At 44, Elizabeth Lopez Unlay, Abeth as she is fondly called by her friends, is a wife to Dave, mother to four kids and a businesswoman. Being all that, she says it’s a blessing and an everyday challenge, and in all the roles she scores high. Though her days are centered around the family, she manages to find herself me time, which is good.

My name is Francine Cassandra Unlay. I’m 15, the second child and the eldest daughter. Let me tell you why I have the best mom in the world.

Here’s the big picture. We are four siblings, two boys and two girls, aged six to 18. Imagine what my mom is faced with? School work, teenage dilemmas, varying hobbies, age gap management, varied food preferences and mom manages them all quite well.

She takes care of dad, too. When he’s away, mom plays dad and looks after the business in however way she can.

On weekdays, a day starts by seeing us four kids to school. In between, mom does her paperwork and errands. She picks us up for lunch and asks how our day was, sees three kids off to school again and looks after Daphne, the youngest. It’s during Daph’s nap time that mom gets to go to the gym. She gathers us again at the end of the day to bond while waiting for dad for dinner.

The weekend is a different story. With everyone having their own itinerary, mom turns into a driver, cook and the “palengke queen”. She insists going to the wet market herself to choose the items for her menu.

Stingy? No, thrifty and wise. She said she only purchases what benefits our health. Quality will always be her priority. The palengke is where she finds the freshest of ingredients at the best price. Imagine how good and balanced her home-cooked meals are. But we do eat out on Sundays after Mass. Though she says it’s family time, I see it as her official day-off from the household chores.

After all the hard work she rewards herself by shopping. It’s her way to relax.

I adore my mom’s sense of fashion. Like her palengke stints, she is as wise in shopping for great deals on clothes. She hunts for the best looks with value for money. This is why she sticks to the classics—elegant and simple yet powerful, and always stylish. She’s a jeans-and-linen-top kind of girl, goes for the safe tones of black and white, and pastels, which makes her feel young and vibrant.

Let me share a secret. She loves to hoard on the linen tops and bottoms of Marks & Spencer. She said she gets a good deal on the store’s new, lowered price lines. For the same budget, she gets a couple more pieces in the basket than the usual. Her picks in classic styles and good quality can last a long, long time, she says.

Here’s another secret. Why I love her fashion sense so much? We’re pretty much on the same wavelength—and size. I can ransack her closet anytime. She doesn’t mind sharing. Like I said, she’s one wise mama. Letting me borrow her clothes saves us both on shopping money. Like mother, like daughter.

That’s my mom, Elizabeth. There may be a million adjectives to describe her but I’ll write one—her love is unconditional. That’s what matters most to me, to the family.

Happy Mother’s Day, mom!

Fashion: M&S Collection Spring/Summer 2019 available at the Marks & Spencer stores in Ayala Center
Photography: Wizbren Ang
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado

December is the busiest month for Debbie, if not challenging. The calendar is marked with social engagements for the family, business associates and the several cliques she’s part of. Most of the affairs may be themed, including the ones she’ll be hosting in her hilltop home with a scenic view of the city. That will require getting creative with the closet and cupboard contents.

How does she keep up? Debbie has several tricks under her sleeve, and she’s willing to share it.

“I enjoy hosting informal and relaxed dinners. For formal gatherings, which doesn’t happen too often, I go the whole nine yards and give full attention to detail. My aim is to make sure all my guests are well entertained and would want to stay until the wee hours,” said Debbie.

Here’s what I do:

1. 1. Know the guests, their preferences, their allergies. From there, I create my menu. I
      bring out the bone china and set the theme according to my mood. I can’t cook, but I
      know where to order good food.
   2. I always have my mini grazing table for my guests before they enjoy the dinner
      course. I’m huge on desserts and I make sure I have a good selection, including my
      favorite M&S chocolates. These are what guests can nibble on to pair with coffee,
      tea or wine should the party linger until late.
   3. I set the mood with my personal touches—fresh flowers, a nice tablescape, ambient
      lighting, and a soothing music playlist. On rare occasions, I hire a pianist to play live
      music, which we can sing along to as well. More importantly, the powder room
      should be at its best.
   4. I prepare in advance to look my best when welcoming guests, that goes for the staff
      as well.

