Woman of Style: The life, love and fashion of Patty Betita

MANILA, Philippines - Patty Betita is the quintessential 21st-century woman: modern, independent, successful, fashionable and beautiful, she has it all. I have known Patty for more than 10 years but we became close around six years ago, when she came back to Manila after living several years in California. Corny as it may sound, God brought us together and we have Him to thank for our great friendship.

Patty has lived through some very challenging times and circumstances, all of which she has overcome and triumphed over, with the grace of God and the love and support of family and friends. She is the mother to Emilio, a cheerful, well-rounded boy of 10 years who is the center of her universe. Despite the rather controversial manner by which she became a mother, she has since established a great relationship with JV Ejercito, the father of her son, and the rest of his family, one that is based on mutual respect and love for Emilio.

Since coming back to Manila, she has become one of the most sought-after personality development consultants. Her Thousand Oaks Personality Development Training Center renders image enhancement services to local and multinational companies. She teaches business and social etiquette to entry-level employees, showing them how to become more confident, better dressed and groomed at the workplace. When she is not conducting training sessions, she holds workshops for young girls who wish to become models and acts both as a model coach and talent agent to those who want to enter the world of modeling. On top of all of these she remains a favorite of local fashion designers and participates in most major fashion shows. She is also a popular commercial model, having been chosen just last month by Plains & Prints as one of their endorsers.

In 2008, Patty had the scare of her life when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. As soon as word of her condition broke out, family and friends rallied around her and gave her encouragement, taking turns accompanying her to treatments. With all this positive energy surrounding her, her proactive attitude and immense faith, she fought and won the battle of the big C and is now a healthy, happy and very active survivor.

She has since moved forward with a better appreciation of life and all that it has to offer.  At 41, Patty is forging ahead with optimism and great joy in her multiple roles as mother, mentor, and model.

We sat down for some Q&A with her and this is what she had to say about life, love, health, family and fashion.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How long have you been modeling?

PATTY: On and off for about 22 years now. I still do runway shows and the fashion occasional editorials, but I also do commercial endorsements.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from modeling?

That the key to a long and successful career is professionalism, meaning you come to appointments early or on time, take good care of yourself and treat others with respect.

What is your current state of mind? Heart?

I’ve been craving spicy tuna for three days now! (Laughs) Kidding aside I am happy, thankful and at peace with myself.

If there was one thing you could have done to change your life, what would it be?

I will give priority to having a healthier lifestyle… make more thoughtful, wiser decisions.

What are you most thankful for?

I am thankful to God for keeping me alive and healthy, for allowing me to do the things I love doing and for giving me the opportunity to share my blessings with others.

What are the three things/persons you cannot live without?

Emilio, my mobile phone and my exercise regimen.

How would you describe your personal style during the day and at night?

Comfortable and minimalist; I like wearing jeans with a simple top and ballerina flats or an all-white outfit for the day; I accessorize them with stud or hoop earrings, sometimes a scarf. For client meetings, I opt for a crisp white shirt paired with black trousers and simple accessories. At night, I like wearing LBDs, nice and sexy heels with simple jewelry, a clutch and red lipstick.

What are your most treasured clothing/accessories?

A Cartier Tanc Francaise and IWC Da Vinci watch, Jul Dizon stud earrings, a Jewelmer creamy white pearl necklace and a black Louis Vuitton Speedy Epi leather travel bag.

Where do you do most of your shopping?

Anywhere there’s a big red sale sign! I shop at Zara, SM, Aldo, Bench, Tough, Plains & Prints, H&M, Ramp at Crossings and Forever 21.

Are you a dress or a pants kind of girl?

Depends on my mood, actually.

What is number one on your fashion wish list?

Puwede bang two?  A Silver Cartier Pasha Men’s watch and a Kenneth Cobonpue daybed.

I noticed that you are one girl with a lot of expressions?

“Huh?” “Does that matter?” “Oh my gosh!”  “Eew!” and “Shoot.” Since my dad’s from Iloilo, I also say “ambot sa imo”!

How do you spend your free time?

I do Bikram yoga, Pilates, run or walk on the treadmill and jump on my trampoline for some exercise. Then I schedule a visit to the spa for a massage or enjoy a hearty meal or coffee with friends chatting the time away. I also enjoy surfing the Net on my free time.

What is the biggest fashion boo-boo you’ve committed?

I don’t know if you would consider it a fashion boo-boo, but OMG! Last year a client of mine invited me to their Christmas party and was told that the theme was Michael Jackson. So I excitedly put together an MJ look with matching gloves only to find out that the theme was for the employees and not for the guests! A photographer saw me and approached asking “Ma’am, ano po ang contestant number ninyo? Kailangan nyo pong pumila.” Hay, nakakaloka! I won’t even tell you what happened after.

What won’t you be caught dead wearing?

A Michael Jackson outfit!

What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

Managing talents. I’ve already started doing that.

Who are your favorite Filipino designers?

Randy Ortiz, Pepito Albert, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Jan Garcia and Renee Salud (not necessarily in that order).

High heels, flats, wedges or stilletos?

Flats and wedges.

Which type of accessory are you crazy about these days?

Cocktail rings.

If you had the chance, where would you want to be right now?

Santorini, Greece or the South of France just exploring and learning about the places and their cultures.

What is your fashion pet peeve, if any?

The ’80s look.

Two-piece or one-piece bathing suit?

Two-piece.

How do you feel about passing the age of 40?

Like being reborn.

If you had the chance to model for a foreign-based designer who would you pick?

Monique Lhuillier because she makes any woman look very elegant, feminine and more beautiful with all of her creations.

Which among your clothes, shoes and bags is your most favorite?

I’m not loyal to any brand but I honestly prefer wearing local designer clothes.

Do you follow a certain diet?

Yes, a high fiber-low fat diet; I love leafy green veggies, salads, fruits and food items high in fiber.  I will occasionally indulge in a good rib-eye steak with veggies and red wine. I also love drinking lemongrass, green tea and wheatgrass.

Describe a beautiful, sexy woman in three words?

Confident, assertive and one with a great laugh!

What part of your body do you find the sexiest?

My eyes, neck and arms.

Which fashion trend do you like the most?

I love the ’60s, but totally dislike the ’80s…and high-waist pants, never again!

What’s your take on the local fashion industry? What is its biggest challenge?

I’m proud and happy to hear of Filipino designers making a name for themselves abroad but I am hopeful that the current P-Noy Administration will do more to promote the local fashion industry domestically. The biggest challenge the local fashion industry faces is the influx of cheap goods from China and Bangkok. A friend of mine said, “Why would I buy a bag from Myth (local design store) when I can get the exact same version at a lower price from a tiangge or an ukay-ukay?” I find that very sad to hear.

What trait do you value the most in others?

Loyalty and respect for self and others.

Would you like to get married one day?

Yes, absolutely!

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To contact Patty, visit her website at http//www.pattybetitaph.com.

Grooming courtesy of Nail Care by Sensate Salon and Spa at 94 Scout Gandia, Tomas Morato Ave., QC.