Through the years, the Prietos have made it a point to give back, prioritizing the value and importance of charity. Here, we feature four generations of this respected clan, their views on the changing roles of women in society, their hopes for the future, and how the love of family is their true treasure.
Hailing from one of the country’s most prominent families, she’s a dazzling figure in Manila’s social scene, both literally and figuratively. Often garbed in showstopping couture gowns, paired with an equally intricate coterie of headpieces and accessories, Tessa Prieto has been making the world her runway for as long as we all can remember. And yet the real treasure lies within this self-confessed maximalist and co-founder of the Red Charity Gala – a heart of gold committed to helping others.
It is something Tessa shares was imparted to her by her parents, and are values she endeavors to pass on to her children. “Everything that I’ve learned as far as like giving back and charities, that’s my mom’s side. And then my generosity with other people, and my social being is I think from my dad. So I’m like a happy combination of both of them. And I’m hopefully passing it on to my kids,” Tessa says.
Hailing from the respected Rufino-Prieto clan, Tessa is the daughter of Marixi Rufino-Prieto, and Alex “Poplex” Prieto, who turns 88 this year. She has two daughters who join her in this shoot with Lifestyle Asia, Jordan, 26, and Athena, 19. She likewise has two sons, Tyrone, 28 and her eldest Bryan, 38, who is married to Tinkay Crespo with whom he has two children, Louie and Naiara. Their family has long been active in both philanthropy and in business, with interests in real estate, paper milling, as well media and publishing, among others.
The Joys of Family
Having four generations of a distinguished family posing together with such élan is indeed a testament to unconditional love. Through life’s ups and downs, it is these unshakeable bonds that tide us through. “Family means being there for each other when they need [you]. But also giving them the freedom to do what they want,” declares Marixi.
At 83 years young, the matriarch with 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren, has seen it all. She recalls growing up during a different time, sharing with nostalgia and amusement at how dates had even been chaperoned. Nonetheless, she reckons how important it is to always evolve. “Times have changed. And I know that the way I see things is different from the way they see their things,” she says. “I’m not a demanding mother or grandmother, and I think they know that. But I’ll always be there when they need me, and I know when that is.”
The Prietos are also big on family gatherings and quality time. Growing up, Athena’s fondest memories were family Sunday dinners at her grandmother’s house. “Whenever my cousins and I visit, she always makes sure we’re comfortable and well fed. And when she asks about our lives, I can see that she genuinely cares about what we have to say,” shares Jordan. “She also devotes so much to her charity work. And it’s so inspiring to see how many lives have been transformed because of it.”
The sisters also love spending time just hanging out, eating together, or doing pottery or arts and crafts. Athena likewise cherishes their family’s values. “Perseverance and kindness,” says Athena, are their most important ones. “I think these values are preserved through always extending love to each other, even when things are difficult.”
Fashion For A Cause
It is indeed a cornerstone of the Prieto family to be of service to others, especially those most in need. In fact, Tessa was in Iloilo during the interview, attending the graduation of their scholars from high school. These she had supported along with the Assumption HS 81 Foundation, as well as through funds from the Red Charity Gala.
Tessa is of course one of the founders of the Red Charity Gala, along with Kaye Tinga. Now on its 12th edition, the prestigious fashion show seeks to highlight and support the work of Filipino designers. Inadvertently, it also gives the artisans, sewers, and beaders, additional employment. Furthermore, the show is a philanthropic endeavor. Funds raised benefit the Philippine Red Cross, as well as various other charities and housing projects. This year’s show at Shangri-La-The Fort will likewise feature its first ever female designer, Lulu Tan Gan.
Tessa shares that because she dresses so spectacularly, and due to her involvement with the Red Charity Gala, she has been able to forge friendships with a lot of designers. The younger ones in particular would approach her to ask her to give them an opportunity as well. “And of course, I buy the whole collection,” she declares, always keen on discovering and helping out up-and-coming talent.
She counts Rajo Laurel, Dennis Lustico, and Cherry Veric among her closest designer friends. She has also worked with the likes of Michael Cinco and Ezra Santos. “All of a sudden I’m their muse, and whenever I go abroad, I’m like promoting Philippine fashion,” she declares.
READ ALSO: For A Brighter Tomorrow: The Red Charity Gala Makes Its Triumphant Return
Artistic License
It’s easy to see how these creative souls would be drawn to Tessa, who’s always been able to pull off even the most elaborate looks. “I think I’ve heard people say, only Tessa can get away with it. And I have,” she professes. When asked about her secret, she says, “I think it’s my unapologetic self. And my extreme confidence in who I am.”
“I dress like life, over the top, you know,” she declares, eager to make the most of every moment. “I dress to express my artistic essence.”
And in as much as fashion had been a vehicle for Tessa’s self-expression, it has also been a way for couturiers to flex their sartorial muscles. Whenever she has something bespoke made, Tessa gives designers carte blanche, as she believes that the lack of restrictions allows their creativity to thrive. “I tell them, whatever you cannot do with your normal clients, debut, wedding, or whatever, [just] let your imagination come to fruition. And I’ll wear anything,” she says. “I want to be the client wherein, just as long as I can walk in it, I can wear it.”
