Malou Araneta-Romero: Bejeweled with happiness

MANILA, Philippines - “Since I was a kid, I have always liked to create things. I’ve always been appreciative of art, but it wasn’t till I was older that I actively participated in the creation of it,” says Malou Araneta-Romero, a self-taught jeweler and a former fashion model. Instead of being the mannequin for other designers’ pieces, she opted to create her own designs, fueling the birth of jewelry brand Joanique (derived from the names of her two kids, Joaquin and Monique).

She took up a course at the Philippine School of Interior Design. At the time, she gained an understanding of how structure and composition come together.

“I think every artist is driven by a specific passion, which in turn guides the creation of every piece of jewelry that he or she creates. This is what differentiates one jewelry designer from the other. I believe the unique touch comes from my desire to ensure that earrings aren’t just earrings, and rings aren’t just rings,” she shares. “What I truly want is to give women an experience of beauty through the experience of jewelry.”

But diamonds are not this girl’s best friend. People are.

 “I love to laugh because life is too short not to be happy all the time. I love to learn and discover new things.” She also loves being in the kitchen because she gets to experiment. “But my husband is always the final judge for that,” she declares.

Being a mother is her greatest achievement. “Seeing my children grow up and learn new things is fulfillment for me. Hearing them say ‘I love you’ makes my day. I believe the moment the child is born, the mother is born, too,” her eyes sparkle like gems at the thought.

“My family is what inspires me to be the woman that I want to be. They are the ones who drive me to work hard and pursue my dreams. They are my greatest teacher and confidant. They are the ones who keep me grounded,” she says.

For Malou, a family and a set of true friends are still the most precious gems anyone can own.

Photography by RITA MARIE ABIOG • Creative direction

by LUIS ESPIRITU, JR. • Styling by MIKKA VELASQUEZ • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by AVRIL SEGUIN • Jewelry by JOANIQUE • Shot on location at the DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES • Special thanks to the management and staff of Diamond Hotel Philippines