CEBU, Philippines - After nine years of being Mayor of Toledo City, Arlene Espinosa Zambo still rides the waves of politics, this time, taking the easy-breezy sail as Vice Mayor. The forty-something dynamic public servant goes beyond the political veil as she bares seven things you need to know about her.
1 - Facebook and Twitter
Her early morning quick fix is a coffee and Facebook combo. Virtually connected daily, VM Zambo maintains two social networking accounts in FB and Twitter - two of her stress busters. “I update 'em everyday. My Facebook is like my daily diary. I can just share any thoughts. Not necessarily about politics. As much as possible, I don't discuss politics in my account. It's more on my private life. Sometimes I play games (in FB) such as Cityville and Farmville.” For Twitter, she follows Paris Hilton, Karen Davila for news, ANC, Sinugbang Sugbo, her favorite Wise Words Daily (for inspirational quotes), Kris Aquino, among others. "I tweet daily, usually one to two tweets per day. Oftentimes, I RT (re-tweet) quotes." Online detractors are always shooed. She immediately blocks/deletes them from her friends list.
2 - Photography
She's a shutterbug. With her Nikon D90, the hobbyist captures frames of flowers in vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Her love affair with photography had her organize a group of photography hobbyists in Toledo with around 20 members coming from the different government agencies and locals. As the founder of this group, initially formed through Facebook, VM Zambo wishes to support them in future trainings and mount activities that would certainly hone their skills. One successful activity by far was the group's first photowalk held on November 5 which was a well-attended event.
3 - Retail Therapy
Like most women, she finds comfort in shopping. “It's definitely a stress buster. When I travel, I shop!” For the record, her closet doesn't scream much of designer labels or other branded items. “I even shop in Greenhills (one of the shopping meccas in Manila). Wearing expensive clothes doesn't make you who you are. It's how you carry yourself.” Her style? “Edgy and contemporary. Simple. I'm not a flashy dresser. I don't want people to be intimidated because of what I wear.” Aside from being a bag hag herself, VM Zambo fancies jewelry items, mostly in silver and two-toned sets - heirloom pieces she can hand down to her children. “It's an investment. Unlike bags, a jewelry's worth appreciates through time.”
4 - Accounts Teller
Before her foray into the world of politics, this career woman had her hands full with bank transactions as Accounts Teller at PCI Bank. After five years, she shifted to the retail industry as Department Manager in SM City Cebu. “When my mother passed away, I was able to work in the government as my father's private secretary. That started it all.”
5 - Traveler
“Initially, I check Google to get some information on the place. But most of the time, I want to be surprised, adventure gyud. It's better to be surprised rather than expect. I usually end up disappointed. It's better to be surprised, go there to discover and learn.”
The most memorable trip was last year's US tour with hubby for “our nth time honeymoon. It was the time to rediscover each other again.” The New York jaunt was extra special because “it was my first time to try my hand on apple picking and I was surprised to see a real pumpkin!” she gushed. “My ultimate dream though is to go to Europe.” And travel light is her mantra.
6 - Foodie and Kitchen Star
“I love to cook.” Her specialties are salads. “Recently, I tried to master Baby Back Ribs because my children love meat. I also mastered the Apple Pie and pesto pasta. I'm a practical eater. Once in a while you go to hotels for buffet during special occasions. I'm not a picky eater. She even recalled , “In college, I often ate in Larsian. Anha mi mag-date sa akong bana. After a movie, we would go straight to Larsian. I tried chicken skin. Although lately I have avoided eating pork. I concentrated on eating fish and chicken. My cholesterol level ni normal na.”
7 - Liberated Mother
“The reason why I'm in Facebook is because of my children.” So she can get updated with what’s happening in their lives. It's their common ground. “As a mother, I treat them as barkada. I only give them options and present consequences of their actions. It's up to them to decide. At this point, I want them to be independent although we are still around to give our support. We're open. We talk like friends. I can say I'm a liberated mother, soft but firm. I'm lucky to have good children.” What she usually advises her two daughters with regards to the affairs of the heart is: “Be careful lang. Enjoy life. Travel. Work. There's no need to hurry. Don't look for love, love will find you at the right time.” (FREEMAN)