Teysi ng Tahanan

It was probably one of the most exhilarating interviews I've ever done. One minute she was bawling her eyes out, the next she was singing a track from Evita. I am talking about the wonderful Tessie Tomas.

I was speaking with her son Robin, when she walked in. And immediately, she said something like, 'Hay naku, Robin, be careful. Ang YES!, pati mga ah at eh, nilalagay.' Mwahahaha I could only laugh in agreement.

I love this woman. She's very sharp, and very witty, and I could so relate to her single mom stuff. And guess what? Her son Robin is just as witty--and hilarious, too.

Here's an excerpt of that interview from the December issue of YES!


It’s a story straight out of the movies. A young fashion designer, who’s only in his thirties, wins a design contest. As part of his prize, his work gets to be sold at Bloomingdale’s, the iconic American department store that features an extensive selection of the latest designer fashions.

For any fashion designer, to have work displayed and sold at Bloomingdale’s is a big deal. Bloomingdale’s, after all, is where you find the wares of such globally recognized designers as Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors.

For an unknown fashion designer, to be at Bloomingdale’s is nothing short of a miracle! And that’s exactly what happened to Robin Tomas, the only son of celebrated actress and comedienne Tessie Tomas.

A fine arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, Robin always knew he’d make a career in the arts. He just didn’t imagine that he’d be dressing beautiful women in the process, and doing so in New York City!





I had a video of Ms. Teysi singing a number from Cats. Sadly, one of my sons deleted it from my memory card. Sayang!