As a columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and a vivacious social butterfly, Tessa does indeed attend a lot of events. This has resulted in an almost unquantifiable amount of outfits and accessories that have taken over rooms of her house. As a result, she has taken to hosting pop-up sales with Kaye Tinga. “We have this quarterly sort-of luxe garage sale. And then the funding is also for the Red Charity Gala,” she reveals.
Tessa likewise shares how she had endeavored to help many scholars at Slim’s Fashion and Arts school, during the time of the late Sandy Higgins.
Generations of Giving
If Tessa and her family are such giving souls, it can perhaps be largely attributed to her mother Marixi. “Mom’s in a different league,” the proud daughter fondly jests. And while many of her contemporaries may be resting on their laurels, Marixi is still active in their businesses and charities. “I still play golf three times a week, at 6 o’clock in the morning. I go to work every day,” Marixi declares. “I love working. I don’t consider it work.”
The philanthropist believes that “to those who much is given, much is expected.” And while her family has long been involved in premium real estate development, she makes sure to also construct low cost housing to make home ownership more accessible. She is also proud of their efforts to support the Sisters of Mary Schools. Founded in 1985 by Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, it has campuses in Cavite and Cebu, and now branches in various countries.
The congregation’s main goal is the establishment of schools and homes that give children not only free secondary education, but also food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. “They’ve graduated almost 60,000 to 70,000 students who are now in society working. Some [even] doctors and lawyers,” Marixi proudly shares of these institutions selflessly run by the nuns. “What you need to do is educate people, so that they can have a better tomorrow,” she says.
Aside from a focus on academics, the school also provides vocational training, and helps the children develop confidence. “You know when they graduate, because they’re already 18 by the time they graduate, most of them are employed. You have to see, you won’t believe it when you see these kids,” Marixi excitedly continues. “They not only improve, but their whole barangay earns from them making something of themselves.”
Ahead Of Their Time
Marixi is indeed a trailblazer, having chosen to have a career during a time when most married women were expected to be homemakers. “She is the smartest and most forward-thinking person I know,” declares her granddaughter Jordan. Nonetheless, she had been able to balance this with the roles of being a mother and a wife.
Tessa, likewise, marches to the beat of her own drum, and wants to dispel stereotypes about women her age. “I want to promote what is still available out there [in your 60’s],” says Tessa. Instead of an emoji of a lady with a cane, she wants women her age to be represented by other symbols. Like perhaps, she says, a girl with a champagne glass, or one carrying weights.
She is planning to start a new online platform where she can delve more deeply into inspirational and informative topics. This of course leverages her experience in communication, with her having been a columnist at her family’s newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, for 25 years. Here she aims to uplift by spreading positivity and highlight businesses, as well as the beauty of the Philippines.
Tessa also writes a second column centered on property and interior design. Unbeknownst to many, the vibrant social media star is also a licensed interior designer. Although, she now focuses on her philanthropy and other careers.
A New Genesis
All this, and more, is what Tessa calls a new phase in her life. With her marriage of 26 years suddenly ending, and the problematic relationships she’s had to endure, the past season has been tumultuous for her. And through all that, she has chosen to rise like a phoenix, an apt metaphor for a woman who has weathered storms and yet emerges resplendent each time.
“Family has, and is still, playing a big role in my life. In and out of relationships, they’re still the most stable ground that I will always have,” she shares. Tessa is grateful for the unconditional love and support of her parents, and her children, that have allowed her to overcome her trials.
In her journey towards healing, a friend had shared with her a book that likened the feeling of loss to a pie with a missing piece. “And we look for that piece of pie to fit that,” Tessa says, only to eventually realize that you were always complete. “You’re always evolving your circle. It’s like clay, you mold it again and it becomes whole again. So you’re not anymore missing something in your life.”
And with this she believes, you find yourself complete, and find people who are also whole. “It’s just a matter of you both spinning in the same direction, with the same values, with the same energy,” she maintains.
Grandma Knows Best
Tessa is likewise relishing her new role as a “Glamma” to Bryan and Tinkay’s children. She also admits to at times spoiling 4-year-old Louie. “He looks at me like I’m shopping,” Tessa jokes.
As for Naiara, she hopes for her a long, healthy, and worthy life centered on God and family. “I wish she be granted all the opportunities this world has to offer, and make a positive difference just like her mother, grandmother and great grandmother,” Tessa says of one of Lifestyle Asia’s youngest cover stars. “But at one and a half years old, I just wish she is happy and gives me a hug always!”
Inspiring Endeavors
Tessa’s daughters have likewise grown up wonderfully and are forging their own paths. Jordan has moved to Siargao, where she is exploring both her artistic and entrepreneurial sides. She opened a ceramics studio where she creates sculptures inspired by the ocean and nature, sharing it on social media at @ariadnes.web.
