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The Interview With The Boss |
To start with, let's talk about you
I was born in Sampaloc, in dowtown Manila. My father was an illustrator and my mother was a sewer. Everything was going fine until Marcos regime got in the picture: publishing companies closed down and my father lost his job. To cut the story short, we ended up living in the squatters area of Sampaloc and it lasted until the end of my studies... and eventually ended up here in France!
But what is a Filipina doing here in France?
(laughs) Actually, I got married to a French guy and ... that's it!
So, going back to your childhood, how was it? It must have been a hard life?
Well, actually, despite what you would imagine, even if we did not always have food on the table, I had quite a happy childhood! I was lucky to have a very loving family and parents that were very supportive of our studies.
What was your best childhood memory?
I have plenty...I remember that we used to live in a garage and everytime it rained the entire place was flooded. It was a lot of fun for us because our father had built a bridge and there were many frogs to play with. There was even one time that my father woke up with a frog sleeping on his belly (laughs).
Is it because of these ordeals that you created Capalongas?
Yes...partly. But to be honest about it, there are so many people in my country that have stories much worthy being heard of than mine. There are so many people that are still going through the hardship of having to fight everyday just to be able to find something to put in their mouth. My sisters and I succeeded in finishing our studies because there were people who gave us the chance and opportunity to be able to go to school through their scholarship. And I would just like to return this favor. I sincerely believe there is a way out of poverty.
So what are we expecting for Capalongas?
Well, this project is just starting but it is a project that is very promising in terms of supporting the social and economic development of a community in Philippines. We want to prove that Capalongas is more than just another Fair Trade brand. We want to show that it is possible to be a stylish brand and at the same time be instrumental in contributing to the sustainable development in Philippines. And one thing more, Capalongas would like to redefine Fair Trade fashion by commending greater distinction to the talents of the people we are working with. |
Who We Are 