On dressing up to any occasion, here are her personal rules:

1. The silhouette should be sleek and uncluttered, a classic look with a twist and accessorized minimally. The shoes play an important role. Remember, it can make or break the outfit.
2. Dress your age. You may be able to afford any clothing in whatever trend, but does it suit you? Every season, Marks & Spencer comes up with a good line-up of classic designs women my age will love. Choose the pieces that suit you and bring out the best in you.
3. Invest on good clothes. Buy that dress that you look great in, be that inexpensive fast fashion label or that costly brand but of superb quality. If you can wear all the time, over time, and bring out that inner glow in you, then that’s an investment.

Fashion: M&S Collection 2018 Autumn/Winter Collection available at the Marks & Spencer in
Ayala Center Cebu
Photography: Wizbren Ang
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado

“I used to be uber-stylish from head to toe,” said 30-year old Estefanie “Eshma” Bautista-Dumama. But all these changed when she took the roles of a politician, a wife and a mother. She may have adjusted to her life as a councilor on her second term, but taking the role of wife last year, and more recently, a mother to 5-month old Sky, is definitely something new to her.

“These days I always keep my fashion and time very flexible. It’s a challenging 24/7 thing with the three hats I’m wearing. I don’t have a routine. Plans and schedules can change in a heartbeat depending on my baby’s mood and needs. So, there is no “typical day” for me. Every day yields new challenges.”

How does she do it? Let’s get to know this multi-tasker.

My day starts…

..focused on the baby. I bond with Sky from the time he wakes up until noon. In between his naps, I check emails and schedules, update work assignments and give instructions while taking my morning coffee. I’m at the office by 1PM and work over lunch, go to sessions. I check on Sky from time to time.

Juggling my schedule is…

Not easy, but I do my best. I’m on my first year of being a hands-on mom. I want to witness my baby’s first words, first steps, and considering I’m also a public servant 24/7, schedules can get challenging.

In politics, delegating work to a reliable team can make my job uncomplicated. But if it involves legislative matters, I personally take on the matter.

I’m lucky to have a husband-politician, we both understand what is required of our jobs. But we make sure we go out on a regular dates and keep the romance alive.

One word to describe my role as a..

Politician: strict.
Wife: patient.
Mom: loving.

“Me time” is…

Coffee time. The calibre of on-the-go moms.

My day to night look is…

An oversized blazer, or a white button-down top and trousers, with light make-up. At night, I take off my blazer and accessorize. Eyes and lips take on a darker shade.

A button-down top is very convenient when you’re a breastfeeding mom. It’s easy for me to pump even at the office or inside the car while traveling enroute to work.

Flat sandals work best for me. It can take me from work to leisure at any time.

In my closet, you will find…

Jeans, white tops, tailored oversized blazers, stylish cardigans, layered skirts, and wrap dresses.

My style has changed from very stylish—dark, fitted dresses and high heels, etc., to a more comfortable vintage look. I somehow developed this love for neutral-colored clothes.

When I shop…

I shop a lot! More for the baby and home these days. Priorities have changed with my new roles.

But I still shop for myself. I do it online when days get busy. I also have personal shoppers abroad. If I get extra time, shopping is the No.1 that pops in my head. A quick visit to the mall de-stresses me.

My rule is pants dictate the casualness of every outfit. I complete the look in that one store from top to footwear.

One of my favorite stores is…

Marks & Spencer. I’m a second generation M&S shopper. I love the lingerie. I’m now a big fan of the FlexiFit underwear and pants. It moves with me. Perfect for my lifestyle as a multi-tasking woman active from day to night.

My fashions tip is…

..more on a principle. Go with whatever style you’re into but be age appropriate. Most importantly, for moms with multiple tasks and are always on the go, never compromise your style! Always try to look good. Not enough sleep is no excuse for not looking your best.

When you look good, you’ll feel good and feel energized. Thus, we can accomplish anything even with few hours of sleep.

Fashion: M&S Collection FlexiFit Innovations for Jeggings is available at the Marks & Spencer store in Ayala Center Cebu
Photography: Brian Dexter Medija
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado
Location: Seda Abreeza Hotel

Her cheesemaking story started in Year 2000 with three goats, Marvin, Jolina and Rica, the onset of Olive’s husband-veterinarian collection of ruminants. The number grew with each farm visit, and grew more as the goats bred. How does one earn from this hobby?

Olive bottled fresh goat’s milk to sell. It didn’t click. Goat’s milk soap was out of the question since it used very little milk. How else can milk be preserved, asked the UPLB-graduate who worked at the university’s Dairy Training and Research Institute? Cheese. So started Olive Puentespina’s cheesemaking career.

