September 18 is officially designated as World Wife Appreciation Day, so husbands, read up!
It takes a lot for a modern woman like the lady you lovingly call your wife to shuffle between work and home, family and friends, business and pleasure. But as these lovely wives and mothers will show all who look their way, it’s possible to do all that and more with a smile and a spring in their step — and still look this mind-blowingly good.
Read on, and see these PeopleAsia ladies show you how it’s done.
Maureen Disini – Teichart
Fashion designer Maureen had her first solo gala sponsored by Inquirer held at Makati Diamond Residences last year. The theme was black and white and she accomplished no less than a stunning 41-piece collection. Though this feat brought tears of joy to Maureen, another event in her life that did the same would be her marriage to finance executive Daniel Teichert in 2013, which kicked off as a blind date just two years prior. Maureen and Daniel had to adjust to some cultural differences, particularly as Maureen candidly puts it, “My husband is very independent. I rely on a lot of help. When I got married, he (had to get) used to having helpers and drivers around. But (now) he’s enjoying all the help he can get.†She has also stitched together the perfect work-life balance. “I get massages. I go to Church. That’s what my Sundays are made of. It’s a holy Sunday.†Of course, she does this alongside her loving husband.
(Photography by DIX PEREZ)Â
“I work six days a week. I’ve always loved my publishing life, but I like my life now better. I have more control. I work with a lot of women that I’m able to give jobs and I’m able to mentor a few girls. It doesn’t feel like work at all. I work six days a week and I look forward to each day.” – Maureen Disini – Teichart
Katrina Tantoco – Lobregat
“When asked about work-life balance, Katrina says, ‘Is there an Idiot’s Guide to Work Life Balance?’ with a gleeful laugh. And here, her fun side reveals itself. She then explains that “I think ‘balance’ is a very personal point of view and unique to every person. With all my responsibilities at present, and being mom to four kids (three are below the age of four), something’s got to give. My husband, my kids and my household are top of my list. A close second are my two jobs. Katrina has a very clear picture of how she would like to spend her “me-timeâ€; time to meditate and connect, learn to kite-surf, surf, learn to dance, do more Pilates and have more work out sessions and spa days. She also yearns for more time with friends and family, and more one-on-one trips with husband, Paolo Lobregat.
(Photography by MAU AGUASIN)Â
“I think it’s a daily practice of holding onto the values that we hope our kids, no matter what they grow into or who they decide to be, manage to retain.†she says. “These basic values that Paolo and I embrace as parents are of integrity, honor, compassion, hard work, tenacity, courage, staying true to oneself and most importantly, maintaining a deep spiritual connection with God.†– Katrina Tantoco – Lobregat
Crickette Tantoco
In business, she is completely focused. But in the comfort of her home, she allows herself to shed off the intimidating armor and reveals a more nurturing and loving heart, one that has kept her husband Donnie charmed for over 26 years. “I’m the biggest fan of my wife. I adore her and I have the highest respect for her,†he shared with PeopleAsia in a previous interview. The two lovebirds met during an Assumption junior-senior prom. Crickette’s parents wouldn’t allow their daughter to go to prom with her then boyfriend. Maritess Tantoco, a family of Crickette’s family, who also happened to be Donnie’s aunt, set up the beauty with her handsome nephew. Needless to say, sparks flew and it was love at first sight.
(Photography by MAU AGUASIN)
“My mom’s strength comes from knowing her worth. She treats everyone fairly, but at the same time, she doesn’t allow anyone to take advantage of her. She is confident about her beauty, intelligence, talent and work ethic. She knows exactly what she has to give the world and isn’t afraid to give it. I see so many women who feel afraid to be themselves. I myself have felt that way, too, so I feel that the example of my mom is very inspiring.†- Nicole Tantoco, one of Crickette’s twin daughters
Sheila Romero
Bonding moments for the Romeros usually see the whole family engaging in short trips during weekends to nearby provinces or even in neighboring Asian countries. Semestral breaks, Christmas and summer vacations are, more often than not, spent on longer family gatherings abroad. “We support them (our children’s interests) as much as we can. Our communication lines are open; we can discuss anything under the sun. There are times we don’t really speak the same language. It’s not easy, but I try to. That’s the only way to guide your children, for us parents to be transparent and reachable,†Sheila rationalizes. Sheila is truly a hands-on mom. She personally runs her household with care and devotion, without entrusting such duties to a mayordoma. She even plans the daily menu for her family; and includes lengua, tinapa pasta and Singaporean chili crab among her home-cooked specialties.
