WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY?

I get angry easily, but the emotion also passes by very quickly, so I really can’t think of any. I don’t like getting mad in general. I prefer the silent treatment when I’m really angry at someone.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK HARD?

Nothing motivates me more than proving those who underestimate me wrong.

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

When my husband speaks his broken Tagalog and when he dances. I give names to his moves like: crab dance and cockroach dance — that pretty much gives you an idea of how good of a dancer he is!

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE SMALL?

I wanted to be like Lea Salonga. In retrospect, although not in the performing arts, I guess deep inside, I’ve always wanted to be in the arts and showcase Filipino talent on an international stage.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?

Depending on the amount, I will divide it into four parts — one-fourth will be invested to create a livelihood program behind MANO Savon, especially for Filipino producers of coconut and essential oils so I can showcase the scents native to the Philippines like ylangylang and Sampaguita. I hope to be able to give back to my country; one-fourth to pay our real estate loan; one-fourth to help my family. Continuing the house renovations for my mother, and I will create college funds for my nephews, nieces and young cousins; and one-fourth will be saved in a bank, untouched.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEAL WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD THEY BE?

I will share a cup of coffee with my father whom I lost in 2016. I will tell him the colorful story of my life abroad so far and how the deep sense of loss and grief he left, mixed with the nostalgia and homesickness from the Philippines gave birth to my craft.

I started experimenting with soaps in 2020 also as a form of healing during Covid lockdown. But mostly, I will just listen to him and soak up all the wisdom and life lessons I can learn from him.

WHAT’S THE MOST DARING THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?

Moving abroad for love! With my beginner’s French, no work contract, no professional network, no friends or relatives, just the faith in our marriage.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

“Forcez Votre Destin” (Force Your Destiny) by Anthony Bourbon.

He is one of the investor’s in the French version of Shark Tank (“Qui Veut Être Mon Associé?”). From living on the streets at 16 years old and rising against all odds, built a fortune through his different business at 35 years old.

WHAT CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?

Anthony Bourbon, and to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime meeting, I will prepare a deck and pitch my business so he can invest in it. And I will not let him leave without giving me an answer (even if it’s a no) or connecting me to a business contact!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER DO AGAIN?

I feel like putting here the same answer as my answer on the most daring thing I’ve done. But seriously, even if it was a long road (five years) for me to really adjust, accept and carve my path here in France, I guess without all those difficulties, I won’t be able to get where I am now. So nothing, no regrets, I will do it all again!

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I see myself still being based in Lyon, raising children with my husband, growing my business and leading a bi-contental life with regular trips to the motherland.