Melai Cantiveros is currently on her way to becoming one of the timeless faces of Philippine comedy. Her innate talent and a thousand clicks on her social media had given her the ultimate opening for lots of opportunities in 2023. So before she hit the year 2024 with much enthusiasm and humor, she had the time to grace Preview.ph's January 2024 cover—and it was glamorous.
Here, let's talk about everything we adore about Melai's first Preview cover:
1. Melai had the *most giving* poses!
Melai's iconic crooked teeth made their way to the front page of a fashion magazine, you guys. For her first cover with Preview.ph, the actress-comedienne presented her authentic self and brought smiles to everyone seeing her.
Her poses also brought out a different side to her. Who knew that she'd look like "the queen" Rihanna in one of her poses? Yup, no one saw it coming and we totally love it.
Also a fun fact: Melai had a red eye flight to catch after the shoot, we were told. Talk about energy!
2. Melai slayed every concept and style given to her.
Quirky never looked this good. Melai, who is famous for her irresistibly funny takes, was given an eccentric concept—and she definitely owned it! She looked like the *very first honor* in a purple Carolina Herrera shirt dress and a pair of white Jimmy Choo sandals.
ON MELAI: Dress, P78,500, CAROLINA HERRERA, Greenbelt 5. Heels, P52,500, JIMMY CHOO, Greenbelt 3.
3. Melai had one spectacular story to remember.
We think the viral comedy star gave a "super duper magnificent" story that will go down in history. She had numerous interviews already in the past, but we felt that the stories and insights she shared with Preview.ph came straight out of her heart and soul.
Grateful for her unexpected fame and success in showbiz, the Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up winner expresses her contentment and absolute happiness with everything she achieved. She thought it was never her plan to be a celebrity. Never on her radar did she sense the chance to become a hotshot in the entertainment industry.
"Ang mga pangarap ko binase ko sa itsura ko. So, parang nag-pass-by na [ang pagiging artista] sa mga pangarap ko," she noted. She had long settled to becoming a housewife or a cashier. But of course, the universe had much more prepared for Melai.
4. We love Melai's super duper supportive colleagues!
Melai's character as the comedic and easy-to-get-along person does not only cross beyond the cameras but also within her own circle of amazing colleagues. It's not just netizens that have come to adore her for her personality.
Fellow celebrities flocked to Preview.ph's comments section to leave messages of support and appreciation for Melai's outstanding cover! Sarah Lahbati, Sofia Andres, and Maymay Entrata were just some of the many artists who sent all their love to the actress-comedienne.
Sofia commented, "Aguy! Kgwapa kaayo uy!" which is a compliment saying that Melai is so beautiful. Maymay also didn't hold back and wrote in all caps, "ATE ANG GANDAAAAA!!!!!!!!" with matching fire emojis.
5. Melai's humble outlook in life.
It was a life full of ups and downs for the comedy star. She has been called OA or being "too much" when it comes to her comedic acting stints and is sometimes belittled for her visuals. Nonetheless, her massive opening to the year 2024 in a high-fashion magazine says a lot about how far she has come in her career.
Although much had also changed in her life after embracing virality, she feels the most grateful and a bit overwhelmed—in a good way—as she looks back on her life before showbiz happened. "Nami-miss ko yung time na [lagi ko’ng] kasama ang pamilya ko. Yung kaguluhan, yung paunahan kami sa pagkain. Noon talaga nagkakaubusan kami. Pero ngayon, thank you Lord, kahit papaano [hindi na kami nagkakaubusan]," Melai shared.
Life was indeed simpler back then, and sometimes she misses being a simple celebrity who wouldn't be noticed even if she laughed out loud in public. But, she would never change a thing about her life at present. She says her career was a reason for her to keep going not just for her family, but also to make other people happy.
"Pina-stay pa rin ako ni Lord sa sitwasyon na 'to kasi meron akong responsibility. Meron'g reason kung bakit nandito pa rin ako sa show biz,” she contemplates. Maraming tao ang naha-happy sa akin. Iba yung happiness na nabibigay ko sa kanila eh. Pag nagpapa-picture sila sa’kin, doon ko narere-realize na pwede ko ipagpalit yung privacy ko," the actress-comedienne declared.
For Melai, there's no turning back now. She is dead set on moving forward with immense gratitude and grit in her heart, along with her effortlessly funny antics that made her the ultimate valedictorian in bringing laughter into our lives. "Thank you @previewph for Previewing my life and making it possible to ur Magazine [sic]," she thanked Preview.ph.
READ PREVIEW.PH'S COVER STORY HERE: The Inner Machinations of the Incredibly Witty Melai Cantiveros
