Aida Patana

Twice as nice

  By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

By 2021, pageant entrant Aida Patana of Cebu City will be hitting two birds with one stone and, in the process, make pageant history. She will be representing the Philippines in two international finals - the Mrs. Universe competition in the USA, and the Mrs. Tourism Ambassador in Malaysia. She will be remembered, thereafter, as the first Filipina to have competed in two different pageants in the same year.

“I’m so honored and privileged to represent the country in these two prestigious pageants for married women. And I feel specially privileged to be invited by the CEO of Mrs. Universe Organization, Sava Tsekov, to compete alongside 90 delegates from all over the world. And I’m equally grateful to Rodell Salvador for inviting me to be part of next year’s Mrs. Tourism Ambassador competition,” proudly shared the mother of five grown-up children.

Born to proud parents Viviano Patana and Apolinaria Herro, Aida completed her elementary years at the Ozamiz City Elementary School. She finished her secondary education at the Immaculate Conception College. When the family moved to Cebu, she continued her studies at the AMA Computer College in Mandaue City with a diploma course in the Computer Associate program. She then enrolled and completed an online degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, shortly after.

Aida went on to tie the knot with George Mananquil, and the union was blessed with a brood of five. When the couple’s furniture business closed shop, her husband, who was used to a life of affluence, now failed to support the family. It was at this point that both parties agreed to be separated from ‘bed and board.’ So for 17 long years now, Aida has been the sole parent to her brood.

A self-confessed workaholic, she is on her feet 24/7. An enterprising Pinay, she went into a number of online-based businesses like Covid-19 essentials and groceries during the height of the pandemic . Her industry seemed to be widely known that even world famous pugilist and upper house solon Manny Pacquiao appointed her as a leader in the women’s sector of the Manny Pacquiao for President Movement (MPPM). As a result, she was invited by two national party list organizations to run for a congressional post in her district.

“Where politics is involved, especially with me in it, I need to consider the matter very carefully because I don’t think I’m cut out for that particular field. I’ve been invited, too, for similar positions in the past. But, who knows,” she confided.

However, things like these don’t come easy to women in small town settings as there will always be naysayers around. She has also experienced being bullied many times in the past. Despite bashers and haters, Aida seems to he showered with more blessings that she shares with those in need around her. Rather than delve into negative subjects, she just ignores all the malicious rumors about her. She simply smiles and pray for her detractors.

When not engrossed in her business and family life, she can be seen on “Kabuhayan ni Aida,” a business advisory forum on Cebu’s local TV station, CCTN Channel 47. She could also be heard over the airwaves via the Energy FM band broadcasting the @AidaPatanaShow.

Of late, she has set her sights on the publishing industry and will launch her lifestyle magazine, Philippine Socialite, which will be available soon at National Bookstore outlets, as well as in select upscale hotels and resorts.

“I decided to venture into the printing business because of my love for the printed word. This early, the five thousand copies for the issue’s first printing in January has already been sold out. I’ve been overwhelmed by the deluge of support from friends and believers.

“And I would like to single out the valuable support extended by my mentor and friend of twelve years, Monsieur Michel Lhuillier, who never failed to encourage me especially when the going got tough,” revealed Aida, at the close of our phone conversation.

Michel Lhuillier is the man behind the trusted pawnshop label, MLhuillier, and is the proud father of internationally-known Hollywood fashion designer Monique Lhuillier.

When Aida blazes her trail in the forthcoming international finals, she will be wearing the creations of Cary Santiago, Cebu’s iconic fashion meister. Aida has been the producer of nationwide shows and concerts, being in show business for almost a decade now.