Drs. Z and Aivee Teo on beauty, love, family and dogs
She is a dermatologist. He is an aesthetic surgeon. Together, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo and Dr. Z Teo form a powerhouse of beauty that is trusted by Filipinos who want to look good.
Their clients include celebrities in the movie industry who have become their friends. Along the way, Z and Aivee Teo have become celebrities themselves.
Why the single letter Z for a name? “My parents believe in short, simple names. My brother is named E- Shen, while I am Z’Shen,” explains Dr. Z.
Aivee is not a nickname. “It stands for IV—I from the first letter of my mom, Imelda, and V of my father, Vergel. My sisters and I all have names starting with A: April, Aivee, Alelee and Anne Virgil,” says Dr. Aivee.
To know more about the A to Z of this power couple, we sat down for a conversation with them. Excerpts:
PHILIPPINE STAR: As doctors, you’ve been introducing the latest treatments to the beauty industry over the past decades, such as Thermage, Ultherapy, and now the 2-Minute Magic Lift—beauty in a hurry. Why is this one so appealing to women?
DR. Z: The 2-Minute Magic Lift uses an advanced, non-invasive, energy-based technology designed to deliver controlled energy to the skin and underlying tissues, helping improve the appearance of skin firmness and facial contours.
What makes it interesting is its speed and convenience. It’s designed to provide a quick lifting and tightening effect without surgery or significant downtime.
Of course, results vary depending on the patient’s skin condition and degree of laxity. It’s not a replacement for a surgical facelift, but it can be an option for patients looking for a subtle, natural-looking improvement.
DR. AIVEE: What I love about the 2-Minute Magic Lift is that it fits perfectly into today’s busy lifestyle. Imagine being able to enjoy a quick skin-tightening treatment in just a few minutes! It’s ideal for patients who want to look refreshed and subtly lifted without dramatically changing their appearance.
For me, that’s where aesthetic dermatology is heading—treatments that are faster, more convenient, and focused on enhancing rather than altering your natural beauty.
What are some fallacies about beauty that you would like to set straight?
DR. Z: One misconception is that expensive treatments automatically produce better results. The truth is that the right treatment for the right patient matters more than the price tag.
Another fallacy is that you need to undergo numerous procedures to maintain your appearance. Sometimes, a good skincare routine, sun protection, healthy habits, and a carefully chosen treatment plan are all you need.
And please don’t believe that more is always better! Overdoing aesthetic treatments can sometimes produce the opposite of the desired effect.
DR. AIVEE: I would say that beauty isn’t synonymous with looking young. It’s about looking healthy, radiant, and comfortable in your own skin.
I also believe that skincare is not just for women. Men need to take care of their skin, too!
And here’s another truth: You don’t need to follow every beauty trend on social media. What works for one person may not work for another.
Ultimately, the most beautiful people are those who feel good about themselves. Confidence, kindness, and a positive outlook are incredibly attractive qualities.
Can you update us on the latest beauty treatments? What’s exciting you both in aesthetic medicine today?
DR. Z: We’re seeing continued advances in energy-based treatments, skin rejuvenation, body contouring and technologies designed to improve skin quality.
Treatments using radiofrequency, ultrasound, and other energy-based technologies can address different concerns, depending on the device and how it is used.
DR. AIVEE: For me, personalization is the future of beauty. Patients are becoming more knowledgeable. They want to understand what a treatment does, how long the results may last, and whether it is appropriate for them.
We’re also seeing growing interest in treatments that improve skin quality and support a healthy, natural-looking appearance rather than dramatically changing someone’s features.
This is where biostimulators, skin boosters and regenerative dermatology come in. Biostimulators help stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production, while skin boosters focus on improving hydration, texture and overall skin quality. We’re also seeing exciting developments in regenerative approaches, including peptides, which are being studied for their potential role in skin repair and rejuvenation.
What excites me most is this shift toward working with the skin’s natural processes, rather than simply correcting visible signs of aging.
What made you decide to become dermatologists?
DR. AIVEE: My father, Papa Nene, had always been inspired by my grandfather, Dr. Filemon Aguilar, who was a doctor and a graduate of the University of the Philippines. He wanted someone in the family to follow in his footsteps, and since he thought I was the most studious among his children, he encouraged me to pursue medicine. Being the obedient daughter that I was, I agreed!
Eventually, I discovered that dermatology was the perfect combination of science and artistry. I love that we can help people address their skin concerns while also making them feel more confident about themselves.
