Chic nostalgia for Chona Kasten
Chona Recto Ysmael Kasten always stood out no matter where she was — whether it was at the much-awaited Kahirup Ball dressed in an avant-garde Ramon Valera terno or modeling abroad for top Philippine couturiers, a busy executive in top companies or teaching PAL stewardesses how to comport themselves.
A favorite child of the eminent nationalist senator Claro M. Recto, she was married to the dashing and wealthy Johnny Ysmael, who spoiled her with the best of everything. But he died too soon, leaving a devastated 27-year old widow with four very young children.
A close family friend of both my parents (Paquing and Nati Aguinaldo), it was my father who thought of giving her her first job to keep her busy — as the fashion consultant of Aguinaldo’s. She epitomized everything that a woman wanted to be and, with her fine taste, assisted with the concept and design of top fashion styles that were offered by the store. At ease with everyone, customers flocked to enjoy the merchandise and to catch a glimpse of this lovely woman.
Parties then were hosted by a handful of good friends headed by Luis Araneta, Elvira Manahan, Chito Madrigal, Mary Prieto and Conchita Sunico. They never competed but always tried to partner with each other to make the affair a fun one since the guests all belonged to the same social circle.
No matter how life treated her, Chona carried her problems with grace. No complaints would be heard despite life’s tribulations and a scoundrel of a second husband who absconded with the Ysmael-Recto fortune.
The recent book launch of La Divina written by her only daughter, Techie Ysmael Bilbao, was not only a well-attended affair at the Ayala Museum, but turned out to be a reunion for numerous long time friends and work colleagues. Many were present to honor a woman who will forever be remembered for her grace, elegance, poise and dignity.
PAL president Jaime Bautista notes the years when Chona was consultant to Philippine Airlines, training flight attendants. Chona wanted them to be sophisticated persons first, stewardesses second. Her quality control tactics were legend. She wanted the girls to soak up cities and their cultures, whether Paris, London or Tokyo.
Rustan’s chairman Nedy Tantoco says Chona’s work ethic and eye for perfection matched those of Rustans’s founder Glecy Tantoco. “Chona was a workaholic, and she used to say that her work came first, she would beg off from parties if these conflicted with work.”
Louie Ysmael says: “For those of you who didn’t know my mom, she was a gentle, loving and caring person who lived a vividly colorful and graceful life. She faced Manila’s often-vicious society with aplomb, stature and admiration, despite her personal trials in life.
“Admired for her charm, sophistication and extremely good taste, she never had a mean word for anybody despite those who envied and gossiped about her. Rather than crave the limelight, the limelight craved her.”
Techie says: “Until this very day, my mother’s legend lives on, and to this day there are still so many reasons for it — her image and exquisite beauty, her refined smile, her vanity and perfumed scent, her poise and grace, her style on the catwalk, her gift for dance, the curation of her wardrobe, her natural flair, eye and palate for good taste.
“Children of legends are a unique breed. We are rare and pursue unique paths. My treasured claim is the fact I am her only daughter. I was privy to her teachings; she is my enigma and an inspiration to my brothers.”
Patty Araneta shares: “Tita Chona had a ready smile for everyone — not only for those in her circles. I say this because our “yaya” Nemesia would come back from the supermarket in San Antonio Plaza and tell me that she had seen Tita Chona and they had chatted. They had spoken about how to prepare something for a forthcoming party at our house. Tita Chona, who graced many of my father’s parties, would share party tips or menu suggestions. That generosity in contributing to the success of friends’ parties or celebrations was a hallmark of a group of people in Manila’s society that did not vie to have the best parties but looked forward to having enjoyable times together. They even shared china, silver and crystal when needed and enjoyed their gatherings as a growing community.
“Her kindness was almost legendary. Nary a mean or unkind word would she utter of anyone. Tita Chona epitomized elegance, one that is marked by refined grace and dignified propriety.”
Criselda Lontok recalls: “When I was just beginning to model, I used to admire her together with Mary Prieto, Chito Madrigal Vasquez and Elvira Manahan who were the superstars then. I was just on the sidelines. Little did I know that after a number of years, she would be my colleague in Rustan’s with Mary Prieto and Josie Lichauco.
“Chona was considerate and kind, especially to our salesclerks who loved her dearly; always with a smile on her face in spite of her problems towards the end of her life.
“She was always refined in her ways, even at the last moments of her life. I remember when I was leaving the hospital after a visit — she held my hand and kissed it since she could no longer verbalize her appreciation. That was her language of love, which also turned out to be her final goodbye.”
Host Johnny Litton says: “My first experience meeting Chona, was at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. She was enjoying the attention of Johnny Ysmael, a dapper and debonair gentleman whose popularity at that time exceeded that of Chona’s.
“My future encounter with Chona would later on be during what was known then as the biggest ball in the Philippines called the Kahirup, a charity event organized by the sugar barons and attended by Manila’s 400. Chona, the ever-stunning beauty — cool, calm, sophisticated and always extremely well-dressed — was part of a group that included Conching Sunico, Mary Prieto, Elvira Manahan and Chito Madrigal. They were aptly names the “Divas.” At that time, Ramoning Valera was the king of Philippine designers.
“Later on, I would visit Rome and occupied a special apartment atop Montemario, where I had a fantastic view of the Roman City from my penthouse at the Cavalieri Hilton. The group of Pitoy Moreno, then a shiny and rising star in the design world, led by none other than Chona, together with Minnie Osmeña, Pearlie Arcache (yes, sister of Maurice), Rosemarie Lopez and several other Filipina models would use my Cavalieri Hilton apartment for their pictorials. Even then, the main object of attention was Chona — not to demean the other models, but she had a certain charm and élan about her that was so attractive to the European gentry.
“My friendship with Chona continued to grow and I would take her and the group to various sites in Rome that few tourists knew about as well as restaurants frequently visited by Claudia Cardinale, Marcelo Mastroianni and Sophia Loren.
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La Divina: The Life and Style of Chona Recto Kasten is available in hardbound and paperback editions at National Book Store. Publishers are National Book Store, Anvil Publishing Inc, and The Philippine STAR. Sponsors are Ayala Museum, Filipinas Heritage Library, Philippine Airlines, Raffles Hote;, Moet & Chandon, Rustan's , Bench, Pond's, Cream Silk, Leon Gallery and Moss Manila.
