Beauty maven Dr. Ailynne Vergara-Wijangco transforms the beauty landscape with a business mind and an artist heart.
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When we talk about beauty, we often think of the statuesque, youthful and slender. That is exactly what Dr. Ailynne Vergara-Wijangco, a board certified dermatologist of the Philippine Dermatological Society, represents and so much more. As a dermatologist, self-care is part of Wijangco’s main philosophies, and it’s clear as her beauty reflects with how she interacts with people. Light and always ready to have fun, Wijangco is a great model for everyone who visits her clinics. For her, the beauty you can see on the facade has to also come from the inside. You’ll see it on her Instagram with words that promote self-love and self-care, giving a sneak peek of VW Dermatology’s holistic approach to beauty.
At a very young age, Wijangco has found appreciation for anything beautiful. “I have always appreciated beautiful things, places and experiences. My mom allowed me to do my own makeup during school events. It sets my soul on fire making beautiful faces and empowering people. I believe beauty has power and at the same time can empower,” she shares. It was a perfect coincidence then that when she grew up, she was focused on the human form. “My mom’s dream to have a child who is a doctor was personified through me and [my] older sister. Combined with my innate artistic side, [it] made me who I am today,” she admits. Beauty was also her gateway to knowing herself better—her life philosophy—and in turn she poised herself to help others to discover the transformational power of beauty. “I had mentors, studied my craft very well, partnered with the best brands and never ever stopped learning on a daily basis. I also invested on great education and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. My mantra in life is: learning is my super power,” she shares. This clear cut vision and blueprint on how to get there is what made VW Dermatology one of the best aesthetic clinics in the country. What started out as a small space at her mother’s office, VW Dematology now has its own building and remains to be the top dermatology clinic in the north. Through big collaborations and the same vision to transform lives, Wijangco has plans of making VW Dermatology grow bigger and better in the next five years.
Molding the beauty of her clients is an artist’s work, while strategy and vision are characteristics of a great entrepreneur. What makes Wijangco unique is how she balances the two and that is the reason why she is successful. Asked about the next steps for her and her business she quickly smiles and says, “To lead in both science, art and technology in beauty. That is our promise to always be the first to respond to what is needed and lacking in the community. To build a beauty empire.”
Style Talks
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY?
I have two sisters and two brothers. My mom would always dress us up in the same style but in different colors. My sisters would be in pink and yellow. I will be in mint green. My mom’s favorite brand back in the day was Esprit.
WHO WAS YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?
The first one is my mom. She is a bank executive and always believed in power dressing. My late grandfather also had a great influence on my style. He would commend me when I am looked good. He also told me that fashion and dressing up is not just for one’s self but also a sign of respect for other people.
WHAT IS YOUR FASHION PHILOSOPHY?
Perfect the basics and add a touch of fun and bling!
WHAT ABOUT FASHION INSPIRES YOU?
Fashion is about personal style. What is inspiring about it is you can always improve and modify your style according to the event, your mood or the emotions you want to convey.
WHAT DOES YOUR WARDROBE CONSIST OF?
I used to wear a lot of ready to wear American brands but now, I started getting investment and classic pieces from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès.
DO YOU LOVE TO ACCESSORIZE? WHICH DESIGNER/BRANDS DO YOU GO TO FOR THAT STATEMENT ACCESSORY?
Yes I love to accessorize! It’s a gateway from basic to exciting, especially with a classic dresser like me. I love statement watches too. I started with Techno Marine to Rolex to Patek Philippe. With jewelry, even at a young age, my parents would gift me pieces as early as grade 2 because our family owned pawnshops. My collection grew as I matured and accumulated more because I have three girls. Sep Vergra Fine Jewelry & Platinum is my to go to store. Internationally, my favorites are Piaget and Boucheron.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL?
Marlon Tuazon Couture, never fails to make me look stunning; very easy to work with too. I go to Charina Sarte, especially with swimwear. I also love Oliver Tolentino who made my wedding unforgettable even more with his creation.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON TODAY’S FASHION?
It is fun, experimental, an expression of one’s self, open minded and accepting.
Inner Reflections
WHAT LIFE CHANGES HAPPENED IN YOUR MINDSET BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC?
We need each other to end this pandemic. No one is safe unless everyone is careful. Every day is a day to celebrate because tomorrow is never promised. My mission is greater than what I expected, I need everyone and I live not just for myself, [but for] family and community. The legacy that I would want to leave in this world should be exemplified in my daily work.
WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE?
A good hot coco batirol enjoyed by the garden view and beautiful sunrise. Hugs and kisses from dear ones and giving my best in little things, great ones and everything in between.
WHAT IS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE THUS FAR?
A part of life remains a mystery no matter how hard you prepare for it; just let it be and offer it to the heavens. I lost my first child when I was 30 years of age. Then I came to surrender that some things in life will not always be on your side. Learn from the past, make the most of the present and get excited with the future.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE?
A balanced life. Having a healthy mind, body and spirit. Loving relationships. Living your life on your own terms and having a great goal that excites you and sets your heart on fire.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR AILYNNE WIJANGCO AND VW DERMATOLOGY?
To build an empire of like minded and beautiful people through collaborations with great companies like MEGA.
This MEGAWoman feature on Dr. Ailynne Vergara-Wijangco is also seen in MEGA’s December 2021 issue now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photography KIERAN PUNAY of STUDIO 100
Styling JEB FRONDA assisted by MIKA REYES
Grooming CATS DEL ROSARIO assisted by MORIEL FLORES
Hair RICKY DIOKNO
Shoot coordination MJ ALMERO and MAE TALAID
Shot on location at PALACIO DE MEMORIA, PARAÑAQUE
Special thanks to CHONA MODESTANO, CAMILLE HUILLER, DANEL CALIXTO, and MARLON TUZON
