Together in a crazy, colorful adventure

For socialite and philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, the key to a lasting marriage is that businessman Dennis Valdes, her husband of 21 years, “has learned not to defy me.”

Tessa, known for her towering headdresses, colorful outfits and funky wigs, said: “People were saying, how can Dennis stay married to me when I’m such an explosion? It’s because he is so confident that he doesn’t have to prove anything. He knows I don’t have vices and that I’m faithful to him. I’m just used to doing crazy stuff, but in the end I always come home to him.”

Tessa and Dennis celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary with a costume party on July 7 at their home in Makati City. The event was hosted by HOOQ, a regional video-on-demand subscription service, that Tessa is endorsing.

“If you want your marriage to last as long as mine, you have to enjoy what you’re doing,” Tessa pointed out. “You also have to love yourself—don’t lose your identity. It’s best if you grow together. It’s important that you leave yourself room to grow apart, but always be together when the day ends.”

Tessa added: “It’s really the basic stuff—trust and honesty. It’s also because Dennis is really hardworking. He has to because his wife is a shopaholic. Seriously, it’s also your relationship with your kids. To raise them, you and your partner need to have synergy.”

TESSA Prieto-Valdes with Batman cosplayers

‘Me time’

Tessa, who is also an Inquirer columnist, said she would always advise her readers to “try to have ‘me time’ and ‘couple’s time,’ as well as ‘family time’ each year.”

To celebrate their “21 amazing years together,” 21 of the couple’s favorite movies were screened in various areas of the Valdes home. “The films are mostly about me, the Sea Princess. Although we tried to include movies that are about Dennis, too, like ‘Hook,’ since he is known as the HK Pirate,” Tessa explained. “Being married to Dennis has drama, romance and even sci-fi!”

HOOQ chief executive officer Peter Bithos explained why the brand chose Tessa as its endorser. “Everybody knows that Tessa is such a colorful character. We love characters, and we can’t think of a better person to partner with than her. I heard she had a pretty crazy 20th wedding anniversary. We had to help her celebrate her 21st this time.”

For Tessa, who arrived as Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen of the “Game of Thrones” series, dressing up has always been her way to “celebrate life.” She added: “I go to the grocery store like this. I super love it! I dress up for church, too. I always have something on my head whether it’s a hat or accessories. By the time I get out of the house, I’m 10 kilos heavier because of my charms, bracelets and all.”

YASSI Pressman as “Fifty Shades” heroine

In March, HOOQ opened its doors commercially through its telecom partner Globe, with an already extensive collection of movies and TV shows from Warner Bros. Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as local studios ABS-CBN, Regal Entertainment, Viva Communications and GMA 7.

More titles

“We’re launching ‘Mad Men’ soon,” said Bithos of the American period drama TV series. “We are adding more titles every day. We already have more than 30,000 hours of content.”

Also at the party was another HOOQ endorser, Yassi Pressman, who came as “Fifty Shades of Grey” heroine Anastasia Steele. Her film, “Diary ng Panget,” is currently the No. 1 most-viewed local movie on HOOQ.

Present, too, were HOOQ country manager Jane Walker, who was dressed as Lara Croft of the “Tomb Raider” series, as well as Tessa’s other friends, who all donned colorful costumes.

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