Power beauty: Belleza Aesthetics wins 2026 Beauty Clinic of the Year

Celebrity-entrepreneur and philanthropist Cristina Decena, along with her daughter Dana, were ecstatic after Belleza Aesthetics was named Beauty Clinic of the Year at the 17th Village Pipol Awards.

"I was in the US when it was announced that we had won. I never imagined that we would even be nominated, especially with such tough competition. I didn’t think we’d be chosen, but perhaps it’s because our doctors, our equipment, and our service are all excellent. Maybe those were some of the things they considered," Cristina shared during a Thanksgiving event at Belleza Aesthetics Ortigas in Pasig City on June 8.

Belleza Institute triumphed over other prominent nominees, such as The Aivee Clinic, Avignon Clinic, Royal Aesthetics, Elysse Aesthetics, and Belo Medical Group.

"I grew up seeing them on TV, so it was a true honor just to be nominated alongside them. We were surprised when we received a call telling us we would be the ones accepting the award on stage," Dana recalled.

It was also Dana’s first time attending an awards night without her mom. "I was nervous and starstruck by all the people at the event," she admitted.

Cristina Decena (center) leads the Belleza Aesthetics Thanksgiving event on June 8.

What makes a person beautiful

Dana shared her thoughtful perspective on what defines true beauty, emphasizing the deeper values and experiences that shape her understanding.

"I live by certain mottos. Mom would always say that beautiful people know how to present and take care of themselves, which opens up more opportunities for them. That’s how my mom raised us. From a young age, she taught us the importance of always being presentable. When you look good and feel put together, you become more confident. That confidence gives you an edge and helps you achieve more in life.

"Growing up, my mom was always so beautiful—she had such smooth legs. I, on the other hand, never really thought of myself as naturally pretty. I learned from my mom how to style my hair and apply makeup. Beauty is a journey, and it’s important to be authentic. You really have to invest in yourself to maximize your beauty.

"People around you can sense your confidence. It makes you appear more intelligent and capable. For me, beauty is priceless—it’s a form of power. Beauty is power," Dana added.

Cristina stressed the importance of her daughter setting an example for clients, regularly reminding her to embody the standards of skincare and self-care that Belleza Aesthetics promotes.

"I always tell Cristina, you are your own model because you operate the Belleza Aesthetics. I said, 'When your patients ask for advice, they look at your face, right?'

"If they look at your face and you’re not well-groomed, they won’t trust you with their treatments—because if you can’t take care of yourself, how can you care for them? That’s what I always tell her," Cristina explained.

Dana recounted that Belleza Aesthetics was established in 2017, inspired by her mother’s desire for a personalized skincare experience without the hassle of long lines at other clinics.

"Mom wanted her own skin clinic so she wouldn’t have to wait in line—she wanted exclusivity. Back then, we only had one branch at Century City. We never hard sell; we only recommend what the patient truly needs.

"Skin clinics and beauty studios tend to get crowded, especially when procedures involve injectables. Clients need to feel safe and trust the treatments we recommend to them," she explained.

Dana added, "We specialize in skin smoothing, targeting issues like scars, melasma, dark spots, and fine lines or wrinkles. Slimming treatments have also become popular, so we have machines for that too. Our clinic offers both invasive and non-invasive procedures."

Dana emphasized that Belleza Aesthetics prioritizes the overall client experience.

"Mom always taught us, even at home, that the moment a patient enters, the clinic should be beautiful, fragrant, and spotless—like it’s their own home. We want clients to be overwhelmed by the cleanliness, fresh ambiance, and even the complimentary coffee. By the time they leave, we want them already looking forward to coming back," the young entrepreneur shared.

Dana noted a remarkable trend: each year, more and more young people are seeking their services, and the clinic's clientele is steadily getting younger.

"We now have patients preparing for their weddings—brides-to-be often bring their future husbands, so both partners get treatments. Before, it was usually just the bride, but now, couples come together.

"Our services are reasonably priced—a P2,500 facial at our clinic already goes a long way. In the past, only moms and aunts would seek beauty treatments, but now, our clients are getting younger and younger. We even had an 18-year-old inquire about our anti-aging regimen. I think social media has made people more aware that they should start caring for their skin early. Because our market is getting younger, we ensure our treatments are affordable even for college students," she said.

Cristina highlighted that Belleza Aesthetics is driven primarily by satisfied clients recommending its services, rather than relying on celebrity endorsements or high-profile marketing.

"I don’t really endorse Belleza Aesthetics—I believe in word of mouth. At 63, I want to look presentable, not like a grandmother with six grandchildren. When I’m with my grandkids, people think they’re my children. It makes me happy whenever someone is surprised that I already have grandchildren. They say I don’t look 63," she shared.

Dr. Guia Francesca Valdes and Dana shared their thoughts on the most striking celebrities they’ve encountered in person, discussing the qualities that made these stars stand out to them.

"It’s a tie between Heart Evangelista and Anne Curtis. There’s not a single flaw on their faces. No matter where they are in the world, they remain stunning. Their beauty is classic and timeless. I met Anne in person, and she truly is a goddess," Dana said.

Dr. Guia added, "For me, it’s Marian Rivera. Her beauty is truly timeless. Even after having two children, her skin still looks youthful."

The Belleza Aesthetics Ortigas is located on the 17th floor of the Belvedere Tower, San Miguel Ave. Ortigas, Pasig City. It is open every day from 11 am to 7:30 pm. For bookings, DM or Call 02 880 122 15.

Main picture credit. From left: Dana Cristina C. Decena, NP, a licensed naturopathic practitioner; celebrity entrepreneur-philanthropist Cristina Decena; and Dr. Guia Francesca Valdes pose with the trophy after the Belleza Aesthetics in Pasig City won the 2026 Beauty Clinic of the Year at the 7th Village Pipol Awards.