(Photography by MAU MARICIO)
“I would say my greatest achievement is my family and my children, all of whom have very good disposition. Despite our busy workload, it simply is a matter of scheduling. I try to have as much time with them as possible. Friday nights, for instance, are usually reserved for the kids.” – Sheila Romero
Vicky Morales
Blessed with a blissful family life, Vicky goes on to share in her candid yet private way, “I now have twin boys and a girl. It took me and my husband seven years to have kids. I wish I had them earlier. But all in His good time. I think it’s all working out very well. I never questioned the timing, actually. I’m happy the way things are. It couldn’t get any better.â€
(Photography by JAR CONCENGCO)Â
“I think the biggest help for me in balancing my act is really my husband. I’m very lucky that I ended up with someone who is a very good father, someone very compassionate. I think that’s key — to have a husband who is very supportive, who understands what you do, who likes seeing me do what I do. He sees that I enjoy it a lot, which is why probably he encourages me to do it. He never gets in the way. It also helps that he’s a very busy person as well. He’s a lawyer. His profession complements mine.†– Vicky Morales
Solenn Heussaff
The fitness buff, model, author, painter and well-rounded beauty and was born and raised here by Frenchman Louis Paul Heussaff and Pinay mom Cynthia Adea. Solenn says she was “exposed at a young age to different cultures.†Although educated at a local French school, the family would go to France every summer. Still, Solenn maintains that her parents came from humble beginnings. They really taught us the value of things and how to treat people with respect. Good job, Mom and Dad!” she says cheefully. Now married to her longtime beau, Argentinian Nico Bolzico, Solenn discloses that the guy is also used to her being in showbiz. “He’s used to me dressing in a certain way (for work),†she shares.
(Photography by BY PASCUAL)
“Besides, Solenn thinks nothing has changed about her since becoming an unwilling It Girl. ‘I’m really a normal kind of girl. I like normal clothes. Once in a while, I see things in my friends, I’m like ‘Wow, that’s pretty.’ I’ll want that too. But I’m more super generic. That’s more me… I love wearing just jeans and a white shirt,’ she assures.” -Kap Maceda Aguila
Isabelle Daza
Isabelle’s maturity is caused, or is the effect (depends on how you look at it) of being able to keep things in perspective, and that includes handling negativity with optimism. “People now feel a little bit closer to you so they feel like they can express their opinions, and they’re entitled to that. I just take it with a grain of salt and think ‘Okay, you can’t take all this love without some of that hate’. You can’t please everyone, that’s for sure,†she says. “All these clichés make so much sense now,†this newlywed reflects.
(Photography by BY PASCUAL)
“She’s coasting through her days with the grace of a princess, the grind-it-out mentality of a professional, and the wide-eyed curiosity of a preschooler. ‘I like to try and see myself as someone who doesn’t take life too seriously. I like to enjoy the little things and pleasures in life,’ she concludes.” – Ian Garcia
Linda Ley
“I’ve loved cooking ever since I was a child; that’s my number one passion. It’s really a joy if I could prepare sumptuous meals for my family. They love my pasta — my husband loves my assorted seafood pasta (with lemon and salt) while my youngest child goes crazy over my marinara. “I also love whipping up cocktail treats; that’s my forte. I enjoy preparing yummy hors d’oeuvres and canapés. I adore food styling and garnishing. I love hosting high teas as well,†Linda delightfully reveals. She takes pride in her receptive family, all of whom appreciate and relish her kitchen specialties down to the last bite. Linda has been married to her very supportive husband, Victor, for more than 15 years.
(Photography by JAR CONCENGO)
“And while she loves looking, it serves a deeper meaning for Linda. ‘Health is wealth, after all. That is why I give importance to wellness. Even at home when I cook, I try to do balanced dieting for everyone. I was also not embarrassed to reveal my real age earlier to everyone. I want to grow old gracefully, see my children getting married in the future and eventually taking care of my grandchildren. That’s because I’m happy to still be alive and enjoying life,’ she concludes.” - Greggy V. Vera Cruz
Dr. Aivee Teo
Having been married for more than 10 years and making a name in the cosmetic dermatology industry for the past 13 years, Aivee couldn’t be more successful and fulfilled. “There’s no secret formula in general. Passion, dedication, hard work, being focused on what you really want — all these are essential. It’s not just about the glamor of my job description; it’s really working and learning about your craft and accepting the challenges,” she shares.
(Photography by MARK NICDAO)Â
“It’s really a matter of prioritizing your career, your marriage and your family. I’m just fortunate enough that my husband understands my work, and that I understand his work as well. You don’t sacrifice one for the other; everything is a work in progress. It’s not easy, it’s an effort, so it’s totally a matter of balancing things.“ – Dr. Aivee Teo
