Mariquita Yeung: Smiling from the heart

Kindness is captivating in a woman. Which is why, this society figure from the barrio is known for her various civic and charitable works imparted to Cebu.

Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung grew up in Brgy. Corva in the town of Medellin — a far setting from her posh villas in Cebu City, Hong Kong and London. Although looked up to as a socialite, Mariquita prides herself with real-life treasures — her husband Carlos and children, a bundle of memories and “Operation Smile.”

Described as down-to-earth by friends, Mariquita emulated her father by being herself an educator. But she never got to practice due to more pressing and rewarding circumstances.

“I have no attachment to material things,” Mariquita said, as she doesn’t have much of things to share to remind her of places she traveled all around the globe. Hong Kong and London are her favorites — places she considers home not only because of the fascinating views but these places are filled with valuable memories of her children.

“I’m proud of my children and how they turned out, you will really know them as the Yeungs’ children,” she declares. Her eldest daughter Carla, 28, is a lawyer while her only son Martin, 27, is helping his father in the business. Meanwhile, youngest Janel, 25, is a designer for Puma. As a mother, Mariquita shares that she chose to be the “villain” parent because disciplining for her is serious business.

Once charity is already filled up at home, it now overflows and “Operation Smile” for Mariquita is an extension of this extreme love for children with harelips. “I see results in just 45 minutes and it gives hope to the treated child,” she said. For 11 years now, she has been involved in “Operation Smile” and difficulty in implementing the project is never a consideration for Mariquita. For her, there is always a solution, a “yes” instead of a “no,” in the problems now termed as “challenges.”

Mariquita’s fashion icons include the jean trend of Audrey Hepburn and the simplicity and elegance of Jackie Onassis’ outfits. This socialite prefers Inno Sotto and Cary Santiago for her outfits.

Mariquita exercises regularly and credits her highly moisturized skin to lots and lots of malunggay. Earlier in the day, she has a glass of juice composed of different greens (green apple, bitter melon, celery, bell pepper and cucumber), fresh orange and carrot juice an hour after. She admits that she also gives in to lechon (roast pig) but only in tiny bites. She enjoys wine and soothing music.

Mariquita can definitely discuss anything under the sun. And no matter where you bring the discussion, it will always lead to the two most important aspects of her life: her family and “Operation Smile.” These are the two reasons why Mariquita stays youthful and always smiling.