She also runs two businesses, one being a restaurant and bar called Nāga (@naga.siargao). “Our kitchen prides itself on fusing the bold, rustic flavors of the West with the subtlety and warmth of Filipino cuisine,” Jordan shares. They make all dishes from scratch using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They also make it a point to feature fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients. And her other venture is a charming boutique hostel called Copacabana (@copacabana.iao).
She also designs women’s surf wear using recycled materials through her brand Junior Varsity (@juniorvarsitysurf), inspired by a need for swimwear tailored to the sport. “I have dreams of this brand becoming a philanthropic outlet. I want to use profits from sales to support environmental cleanups and restoration projects, and to provide sponsorship funds to local Filipina surfers,” she reveals.
Her younger sister Athena, on the other hand, is taking up Creative Arts and Cultural Industries in the SOAS University of London. She dreams of someday being able to promote Filipino art and culture to a more global audience, and admires the organization Kids for Kids PH.
Despite her young age, her Mom Tessa credits her as being someone who really supported her during the difficult period in her life. And according to Athena, “the importance of family, biological or chosen, is to have someone who will look after you no matter what. Having someone to fall back on when things get hard, and love you for who you are.”
Charity, Community, And Family
If there is something Tessa would like the younger generation to learn, it is perhaps resilience. “And love for family,” she adds. “I’ve experienced that really in its core, that no matter what, [you] don’t have to go through it alone.” Her tribulations, she shares, have also brought her even closer to God, and reminded her of the importance of self-love.
Because of her affinity for diving and the underwater world, Tessa has long had the moniker “Sea Princess”. She shares this fascination with her son Tyrone. And together, they are working on a project to support the conservation and protection of Tubbataha reef. “I’m raising money for the rangers [and] we want to upgrade their facilities. So that’s why I started painting. I’m going to have an art show at the end of the year,” declares Tessa, sharing that proceeds will go towards this cause.
Despite her life’s setbacks, Tessa is relieved that she has not lost herself. And in fact, she has maybe become more of who she is. “[It’s] nice that with what I went through…my core has not been shaken,” she reveals. “I still want to, you know, help where it’s possible.”
Jordan loves this about her mother. “My mom has the biggest heart out of anyone I know. She loves as loudly as she dresses, maybe even more. And she always tries to see the good in everybody,” she says.
Inspirational Leadership
When asked who Tessa considers an Alpha or a leader in her life, her answer was undoubtedly her Mom, Marixi. “My Mom has taught me, really that you’re given so much. So we should really just be sharing as much as we can,” she attests. She likewise sees herself as the leader of her own life, reflective of her self-empowered journey.
Indeed her grandchildren Jordan and Athena think the world of her. “Mamarixi is our pillar and will forever be my inspiration,” declares Athena, who calls her Lola by her pet name.
Jordan likewise shares her sincere regard for her grandmother. “Though I highly respect her business acumen, what I really admire the most is how she cares for the people she loves,” says Jordan. Tessa’s philanthropy has also rubbed off on her daughters. “Growing up around my Mom’s charity work had undoubtedly instilled in me the importance of helping others. What my Mom does with the Red Charity Gala is so inspiring. Especially the way she can rally supporters from all over the country to donate to a cause,” shares Jordan.
Marixi, on the other hand, has professed her admiration for her father, who had lost his parents at 17 and therefore had to work hard at a young age. Thus Marixi’s passion for business, as well as her drive to truly make the most of one’s life, is also inspired by him. She’s also keen on leading by example, and paying attention even to the simplest of things. “I don’t ask anybody to do anything I wouldn’t do,” Marixi shares.
The Future is Female
Marixi is grateful for a family that’s on the right track. “They’re fine, and if they’re not, they’ll find a way to get back in track. Because they have their parents, and their cousins who will help them get on track,” she says, again emphasizing the importance of positive family values.
Despite their youth, both Jordan and Athena are growing up with an awareness of what’s happening around them, and a desire to help. “It’s moving to see how much impact we can make in the life of a person, and watching those blessings spread from one person, to one family, to one community. It’s all part of raising up a community, and it really takes all of us,” declares Jordan.
Societal expectations have indeed evolved, allowing women greater independence. And with a more significant role in society, the Prieto women have chosen to use their time and influence to help others, whilst still caring for family.
The changes have likewise given rise to more challenges, and new ones at that. But instead of focusing on endings, Tessa believes that it’s never too late to do or be what you want, whatever one’s age. She says her renewed purpose and focus now goes beyond just a mere chapter, as she has much more to accomplish. As she says, “It’s never too late to start a new book.”
Text MARIANE PEREZ
Photos KIM SANTOS OF KLIQ
Sittings Editor CANDY DIZON
Creative Director PAOLO TORIO
Hair and Makeup BAMBBI FUENTES, assisted by JEFF CORPUS and ANNA MACO
Stylist ROKO ARCEO
Shoot Coordination MAE TALAID
