MANILA, Philippines - Camille Fariñas-Mathay confesses to being a shoe lover.
“I love shoes,” Camille exclaims, which is natural since she sells them online via her website. The shoes are a mix of local and US brands.
Camille shares that selling them online is an advantage because there is no rental fee for a commercial space. She also proudly claims that the shoes she sells are cheaper by as much as 50 percent compared to the shoes sold in stalls at the malls. Camille admits, though, that managing an online business is not easy, especially when balancing time with her two little boys. “Sometimes I’m literally in front of the computer because I have to be on top of things because I’m not the only one in Multiply. I do try to balance it and my family keeps me grounded.”
She credits her husband Mackie Mathay for helping her raise their boys, especially in the discipline department. “Sometimes I don’t know where to draw the line — whether to shout or spank. They say motherhood is the hardest job. I’m just thankful my husband helps in raising our kids.”
Having been featured in magazines and newspapers, Camille is used to the limelight. Having come from the Fariñas clan of Ilocos Norte (her father is former Gov. Rodolfo Fariñas), politics is not new to her. “When I was born, my father was in politics so I’m already used to it,” she says. Her husband, too, is from a political family.
Although she is used to the political scene, Camille shares that there are times when she wishes that her family wasn’t in the public eye. Asked how she maintains her privacy and that of her kids, she says: “I don’t think there is such a word as privacy once you are in politics because once you are in, they make up things about you, whether you hide or not. The best thing I can do is to be there for my kids.”
Camille bonds with her family by going to the mall on weekends. She also makes sure to support her kids’ ambitions. “I’m not the type to impose on what they should be. I’ll always support them. I want them to follow their heart.”
Despite being named as one of the stylish women in the scene, Camille says that she still wears her house clothes when going out. “I’ve come to the realization that the physical appearance is not what matters, it’s what’s inside of you. People will see beyond that façade.”
“Makeup can make or break the whole look, just like shoes. Makeup is supposed to enhance your features, it’s not supposed to change your face or make you look like someone else unless you are doing a shoot. But on a daily basis, it’s important because when you look good, you feel good,” she declares.
For this pretty mom, Ever Bilena’s makeup collection makes her feel good. “Ever Bilena colors are good and the pigment stays on the skin and they are made for Asian women,” she says. A fan of eyeshadow, Camille swears by EB’s eyeshadow and eyeliners. “In all honesty, I have EB eyeshadow and eyeliners.” She also confesses to loving EB’s bronzer “for its instant shimmer.” Other essentials in her kikay kit include EB Pinkwater Body Spray, EB Advance Concealer and EB High Definition Waterproof Mascara.
“The family should always come first. The family is important. Second is business. Take a step back, prioritize and know what’s important in your life and always pray,” Camille concludes.