Inspired by music, philanthropy–and a second shot at first love

Elaine Villar is blooming, proof that love is lovelier the second time around.

Her first love, Oscar “Noy” Anson (younger brother of Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo) is her constant companion and escort to social and civic events around the metropolis. This true love started when Noy was 21 and Elaine, 16. The couple’s romance was cut short by Elaine’s parents after a year because of their age difference.

Noy went to America and married, as did Elaine. Yet they always remembered each other. After three decades, Elaine became a widow and Noy separated from his wife. He returned to Manila and immediately sought out his first sweetheart.

They still loved each other very much. Not in a hurry to marry, they decided the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship keeps it exciting. 

This year, Elaine is in the selection committee of the Philippine Cancer Society’s Best Dressed Women of the Philippines; she herself was on this prestigious list in 2012.

She continues to support various causes, including the National Federation of Women’s Clubs, Caritas Manila and the Catholic Women’s League.

Values

“My mother instilled in us the values of sharing and helping others. She would wake up early in the morning to attend to her various organizations, and plan feeding programs, medical missions and fundraising activities. To date, at age 90, she continues to support most of these organizations,” Elaine says.

Her mom, Rosario “Charing” Rojas Villar, also gets credit for teaching Elaine diligence and work ethic. The family owned Villar Records, the pioneering music label in the country.

“I remember particularly sorting out the sleeves of the 45s and the long-playing vinyl albums and putting in the records. My parents wanted us to be involved with the operations of the company, so that we would learn to love it,” recalls Elaine.

Elaine is executive vice president for finance of the LR Villar Group of Companies. But her pride and joy is owning Crossover 105.1, the country’s last remaining FM radio station that plays a jazz-pop-R&B format.

Elaine is a devout Catholic and a generous donor and benefactor of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Naval in Santo Domingo Church, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Quezon City, and the National Shrine of our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan.

For this exclusive Inquirer Lifestyle shoot, Stores Specialists Inc. created the perfect wardrobe for Elaine’s corporate and social schedules. The sleeveless shifts with bold prints are essentials. Bold accessories are by Ann Ong, an original designer making waves here and abroad.