What Mai Mai Cojuangco is most passionate about

Lately, I’ve been bumping into Mai Mai Cojuangco, from our last Katutubo Pop Up Market at Manila House and most recently on a flight back from Davao City.

Looking even lovelier now, Mai Mai has been living for almost two decades now in Florence, where she is busy being a mom to her pretty daughter Demi and at the same time going back to school to study bag and accessories design.

Last year, Mai Mai, who is one of the original “It girls” of Manila, launched a social messaging app called Sympies and her luxury bag called Demetria, which immediately sold out at Idée clothing store.

Wordsworth was fortunate to have Mai Mai, a very quiet and private person, share with us the things she is most passionate about.

1. I am passionate about music. Music changes my mood. Music reflects my mood. I love to sing (and dance), and I finally began learning how to play the guitar recently.

I am a closet rockstar and entertainer!

2. I am passionate about food and health. I love eating well, especially Asian food. Admittedly, I am not a great cook, and I can manage some dishes but I am a much better eater. I try to stay sane and healthy by running as often as possible. It’s a necessity for me, and something that brings me real benefits.

3. I am passionate about design. I love lines and find inspiration everywhere. The other day I photographed the engine of a friend’s car, yesterday the weaving on a placemat...lines, designs and shapes impress me.

4. I am passionate about being a great mother.  I try to make sure that all my work is done by the time I pick up my daughter from school (or after school activities). I don’t watch TV, but its only with her that I do, with her select shows. I am constantly trying to be the best mother I can be.

5. I am passionate about books and research. I can stay in bookstores and libraries for HOURS. It’s almost a meditative experience for me, and I try to make as much time possible for this activity/experience. Perusing, researching, and reading...like a kid in a candy store.

6. I am passionate about kindness. This has propelled me to create and do new things in my life (such as my startup). Many times I move and travel alone, and it’s just happened that small gestures of kindness have become more meaningful to me.  I recognize how things change in my mindset and in my way of thinking and doing things when kindness is shared.

7. I am passionate about women empowerment so I share my experiences whenever an opportunity arises. Because, we, women are much stronger than we think.

8. I am passionate about handbag construction and quality.  I scrutinize finishings as a habit. It is a joy observing objects, touching, pulling and feeling materials especially while I’m at work, making selections. And instead, when I am in front of the desk with my pencil and sketch pad, the act of drawing and designing is such a dynamic and almost trancelike experience for me as I try to solve visual puzzles while I draw. I love it. It’s the complete process of drawing, erasing, redoing, rethinking how I can construct new things with a twist.

9. I am passionate about my privacy. I only reveal what I am comfortable with, and I am cautious by nature. There is a certain elegance in revealing only what is truly necessary.

10. I am passionate about God. Spirituality and faith is essential for me and my daily living.

(We welcome your suggestions and comments. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @monsromulo.)