Philippine Tatler welcomes the month of June with a new issue that tackles resilience and triumph. Ling Ling King graces this month's cover as she shares her inspiring story after the tragedy that took the life of her husband Archie. Moreover, we ask seven individuals to share their wisdom and experience in our annual feature, "Life Lessons". Find out the secrets to a long and happy life with select centenarians, as well as our Tatler friends' sources of inspirations. |  Photography: Sara Black | Creative Direction: Anton San Diego | Styling: Monique Madsen | Make-up: Fatima Rabago | Hair: Jan Edrosolan

Behind the Scenes

It’s been quite a while since Ling Ling King stood in the limelight as a commercial model; even then, it was just a job for her, not a glamourous dream she basked in. Thus, she was swaying between apologising and protesting over being prettied up (not that she needed help in this department) for this pictorial.

“I don’t really fix my hair!” “I don’t even go for mani or pedi!” “Not too heavy make-up please!” But when she looked at the mirror after stylist/model Fatima Rabago wielded her magic brushes, Ling Ling broke out into a big smile of approval. But really, how much more can you beautify an already pretty face? Add to the package a great tan and a fit physique that can do justice to any outfit and you get a photographer’s dream.

It was quite a challenge to source outfits for Lingling. Despite the selection of size 0 dresses picked out for the shoot, the clothes were still big! “I guess I am a double-zero!” she exclaims. Fortunately, her enviable wardrobe is full of newly purchased items, some still with tags attached, that she has not had the chance to wear. “I love beautiful clothes, but I never get to wear them because I prefer to be comfortable.”

The shoot was at the beautiful home she and Archie shared for almost 20 years. She has refused to move to another place after his death because, she says, she has gotten attached to the place and its precious memories.

Today she is building new memories, nothing that can equal what she had with Archie, but simply different. Like being the cover girl of this month’s Philippine Tatler.