Exceptionally attractive and kind are some of the best ways to describe this popular and well-loved lady of the current social set.

Malou Tamayo-Martinez is foremost a family woman, a devoted wife and mother, who is equally adept at managing the family business even as she is generous with her time and talent in various socio-civic endeavors.

Typifying the modern matron who is active socially and yet relevant, Malou is one of the best-liked women of her ilk, composed mostly of career women who do volunteer work, travel a lot and live happy lives at home.

During her elementary years at Saint Mary’s College, run by the conservative nuns of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, and later high school and college at the University of Santo Tomas, run by the Dominicans, she was called Maria Lourdes by her classmates. Of course, in time, she would be better known as Malou. 

Malou and I recently had dinner at Benjarong, the Thai restaurant of Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. Over curried seafood among other culinary delights from the land of temples, elephants and spectacular beaches, it was an easy conversation — our topics ranging from her early years and being a mother to her current passions as a club woman.

Weekends at the family fishpond  

“I had been quite sheltered by my businessman dad,” Malou shared. “He would personally drive me to school and pick me up to take me home later in the afternoon.”

It was an idyllic life that she had as a young woman, which included spending weekends in the family fish pond in Hagonoy, Bulacan “where we would ride on a boat to catch fish. Those were exciting times and I would invite my friends who loved it there because it was different from city life. I was about 18 then.”

That early, she also became exposed to business as she witnessed how customers would go to their fishpond to buy their harvest of bangus and tilapia. She also saw firsthand the risks of engaging in business because typhoons would destroy the fish pens.

Over our Thai tom yang, she said that she also loved Japanese and Filipino food, especially sinigang, but preferably seafood because “I grew up on that kind of diet.” I couldn’t help commenting: “No wonder, you are so slim.”

From her Saint Mary’s colegiala days, she had always loved dancing, and now does Zumba. “I was also often voted as class treasurer, all the way to college. They were aware that my family was in business.”

Malou took up Tourism in college, one of the “in” courses at that time. She had not practiced it but she remains a traveler, along with her family.

Kissing by the Iguazu Falls  

Two memorable places for her are Argentina and Peru. “I will not forget Iguazu Falls in Argentina. People lined up to take pictures. And then, my husband called me and in front of everybody, he kissed me — to the delight of the crowd. It was quite a long kiss, and they were all cheering us on while clapping their hands. I was quite shocked because I didn’t realize they were looking at us.  

“We also went to Machu Picchu in Peru. I loved the scenery. It was like we were standing at the edge of the world.” She counts as her equal favorites Santorini in Greece and Mount Titlis in Switzerland. “It was like entering a postcard. I could not believe the mountain that I had been admiring only in pictures was right in front of me. In Santorini, we rode the donkey, forgetting that there was a cable car, but it was fun. I was very brave,” she recalled.  

A favorite story of hers was how she met her husband. “I attended a party and while I was dancing, which I loved to do, I noticed that he was throwing glances at me. So, I kind of observed him too. I noted that his shoes were unique. It was white with an accent of orange. And he had baggy pants that was in then. I also noticed he had bulging muscular arms. I was attracted. It turned out he was a college heartthrob.” The future lawyer was also brilliant and had attended a science high school. Later, she would find out, “he has a good memory. He would read something just once and he would remember it.  Even if the book is very thick.”

‘Faaabvlous Face’

A devoted wife, Malou is also a devoted mother. “I love being a mother,” she confided. “I am a hands-on mother.” Although not strict, she makes sure “to discipline them. I made sure they would not grow up spoiled. When the boys were already in college and they wanted to go out with a girl they were courting, and they would ask for a budget, I would tell them to work at the office. So, they would sell cars and I would give them a commission. They turned out to be industrious. At their young age, they have been able to save  up from the little commissions that I give them.”

The mother has her own life, to be sure. A detour for her was a movie acting stint. “I played the role of a psychiatrist doctor in the movie, Amir, a mental health movie which starred Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado. The director just happened to see me and he asked if I was interested and I said yes for fun. He probably thought I looked like a serious lady, not knowing I could be impish. So, nag-artista kuno ako. I had to research the role. I didn’t want to just speak the lines without understanding them. We had our shoot in Batangas. I only had a night to memorize my lines. But my husband, who is good at memorizing, said he would help me. He coached me how to remember lines. I told him, why don’t you be the doctor instead? Did you bring a white cloth?

Other than her natural beauty which is palpable at first glance, Malou is a sight to behold in parties because she dresses up well. She was in the Best Dressed List of the Philippine Cancer Society in 2018. She also received from chairman Helen Ong the organization’s prestigious Paterno Award. In 2017, she made it to Rupert Jacinto’s “Faaabvlous Faces.”

“It’s not just about being well dressed or looking good. It is also an opportunity to do one’s part in society as Tita Helen encourages us to do our part for our needy brothers and sisters in our own way.” She has raised funds for the victims of the recent eruption of Taal Volcano. She has also chaired a committee in the Society for Cultural Enrichment. She currently sits as vice president of the Rotary Makati Ayala Triangle.

Malou has passed on much of her responsibilities in the family’s car sales business. “My children now occupy key management and sales positions. Both my sons know the business well. They have increased our assets by buying and acquiring commercial properties. They are good at doing online business.”

Through it all, Malou has not lost touch with her friends and classmates from way back. Just recently, she was chosen by her former mentors and classmates as the Reina Elena of the University of Santo Tomas Santacruzan.

Today, Malou remains active in civic work, visits the family office now and then, and socializes with friends. As a multi-faceted woman, she lives a very interesting and fulfilling life. She does not only stand out for her beauty, but for her kindness, amiability and compassion for her fellowmen.