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Having received the Knight of the French National Order of Merit, Consul General Fortune Ledesma shares with Philippine Tatler what inspires her to do better
“Fortune is somebody who has an extraordinary character, and someone who is extremely positive, supportive and dedicated,” says French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon during his speech in the 2015 celebration of Bastille Day in Manila. "Another reason why we want to present this recognition to Fortune is because she made all the ambassadors and their spouses sing, catwalk, model, and for some of us, dance. Can you imagine that? It’s only an exceptional lady that can do this thing!”
As part of the celebration of France's National Day, Amb. Garachon has bestowed the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Merit (Knight of the National Order of Merit) to Consul General of Monaco to the Philippines Fortune Ledesma, on behalf of the President of the French Republic François Hollande for her incomparable efforts to further improve the political, cultural, and economic ties between Monaco and the Philippines, as well as for her significant role in promoting the French language and culture here in the country.
“I am very much honoured and humbled to have been bestowed such recognition. I would like to thank the good Ambassador [Garachon] and the French government for the opportunity to call attention and solicit more assistance for the various groups and foundations that I have helped and supported throughout the years,” says Ledesma.
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Being the daughter of the late Governor Amado Aleta of Nueva Ecija, Ledesma, at a very young age, has been of service to various cultural and civic organisations. Throughout the years, she spearheaded various philanthropic efforts, which include the building of the Virlanie Children’s shelter, supporting the indigent patients of Philippine General Hospital, and the kickstarting of housing projects for survivors of natural calamities such as Typhoon Haiyan. Ledesma shares to Tatler that it is her “passion in life to help others,” which she inherited from her father and, also, passed on to her children. Together with her family, Ledesma led fund-raising projects for the street children of the Response and Action Centre under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the re-planting of mangroves of the depressed barangays in Oriental Mindoro, as well as the re-painting of public school buildings. Ledesma believes that much is expected from those who are more fortunate, thus the Consul General of Monaco to the Philippines lives up to her name by giving love and support to the underprivileged.
Above Minister Tetsuro Amano, Amb. Massimo Roscigno, Fortune Ledesma, Alain Borgers, and Felix Ang during the 39th Annual Consular Ball. Ledesma is the incoming dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines and the Chairman of the Consular Ball
Minister Tetsuro Amano, Amb. Massimo Roscigno, Fortune Ledesma, Alain Borgers, and Felix Ang during the 39th Annual Consular Ball. Ledesma is the incoming dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines and the Chairman of the Consular Ball
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Through the Consulate, Ledesma has actively encouraged and spearheaded cultural exchange programs between Monaco and the Philippines. “Two years ago, I organised a tour for the Little Singers of Monaco—the children’s choir that is under the patronage of Prince Albert—to visit the country for a series of free concerts. Meanwhile, the Bayanihan dancers visited Monaco for a series of free performances,” Ledesma recalls.
Above The Ledesma Family
The Ledesma Family
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Having received numerous recognitions in the past like the Knight of the Order of St. Charles from Monaco, Decoration of Honour in Gold from Austria, and the Medal of Honour by The Federation Internationale Des Corps Et Association Consulaires, to name a few, Ledesma still claims that “the most fulfilling recognition I have is as wife to my loving husband, Rene, mother to my three beautiful children—RJ, Rina, and Rico—and children in-law, and grandmother to my six adorable grandchildren.” Indeed, it is her family that serves as her inspiration to fulfill her responsibilities.
Fortune on ‘being glamourous’
With such position in the diplomatic circle and involvement in various cultural and socio-civic organisations, Ledesma admitted that it takes a bulk of her personal time. But despite her busy schedules and number of projects Ledesma keeps a healthy lifestyle. “I think being glamorous has a lot to do with keeping fit and healthy. I make sure to drink a lot of water, I do a lot of brisk walking and I exercise three times a week,” Ledesma says.
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Moreover, Ledesma finds spiritual growth as another factor for being glamorous. She attends daily Mass along with her weekly Couples for Christ and Catholic Bible Study meetings. She also never forgets to spend quality time with her husband and grandchildren.
“While a certain level of glamour can be achieved through make up, comfortable clothes and accessories, I have found that what most magnetic and appealing individuals have in common is an authentic love for life and all the beauty and joy that it has to offer,” Ledesma says. “Filipina beauty is marked by an ease and confidence in their own skin,” she continues.
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
