The focus of Tessa Prieto Valdes’ Christmas decor is the tree, made more meaningful this year with the arrival of her first grandchild and the rare opportunity to celebrate the holidays with the family instead of engaging in her favourite activity, travel
When the unparalleled Tessa Prieto-Valdes graced the December 2002 cover of Tatler Philippines, she dressed up as a fully ornamented Christmas Tree. Understandably so, the tree being the best symbol of the season for her. “The tree is the central point of my themed decor. Since I change themes every year, I make sure it matches the look with its ornaments, lights and colour scheme. I normally spend half my decor budget on my tree because it always sets the mood of the season!”
The 18 years that passed have been good for the Sea Princess (her moniker, from the title of her lifestyle column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer). She and her husband, Dennis Valdes, have celebrated three anniversaries in this span of time: 15th in Africa, 20th in a Game of Thrones-inspired celebration and the 25th with an African theme. She has had one daughter born, now 15-year-old Athena, and one grandson, Louie Malachi Crespo Prieto, born to eldest son Bryan and his wife Tinkay Crespo. Son Tyrone is now 25 while Annika, 22, just graduated Film from Chapman University last May.