Fashion icon and philanthropist Tessa Prieta-Valdes may be adventurous with her fashion statements but she is cautious on having celebrities picked for government posts.

“I think if it’s a post for something like the Department of Tourism pwedeng celebrity who has the passion for it. Pero kung celebrity para sa Department of Health or Department of Education, dapat may qualifications na i-consider,” she told Bulletin Entertainment during the Mongol Crayon launch at Trinoma on June 5.

As a rule, she believes that being enthusiastic and having good intentions count when it comes to governance. However, she stresses that some posts just require education and experience.

“It would be ideal if, say, the celebrity who is considered for something like the Department of Health has a medical background. At the end of the day, what good is being popular if you are not equipped or ready for a certain post?” she thought aloud.

Asked if she would accept an offer should one be made to her by the president, Tessa quipped, “No, because I can be of help to people even without a position.”

She speaks the truth. Aside from her charities and advocacies, one of which is for the Red Cross, Tessa makes time for such events as the Mongol Crayon launch which was held for the benefit of actor Diether Ocampo’s K.I.D.S. Foundation.

“Diet has been supportive of my charities so this is my way of returning the favor to him. Diet is a good friend – with killer abs to match!” Tessa joked.

Describing herself as “the girl in living color,” Tessa believes in the quality of Mongol Crayons that is why she immediately agreed to grace the event when asked. At the Trinoma, Tessa wore a printed dress with lots of accessories, making her a vision to behold and the epitome of the lifestyle the product champions.

“Life is too short to be serious about what other people say. We should not be afraid to be who we are. People may approve of you or insult you, but as long as you’re not hurting anyone or breaking any law, you just do your own thing,” she said.

Has she ever worn a black and white ensemble just to depart from her image?

“Once for a magazine shoot! I didn’t even wear false eyelashes then. It was fun but maybe I won’t do it again,” she said, laughing.

Mongol Crayons is made to have a smooth application of brilliant colors and a non-toxic mix. It is available in boxes of 8’s, 16’s and 24’s. 

The product is part of the Newell Rubbermaid family of American brands and is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Star Paper Corporation.