Frannie Jacinto: Genteel heart

MANILA, Philippines - Frannie Aguinaldo Jacinto’s refined manners were a restrained reminder that it had been quite a while since we read Judith Martin’s column: Frannie's regal posture should have been intimidating, if her impressive bloodline had not already done that. But Frannie welcomes with the sincere graciousness of a woman who is used to entertaining and likes it, regardless of who her guests may be.

Frannie is the daughter of Francisco Aguinaldo, who married the former Naty Osorio, and ran Aguinaldo’s Department Store, the venerable institution which stood in Avenida Rizal then in Echague and later in Cubao from the ’30s to the ’60s, and changed the way Filipinos would shop, introducing them to quality Philippine-made products and precious finds from abroad. Glecy Tantoco, pre-Rustan’s days would supply merchandise to Aguinaldo’s and the store also honed the talents of designers Lor Calma and employed the likes of Hizon’s founder Inocencia Hizon Zamora. “I always enjoyed visiting the store and looking at everything it sold. Aguinaldo’s had the best of the Philippines and also brought in classy American and European-made items,” recalls Frannie, whose ancestry can be traced to former President Emilio Aguinaldo.

Coming from one of Manila’s most influential families, Frannie was educated in Spain and was exposed, at an early age, to European culture and tastes. Later, she was exposed to other foreign cultures as part of Karilagan International, the Conchita Sunico-founded modeling group that hired and brought some of Manila’s finest abroad (Australia, Thailand, Europe) to model Philippine fashion created by stalwarts such as Aureo Alonzo, Ramon Valera, Salvacion Lim, Ben Farrales, and Pitoy Moreno. This was at a time, back in the ’70s, when the Philippines was at the forefront of fashion in Asia.

Not quite easy to forget is the fact that Ramon Jacinto, better known as the rock and radio icon RJ, is her husband. A marriage of more than 30 years has produced two children, Natalia and RJ II, and a collection of unforgettable memories, including a 14-year exile during the Marcos era, when the former president turned dictator, having just declared Martial Law, attempted to take over the Jacinto steel mills and “sanitize” RJ’s own radio stations.

Frannie with husband Pinoy rock icon Ramon "RJ" Jacinto and children RJ II and Natalia. On the wall is a 1960 Amorsolo painting of Fernando and Vina Jacinto and their children Joselita, Mary Rose, Ramon “RJ,” Nanette, Pocholo, Marilyn, Lilibeth, and Marines

But Frannie Jacinto herself, barring filial and conjugal connections, is unforgettable. For how she speaks her mind. For how she doesn’t affect any airs. And for how, through even the littlest gestures, she manifests generosity that touches the soul and stays. Frannie Jacinto, then and now, may be and have been many things: devoted wife and mother, exile survivor, supporter of the arts, cultural ambassador, but ultimately she is a woman of innate substance and effortless style.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?

FRANNIE JACINTO: I say a prayer of thanks to the Lord and do a mini stretch in bed — at the same time.

What are your memories of your grandparents’ store Aguinaldo’s?

Aguinaldo’s had the best of the Philippines, from top class furniture designed by the best in our country to clothing to Maidenform bras. All were made in our Marikina factory that was considered top class in machinery and workmanship. The store also brought in elegant American and European-made items including European Christmas glass ornaments, Italian ceramics, American sterling silver, Spanish lace veils (ladies had to wear veils to attend Mass), Irish hand-embroidered linens, and fine French and Swiss fabric.

You mentioned that your father liked collecting beautiful things? What were some of the things he would buy?

Paintings and more paintings. We had Amorsolos, Juan Lunas and numerous other paintings all over our house — in the living room, our bedrooms and even bathrooms. Joya, Zobel, HR Ocampo, Malang, Luz, etc. were modern artists that were also his favorites. We hardly had wall space. Friends who came over thought we had an art gallery in our house. For my high school graduation in Madrid, Papa gave me a painting that he bought in Rome instead of the usual piece of jewelry.

Of all the things he left you, what do you treasure the most?

The Amorsolo portraits of my grandparents (Leopoldo Aguinaldo and Andrea del Rosario) done in the ’50s, not only because they are valuable but because I was very close to both of them when I was a little girl. I would spend my whole day in their house and enjoy their company. I learned a lot from my grandma who was very active and energetic until she passed away at 89 years old: daily six p.m. rosary novenas, gardening, cooking, sewing and down-to-earth lessons in life. She taught me how to swim in her pool when I was barely two years old and she was already 74. Nothing was impossible with her.

