Mons Romulo-Tantoco: Service with style

MANILA, Philippines - Every Sunday, Mons Romulo-Tantoco’s column, “Words Worth,” in the The Philippine STAR asks personalities and celebrities one question on an issue, ranging from the trivial to the theoretical. Though these are entertaining, to say the least, and inspiring to read, revealing bits and pieces of a certain persona, these weekly features don’t say much about the person who writes them.

It doesn’t really reveal that Mons Romulo-Tantoco, apart from being a writer, is a woman devoted not only to her husband Sander Tantoco and three teenage children Simon, Cara and Cheskie, but also to a bevy of causes, most of them she had entered as the leading woman of Pasig, holding “first lady” status to her brother, Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo. Some causes, however, Mons has been involved with for years.

What her column does tell us is that she is firmly entrenched in society as part of a family that has been in politics for decades. Her dad, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, has been in government service since the Eighties. (Mons, herself, started her government career in the ’80s, working for six years for Radio TV Malacañang or RTVM under then President Cory Aquino.) But then, even this can be misunderstood. Many people don’t — or refuse to — realize that women in society have a much bigger responsibility than just looking good in glossies; that their contribution to society is a lot more far-reaching than we realize. Mons, for one, is co-chair of Pink for Life, a foundation that aids breast cancer patients. She also works in organizations that work with promoting women’s causes, feed malnourished children, and educate the less fortunate on Christian values.

And we also don’t realize that style is as much a function of politics as diplomacy. That, yes, sometimes you have to look good as much as you have to network well and speak well. That every organization needs a spokesperson who can draw donors and sympathizers in. That Mons is, really, doing a lot than just appearing in magazines and writing Sunday columns. And that these don’t negate good action or intent.

They say politics is tricky. It is. But Mons Romulo-Tantoco, a master of diplomacy, makes is seem so easy.

The Philippine STAR: What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

MONS ROMULO-TANTOCO: I think and thank God.

What keeps you awake at nights?

Work. .

What is your most treasured possession?

Family pictures. You can’t turn back the hands of time; every picture can remind me of those happy moments with my loved ones, most especially my kids.

What’s your favorite quote?

It’s from Archbishop Socrates Villegas who said, “Tita Cory teaches us: I died last year. Someday you will die, too — mamamatay rin kayo — sooner than you think. All things will end but do not be afraid. God will always be there for you without end. God is more than enough!”

What are you obsessing over right now?

How to be a better person for my kids and for others.

What book has inspired you the most?

The Rule of Benedict by Joan D.Chittister, OSB, and The Purpose Driven Life by Joel Osteen.

Describe your personal dress code.

I don’t really mind wearing an outfit over and over and over again for as long as it is still fit to wear. Lately, I’ve been into dresses and high heels, but a few months ago I was always in jeans, T-shirts, and more into accessories.

Where do you love to shop?

I don’t really have time to shop. But my friend Michelle from Adora texts me from time to time and sets aside clothes she feels would fit me. Otherwise, when I have the time, I go to Itsie Bitsie, Bench, Gap, and Zara.

Who are your no-fail designers?

I prefer Manuel Canovas and Shanghai Tang for foreign designers. But our local designers are still the best. For formal wear, I go to Dennis Lustico, Inno Sotto, and Cary Santiago, and for casual wear, I really love the designs of Tarte Tatin by Mandy dela Rama Santos, and Tala by Mavis Fuentabella.

Where would you go to find the best bargains?

Bench, Zara, Gap, and Forever 21.

What is your shopping style? Are you a practical or impulsive shopper?

Practical. Having two teenage girls, who usually raid my closet, is also an advantage because we get to share and maximize the clothes.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

If only for a moment, and it has to be with my loved ones, it would be Siem Reap. I was there with my family in June of last year and I went back with my husband and friends the month after. It felt so peaceful and relaxing. Everyone was nice and you can feel the Cambodians’ sense of pride and love for their country. I also wouldn’t mind living in Paris. But there is no place that can compare with our country! I wouldn’t exchange it for any other part in the world. I’m proud to be a Filipino!

What are your travel essentials?

My Benedictine cross, which makes me feel protected and safe, the Daily Gospel 2010, vitamins and lipstick.

Where else do you dream of traveling?

Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I would like to take my dad and mom.

What is your main purpose in traveling?

We all have very busy lives in Manila so traveling gives me quality time with my family. It gives us time to be all together just enjoying each other’s company, shopping and trying new restaurants.

If you could go back to one moment in your past, when would it be and why?

My six years serving in the government of former President Corazon Aquino.

What is the most important thing politics or coming from a family of politicians has taught you?

Humility and genuine service to others. Power is fleeting. Remember the people who were with you from the start because it is them whom you can depend on the moment you step out of power.

If you could bring together three people in one dinner, who would they be?

The late Senator Ninoy Aquino, the late President Corazon Aquino and P-Noy. I would like to listen to the advice Senator Ninoy and President. Cory would give their son now that he is our president. I want to listen to them speak on how well their kids turned out to be. I also want to hear what P-Noy has to tell them. Having three great leaders from one family in one table would be an honor!

As the “first lady” of your brother Pasig representative Roman T. Romulo, what are some of the projects you’ve been working on?

Feeding programs for malnourished children, and livelihood projects to empower our women. I hope to organize value formation and Christian values seminars in the barangays. But this is not much compared to just some of the many projects my brother has accomplished in Pasig City.

How did you get involved with Pink For Life?

One of my best friends Irene Martel Francisco invited me to join the foundation. She explained to me that the Pink For Life Foundation aims to help with the chemotherapy expenses of less-fortunate Filipino men and women with stage one and two breast cancer. I liked the approach of having a solution to a problem.

Do you support other causes?

I’m also the chairperson for Responsableng Pasigueño. We have had successful feeding programs for malnourished kids and livelihood projects for women. I work together with Irene Francisco; we’re both board members for Child Protection Network Foundation which assists and protects the rights of battered children.

I was also previously vice chair for Bantay Bata 168.

How do you deal with political intrigue?

Prayers. For as long as you’re doing what you feel is best for the greater majority and trust and surrender to Him, then there is no way you can go wrong.

What qualities do you admire most in a person?

Humility, intelligence and honesty.