IN HER high school yearbook, Carmen Cabiles-Go boldly declared, “I want to become an international fashion model and a businesswoman someday.”
Through her admirable grit, perseverance, and dedication, God ultimately granted the desires of her heart, and so much more than her high school self could have ever fathomed.
With a supportive and caring husband Johnny whom she has been hopelessly in love for the past twenty-nine years, they have been happily working as strong business partners since they opened TireSmart Car Accessories and Service Center in 2002.
“We are both very hardworking and constantly on the go each day. Despite this fact, we never failed to give the kids our quality time after work or during the weekends when they were still toddlers - even up to this time,” says the Philippine Women’s University Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate.
Their eldest daughter Janica, 28, works as a marriage and family psychotherapist in the US where she earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Patrick, 25, is the branch manager of TireSmart while their youngest son Anton, 18, is currently studying at De La Salle University.
But more than being a busy entrepreneur and mom, what keeps Carmen extra giddy these days is her precious grandchild Catris Cleo or Cece. “Even from the US, she finds the time to give us a call every morning and night. Each moment with her, even on Messenger is such pure bliss for Johnny and me,” the young grandma reveals.
Fit at 50
Two months ago, the ever-dynamic Carmen turned 50 and if you think she has signs of slowing down, well, think again.
“50 is just a number. I don’t feel old because I still feel the same as before. Nothing has really changed compared to when I was in my 20s or 30s. I remain passionate about the way I think and the way I work. My husband always tells me that I am well-organized and driven. I was never a quitter,” the bedimpled beauty shares.
“I work out every day for at least 30 minutes, except for days when I am abroad, sick, or when I work overtime which is rare. I always watch what I eat but I’m the type who eats everything I want but in small portions. I never miss eating fruits and sleeping for eight hours a day,” she explains.
“Now I can say too that being a grandmother to Cece at an early age is a plus factor especially when one is fit and healthy because I can still play and look after our grandchild for longer periods,” the doting grandma observes.
Her strict discipline in taking care of her body all these years marvelously paid off when she had her fitness-inspired 50th birthday photoshoot with master photographer Benjamin Young III.
Life’s a breeze
“A friend told me that if I never celebrated my 18th birthday, then, I should do so when I turned 50. Needless to say, she was successful in convincing me!” Carmen chuckles.
But, commemorating this significant milestone proved to be challenging and a bit stressful as she and her husband were in the midst of overseeing the construction of their latest business venture, Catigan Mountain Breeze, a mountain resort blessed with a cool climate and a magnificent 360-degree view overlooking Davao City.
With less than a month to prepare, she sought the help of a reliable event organizer, a photographer, a choreographer, and a caterer. “Everything was magic when this fantastic team came along,” Carmen shares.
Following Covid-19 protocols, the stunning golden girl and a limited number of her close family members and friends gathered for an intimate affair at Catigan Mountain Breeze’s function hall last December.
“The special dance number with my boys and hubby; photoshoot showcase; and surprise video greetings from friends living abroad, mentor Renee Salud, good friend Bro. Bo Sanchez and wife Marowe, and unica hija Janica and granddaughter Cece were among the memorable highlights of my 50th birthday celebration,” Carmen says gratefully.
“Generally, everything was perfect! God also granted me my prayer request for good weather. Praise be to our God, for He has always been so kind to me and my family. My life, my story, my achievements, and my failures made me who I am today. How great is He for making all things beautiful for me as I turned 50!”.
Special thanks to Benjamin Young III for the photos on this page.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.