Simply Tessa
Manila Standard Today
September 1, 2010/ By: Robbie Pangilinan/ Entertainment
“Simple” is not a word often used to describe Tessa Prieto-Valdes. The socialite-philanthropist is known for her sophisticated style, extravagant accessories and colorful personality. Add to that being the society columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer which her family owns, writing all about her grand parties and grander travels, luxurious adventures and lavish escapades, in her self-titled column. Her fancy outfits have become her trademark, and she is happy about it “because people give me stuff they can’t wear,” she says.
But, stripped of the outfit and the accessories, behind the make-up and beyond the glitter, Tessa is a truly spiritual and religious person, basking in simplicity when she hears mass, during her yoga practice, and while in a detox session. Tessa is also proud to say that she is an extremely dedicated wife to partner Dennis and a loving mother to 24-year-old Bryan who is in another country, 14year-old Tyrone, 12 year-old Annika, and Athena who is just 5 years old. Tessa says that Dennis and the children keep her inspired and thankful.
While Tessa does not have a “typical day” (she says everyday is a riot), she tries her best to go to mass daily and practice yoga daily as well. Everyday, she finds a reason to be happy, though in her heart there is sadness because of her brother’s death in a motorcycle accident. She actually started dressing up the way she does as her way of coping with her loss.
“Because of my brother’s death, I realized that life is too short to ponder on regrets. So I always keep my focus on the future with my feet on the present,” the writer and fashion designer shares.
Tessa does not seem to have any unglamorous moment as she always appears aristocratic, high-class, almost like royalty. But, she confesses she found her 7-and-a-half-hour Ironman race her most unglamorous. “I looked really awful, but it was such an achievement,” Tessa declares. “I also hate it when my false eyelashes come off,” she adds.
So far, the socialite’s cheapest indulgence are false eyelashes and the most extravagant are Jimmy Choo shoes. People always admire Tessa’s smiling eyes but she likes her lips best, “because they are just perfectly shaped for the frame of my face,” she says. Many people comment that she looks like a Japanese anime character with a hint of Lady Gaga.
Ever adventurous, Tessa is working on going to Tibet and Kilimanjaro in Africa this year, or spending time with her family in Maldives. She also has her Visions for Hope Photo Exhibit for cervical cancer awareness with Glaxo-Smith Kline and the Red Cross Ball in October with Dubai-based designer Furne One. She is the new celebrity endorser of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, the first and only cosmetic surgery center in the Philippines certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture. She recently won P1 million as GMA’s Celebrity Duets champion, all of which she donated to 10 charities. And this year, Tessa plans to help more charities and work on new projects.
If she would choose another life, she will be Madonna. And given the chance, she would definitely change her height. But, right now, Tessa Prieto-Valdes is satisfied, content and happy with what she has and with the way she is. #