od gets modern! Bold prints, A-line dresses and patent leather return - all jazzed up and ready to inject that dash of 60s flair into the 21st-century fashion palette. Beyond-super supermodel Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez gets into the grove

The Professional
It is 10 minutes past the call time when I stumble into Lion Uy's studio for today's shoot. The model is already seated on the makeup artist's chair, cool as a cucumber as she's having ignore my tardiness. Her only questions are about the concept of the shoot (the updated Mod look). Later, donning a graphic dress by Ole Morable, she moved and twisted her body to whatever angle the photographer wanted, each minute adjustment of her expression transforming each frame. This is Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez at work.

Where on Western shores there were Linda, Cindy and Naomi, over here we had Tweetie de Leon. Tall, slender, with decidedly morena and distinct Filipina Features, she made her mark in an industry where the allure of a new model is as fleeting as a blown match; when mestizas crowded modeling avenues. "Compared to other models, they try very hard to look pretty. With Tweetie it's different," photographer Bien Bautista says, recalling when he first worked with her. "She won't give you a cute smile-it's deeper than that. Her face is very classic, masarap ilawan. In singing terms, she can hold a note longer, and it is more powerful."

Talking about those modeling years, Tweetie shares several highlights. "When I was starting it was my Anne Klein years (she became the label's image model around 1984-86); [after] it was joining [the Ford supermodel of the world contest] in 1987 and going to New York; then, being part of PMAP (professional Models Association of the Philippines) and becoming president [1989-1991]. That time, I felt I had earned the respect of designers and colleagues, since I was leading everyone, including senior models."

It was around 1992 when the opportunity to try TV modeling came to her. "I was a very reluctant TV talent. I felt it wouldn't complement my career as a model. I realized I was totally wrong because it exposed me to me to a different market." She appeared on TV ads until 1996, her face beamed alongside products like Royal Tru-Orange, Heno de Pravia soap, Palmolive shampoo, Creamsilk conditioner, Selsun Blue shampoo, Avon makeup, Century Tuna and Anchor Shape Up Milk.

While her looks launched and enhanced her career, it was also her approach and attitude towards work that helped mark her success - a powerful combination that had people belief: that as fun and fulfilling as modeling is, it's still a job. She instills the same precepts in the summer modeling classes she gives at Trumpets. "I teach [my students] everything - what's expected of models and what they can expect. How to deal with different people, their attitude towards work and behavior at the workplace." Listening to her outline her course, there is that no-nonsense, professional vibe in her demeanor-because, she stresses, "There's no excuse to pack up the shoot because of [the model's] shortcomings. It can never be like that."

"She sets an example for the younger generation," Rissa Samson, current president of PMAP, declares. "Even if she's so sikat, she's so professional that she comes to shoots early, and is cooperative [with the photographer and crew]. That's why a lot of people say she's so easy to work with." Bien agrees. "There's a photograph I took that I showed to an agency [which] helped her get chosen [for the Anne Lein campaign]." Describing how Tweetie stood out that time, "[It was] her eyes, her neck. That early on, she knew how to move, [and] it was easy to direct her."

"I think she made it because she has it, says Jo Ann Bitagcol, known for her own presence on the runway. "She didn't [resort to] a lot of gimmeicks to prove herself. [Because of that] we can't ignore her beauty and presence."

Even now, at 36, that presence is still felt. Tweetie takes in the occasional modeling assignment (usually for big-name couture shows or brands), and along with her modeling classes, is set to launch her own jewelry line called Ice, which features mostly neckpieces. A lot of the energy she devoted to modeling when she was younger she now uses for varied projects - and we do mean varied. "I call myself a professional hobbyist," she says, laughing. "I've so many. I'm interested in interior design and packaging. I have a camera and I love to take photos. I want to learn a musical instrument. It's never-ending-and I love it! I have no cut-out job for myself, but I find myself so busy!"

More than her numerous endorsements and couture shows, it is Tweetie's remarkable almost-to-a-fault humily and graciousness that make her a face to remember. "I was never inspired by foreign supermodels like Cindy Crawford or even Kate Moss," Rissa says. "It was our very own Tweetie who inspired me to be a model. Her Filipina beauty encouraged morena models like myself."

Asked about how she feels about her success, Tweetie pauses, a wry smile curving her lips. "I never measure what I've done in my life in terms of somebody else's idea of success. I'm happy with myself, and that's enough for me. A big part of [that] is because of my family (husband Roman and kids Sabrina, Lorenzo and Nicolas). In terms of my personal accomplishments, what I've achieved is OK, it's good enough."

Tweetie's favorite…
Designers… "Pepito Albert, Randy Ortiz, Rhett Eala."

Labels… "International brands? A/X Armani Exchange for jeans. I usually shop at Paul Smith… when it's on sale. (Laughs) Mango for my basic T-shirts."

Stylish Celebrity… "Nicole Kidman is always stunning. She's more comfortable with herself now and doesn't dress to make a statement."

Accessory… "My pieces. (Laughs) I do mostly neckpieces."

Thing To Pack On A Trip First…
"My bathing suit. (Giggles) it's my biggest expense, since I'm very conscious of price, but I buy five suits every summer and it's and it's a sin really."

Food… "Pizza. I'm very carnivorous."

Sport To Watch On TV…
"Volleyball. I used to play in high school, so it's sport I understand inside hang out."

Item From The 80s…
"The miniskirt"…

Article Of Clothing She Was Known For… "Short shorts. I also used to wear kilts with colored tights."

Movie That Makes You Cry… "Love Affair and An Affair To Remember. I've seen them 20 times but each time I watch and I know what happens, it's like on cue, my tears come."

Designer She'd Model For Free… Dude… "Dude, I do that a lot! Laughs) I'm a fan of Marc Jacobs. Michael Kors and Narcisco Rodriguez."happens, it's like on cue, my tears come."- -