CEBU, Philippines - Her petite frame notwithstanding, it's always easy to spot Tessa Prieto-Valdes in all the must-see events that crowd her A-list socialite calendar. Her larger-than-life ensembles could get a whole conversation going and stop traffic at any given moment.
For someone who considers mega platforms, intricate headpieces, colorful wigs, Swarovski-encrusted fake eyelashes, piles of accessories and volumes of fabric (whew!) as typical ensemble — how would she possibly design homes if given the free hand to construct brand-new ones in the span of 10 days? Will the homes intended for deserving lucky recipients end up as flamboyant, extravagant and avant-garde as the artist behind it?
After hosting Luxx Vudu's “The Shoe Must Go On” fashion show last June 8th to officially launch Shandar shoes (A rabid shoe-hoarder, Tessa is the first ever client of the custom-made Shandar shoe line owned by Cebuano jewelry and shoe designer Mark Tenchavez. Shandar shoes are available online at www.shandarshoes.com, Bergamo, Banilad Town Center and in Facebook. For appointments, visit Ronald Enrico's shop or call 09276805066.), Tessa excitedly talked to The FREEMAN about TV 5's upcoming reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” where she takes on the role of resident interior designer, along with other personalities.
The widely-followed reality show broadcast over 185 countries including the USA, is one of the franchises of Endemol, a known producer of reality hits like “Big Brother” and “Deal or No Deal.” It has been picked up by the Kapatid network as a series of 12 monthly specials, to be hosted and co-produced by Paolo Bediones.
Along with Tessa, real estate executive/model Divine Lee and the United Architects of the Philippines are confirmed members of the design team. Twelve deserving families will be the beneficiaries of twelve brand new homes which will be built to give them a new start in life.
"It's set to be aired this October but we've already started taping because it takes really long to renovate the house. While in the US show, they can do it in a week, we can't do that here in the Philippines! And of course, expect to see me in full regalia even if we'll be taping in the slums," shares Tessa, who was dressed that evening in a seaweed green creation by Cebuano designer Ronald Enrico, a purple headpiece by Hot Mamma and bling by Cebu-based brand SEPA.
Tessa is an Interior Design graduate from the College of Notre Dame and had taken an Architecture course at the University of Sto. Tomas. The philanthropist and mother of four has since designed houses and interiors for establishments and residences. When QTV 11 was still on the air, she also hosted a show on the channel titled "House Life," where she professionally gave tips on how to decorate the home.
Over the years, the US reality show has been criticized for their over-the-top makeovers, which sometimes resulted to the family selling the home as they could no longer afford the expensive upkeep. Tessa explained that TV5 producers have found a way to avoid the same problem.
"We will also be providing livelihood to the family so they'll have a means to maintain their reconstructed home. It is only in the Philippine edition where that is being done. They will also be made to sign a clause not to sell," said the society page favorite.
The other beneficiary families are still being searched, so interested applicants can send a summary of their family’s current situation and convince producers on what makes their condition unique. Or one can nominate somebody who they think deserves an extreme home make-over. Families eligible to receive the makeover are those with extraordinary, inspiring stories; in desperate need of extreme improvement to their homes; and must legally own the property to be renovated.
To join, one can send their story and photos at exhetv5@gmail.com or call 6515300 local 5502. (FREEMAN)