Krie Lopez: Woman for others

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to the belief that men are created equal, Kristine “Krie” Reyes-Lopez deeply believes otherwise. Six out of 10 Filipinos are poor; and viewing poverty level from a structural paradigm, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen.

Several years ago, Krie left the corporate world and carefully thought of how to help arrest the vicious cycle of poverty. Not wanting to rely on other people’s money or donations, she researched on social entrepreneurship and founded her own self-sustaining program called HOuSE (Helping Ourselves through Sustainable Enterprises). The objective of HOuSE was to put up businesses that would employ, train and educate at-risk, young adults, who were formerly abused, trafficked or incarcerated, or simply impoverished.

In 2007, she established Messy Bessy, a manufacturer and wholesaler of all-natural, non-toxic household cleaners. The environment-responsible company has since “housed” high school and college graduates.

Krie wants to empower and enable the beneficiaries to secure for themselves a job of their choice. She says, “My greatest achievement is whenever we make a ‘switch’ in these kids — from having a poor man’s mentality to becoming citizens who are proud of themselves, very driven, very motivated.”

Now in her thirties, she is already an established eco-warrior, social entrepreneur and development steward. She doesn’t bask in her accomplishments. Messy Bessy is a neat way to make a difference in the lives of many who need help.

In the privacy of her home, Krie is a very happy and excited new mom. She is a doting mother to one-year-old Stella, whom she and her loving husband, Noey, waited for 11 years.

For Krie Lopez, motherhood and her advocacy for positive societal change are two similar things. Both complicate her life, but in a good way. Both are very challenging. And in both areas, a woman like her is sure to be victorious.

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction

by LUIS ESPIRITU, JR. • Styling by MIKKA VELASQUEZ • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by ALBERT SERRANO • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location

at the DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES • Special thanks

to the management and staff of Diamond Hotel Philippines