Karen Davila is Esquire Philippines’ Sexiest Woman Alive

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First, a mighty congratulations to ANC’s Karen Davila. The broadcaster has been named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Philippines. And for that, she graces the cover of its May issue.

The cover, shot by BJ Pascual, depicts a laughing Davila looking casual and off-duty. Her head is resting on her right hand with her not-quite-messed-up hair over it — loving the volume, by the way.

According to Esquire‘s Instagram account, that was Davila’s reaction [when told about the honor].

 

Breaking News: We named Karen Davila the Sexiest Woman Alive. That was her reaction. Also in our May issue: ESQ&A with Manny Villar. The former Senate President returns to his business empire and he couldn’t be happier. Party Time at the Palace: Jerome Gomez revisits Imelda Marcos’ private Malacañan disco. That Thing Called Tadhana: Antoinette Jadaone shares a never before published scene from her breakout film. Gentlemen, Meet Guinoo: A look back at the ’70s magazine that defined the Filipino man. What I’ve Learned: Tingting Cojuanco on family, her passion, and being an icon. All these and more in our May 2015 issue out this week. Cover photo by BJ Pascual Styled by Cath Sobrevega of Qurator and Rachel Felicia of Qurator Hair by Jerry Javier Makeup by Juan Sarte

A photo posted by Esquire Philippines (@esquireph) on May 4, 2015 at 5:31am PDT

“Well, I’m being honest when I say I grew up not believing and knowing I was beautiful,” she tells the magazine. “So I really worked on my personality more. I read more, wanted to be more articulate than the other girls, worked harder. I felt there were much prettier and more beautiful students than myself, especially in college. And I knew I wasn’t going to be chosen as a partner because I was extremely beautiful, it wasn’t going to work that way.”

On Twitter, Davila says it’s a toast to all working and smart women. She’s also “celebrating with all empowered women.”  

A toast to all working smart women! RT @nikkobacason: Intelligence redefines sexy!!! pic.twitter.com/GPO7ewj805

— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) May 4, 2015

Celebrating w all empowered women!RT @mjfelipe: PHOTO: Congrats @iamkarendavila for this nice cover! pic.twitter.com/dDNlpxaBaA

— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) May 4, 2015

Davila joins the likes of Heart Evangelista, Iza Calzado, and Solenn Heussaff — previous Sexiest Woman Alive cover girls. In fairness, Miss Davila! In the Q&A she talks about sexiness, sex, interviewing all the presidents during her lifetime (except for P-Noy), and sex.

Davila, in her early 40s, is married to fellow broadcast journalist DJ Sta Ana whom she describes as her true love. She admits that while marriage does not kill sex per se — just the spontaneity of it — children can. “Especially with mothers, there’s a sensual satisfaction with children. There’s a different bond. It’s almost like a takeover, a whole planet taking over your planet. And the satisfaction women get with a newborn is fulfilling on so many levels. It’s a whole different kind of pleasure and love and I don’t mean that in a sexual way. It’s a deep bond.”

When asked for her opinion on whether the president should have an active sex life, she cites an anecdote about the Virigin Queen (Queen Elizabeth I) who famously sacrificed her personal pleasures for the country. “So the answer, is it necessary for any leader to be having sex? The answer is I don’t think so. As a person it may help him be happier. But as a leader, there’s also a kind of commitment, focus and self-sacrifice that goes into it,” she says.