Although Tess’ parents, Raoul and Julita Villareal, are prominent politicians in Nueva Ecija, our bachelorette is not involved in their campaigns. Instead, she concentrates on making her clients look good with the snip-snip of her scissors. Standard poodles are the most challenging, says Tess, whose work includes bathing and drying the dogs, in addition to trimming their hair and nails.
What film influenced your life?
Life is Beautiful. I have always had this thing about the plight of the Jews. It is very touching that in spite of being incarcerated in a concentration camp, the protagonist tried to make it all look like a game for the benefit of his child.
What book influenced your life?
Who Moved My Cheese is about learning how to move on and knowing there are options in life. The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein is about generosity and giving. It’s a children’s book about a tree that gave itself to this little boy. You don’t lose by giving. You lose by holding back.
Which living person do you admire most?
Oprah Winfrey. Despite adversities in life, she has been able to rise. She is very generous. Oprah’s magnanimity reminds me of the movie Pay it Forward.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
I love being a dog groomer and take pride in it. Some people go through a lifetime of not being happy with what they do. I have my moments when I get burned out, especially when I groom standard poodles. That is a lot of work and sometimes I want to give up. But after completing the job, I feel happy and fulfilled.
What is your greatest fear?
Not to live life to the fullest.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
It’s hard for me to say no.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I hate being lied to or being cheated.
How do you start your day?
I wake up between 8 and 9 a.m. by saying good morning to Tiffany, my Yorkshire terrier. Then I start grooming right away.
What is your current state of mind?
I am happy and waiting for more beautiful things to happen to me.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
I wish there were less incompetent people in this world.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shopping for name brand shoes and clothes. I am a girly girl. And I love to travel.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
My friend told me I often say, "Question lang."
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
Whether she has substance – something more than beauty or physical attributes.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a man?
It’s the "believe" factor – is there something I can learn from him? Is he someone I can admire because of his experiences and attributes?
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being the best dog groomer in the country.
Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?
"Chaos alone gives birth to a dancing star."
What does your dad often say to you?
"Be careful."
What is your favorite occupation?
In 2001, I went to Italy for a whole month hoping that I had reached a peak in my dog-grooming career, but instead I could not get my mind off dog grooming. It’s really dog grooming that I like.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
He must be faithful.
What is your greatest regret?
That I did not try to work in the corporate world. My education in Assumption was in public relations and mass communication. I could have pursued it.
Name an embarrassing moment at work?
While trimming a dog, I grabbed a blade thinking it was what I needed and it caused a bald spot on the dog’s hair. As a result, the dog’s hair had to be clipped shorter than usual but the client still came back.