A tribute to the Filipina

Whenever you look into the eyes of a Filipina, you will instantly feel the tropical warmth of friendship. Whenever you look into her eyes, you will see the glint of compassion and humor singing morning songs. When you look into her eyes, you will feel the sensual radiance of one humbled before an august presence. When you look into her eyes, you will see the star still shining that once led the ancient magi long ago to the humble stables. Look into her eyes, she will feed you as wife and mother, bear your children and care for you…….

These words by Nonon Padilla, which were read on stage by the beautiful Vanessa Heussaff, evoked feelings of pride among Filipino women in the audience. Teary- eyed and pensive, a sliver of emotion ran through me as I realized that it had to be a French national (why not the macho Filipino?) who had the dream and the vision to celebrate the Filipino woman’s virtues and embody them in a special book. Frenchman Louis Paul Heussaff has always been a dreamer and a visionary. Twenty-five years ago, he had a vision to set up SOS, a company which responds to the oil industry’s demand for logistic support. He conceptualized a revolutionary method that facilitated oil exploration and soon the oil companies’ logistics and administration departments became his captive market. Through the years, his company has survived amid nationwide crisis, economic turmoil, political upheaval, and natural calamities. "My ancestors had a maxim which I have always lived by: If I fall, I will stand again! And this conviction became our company motto," Heussaff emphasized.

Today, his company has become bigger, more diversified in their operations and serves the mining, construction and telecommunications industries as well. The French government under President Jacques Chirac was not oblivious to this man’s hard work. In 1987, he was awarded the Chevalier Ordre National du Merite for his contribution in fostering Franco-Filipino relationship in the economic and cultural field. On July 14, 2000, he was conferred the Chevalier de la legion d’Honneur, which is the highest accolade conferred by the French government to an elite group of people who distinguish themselves in their field of endeavor. Specifically, this honor is conferred for distinguished service in military or civilian life, for work that enhances the reputation of France through the arts, sciences, politics, scholarships and business. Not to be forgotten also is the honor conferred upon him by the government of the Republic of Germany: the German Cross of Merit.

Heussaff, together with some friends in business, worked hard in establishing the first Euro campuses in the world, the French-German School in 1993. In 1998, the year of the Philippines’ centennial, and the 20th anniversary of SOS, Heussaff commemorated another milestone in his long and prolific career. In collaboration with Eric Pasquier, noted French photographer, he published his first coffee table book, Philippines, Archipelago of Smiles, in both French and English editions. The unexpected success of this book inspired him to pursue his dream of capturing the facets of Filipina womanhood in another coffee table book.

Subsequently, a nationwide photo contest was held. Launched in January 2003, the contest ran for five months with 1,571 entries from the Philippines and abroad. In June 2003, a board of judges, which included professional photographers, artists, embassy and government officials, business executives and columnists, got together and voted for the pictures that were to be included in the book. The book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipina, both the famous and the unknown. She is the caring mother, a hobby enthusiast, a spiritual person, a determined athlete, a professional or a simple citizen.

A year after the judges’ selection, the book was launched at The Fort, as part of the French Spring Festival of the French Embassy’s 6th season of cultural activities. Louis Paul Heussaff and his family, together with his dedicated SOS staff, conceptualized a dinner/dance to celebrate the launch of this noteworthy project. In a special collaboration with the French Embassy, and Jewelmer International, they came up with a world class celebration featuring some of our country’s top TV celebrities, and singers. Brad Turvy did an exemplary job as emcee. One of the highlights of the affair was the narration of the virtues of the Filipina in French which was interpreted by Helen Haiter, Nonon Padilla in English and JB Capino in Tagalog. Solenn Heussaff did the narration in French, Vanessa Heussaff in English and Raymond Bagatsing did it in Tagalog. Another highlight was the rendition of the song Bulaklak by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Aliya Parks rendering the song in French, C’est La Rose. An amusing portion of the program was the parade on stage of our beautiful Filipina ladies married to French nationals. With them were their daughters, all beauties in their own right. Lovely Cynthia Heussaff started the walk with beautiful daughters Solenn and Vanessa, and some of those I know were Malou Rouais, Leah Meriguet and Laly Etroit with their lovely daughters. It became a joke at our table that one had to marry a Frenchman to produce good-looking children. The fashion show was fabulous. It showcased the talents of JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz and Jeannie Goulbourn. The finale was the all black collection of Jean Margaret Goulbourn of Silk Cocoon. This is the first time in 28 years that Jeannie G. did an all black collection and it was dramatic and tasteful. Jewelmer designer Gerard Huon created avant-garde pearl designs to match the gowns of the three couturiers.

There were two superb jazz bands for the dance portion. The talented son of Jewelmer’s Jacques Branellec, Jacques Jr. was the saxophonist and he was excellent! I will always remember this extraordinary evening with the words of Jose Dalisay as narrated by Tin Tin Bersola: "The Filipina is a proud creature and will not be defeated, except by God and fate. She is devout and will kiss the divine hand which guides her life, but in her earthly existence, it is her hand that guides her family and nation. It is indeed bittersweet that it had to be a Frenchman to give this tribute to the Filipino woman. Merci beaucoup, Louis Paul Heussaff