MANILA, Philippines—Don’t envy Tetta Ortiz-Matera who, at 43, seems to have a perfect life. A loving husband, who looks like George Clooney, gave her two adorable children Riana, 12, and Sebi, 9. The couple is celebrating the l0th year of Piadina, the affordable, built-from-scratch and successful Italian food stores at Glorietta, Greenbelt, Robinsons and in Japan.
Tetta is busy with their business yet works out in the gym five times a week. Marriage, career, children and a body like Demi Moore, plus the mind and spirit of a Zen master, seem too good to be true. And she still has the face and smile that made her our supermodel of the ’80s, untouched by cosmetic surgery.
“My life was a long, arduous but lovely journey that had its share of doubts and fears. At this point of my life, I’ve made a conscious choice that I must not let stress enter my body. When a problem arises, I look at it as an outsider. I don’t take things too personally or emotionally.
“I’ve learned to laugh when things go wrong. It’s empowering and invigorating. I choose to be positive and non-judgmental because it’s the healthy choice. My work-outs every morning at Makati Shangri-La gym are my private time for my body. After I drop off my kids in school at 7:30, I have two hours for treadmill, weight training and most importantly stretching which is when I meditate.
“At lunch, I will drop by any of our Piadina branches unannounced and stay there for two hours talking to the chefs and customers. Then go to our head office. I am very hands-on. Then I pick up my children at 4:30 and head for home. I’m in bed before 10. Unless it’s important or an old friend, I don’t do nightlife. My weekends are for my husband and kids.”
Tetta started working out at l7. She was the star of the modeling world, with Tina Maristela. Finding her body too skinny at 98 pounds, she wanted to gain weight and her gym trainers suggested toning and body sculpting to develop the stamina for a 24/7 modeling job, pictorials, advertising go-sees and all-night disco. She was doing five times a week in the gym. It was a lifestyle.
Tetta learned to listen to her body. In l983, she was an ideal 115 pounds for her 5’8” frame. She was the bride of many a fashion show. Her smiling mestiza face was Philippine Airlines’ image for a decade—a campaign that went the world over. Tetta was our very own supermodel.
In the ’90s, Tetta met Giorgio Matera in Japan, the man she would marry. He was a restaurateur who specialized in fine dining. Spending time in Manila, the golden couple noted a dearth in good but affordable Italian food. Deciding to stick to fast food prices but offering true Italian dishes, Piadina was born and became a success.
Tetta’s beauty regimen is not fussy. Moisturizers, soap and sunblock are daily musts but are not expensive brands. She hydrates her hair with essential oils and uses baby lotion all over her body after a daily work-out. When in Japan where her husband is based temporarily, she will run in the streets early in the morning. She gets up at 5 a.m.
With 21 percent body fat, she still considers her body a work in progress. She loves to run, having joined 10 km races. Late this year, Tetta will do half of a 21-km marathon. She believes cardio and respiratory training keeps her immune system stronger than when she was a model.
That’s why you can’t hate Tetta. Her well-being comes from making the right life and health choices. We can, too.
Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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