

LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED
“Zara, saying she was calling my house.”

FIRST LOVE YOU ENCOUNTERED:
“It was fun while it lasted! It was nothing too serious, but we lasted for two years.”

LAST TIME YOU CRIED
“After the Preview anniversary party. I had a few vodkas…”

What Chesca's Loving Now

Blushes
“I'm addicted to them! I like having rosy cheeks. Never mind if I don't' have eye makeup, I can't go out without blush. It makes me look healthy ‘cause I'm so white.”

Royal Zzs
“My mom got me a new bed. I used to have a single bed. I was begging my mom for a bigger one. I think I now have a queen. I'm so happy ‘cause I can roll around on it!”

Water
“I'm addicted to it more than anything. I really drink a lot of water. Like in a basketball game, I'll finish drinking six bottles of mineral water by the first quarter!”

Feet Treats
“My dad surprised me by giving me two nice pairs of Kate Spade shoes.”

1965 Vintage Mustang
“A muscle car for a muscle girl! I have a thing for vintage cars.” - -