Candy Reyes: A soccer-playing bag lady
August 2, 2004 | 12:00am
Ishq is the name of a quaint boutique tucked in a nook of the Astoria Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center. This tiny, 23-square-meter store is hidden from the crowd, relying mostly on loyal customers who enjoy the exclusiveness of shopping at Ishq, which offers a wealth of designer clothes. Only a privileged few can rave about Candy Reyes’ collection.
Candy decided that she wanted to feature one-of-a-kind pieces by young up-and-coming Filipino designers, from Kate Torralba to Rossana Ocampo. This determined lady also put the sparkle in her store by offering pretty necklaces, bracelets and accessories.
Four years ago, Candy started selling bags from her living room; now, she employs up to nine people in her factory. Our 31-year-old bachelorette spends a lot of time overseeing the creation of bags that come in unusual shapes. They are available in pink, aqua and yellow.
A graduate of business management at Ateneo, Candy reflects on being passionate, indoor soccer and a man’s good looks.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My dad, Achie, and my puppy dog, Luc.
What is your passion?
I am a very passionate person and get passionate about a lot of things. I am into sports, photography, designing handbags and fashion. And I can say that I am passionate about all of that.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I am a very confrontational Arian. When I have a problem with something, I say it out right away.
What sports/hobbies do you like most?
Indoor soccer in Libis Club 650, futsal, as well as soccer/football at the Corinthian Gardens park.
What film influenced your life?
My all time favorites is Sense and Sensibility. When I was in high school, I loved Some Kind of Wonderful. My brother is a director of commercials and a lot of us in the family are very artistic. We all have our own businesses. When I was working in an office, my dad would ask me why am I wasting time working for someone else.
What book influenced your life?
Of Mice and Men. I was moved by the whole story. Also, The Alchemist, which everyone finds useful in his or her life. Now, I am reading Living History, the autobiography of Hillary Clinton. She had a good life. I just started the book and she seems like a successful woman.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Joan of Arc, who is not really fictional. I was born on her feast day. She is strong-willed and achieved a lot at a young age.
What is your greatest fear?
Regret. That is why I get into a lot of things like export, scuba diving and traveling as much as I can…
How do you start your day?
I don’t have a typical day. Sometimes I have to get up at 6 a.m. My dog, a Lhasa Apso, wakes up at 6:30 so I kind of wake up at that time.
What is your current state of mind?
This week has been really, really hectic, so maybe that’s why I have not been really thinking straight.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
I can be happy anywhere. I often think of what my life would be and how interesting it would be if I lived in another country.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel. I don’t really buy much or shop much. My most recent trip was to the States to visit my brother in Seattle and then we went to Las Vegas.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
I consider myself a good judge of character, so when I meet someone I can tell if they are the friendly type or not. Especially with customers – some would rather be helped and others would rather be left alone.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a man?
I hate to sound shallow but I look for good looks.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Being on the beach surrounded by family and friends. Boracay, Cebu, or Punta Fuego.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The thing I am most proud of about my business is that I am able to employ people.
What did your dad often say to you?
My dad passed away three years ago. It was very painful. He used to tell me to work hard and marry someone who works hard. Do not work for other people.
What is your favorite journey?
I remember climbing Mount Pinatubo. I had no idea what to expect on that four-hour trek. The view was spectacular. It was a different experience. No luxuries. No amenities.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being a businesswoman. I run the whole business from designing and sourcing to production and retail. When magazines borrow clothes for a shoot, I also do the styling.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Being a gentleman. Successful, passionate, smart – someone who is fun and hardworking…. Aside from the good looks, of course.
What is your greatest regret?
Just minor regrets. I am the type of person who looks at life through rose-colored glasses. I believe bad things happen for a reason, so I am good at convincing myself that it is all for the best.
E-mail babycamp2@yahoo.co.uk.
Candy decided that she wanted to feature one-of-a-kind pieces by young up-and-coming Filipino designers, from Kate Torralba to Rossana Ocampo. This determined lady also put the sparkle in her store by offering pretty necklaces, bracelets and accessories.
Four years ago, Candy started selling bags from her living room; now, she employs up to nine people in her factory. Our 31-year-old bachelorette spends a lot of time overseeing the creation of bags that come in unusual shapes. They are available in pink, aqua and yellow.
A graduate of business management at Ateneo, Candy reflects on being passionate, indoor soccer and a man’s good looks.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My dad, Achie, and my puppy dog, Luc.
What is your passion?
I am a very passionate person and get passionate about a lot of things. I am into sports, photography, designing handbags and fashion. And I can say that I am passionate about all of that.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I am a very confrontational Arian. When I have a problem with something, I say it out right away.
What sports/hobbies do you like most?
Indoor soccer in Libis Club 650, futsal, as well as soccer/football at the Corinthian Gardens park.
What film influenced your life?
My all time favorites is Sense and Sensibility. When I was in high school, I loved Some Kind of Wonderful. My brother is a director of commercials and a lot of us in the family are very artistic. We all have our own businesses. When I was working in an office, my dad would ask me why am I wasting time working for someone else.
What book influenced your life?
Of Mice and Men. I was moved by the whole story. Also, The Alchemist, which everyone finds useful in his or her life. Now, I am reading Living History, the autobiography of Hillary Clinton. She had a good life. I just started the book and she seems like a successful woman.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Joan of Arc, who is not really fictional. I was born on her feast day. She is strong-willed and achieved a lot at a young age.
What is your greatest fear?
Regret. That is why I get into a lot of things like export, scuba diving and traveling as much as I can…
How do you start your day?
I don’t have a typical day. Sometimes I have to get up at 6 a.m. My dog, a Lhasa Apso, wakes up at 6:30 so I kind of wake up at that time.
What is your current state of mind?
This week has been really, really hectic, so maybe that’s why I have not been really thinking straight.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
I can be happy anywhere. I often think of what my life would be and how interesting it would be if I lived in another country.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel. I don’t really buy much or shop much. My most recent trip was to the States to visit my brother in Seattle and then we went to Las Vegas.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
I consider myself a good judge of character, so when I meet someone I can tell if they are the friendly type or not. Especially with customers – some would rather be helped and others would rather be left alone.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a man?
I hate to sound shallow but I look for good looks.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Being on the beach surrounded by family and friends. Boracay, Cebu, or Punta Fuego.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The thing I am most proud of about my business is that I am able to employ people.
What did your dad often say to you?
My dad passed away three years ago. It was very painful. He used to tell me to work hard and marry someone who works hard. Do not work for other people.
What is your favorite journey?
I remember climbing Mount Pinatubo. I had no idea what to expect on that four-hour trek. The view was spectacular. It was a different experience. No luxuries. No amenities.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being a businesswoman. I run the whole business from designing and sourcing to production and retail. When magazines borrow clothes for a shoot, I also do the styling.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Being a gentleman. Successful, passionate, smart – someone who is fun and hardworking…. Aside from the good looks, of course.
What is your greatest regret?
Just minor regrets. I am the type of person who looks at life through rose-colored glasses. I believe bad things happen for a reason, so I am good at convincing myself that it is all for the best.
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