She took lessons from a colleague, then from two Swiss cheese masters from Pontresina, Master’s classes in San Francisco, and so on. “My cheese journey—getting educated in dairying and cheese making— has brought me to the US, Mongolia, Canada, Switzerland, Italy. And with each travel, I learn more,” she shared.

In 2008, Olive officially started producing cheese under the Malagos Farmhouse brand. Sans advertising and social media promotions, Malagos Cheese has become one of the most popular Davao products in the country today.

“I think I started European style artisan cheese making in the Philippines. I am proud that the cheeses I make are on the top tables of the best hotels, restaurants and resorts and airline in the Philippines. That is more than what I can ask for.”

Where is Malagos Farmhouse cheese now?

Malagos Farmhouse cheese is on the top of its game in artisan handmade category. The brand is recognized by purveyors of fine foods and graces the table of state dinners of the country. Malagos as a house of cheese produces over 25 kinds which shows the versatility of the brand. It is also GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified by the Food & Drug Administration.

From 30 liters of milk production, now we now make cheese from 2-3 tons of milk a week, all handmade and distributed to over 80 establishments in the country, albeit in small quantities.

What’s in a day in the cheesemaking life of Olive?

My day as a mom, a wife and cheesemaker starts early. After the household duties, I enter the cheese room and focus on the day’s work. I check what cheeses are to be shipped and produced, then enter to the aging room and “manage my cheeses”, go through about 200 wheels of cheeses. When the cheese making starts, no one can disturb me until I am done.

Around 5PM, I can accept private tasting sessions on cheese appreciation, be home by 7PM for motherly and wifely duties. I’d be lucky to get five hours of sleep, and then the routine starts all over again.

Of all the cheeses you have made, do you have a particular favorite?

I cannot play favorites. They all came from my brain and put my soul in every creation like its my children. But if I categorize them it would be: Most popular, the Mango Sublime; Most challenging to make, Karinina al Vino; Most flexible, Chevre; Most sought after, La Maria; and Most liked by Pinoys, the Kesong Puti.

Have you groomed someone to take the reins in your absence?

I have “manualized” the operations so there is a responsible person at every stage of the production. The Quality Assurance Supervisor together with the Production Supervisor makes sure the cheese room runs smoothly so I just enjoy the best part, which is making cheeses.

My daughter Ingrid who is taking up Food Tech in Diliman will take over operations when she graduates. She is a working student now and takes cheese making during school break.

What’s it like for you away from the cheese room?

Now that my kids are practically adults needing less of my supervision, I get to perfect my craft. I get to travel to educate myself more and get to market my product, too.

The demand of growing a business is great and to stay on top of my game I need to be ahead of the next guy so I have to be a cheesemaker and an entrepreneur.

So yes, I probably have no life outside of the cheese room, but I am having so much fun.

Yes, I noticed that even at your socials Malagos Farmhouse cheese is in the affair. Is there an instance when you get social life sans cheese?

I look at it as an affirmation of the quality of the product. I also get to enjoy some personal time with friends sans the cheeses, but I also get asked about them, like asking, “how are the kids?”

What’s downtime for you? When can you say I am relaxing and living my life well?

Cooking! I love to cook. When I am in the kitchen, it’s like I am in an orchestra. I am happiest conducting flavors, enjoying ingredients. I am a home buddy but if I have time to travel, I would go back to Switzerland. I love the changing color of autumn with the rock mountains in the background. And the fruits in Aargau!

I’ve seen you transform from wearing an apron to donning a smart set for an affair. What is Olive Puentespina’s style?

I need to fix myself, too. I am most comfortable in jeans or drawstring linen pants, loose cotton or linen blouse, and in clogs, sneakers or traveling boots. I lead a very active lifestyle so my fashion has to work with and around it, and comfortable materials like linen can beat the summer heat.

I choose my pieces well because I will wear them until its “retirement” then I go get myself another set.

No dresses in the closet? Where and how often do you shop?

Only M&S for underwear and the basics. I like the convenience of shopping at Marks & Spencer because they carry a complete line of clothing offering a wide array of tops and bottoms I can choose from. I am such a lazy shopper so I prefer a one-stop shop.

They also have the palette. Marks & Spencer have colors that best suit me. They have a lot of earth tones and I like warm colors.

The linens are light and airy. It’s perfect for summer. It can work during the day and can get me through the casual evening affairs as well.

What will make you wear a dress?

When Bo & I get married again.

Fashion: M&S 2018 Linen Collection available at the Marks & Spencer stores in Ayala Center Cebu
Photography: Brian Dexter Medija
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado
Location: Malagos Farmhouse Cheese Room.

