What ‘ultimate giver’ Cris Albert likes to wear for Christmas
By Larry Leviste
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6:55 am | Friday, December 14th, 2012 Auggie Cordero creates the best gowns for Christmas partying. “His
taste is elegant, his designs are classic yet youthful,” said Cris
Albert in her Yuletide festooned flat.
Everyone knows it was Wanda Louwallien, the beautiful mom of
Cris, who introduced her daughter to the world of haute couture. Wanda
was Auggie’s favorite model in the ’80s.
The best part of owning a made-to-measure dress is that it is
specially molded to every contour of your body, usually perfected after
two fittings at Cordero’s atelier in Malate.
Made-to-order assures the wearer of looking impeccable, and
whether she loses a few pounds or gains a bit, especially this
Christmas, it will never show. That’s what separates ready-to-wear from
haute couture. You are sure the outfit exists only for you, and you
never have to fear that you will enter an event venue and face someone
wearing the same thing.
HALTER High tea dress, creme anglaise silk jersey column with a black silk sash and Swarovski belt, Escada shoes
And so today we learn about the outstanding style and hopes
and goals of Cris Albert. Cris earned her college degree in advertising
at the Assumption College. Then she finished a post-grad three-year
course in Management at Harvard University, then another course at
Insead in France, plus a Masters in entrepreneurship at AIM.
“I have a passion to make a difference, and I start by helping
people in our company find their purposes and bring out their gifts,”
said Cris, CEO of Fila, a local sports-minded shoe line. “We have five
brands now, and I own three, which are international. We have 350
outlets, growing by 100 stores next year and three new product lines, as
well.
Perseverance
“As an entrepreneur, I am driven by creativity and intuition,
coupled with scientific measures,” she added. “My work ethic is
perseverance.”
Such stellar priorities and principles come from a great loving
family, bonded with mutual respect and admiration as well as
encouragement and support for each member of Cris’ family.
2013
BALLGOWN Perfect for the New Year’s Ball at the Manila Peninsula,
Cordero channels Marie Antoinette’s youth in this cotton candy-pink
formal
festooned with silk cabbage roses.
“I am my Papa’s one great love, and I’m proud to be from the
Abad Santos clan. My father Antonio is a businessman and is my knight in
shining armor,” Cris said. “My great grandfather, Jose Abad Santos, is
truly a hero. My favorite quote from him is ‘It’s an honor to die for
one’s country.’ He is truly an inspiration to me. I live by this
principle of loving people all around me.”
Then there are Cris’ advocacy and dedication.
“I love the Philippines, and there’s no better way to glorify God
than to give back to our fellow countrymen in need. My advocacy for
children is driven by my belief that every child deserves a home and a
proper Christian education.”
Cofounding Operation Compassion, a nongovernment organization
that builds ministries for the less fortunate, Cris has found her real
happiness and contentment. “My cause is first for the people in the
company to realize all their gifts, and maximize them to its highest
potential.
ROYAL
PURPLE Auggie Cordero’s signature strapless bubble dress in violet silk
taffeta. Google his address and make an appointment.
“Through this, we are able to build several ministries for the
poor. Operation Compassion is a beautiful expression of God’s law on
love: selflessness. And there is nothing more beautiful than the fact
that we are God’s children.
“I am obsessed with my son’s education,” she added. Having two
beautiful kids, Carlo and Isabela, makes Cris Albert the ultimate giver
that she is. “My true loves are my husband and my children.” Blessed
with 19 years of a happy marriage to business man Butch Albert, Cris
enjoys the dual worlds of generous spirituality and fine living, which
is the recipe for harmony and joy.
What made this shoot unforgettable was the disco music that
played loud and endless popping bottles of Moët & Chandon, which
made the whole cast giddy as we got into the Christmas spirit.