Rustan's celebrates mothers & daughters who care

MANILA, Philippines - Giving back to Mother Nature has been Anabel Alejandrino’s mission. A chi gong teacher in the morning, Pilates student in the afternoon, and a homemaker 24/7, Anabel is one superwoman out to save the environment. With her interest in health, meditation, and healing through organic ways, she has come to discover the practice of chi gong.

Now spearheading this practice in the country, she teaches the exercise of moving and non-moving meditations that enhance one’s health and helps open one’s heart.

Anabel relates, “People have to understand that they have to be in harmony with themselves. When you are in harmony with yourself, you’ll want to be in harmony with everything around you.” She is also able to share with her students her advocacy of protecting the environment. Starting from her own home, she practices segregation to make sure nothing is put to waste.

“When Rustan’s started the whole eco tote craze, I was the happiest person in the world!” says Anabel. With all her positive chi, she easily influences and inspires people around her, her friends, family, and students. Anabel has also volunteered to be a poll watcher where she lives.

Mother’s Day is one occasion that bring out her the fondest memories with her own mom. “You know, what’s nice about Filipinos is that they treasure their mothers even if it’s not Mother’s Day,” continues Anabel. And even with her children abroad, time is always well spent when they get together, whether winter skiing or simply reading books.

Unlike teens whose Saturdays are mostly spent lazing around, Isabel Martel Francisco has committed her weekends to volunteer work. This daughter of Irene Martel and Dr. Randy Francisco, goes to International School Manila, which is known for its staunch support of environmental and social causes.

“We are given the opportunity to reach out to people in need through the Virlanie Foundation,” says Isabel. The Virlanie Foundation is a non-government organization that reaches out to children in need of special protection: abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected, orphaned, poor. The foundation strives to prevent the future physical and psychological abuse of children. Composed of different residential homes for specific types of children, Isabel’s Saturdays serve as an eye-opener as she gets to spend time with the young mothers and their kids at the Mother and Child Home. Her awareness of a struggling society has propelled her to share her blessings, especially giving her time to such causes.

As the only child in the family, Isabel shares a close relationship with her mom Irene. She explains that their relationship revolves not just around being mother and daughter but friendship. “She’s really not that strict. We are able to talk about different things and she is willing to listen and understand. For me, it is important that you really become friends with your parents, too.”

When it comes to Mother’s Day gift giving, Isabel says that she never goes wrong with her mom’s favorite scented candles from Diptyque and jewelry from Roberto Coin and Noah Barcelona. Signature pearls from Mikimoto and timeless charms from Tiffany & Co. are also some items that she’s sure her mom would love.

Alongside precious trinkets and home ornaments, she still enjoys giving her mom more personalized gifts. “It may be simple, but it means much more.”

All products are available at Rustan’s Department Store in Makati (813-3739), Shangri-La Plaza Mall (633-4636), Gateway (911-2407), Robinsons Place (551-2788) Alabang Town Center (850-5532) and Ayala Center Cebu (032-2315643).