What was the most important thing you learned from your father?

Buy quality not quantity because it will last forever. I may not always follow this, but I have learned that it is true.

What do you remember most of your modeling days with Karilagan?

Frannie values her jewelry for sentimental reasons. They include a locket bracelet from her mother-in-law that has a photo of her husband Ramon when he was young, watches from her father, and an Italian charm bracelet given to Frannie’s mother by her dad.

(They were) fun, carefree days with co-models who have remained my friends up to now: Ping Valencia, Cynthia Cruz Conine, Ana Arambulo, and Dayang Charles, to name a few. (I remember) being on time for rehearsals. Be a professional, even if we were not paid. No diva airs. Thick heavy makeup with false eyelashes, heavily-teased hair with lots of hair spray — we had to go to the beauty parlor of the Manila Hilton hotel daily for the lunch shows and it was so boring for me. This is why I don’t enjoy going to beauty salons at all.

How different was modeling then from now?

Models were chosen from de buena families. One was invited to be a model and could not apply. A model then was never paid. For the daily luncheon shows, we were gifted with shoes from our sponsor (usually Syvel’s or Shoemart) or a gown from the designer, if you were lucky. This was also true for the big gala shows that were attended by Manila’s society. In other words, everything was “thank you.” When we went abroad, we were gifted US$100 by Tita Conching Sunico for a month’s trip and that was considered a jackpot. My parents had to augment my shopping money, but in those days, everything was very reasonable so having several hundred dollars was a lot. Modeling was considered a fun pastime or a hobby. We were mostly students or recent graduates just starting to enter the work field.

Who were the designers you would model for?

All the top designers who had shows at the Manila Hilton and were chosen by Conchita Sunico, the grande dame of Manila society and considered the “hostess with the mostest” during her time. The list includes venerable names such as Ramón Valera, Aureo Alonzo, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Casimiro Abad, Emil Valdes, Arturo Cruz, Carlos Burgos, Nena Lapus, Lumen David, Eddie Ocampo, and Slim’s (Salvacion Lim).   Sadly, most of them are gone (except for Aureo, Ben, Pitoy and Eddie).

What did you learn from them?

Each one was different, but I saw their creativity at work. Slim’s had fantastic color combination; she had a good eye. Ramon Valera was a very good friend of my mother. He was demanding in his draping and beading. He would have his beaders redo their work if he was unhappy — he demanded nothing but the best. I am lucky to have some of my mother’s Valera gowns and the workmanship is still exceptional up to this day.

How would you describe your personal style?

Simple elegance. Appropriately dressed. By day, casual and comfortable by night; dressed for the occasion. Nothing over the top.

Who was your first fashion mentor?

My father and mother. Both were well-dressed and well-mannered. My father spoke many languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Tagalog). He was a renaissance man. My mother grew up with Spanish and Chabacano and earned a doctorate in Columbia University in 1950.

What is the best fashion advice you’ve received?

It is better to be underdressed than overdressed.

Frannie’s prized evening clutches include fabric bags from France which she inherited from her mother Naty Osorio and a mother-of-pearl minaudiere from Adora.

Where do you shop?

In Manila: Rustan’s, Adora and even SM; online: neimanmarcus.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, giltgroupe.com, ruelala.com; abroad: the usual top department stores and specialty shops. I love outlet shopping (Saks, Neiman’s, etc.); it’s like a treasure hunt!

Who are your favorite designers?

Ito Curata for my ball gowns in Manila. I hardly have to fit the gowns when he makes them for me: muy fino sewing inside out.

What is your shopping philosophy?

The object has to be worth it in terms of price and quality but (it also) has to pass the test: Do I need it or do I just want it for short-term?

Do you splurge on anything?

Buys have to be worth it whether it is a piece of good jewelry, artwork or antiques. In other words, be a smart buyer. I love going to auctions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s in New York and Hong Kong and have recently bought a life-sized, antique wooden Buddha from Nepal because I am renovating my house.

What is the one thing you would never wear?

Anything uncomfortable including clothes that are too tight, too short, with low cleavage, and also super high platform heels. I can’t get away with those fashions and will look silly.

You used to collect ceramics and pottery? How did this fascination start? Do you still buy pieces?

