I first got to know about the work of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, which cares for children in need of special protection, through one of its benefactors, Marissa Orosa-Concepcion.
Marissa, my batchmate at the Assumption Convent, is a bona fide member of Manila’s 400, both to the manor and manner born — and wed. She moves gracefully within her circles and she lights up many social events with her beauty and pedigree — but unbeknownst to many, Marissa quietly goes beyond her circles to attend to the marginalized. She also involves family and friends in her outreach work.
I remember Marissa once reached out to me to have lunch in a five-star hotel to meet a very important person — the head of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Sister Marivic Sta. Ana. After meeting Sister Marivic, I immediately endeavored to shine a light on her cause by writing about it.
“I believe that every moment is an opportunity to spread the love and blessings that the Lord has showered me and my family with. And, as always, the Lord has been so faithful. I just always want to be grateful,” says Marissa.
Marissa derives much inspiration from her husband, Joey Concepcion, founder and prime mover of the game-changing Go Negosyo movement, which encourages entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth in the Philippines. Under President Marcos, he was tasked to lead the Jobs Committee of the Private Sector Advisory Council.
“I see Joey and all he does and how much he gives of himself to others, his passion and dedication. It’s infectious. He has so much energy and gives all he can,” she says of her husband of 40 years. “His heart makes me what I am. He has inspired me so, so much. I just believe that it is the Holy Spirit that drives him and gives him this big heart and energy. I can feel it.”
Joey describes Marissa as “the anchor of our family.”
Joey and Marissa have five children Christian (married to Olivia Jacinto), Margarita, Catherine (married to Roman Javier Puno), Monica and Isabella. They have two grandchildren: Alonzo and Luca.
To her family, Marissa brings this outlook: “I look at the best possible side even if sometimes, things may not go the way they should. I try to be positive and look at the better side of situations. And for those that may be more challenged, we want them to see love and hope even for a moment. And keep praying for their hopes and dreams.”
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Marissa, the eldest of the late Joe and Cielito Orosa’s children, lost her mother when she was only 25. Many say that is perhaps the reason why she is such a nurturer.
“As a mom, I am strict with my very own children. It’s because I grew up in that environment. My dad was strict and old-fashioned,” says Marissa.,
“My parents were always God-centered, And always behind the scenes. Servicial, always there for others,” Marissa shares,
Her mother Cielito is Marissa’s role model. “She has become larger than life to me. And because I lost her when I was 25, all the more she was in my heart consciously as I would try to emulate her. She loved without boundaries. She always gave her all. She was a good mentor and model.”
Thus, to her own children, “I want to be a big source of support and give them the best advice, if they want. I want to be here for them — if they want.” She loves her two children-in-law “as my own.”
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Marissa’s love embraces her classmates and batchmates as well. Our Assumption high school batch always has a haven and a party place in Joey and Marissa’s sprawling designer home in Makati. There is no event in our batch’s calendar that does not have an after-party in the Concepcion abode, most of the time, hosted by the couple.
Marissa pulls out all the stops for these gatherings. From the themed table settings, to the various food stations (appetizers to dessert) attended to by her in-house chef Leona, who has been with the family for decades. For our batch Christmas party, Marissa even had a puto-bumbong and bibingka station in the garden. The bar is always well-stocked. And when you go home, she gives you a Kettle Corn loot bag — from one of her own businesses. After all, she is inspired by Joey and Go Negosyo.
Our batchmate Rina Go of Nic’s says of Marissa, “Most everything she does is with such ease and flair!
“I’ve been privileged enough to be invited to a few of her vacations on her ‘boat,’ and experience her penchant for details. Her menu is varied as her cuisine is never repeated, with matching dining ware to boot. You feel so special and pampered — traveling in what I would consider a seven-star hotel.”
“Her patience and loyalty to her duties are probably the most admirable traits of Marissa. It can be said that she’s not just a pretty face!”
“Marissa lives life well and loves well. She fills her days with purpose, knowing she pleases Someone greater than herself,” said her sister Martha Orosa Uy in an article she once wrote for the Philippine STAR. “A true jewel of a person, Marissa is captivating.”
And Marissa has captivated many grateful hearts. *