MANILA, Philippines - “A woman who is interesting and who can confidently express herself is very alluring,” says Barbie Pardo-Tiangco.
Barbie epitomizes the modern and alluring woman. The daughter of former Finance Secretary Jose Pardo and his wife Marilyn, and wife to Navotas City Mayor Johnrey Tiangco, Barbie has mastered the roles of daughter, wife, partner, mother, homemaker as well as career woman. She sits as the associate editor of Metro Home magazine and pours all her energy into her passions: interior design and event styling.
“(Balancing all your roles) is difficult but doable, especially if you have the support of family around you,” she says, adding that maybe her success is also because she decided to settle late into married life.
“I’ve done my share of travel, my share of dating, my share of being single, so the timing was just right... I married late, but I think I married right,” she beams.
Now, Barbie and John serve as role models to two-year-old Taylor and 10-month-old Two. The couple have also taken to helping each other in their professions. At one time, Barbie even used the handicraft created by the rehabilitated prisoners of Navotas to decorate her event. For that particular event, the reformed prisoners made exquisite papier-mâché pieces designed like Eiffel Tower from recycled PLDT phonebooks. “It was a win-win situation. It’s a win for them and a win for me, too, since I don’t have the patience to do it,” she says. “I am glad that I can give work to others and provide them with a source of income. “
Tasked to orchestrate beautiful celebrations, Barbie is only too delighted and honored when she is approached by friends to head the party planning. “Apart from the fact that I get to throw parties that I wish I could throw myself, I love the challenge of styling an event because I can try to create a perfect celebration. I want to share in their joy and give them a party that they will remember,” she says.
Though her home is far from the impeccable dreamhouse she imagined — she knows her two little ones have yet to wreak complete havoc on their walls and dining room tables — Barbie is content. “I love what I do because aside from meeting great people on a daily basis, I’m constantly exposed to beautiful furniture, beautiful art, beautiful homes, beautiful design... even if I’m not the one creating it.”
Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction
by LUIS ESPIRITU, JR. • Styling by RUDOLPH LEONOR • Makeup by PIA REYES • Hairstyling by ALEE BENSON • Mustard lace top with blue green skirt - long dress with embellished waistband by JOEL ESCOBER for MYTH (2nd Level,
Greenbelt 5); dress by JUN ESCARIO • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at the DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES • Special thanks to the management and staff of Diamond Hotel Philippines