DR. Z: Medicine has always been a big part of my life. My father, Dr. Teo Kian Tong, was a medical graduate of the National University of Singapore, so I grew up with a strong influence from the medical profession. My brother is also in the healthcare field as a veterinarian in Singapore.
Growing up in this environment, I developed an appreciation for medicine and the opportunity it gives us to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Eventually, I developed a strong interest in aesthetic medicine and surgery. I enjoy the technical and scientific aspects of the field, but I also appreciate its artistic side.
A lot of celebrities maintain their looks through professional beauty and skincare routines. Can you name some of them?
DR. AIVEE: Bea Alonzo, Sharon Cuneta, Heart Evangelista, Nadine Lustre, Maja Salvador, Maricel Soriano, Gretchen Barretto, Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Lahbati, Kylie Verzosa, Judy Ann Santos, Jennylyn Mercado and more.
And what about the men in showbiz?
DR. Z: We have Coco Martin, Jake Cuenca, Richard Gutierrez and Enrique Gil.
Good skin isn’t exclusively a woman’s concern. Men also experience acne, pigmentation, sun damage and signs of aging.
Coming from two different countries, how did you meet?
DR. Z: We met at the National Skin Centre in Singapore when Aivee was there for fellowship training and I was doing a clinical attachment.
I noticed her almost immediately. I was interested in getting to know her, so I may have done a little research into her schedule to see when we would be in the same consultation rooms!
DR. AIVEE: We had similar schedules, so we kept running into each other.
DR. Z: I eventually asked her to dinner.
DR. AIVEE: And I turned him down twice because I really did have other commitments! But I eventually reminded him that he still owed me dinner.
I’ve heard it was like a fairy tale: a well-off Singaporean guy falling in love with a seemingly struggling Filipina—who turned out to come from a prominent family!
DR. AIVEE: I certainly wasn’t living a glamorous life in Singapore! I was staying in a friend’s little condominium, and I remember sleeping on the floor. I was focused on my training and working hard.
Then came our first date. Z picked me up in a Jaguar near the bus stop close to where I was staying in the Little India area. Feeling Cinderella ako!
It was my first time riding in a Jaguar. Here I was, a Filipina doctor who took the bus, cooked Purefoods hotdogs and fried eggs after work, and was suddenly being picked up by this Singaporean doctor who had studied in the UK.
DR. Z: I borrowed my mother’s Jaguar!
DR. AIVEE: Exactly! I thought he was this very sophisticated, UK-educated doctor with a luxurious lifestyle. Meanwhile, I was perfectly happy taking the bus and cooking my simple meals.
DR. Z: For me, it was love at first sight. Fast forward to my first trip to the Philippines. I was surprised to see Aivee’s parents’ names on posters around Las Piñas. I had no idea that her father was the mayor of Las Piñas at the time!
That’s when I realized that the woman I had met in Singapore had a very different background from what I had imagined.
DR. AIVEE: I think that’s what made our story interesting. We came from different backgrounds, but we connected over the things that really matter.
What don’t people know about the two of you?
DR. Z: People often see me as quite serious and reserved, especially when I’m working. But what they probably don’t know is that I was actually the class clown growing up in Singapore! I loved making people laugh, and I still do. Although these days, my children don’t always appreciate my jokes as much as I do!
I also have a playful side that people don’t often see. At home, I’m probably more of a joker than a doctor. And with three kids and a house full of dogs, there’s never a shortage of entertainment!
DR. AIVEE: I think people are so used to seeing me as a busy doctor and businesswoman that they might be surprised to know how much I love doing things around the house!
I actually love cleaning, organizing my things, and decorating our home. I enjoy collecting beautiful plates, tableware, and anything that makes our home feel more special. I can spend hours rearranging things and making sure everything is just the way I like it.
And of course, I love my beauty sleep! If I could get eight to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night, I’d be very happy! I guess you could say that when I’m not busy making people look beautiful, I’m busy making our home beautiful!
DR. Z: And one thing about Aivee that people might not know is that she loves eating at hawker centers and doing household chores, especially washing dishes!
DR. AIVEE: That’s true! I may not be the best cook, but I love washing dishes, cleaning, and even ironing clothes!
DR. Z: Another thing people may not know is that I was a Christian youth leader when I was younger. My faith has always been an important part of my life, and it’s something I’ve carried with me into marriage and fatherhood.
No wonder Bible reading remains such an important part of your family life! And speaking of family, your dogs are certainly a big part of yours! Dr. Z, I heard you grew up with dogs in Singapore, didn’t you?
DR. Z: Yes! I’ve loved dogs since I was a child. We had several dogs growing up, and they were always part of our family life. My brother is a veterinarian in Singapore, so I was also exposed to different breeds and learned more about caring for animals.
