Woman of Taste
She is a walking mannequin of Philippine fashion — not just of haute couture but also of popular wear. The world is her catwalk, and on it she displays the artistry of Filipino designers and artists.
A prime mover of the “love local” crusade, Maritess Mendoza-Pineda co-founded ArteFino, which celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and sustainable local products through several fairs and pop-ups.
“She is such an inspiration to buy more local products! All of our closets are enriched by ArteFino finds,” says writer Bianca Salonga.
But that is just one side of her.
Maritess, who recently turned 80, chairs FilipinaZ, a fundraising initiative under the Zonta Club that highlights Filipino arts, fashion, and jewelry. The proceeds from the charity support causes such as the Psychological Center for Sexually Abused Girls and scholarships for women.
I asked Maritess, mother of four (Ria, Paolo, Carlo and Patty) and a great-grandmother, the secret behind the energy and passion that have made her pursue causes of lasting impact.
“It’s really a combination of so many things. First of all, I really believe that what I have are all God’s blessings,” says Maritess, wife to businessman Susing Pineda.
“My parents (Rizalino Mendoza and Adelaida Rodriguez) gave me all the opportunities and exposure that made me experience so many good things in my life. They tried to give me the best always, especially because I was an only child for six years.”
Her parents (her mother was the youngest daughter of the late former Senate President Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Sr.) were very active in social circles, and Maritess always tagged along with them.
“So, whatever they experienced, I did, too.”
Though shy as a child, Maritess eventually came out of her shell.
“I was a very shy person, hardly saying much, but I still went where I was told to go. I was very observant and curious. I always wanted to know what was going on, and I was eager to learn new things in life.”
Maritess studied at Maryknoll from kindergarten to high school.
Since she was shy, she was sent to a finishing school in Avila, Spain. After Avila, she went to St. Theresa’s College in Manila, then took the CPA exams. She then trained at Chemical Bank in New York City.
Maritess believes her deep faith has sustained her through the ups and downs of life.
“I developed a very spiritual life because of my parents’ influence. I developed a life of prayer. I have always believed the Lord would take care of and solve all my problems.”
Maritess is grateful to her husband Susing (they were married on Dec. 4, 1968) for encouraging her to pursue her passions — thus being part of her success as a stalwart of culture and a socio-civic leader.
“I am lucky that my husband believes in what I do and what I aspire for. He has given me what I wanted and needed, and allowed me to become what I wanted to be. He never stood in the way of my dreams. He saw how I usually find solutions to problems in the simplest way possible.”
Aside from the power of prayer, loving parents and a supportive husband, Maritess shares another secret to her happy and productive life: “I always see the positive and the brighter side of a situation. I never stop trying to learn new things and trying to undertake difficult projects especially when I believe in them.”
She is a risk taker.
“I am willing to take a risk and if I make a mistake, I just learn from it and try better next time, never regretting that I tried. What I regret more is when I did not do something that I could have done.
“Up to now I am always trying to learn new things,” says Maritess.
“I will never retire and if one thing does not work, I am willing to try something new. There is no stopping me if I feel I can do something. I never give up.”
Fashion is artÊ
“My favorite fashion era was the era of Ramon Valera. I believe that up to now, no one has yet surpassed him in his ideas and craftsmanship. His classic designs have withstood the test of time. This was proven when I exhibited my Valera gowns — they are still admired by this generation,” says Maritess.
Having worn Ramon Valeras and Pitoy Morenos, Maritess’ taste in fashion is understandably classic. But she is also trendy.
“I also realize that we have to now adapt to the present generation and what will be applicable to them. Styles now must be practical enough that they can still be Filipiniana but can be worn in day-to-day activities and events . We have to learn to keep up with this generation.”
Maritess believes in preserving the legacy of the masters while keeping an open mind to new tastes and trends from up-and-coming designers.
“Preserve the legacy but make fashion wearable in our daily life. That is what ArteFino is all about —preserving the legacy of the past while adapting.”
“Other than fashion, one of the legacies I want to give my children is the love for the art I have collected my whole life, which I hope will also be their advocacy for the future.”
Maritess Mendoza-Pineda breathes meaning into noblesse oblige.
Born privileged, she has transformed her charmed life into an instrument for others to experience privilege as well — from struggling artisans to disadvantaged women.
She is, indeed, arte fino (fine art) personified. *
- Latest
