There’s no doubt that Tessie Tomas is living a happy, fulfilled life.
Tomas is regularly seen on television in the afternoon series The Blood Sisters. She is also busy with activities that involve cinema, art and culture, and does regular fund-raising events for her well-loved Catbaloganon Foundation that brings joy, hope and opportunities to the people of Samar, especially in times of need and natural calamities.
She’s a loving wife to her British husband Dr. Roger Pullin, a marine biologist. Tomas is also a dutiful daughter, taking care of her 90-year-old mom, the former radio anchor and actress Laura Hermosa; and a very supportive mother to her only son Robin who is now based in New York City, making a name for himself as a fashion designer.
“I love the kind of pace that my life has at this stage. I would like to think that I manage my time and activities very well, and I get to do the stuff that makes me a happy and fulfilled woman,” she shared.
The 67-year-old Tomas is grateful that she gets to act on both the big and small screens. Recently, she was honored with a best actress award at the First Subic International Film Festival for her performance in the movie OldSkool.
“That was quite a surprise, and I’m honored to be the festival’s first best actress. I love cinema, whether I’m an actor or an audience. I support the many local film festivals that have mushroomed over the years, and I’d often go watch the movies of these filmmakers by myself.” In recent years, Tomas scored victories as an actor for films like Waterlemon, Sanglaan and 100.
In a few weeks, the high-rating afternoon drama series will come to an end, and Tomas is thankful that she is part of this show that lasted for half a year. “I’m just happy that the Dreamscape team of ABS-CBN entrusted me with a character that’s so full of interesting layers. It’s quite a challenge for someone in my age bracket to play a role with varying degrees of personalities. That’s why I look forward to every work day, eager to go to the set and discover how my character will evolve from week to week,” she said.
Tomas plays Rosemarie Bermudez in The Blood Sisters, compassionate yet cunning, sophisticated yet scheming. She plays mom to Dina Bonnevie’s character and granny to one of the separated triplets all played by Erich Gonzales. The show debuted in February and immediately captured afternoon TV audiences. “Members of the production and cast are starting to talk about ‘sepanx,’ which I didn’t quite understand at first, but it means separation anxiety pala. Well, working together for more than six months got a lot of us closer to each other, and just like any other kind of ending, it can strike a few emotional cords in each of us,” she said.
The months that passed were not just devoted to work for the talented and talkative Tomas. “I was certainly doing a lot of stuff other than acting that not many knew about.” Tomas moved to a new home after selling her old apartment and she described that her stress level was quite up to her neck. “I had to look for a new home for both myself and my mother,” she shared, adding, “Letting go of many things I got attached to was not easy, especially those that have been with me for many, many years. In just a few weeks, I learned about what mattered most, of what to keep and what to let go. It’s a reminder of what life should be—that we can live and be happy with whatever we have, and what is truly important. It also taught me about simplicity.”
By the end of this month, Tomas will fly to the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, to get settled there with her husband. Isle of Man is in the Irish Sea, between England and Ireland, and is famous for its scenic landscapes, rugged coastline and medieval castles.
“It’s definitely a beautiful place, and I have my duties as a wife so I have to set aside time to fulfill these duties. It’s quite a major decision. There will be some major adjustments, for sure, but I’m quite sure that I will settle in just fine. It’s not far from central London, less than an hour by plane and less than half a day by land,” Tomas volunteered.
She told us that she will be back in Manila before Christmas, and would be traveling at least twice a year between Manila and Isle of Man.
“Life is good and beautiful!” is a constant affirmation of Tessie Tomas. Let’s make it ours, too.