For me, dogs have a special way of bringing happiness into a home. They are affectionate, loyal, and wonderfully uncomplicated in the way they love you.
You can have the most stressful day, but when you come home and a dog greets you with excitement, it’s difficult not to smile.
I think you helped introduce the giant poodle phenomenon in Manila! How did this fascination begin?
DR. Z: I have always been fascinated by large and unusual breeds. I started with Saint Bernards, but unfortunately, the Philippine climate was not ideal for them. That was heartbreaking because I had become very attached to them.
I asked my brother, who is a veterinarian, to help me find large breeds that could adapt better to our environment.
That’s how I became interested in Giant Poodles. They look like giant teddy bears, but they are also intelligent, affectionate, and full of personality.
What began as a personal passion eventually grew into something bigger. Through Luxuri Pets, we want to encourage responsible pet ownership and provide better care for animals.
How many dogs do you have, and what breeds are part of your furry family?
DR. Z: We have dogs at home and more at our farm, so it’s a fairly large family! We have Giant Poodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, French Bulldogs, Great Pyrenees, Samoyeds, Australian Shepherds, Japanese Spitz, Golden Retrievers, and other breeds.
Each breed has its own characteristics, and each dog has a personality of its own. We have to consider their individual needs, exercise, nutrition, grooming, and veterinary care. Having many dogs is a responsibility, and their welfare must always come first.
DR. AIVEE: And every dog has its own personality. Some are playful, some are affectionate, and some have very strong opinions about what they want!Our children have grown up around dogs, so they understand that animals are not toys. They are living beings that need love, patience, and proper care.
The dogs have also taught our children to be gentle and responsible.
You name your dogs after cities. Why?
DR. Z: It actually started because of the Netflix series Money Heist! I loved how the characters were named after cities like Tokyo, Berlin, Rio and Denver. I thought it would be fun to do the same with our dogs!
And with so many dogs, we certainly need a lot of city names!
What other activities keep you both on the go beyond medicine and business?
DR. Z: One of the most fulfilling parts of our lives is our advocacy work through Aivee Beyond Borders. We’ve conducted dermatological and surgical missions in communities including Las Piñas, Malabon, Bulacan, Tagaytay and Taguig, bringing medical services to people who might otherwise have limited access to them.
We’re also involved in Aivee X Hope, an initiative supporting education. Through this partnership, we recently helped donate a classroom for Grade 10 students in Porac, Pampanga.
For us, these projects are an opportunity to use what we’ve built to create a meaningful impact beyond our clinics.
DR. AIVEE: What makes these missions especially meaningful to me is meeting the people we help and hearing their stories. Sometimes, it’s a skin condition they’ve lived with for years simply because they didn’t have access to proper treatment.
Seeing their relief and gratitude after finally having these concerns addressed reminds me why I became a dermatologist in the first place.
And through Aivee X Hope, it’s equally fulfilling to know that we can make a difference beyond medicine by supporting children’s education. Seeing a classroom come to life and knowing that students will benefit from it for years to come makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Your kids, KenZ, Kenzo, and Keli, are imbibing a lot of lessons from you through Bible studies and your passion as doctors. What values do you teach them?
DR. AIVEE: More than anything, we want our children to grow up with strong values and good hearts. We teach them the importance of faith, gratitude, humility, kindness and respect for others, regardless of their background.
We also emphasize hard work, discipline and perseverance. Z and I have worked hard to build what we have today, and we want them to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight.
Above all, we hope they grow up to be compassionate individuals who understand that true success isn’t just about what you achieve, but also about the difference you make in other people’s lives.
DR. Z: For me, integrity, discipline and responsibility are essential. We want our children to do what is right, even when no one is watching. Our Bible studies help us teach them faith, humility and compassion. And above all, we believe in leading by example, because children learn more from what we do than what we say.
You’ve just celebrated your 21st wedding anniversary! What would you say is the secret to a happy and lasting marriage?
DR. Z: I think the secret is respect, trust, patience and a good sense of humor. Marriage is a partnership, and you won’t always agree on everything. But what’s important is learning to understand each other, support each other, and never stop making time for one another. And of course, never stop dating your wife!
DR. AIVEE: For me, it’s friendship, patience and learning to grow together. Z and I may not always agree on everything, but we’ve learned to respect each other’s differences and appreciate each other’s strengths.
I think it’s also important to keep the romance and laughter alive. After 21 years of marriage, we still enjoy each other’s company, whether we’re traveling, having a date night, or simply spending time together as a family.
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September 23, 2026