Marks and Spencer has a huge variety of products that you can get for everyone in your family, your manito/manita, friends and loved ones. They have a section full of fashion items and accessories, bath and body products, and my favorite, the food section. Food is probably the best gift to give since it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Here are some of the Marks and Spencer products that you can gift this Christmas.

Digestives

Digestive biscuits layered with milk or dark chocolate. These biscuits are perfect pairing for your afternoon tea or morning coffee. Also comes in plain variant. Perfect gift for our grandparents.

All Butter Cookies

Crunchy, rich and buttery cookies. Comes in Triple Belgian Chocolate Chunk, Pistachio & Almond, Belgian Chocolate Chunk, Reduced Fat Belgian Chocolate Chunk, and Sultana variants.

Extremely Chocolatey Biscuits

These products have more chocolate than biscuit. It comes in bars and rounds variants, and offered in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate flavors.

Operetta

A whole hazelnut surrounded by a rich praline cream and crispy wafer, coated with milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts.

Belgian Chocolate Chunk Cookie Selection

A selection of all butter cookies with Belgian white, dark and milk chocolate chunks.

Wines

Marks and Spencer has a selection of wine gifts that will make the perfect present. They offer wines from France, Italy, and Spain to name a few.

These are just some of gift items that you can find at Marks and Spencer. They also have nicely packaged gift sets to choose from.

Visit Marks and Spencer at the Ground Floor of Ayala Center Cebu.

The first Marco Polo Hotel in the Philippines found its first lady General Manager in Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, a Cebuana with 15 years of hospitality experience. She worked her way up the corporate ladder from Food Beverage Manager to Director of Operations at Cebu City Marriott Hotel, to General Manager at Alegre Hotel in Cebu before accepting her next challenge to move to Davao and manage one of the premier hotels in the city.

She’s been “manning” the helm for more than two years now and by the looks of it, Marco Polo has never been busier, the coming holiday season most especially.

This will be the lady GM’s third Christmas with the property. Let’s get to know Dottie Wurgler –Cronin and what Marco Polo has in store in December.

Where do you credit this increase in activity in your hotel?

The robust and growth in the business in environment in Davao contributes to the increase in business activities for our hotel.  Davao City is a top economic performer and has the highest GDP growth in the country at 9.4%.  The City being the home of our beloved President, Rodrigo R. Duterte attracts people to visit the place for various reasons ranging from political purpose, business investment agendas, leisure visits and group meetings and conventions.

How is the Davao hotel culture similar and different from Cebu’s?

The people, staffs we find in Davao are very warm and gracious and ready to please, the Filipino hospitality culture.  Evident in almost all hospitality places you go to; Cebu is becoming a more a cosmopolitan metropolis and the people tends to be transactional though professional and efficient in their dealings with clients, guests and customers.

Davao has many “jewels” to sell to the outside world, as it has not been in the radar of the many tourists that got attracted to visit Cebu.  It is now coming out to be a place to explore and visit for new and repeat travelers to the Philippines.  Davao is more exotic and I believe a destination that attracts the millennial because of the eco-tourism aspect, and clean and orderly for the older generation; the food is fresh and abundance of fruits.

The diverse culture and heritage of the Filipinos is so rich in Davao region.
Cebu has built its name as a Tourist destination for over 3 decades already and combined with the success in its economic growth, it has been an easier destination to sell for the past 20 years.

Is there an edge to being a woman in the industry?

The nurturing instinct or the intuitive trait of a woman plays significant influence in her decision making complementing her ability to be logical and firm.

At what direction did you take Marco Polo under “a woman’s leadership”?

As a woman I lead with my heart and mind combined, like a mother to her children. Lead with a purpose to transform, to grow the business to be sustainable for the Marco Polo Davao Family, our stakeholders and the community.  Resilient and relentless amidst adversities, we engaged our team and focused on our goals.

What would you say are the contributions of a female GM to the hotel?

The concern for details and desire for our associate’s growth to develop and improved their personal lives and professional career.

On a lighter note, Dottie is noticeably a smart and chic dresser. She wears the dark suit required of a General Manger by day and dons a colored one for hotel-hosted events. On themed nights, she dresses to the occasion: a cheongsam for a Chinese affair, a terno infused with the vibe of a Davao local tribe for a formal soiree or a Chanelesque pink suit accentuated with a tribal accessory for a Davao fete. Dottie does dress up to the occasion. Perhaps to be able to style one’s self in the place of work is one of the perks of being a woman.

