Celia, 48, has had a long association with Spain, having lived there for 25 years. When she returned to Manila in 1997, she worked for two years with the Spanish Trade Office organizing fairs to bring investors to Manila. She continues to organize events, this time as a partner and investor for Solution Station, whose next party, the homecoming celebration for the Asian Institute of Management’s 600 guests, is keeping our 5’3" bachelor busy.
Charming and elegant Celia pauses here to comment on having a massage, polished shoes and meditating.
Which living person do you admire most?
Pope Paul II. He has to regenerate Christianity all over the world and find a way to attract the flock back.
What is your most fervent wish?
I have very strong ideas about ecology and how to clean up our city, solve the garbage problem and conserve our forests. In our village, we started composting. It all boils down to education.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I sleep on it when I can’t resolve it immediately.
Where would you like to live?
On my farm in Valencia, Negros Oriental, at the foot of the mountain. The weather is like Baguio. Everything grows there, thanks to volcanic soil.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Tin Tin, the Belgian boy. He travels, solves problems and enjoys himself.
What is your greatest fear?
Being sick and alone. Illness is my worst fear. I had asthma in Spain and realized then that being sick alone abroad is difficult.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Ningas cogon. I feel that I need to follow through whether it is to close the deal or call a friend.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty. I take a person at his face value so a handshake to close the deal is enough for me.
How do you start your day?
Walking my two black Pug dogs. They are my babies. They scratch on the door about 6 a.m. to wake me up.
What is your motto?
"Just do it. Follow through." I put this on my mirror.
What is your current state of mind?
Crossroads in terms of career and my status as a single person.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
My career. If I had taken up economics or commerce, I would be more business minded. I don’t think of how to make money.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Having a massage twice a day when possible.
What sounds do you love?
Chirping of birds. Rain splattering on the roof.
What is the first thing you look at when you see a man?
His hands. I like a good grip. His shoes to see if they are polished. Then I size him up.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Hotel Formentor in Palma Mallorca, Spain in 1973. I was with my Spanish boyfriend in a beautiful place.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty. No self-esteem.
What is your favorite journey?
Meditating.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Respect. If he can respect other people, that means he knows how to respect himself as well.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Sincerity. One has to be true to herself.