Not counting cartoon women frolicking with Esky, the first woman on the cover of Esquire was Elizabeth Taylor, in April 1952. The first woman on the cover of Esquire UK, in its current incarnation, was Brigitte Bardot (March 1991, employing a late- 1950s photo). When US Esquire launched its annual Sexiest Woman Alive issue, they did so with a choice few would argue with: Angelina Jolie (November 2004, looking soaked and sultry). What we’re trying to say is, choosing one of the First Women of Esquire is not a task to be undertaken lightly: there is a legacy to uphold, there are standards to be met. We can say with utter confidence that Iza Calzado (in a homage to another classic cover, Jolie in the July 2007 US Esquire) is the right choice for us.

Also featuring:

Lourd De Veyra on Women

Ornussa Cadness on the business of being beautiful

The myths that make up Samantha Richelle

From Ateneo Graduate to American Pornstar: A Dialogue With Gang Badoy

Miriam Defensor Santiago is not Insane!

The Esquire Quiz on the Inner Lives of Women

A Guide to Shopping for the Woman in your Life >>> and Survive it!

How to Treat a Pregnant Woman (especially if it’s her first!)

The November issue of Esquire Philippines is out now  ///  Follow Esquire Philippines on twitter: @EsquirePh