This will be your third Christmas in Marco Polo. What should Davao expect from Marco Polo for the holidays?

2017 holidays will be brighter and more meaningful as we wanted to show the resilience of Davao City, from all the challenges we faced this year.

Aside from our Christmas events and food highlights, we are also making this as an opportunity to share our blessings to Marawi as we launch our donation drive for the rehabilitation of the city. We encourage our Davaoeno friends to take part and join us in this endeavor, even in this little way to help our brothers and sisters who were greatly affected by the conflict.

The hotel will “glow and shine” from the façade to the interior of the lobby and the dining outlets.

What’s this year’s theme for the New Year countdown?  

Let ‘s Glow 2018!

And your closet is stocked up for the holidays for sure. What’s your hotel holidays fashion?

Something classy, elegant and trendy, and for the fabric, lacey and sheer.

If you had one wish, how do you want to see the guests dressed for Marco Polo’s grand ball?

Dressed up for a very special occasion with classy, trendy design; sheer, lacey, silk fabric of a long dress, cocktail dress with glitzy accessories. Anything that sparkles!

Fashion: M&S 2017 Holiday Collection available at the Marks & Spencer store in Ayala Center Cebu
Photography: Wizbren Ang
Makeup & Styling: Otoy Mercado
Venue: Marco Polo Davao Presidential Suite.

Press Release

“My day always starts waking up and spending time with my girls. The girls, Michelle, my wife, and our two girls are early risers, so I get to spend some quality family time with them before heading to the office,” shares Tobi.

Tobi is one of Davao’s well-dressed young men, let’s all find out how his manner of dressing changed from being single to becoming a dad.

What’s family time like?

Any time I get to spend with my wife and kids is quality family time for me. Usually, our best moments are those spent at home.

As for fatherhood, it’s is my greatest challenge and responsibility. I hope I’m able to raise good kids, who will become positive contributors to society.

And husband and wife time?

Since our kids are still very young, we barely get our own time. We try to squeeze in a vacation once in a while, otherwise, we just put on our headphones and enjoy watching our favorite TV Shows while the kids are fast asleep.

How about “me” time?

The Angcore Group has Kia, Chevrolet & Mahindra dealerships in the Davao region and General Santos, so I barely have “me” time. But I am a big believer in staying healthy in order to maximize the time you have and what you can do with it. So, I try my best to allocate time for working out. Lately, it’s been rowing, Pilates and HIIT Training three times a week. It clears my mind and gives me the energy to keep up with my kids.

What’s your fashion style?

I used to dabble in more fashion forward and trendy styles when I was much younger, but I’ve since moved on to a more classic look. I always go with what makes me feel comfortable and confident to take on anything. If you call that my signature look, then I’ll go with it.

I was never good at following fashion icons. I see something I like and I get inspired by the look, but I don’t take note of who was wearing it.

Has the closet contents changed much now that you’re married with kids?

I’d say I’m a much more practical dresser these days. When you have kids who are as active as mine, it’s difficult to maintain a blazer, well pressed shirt or polished leather shoes. I used to travel with all those items checked. Nowadays, I accessorize with a hip seat carrier, diaper backpack, cargo pants & sneakers.

I wear polo shirt, jeans or slacks and loafers during the day, and when there are nice events, I don’t mind putting on a good suit every now and then. I always try to dress appropriately for every occasion.

Who shops for you?

I do a lot of my own shopping and do it when I have to, so it’s not that often. I try to limit my clothes to what I can wear and let go of items I no longer use.

Do you set a price limit when shopping for clothes?

I always look at value for money, so price is relative. I buy things of good value, and I never spend on something I’m not comfortable wearing. If I have to worry about damaging what I’m wearing, and have to be extra careful, then it’s too expensive for me. I usually buy brands that feel & look good and stay that way for quite a while.

Your Lola Pat (Montemayor) is an avid M&S shopper. How does M&S appeal to you?

M&S will always be relevant and it appeals to all generations. But personally, it will always have a special place in my heart, since I bought my first suit from their Shangri-la branch for my junior prom a few decades ago.

What important piece of clothing should a dad have in his wardrobe?

Comfortable shoes, and maybe a good watch that tells you when it’s time to go home.

Still looking for a Father’s Day gift? Checkout M&S 2017 Summer Collection available at the Marks & Spencer store in Ayala Center Cebu for a selection of trendy pieces that are perfect for hardworking and loving Dads.

Fashion: M&S 2017 Summer Collection
Photography: Wizbren Ang
Styling: Otoy Mercado