Rose Santiago Licup, a rising mover of the country’s philanthropic class, is relentless. She makes use of her wellspring of resources—time, energy and money—efficiently and gracefully. Known as “Pink Rose,” she has a bouquet of advocacies. She is the academe ambassador of the Manila’s Best Dressed, a group of glamorous women that raises funds to build churches and schools. She also lavishes her blessings on the Manila Girls Home, Home for the Aged Marikina, and the Hallway Center for Pediatric Cancer Children.
Licup started the year with the Queen of Hearts Foundation, assisting in the distribution of relief packs for those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. When Covid-19 hit, she sent assistance to communities in Sibuyan, Romblon, and her native Quezon Province.
“We spent the whole lockdown period at home. It was really a big adjustment to all of us. This new normal gives us a lesson to love and value life more, and we all realize the importance of family,” Licup says. “A good thing that happened during this pandemic is that God taught us how to live simply and to pray always.”
As restrictions are being eased, she assumes her role as a hands-on philanthropist. She ensures that parishioners, especially the elderly, experience less hunger at San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Church, Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban, Baclaran Redemptorist Church, and Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
Flexing her fund-raising prowess, she also helps and coordinates with the Quezon Province Provincial Police, Philippine National Police, and the National Capital Region Police Office in handing out toiletries, face masks, PPEs, food packs and school supplies. All for the Covid-vulnerable and Typhoon Ulysses victims. As early Christmas presents, she sent boxes of apples to Bahay Aruga; distributed school supplies, sanitary napkins, diapers and fish outside Baclaran Church; and protective gear for doctors at Candelaria Health Clinic.
“I gave away 3,000 face masks everywhere. I still have 300 pieces of blankets and toiletry packs that I don’t know yet where to distribute,” Licup explains.
She may have become a prominent presence int the fashion gala/charity circuit, but Licup says her passion for philanthropy was sparked in the provinces. Her family (husband Henry, and children Cathy, Cindy and Harry) own poultry farms in Batangas and Quezon, and a subdivision in Candelaria.
“I’m surrounded by many factory workers. I became interested together with my family and friends to volunteer in reaching to the less fortunate. It became my mission. I love helping them,” says Licup, who also previously owned Yasubei Japanase Restautant and Pearl Marina Spa.
This year, gala fundraisers fell victim to Covid-19. In prior years, Licup was almost always clad in high-fashion creations by the late Eddie Baddeo, of whom she was a muse. Her other favorites are Lloyd Arceo, Leticia Herrera and John Guarnes. She appeared lately in a virtual fashion show by upcoming designer Vince Borja.
“When it comes to charity, since I was involved in many charity works way back when I was still young, I treat such events seriously. I know all fundraisers have one goal, and that is to help. I choose the ones with a genuine purpose and with a heart, a heart that is willing to extend more support for the benefit of all recipients,” explains Licup.
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY AUDIE BERMEJO
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALLEN CABS AND HENRY FERRER