Agnes Huibonhoa: Consul extraordinary

MANILA, Philippines - If that old adage — you are your home — still rings true, then Agnes Huibonhoa is a reflection of her residence. Designed by Cynthia and Ivy Almario, the cream-colored suite of rooms that make up her apartment, filled with comfortable couches, romantic bric-a-brac, elegant floral bouquets in each corner and dramatic lighting, reveal plenty about our Consul to Gambia. 

The soothing cream furniture, pastel floral paintings by Isabel Diaz and moody watercolors by Severino are mirrored in Agnes’s wardrobe, an eclectic mash of painterly prints by Louis Vuitton, lace-lined outfits by Natori and subtly sexy second-skin pants by D&G.

As a globetrotter who frequents spots like Provence regularly (her daughter is studying theater there), her clothes are as well-traveled as she is.

In fact, it was during one of her jaunts to Europe a few years ago that she was invited by a businessman acquaintance to visit Africa. On the trip to The Gambia, a small West African country close to Senegal, she met and charmed the President, Dr. Alhaji A J. J. Jammeh, who encouraged her to open ties between their countries. “We had a long dialogue about the Philippines and an exchange of ideas when we first met,” Agnes says. “Shortly after, he called me and insisted that he wanted to establish cooperation and strengthen ties between the countries, thus my appointment.”

Since then, she has helmed a state visit from The Gambian commander-in-chief and, at the moment, is working on trade deals (“We’re trying to export coconut oil since it has so many healing properties,” Agnes says) and sending OFWs, such as English teachers and medics, to Africa.

There’s talk of sending jeepneys to The Gambia, too. “Our countries share so many similarities — the weather, for one — it’s wet and dry there,” says Agnes, “so it makes sense to use jeepneys as transport, too.”

Agnes’s work as consul takes up only a fraction of her heavily packed schedule. Aside from overseeing fastfood franchises and taking on a big part of the family’s real estate business, Agnes devotes much of her time to charity work, including assisting in the restoration of the Manaoag church, helping street kids in the Sta. Teresita area and White Cross Bahay Ampunan in Don Bosco and Gawad Kalinga, to name a few. “In my heart, I feel so blessed,” Agnes says. “I need to give back to society.”

Philippine STAR goes through the closet of this consul, who was chosen one of the Best Dressed in 2009, and discovers the secret to a better travel wardrobe (hint: “Fewer high heels!”)

PHILIPPINE STAR: Favorite country to visit?

AGNES HUIBONHOA: France. My daughter goes to school there now. Food, shopping, art, culture. Everything and everyone is beautiful!

Favorite hotel?

Four Seasons in Hong Kong because I have a lot of fond memories with my sisterhood traveling group.

Favorite memory from your travels? 

Family trip to Europe where everyone, from my mother to my siblings to my nephews and nieces and nannies, were all together as we traveled through Europe. There are times when one or two are missing but that time we were complete.

Worst travel experience?

Trip to Rome to visit the Pope because our luggage was lost.

What are your three travel essentials? 

Sunblock, sneakers, rosary, cell phone.

Do you dress differently when you travel?

Yes. More comfortable and practical. Fewer high heels, less jewelry.

How have your travels influenced your worldview? 

I am much more open-minded and also much more fascinated by the different cultures.

In your opinion, what defines a stylish woman? 

Grace and class. Being able to carry your own style with dignity and pleasure. Appreciating the same in other women.

What’s the essential difference between how you dress for work and for pleasure?

For pleasure, it is always more frilly and fun. For work, it must be serious and sober, although always with little splashes of color and femininity.

How would you classify your personal style?

Classic with modern touches.

What do you wear to the supermarket?

Jeans, a casual top and loafers. Casual but smart.

What do you wear to work?

For a business meeting, a smart Chanel suit.

What do you wear when traveling?

All black, smart-casual but must be comfortable with a huge bag to stuff all essentials in! 

What are the elements of the perfect wardrobe? 

The outfit, the shoes, the right bag, the perfect jewelry.

What’s the one thing a stylish woman should have?

A proper pair of pearl earrings and necklace.

Best sartorial advice from your parents? 

My mother would tell me: “Find your own style and refine it.” Keep yourself up to date with fashion but never force it. Always make it your own style.

Anyone you’ve looked up to in fashion since you were a kid?

My Tita Viring Guingona. She was always so well put-together. I learned to love dressing from her.

Three things you own that define your style?

Jeans, pearls, Chanel bags.

What do you never leave home without? 

Sunblock and cell phone (laughs).

Item in your closet you cherish the most? 

Jewelry handed down from my mother.

What do you wear every day? 

Jeans and sunblock!

What would you never be caught dead in?

Leaving the house not properly groomed and attired. 

What was your first designer purchase?

LV bag.

What is your no-fail outfit?

Jeans!

What do you feel best wearing? 

My lingerie at night, of course.

Bags or shoes?

Difficult choice. I’d have to say both as they go hand in hand. 

Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?

Classic. Work with your body. Never forget jewelry!

Most unforgettable present you’ve received? 

Gifts given to me by my daughter. 

Your best shopping secret when traveling abroad?

Pick a few quality items, not quantity.