Complete happiness
MANILA, Philippines - The world offers a lot of opportunities especially in this fast-paced day and age. Juggling one’s career and family life is no walk in the park. But for Elvira “Tootsy” Echauz-Angara, it’s all about keeping herself focused and knowing what her priorities are.
Married to Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara for nine years now, Tootsy shares, “Our relationship is based on understanding and support. With his job, it’s very stressful. There should be a steady companion who will listen and give unconditional support to him. I’m always on his side.” Her husband is required to constantly travel to Aurora province and not once did she complain. Constant communication and understanding is key, she says. “It helps that I am also busy with work and our three kids.”
Tootsy, an ABS-CBN executive for advertising and sales, admits that having a balanced time with work and kids is a constant struggle, “When I’m at work, I’m missing something with the kids. Sonny tells me, ‘You know what, when you work and the kids see that, it’s a beautiful thing’.” With that, they make sure that their kids understand the value of hard work and that money does not grow on trees.
As a loving and affectionate mom to her kids Manolo, eight; Ines, seven; and Javier, one, Tootsy says that she is more of a friend to them. She makes it a point to grab every opportunity to bond with the kids even after a long day’s work. During their out-of-town trips, they don’t bring yayas so they can cherish their togetherness and closeness as a family.
Every day is a blessing for Tootsy especially after she successfully underwent neurosurgery last year when her doctors found a tumor in her skull. “That was a difficult ordeal. That’s a time when you prioritize which is important.” And for her, it is her family.
Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara and Tootsy with their kids Manolo, Javier and Inez. “Having my family is my complete happiness. At the end of the day, I drop everything for them,” says Tootsy. Photography by Jeffrey Sonora • Hair and makeup by Arman Mista for Ever Bilena • Styling by Niño S. Mas • Shot on location at FPJ Studios, Quezon City.
