MANILA, Philippines - If simplicity is the only virtue that will catapult her to the firmament of success, Shalani Soledad, 29, is assured of the future. But Shalani — who stepped on the national stage last year when she was introduced as the girlfriend of Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Noynoy Aquino — is armed with more. From her simplicity emanates the sincerity of her heart. And with simplicity and sincerity on the crest of her spirit, the top-notch councilor from Valenzuela City proves that fidelity to duty — as a woman, as a public servant — is of prime value.
“I love helping people. I get the fulfillment by serving my constituents. Helping them gives me more meaning to live,” Shalani begins, as if to indicate how she landed in politics in 2004. The first time she ran for public office, she landed as the No. 5 councilor of Valenzuela. Though she singles out “5” as her lucky number, she proved “luckier” when she became the No. 1 councilor when she was re-elected in 2007. In the coming May elections, she will seek the same post and not a seat in the House of Representatives as speculated by some political observers.
In Valenzuela City council, Shalani — whose name, according to the baby book where it was lifted from, meant “big and beautiful baby girl” — is the chairman on appropriations and ways and means. Her pet project is early childhood care development.
Her constituents are her prime concern as a public servant because early on in life her parents taught her “not to take anyone or anything for granted.” Her father is a banker while her mother used to be the food and beverage director at Malacañang until she resigned two years ago.
“When people give you their trust, you cannot let them down,” she says. Shalani is running under the Liberal Party, just like Noynoy, her boyfriend of one and a half years now.
She proudly says that Noynoy’s brand of politics — “sincere intention to serve” — is also her source of inspiration in public service. “Noy will make a good president because he has a good heart. He really has good intentions for the country,” she beams.
If Noynoy wins, Shalani, a Human Resource graduate from the College of St. Benilde, says she will provide a strong back-up support for her boyfriend whom she describes as “generally cool and sweet.” They don’t see each other as often now but in spirit they are together as Shalani goes on sorties, campaigning for Noynoy in Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, among other provinces.
In the course of their relationship, both of them have agreed that “food is better than flowers.” Shalani says, “We both love to eat out.” The food for the soul, on the other hand, Shalani adds, they get every Wednesday at Baclaran Church.
Faith is intrinsic in Shalani’s growth; it also defines her character. She begins and ends her day with a prayer. As always, she asks God to make her an instrument to be of help to the people. With utmost simplicity and sincerity, Shalani knows how to get things done.
Photography by Raymund Isaac • Styling by Eric Pe Benito • Makeup by RB Chanco • Hairstyling by Jeff Aromin • Jewelry by Miladay