I started buying antique ceramics when I was 18 years old. This was the era of the diggings in Butuan and other parts of the country, with Linty Locsin and Roberto Villanueva having wonderful collections. A good friend and neighbor Winky Maramba convinced me to start collecting and I am glad he did.

What is the most valuable piece from that collection?

My most valuable piece would be a turquoise Ming carving (14th century) that I bought in the ’70s in Butterfield’s in San Francisco. It was a deaccessioned piece from a USA museum. 

Of all the things that your mother left you, what do you treasure the most?

Her jewelry, not just because they are valuable but because of the sentimental value. Majority of the pieces belonged to her family that date back to the Spanish times and have been handed down to the women of the family. The other pieces came from my father who designed them — he was not only a businessman but was also very artistic.

Where in Spain did you study?

In Barcelona and Madrid for high school. During my time, young girls were sent to Europe to soak up European culture and be ladies. I ended up dreaming in Spanish in the second year, which meant I was quite good in the Spanish language — though English is my first language.

How often do you travel?

Very often. It is usually rest and recreation for my husband as he is a workaholic in Manila (with his radio and TV station, guitar stores and his music). It is only when we are abroad or out of town that he can rest. I have to stop him from working. We also have at least one family trip annually with our children. Now that they are working, it is hard to get everyone to take a break together.

What are your travel essentials?

Day and night moisturizer that I add pure castor oil to, a folding umbrella, fabric hat and sunblock. I can’t live without aquaphor or lipgloss for my lips.

Where do you always keep going back to?

Honolulu, where my children were born. It was also our home for many years during our exile. We loved it there and it was wonderful to raise a family.

Where would you like to go next?

Venice, to visit a dear childhood friend. I was there with my mother and sister before I entered boarding school in Barcelona. I would also like to do a family trip and roam around Italy where we also lived during the first of our exile years. This time, it will be leisurely and with my grown children.

How was it being in exile for 14 years?

(It was) tough at times living abroad and knowing that one could not just go back to one’s country whenever one wished. Most Filipinos didn’t want to be caught “consorting” with the enemy (the Jacintos) but I had close friends who were very supportive and you will know who your friends are when you are down. Luckily, we had no children to care for then and it was easier to go from one country to the next. The Catholic Church (Vatican) was very helpful to the family.

Did you ever think you may never come back to the Philippines?

I thought the Marcoses would last forever and a day. I was ready to live the life abroad forever even if I didn’t like it. One had to be resilient. Every New Year’s Eve for over a decade, my husband would offer a toast to the Philippines and wish for freedom for our country. He was always so hopeful.

What did you miss most about the Philippines during that time?

My parents and siblings, and Pinoy food. I learned to cook Pinoy food so I could eat it often in exile.

How does it feel being married to a Pinoy rock icon?

RJ is a very loving husband and has a great sense of humor. I still laugh at his jokes after being married to him for more than 30 years. He is dedicated to his music and we have guitars sprouting all over the house. They are part of my furniture and décor; even when they are relegated to his den, these musical instruments will find their way to other parts of the house. He has no ego about his being a “rock icon” as you call it. He is down to earth and will talk to anyone who will greet him, from the taxi driver and hotel concierge to ambassadors and heads of state.

With girl friends Lulu Tan-Gan and Allana Montelibano in Pattaya, Thailand

Are you also a fan of classic rock music? Not at all. Couldn’t stand it then and can’t stand it now. I do like rock ‘n’ roll but not classic rock.

What kind of music do you listen to?

My “comfort “ music includes motown, disco and light classical operas.

Which bands have you learned to appreciate because of your husband?

The Ventures. They were recently here and had a show with RJ to a sell-out crowd.

Do you also play any instrument?

As a young girl, I took up piano and guitar lessons which I wasn’t good at, so I quit in my teens when I realized I was not going to get any better. Same goes for ballet and riding lessons: took them but wasn’t good. (Laughs)

Where do you get spiritual guidance?

My family is my inspiration. I had very good mentors for spiritual guidance: a dear family friend in my youth, Msgr. Fernando Mempin, my grandma Andrea del Rosario, my mother Natividad Osorio Aguinaldo and my Teresiana teachers in Poveda.

How do you keep grounded?

I always remember what my mother said, “Life is a circle. One day you are up and one day you are down. Keep those who love you and whom you enjoy — friends and family — around you.”

What traits do you find most admirable in a person?

Loyalty, honesty, perseverance, a good work ethic. I don’t like people with airs who are full of themselves and probably believe their own press releases.