The change of public image came as a big surprise. As if overnight, she became a different person. It was sudden, and it was swift. And yes, it was effective. Effective because the public took notice.

Angelica Panganiban transformed herself so completely that even for a professional photographer such as myself, whose main job is to keep transforming the looks of celebrities, I was just so surprised. The result of Angelica’s transformation from a sweet, young and gentle girl into a very desirable and seductive young woman was totally and absolutely incredible! I was enchanted.

For sure, the radical shift of image was carefully planned. What probably got me was its impeccable execution as well as perfect timing. And I am almost sure that it did get to the others in very much the same way that it did to me, or maybe, even more.

A very public transformation, such as what we saw happened to Angelica Panganiban, is not a new thing. Stars do it all the time. Once a celebrity or a famous personality reach a certain stage, they shift gear and apply a new strategy. It’s as if the old game plan was thrown out in favor of a new one.

There is always one aim and reaction they are hoping to get from the public whenever they do a very “public” transformation: to see a celebrity in a new and exciting way; and to buzz about her.

Transformation infuse a certain excitement and a heightened level of media awareness. When the old becomes new again, and when we see it again “for the first time,” we marvel at the ingenuity of the “new look.” It is a form of revelation that catches us a bit off guard, and then, delights us.

As Madonna, the ultimate mistress of transformation has visually proven time and again time, any time is a good time to reinvent one’s self.