Gentle-natured Rita
"Tolerance helps us live harmoniously in this world despite the diversity"
Rita Carla Fernandina Opolencia-Peña
The name Rita Carla Fernandina Opolencia-Peña is not new to us. After all, she had been queen of the famous Jaro Fiesta in 2005 and daughter of Rito Carlos "Judgee" Lopez-Peña and Sarah Opolencia-Peña.
Her siblings are Risa Maria Lourdes O. Peña, a 2nd year college student at the Ateneo de Manila University taking up BS Legal Management and Rica Marie Isabel O. Peña, a Grade 4 student at Assumption-Iloilo.
Rita is a law student at the Ateneo School of Law. She had been an excellent student. She was valedictorian and an MME awardee during grade school, salutatorian during high school, IWAG awardee for Journalism, dean's lister at Ateneo de Manila University. She has won various competitions in journalism and has represented her school in many workshops, trainings and forums.
She has her own organization which is called the "Balik Eskwela" Program that helps around 130 children of Brgy. Simon Ledesma, Jaro with their education. This program started when she was in 3rd year high school up until today.
With Law school friends
Get to know more about Rita in this interview:
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
What is for you the most important of all virtues?
Tolerance because it helps us live harmoniously in this world despite the diversity.
I never leave home without ….
My mobile phone because it constantly keeps me connected with all my relations.
What do you keep with you no matter what?
Peña Family at Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia
My rosary because it serves as my guide in all that I do.
When is less really more?
When one wears just the right amount of accessories to match an outfit.
What is the one thing that you can never refuse?
Shopping.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Right now, travel as well as accessories such as bags and shoes.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Buying designer bags and shoes.
What is your personal style in dressing up?
Classic and sophisticated kind of dressing.
Are you a bag lady or a shoe lady?
Both because bags and shoes are important in complementing the whole outfit.
Which designer do you like best?
Local: New Yorker, Patis Tesoro and Jojie Lloren. International: Valentino, Versace, Marchesa, Elie Saab, Prada and Chanel.
What is biggest shopping weakness?
Designer shoes and bags
What do you look for when you shop?
Quality and value for money
In fashion or beauty what can't you live without?
Fashion: I can't live without my designer handbags and shoes because they're classic and of good quality. Beauty: Concealer, lip gloss and pressed powder.
How long does it take for you to get dressed before leaving the house?
It depends. For big events, it usually takes me 1 to 2 hours. On a daily basis, 15 to 30 minutes.
Who would you want to trade closets with?
Nicole Kidman.
In her closet every woman should have…….
A nice pair of jeans, pumps and a classic handbag.
One thing I'll never wear is………
Shoulder pads that are reminiscent of the 80s and early 90s.
When I want to look sexy, I put on…….
Stilettos, a nice dress or a sexy top.
Do you follow trends?
No. I've always believed that one should stick to one's style and should not follow trends.
What is your greatest wish?
To be an accomplished lawyer and to build a happy family of my own someday.
What is your greatest regret?
None. I've always believed that everything happens for a reason and that we should embrace whatever God has planned for us.
What is your passion?
My passion is learning. I love learning anything, may it be academics, relationships, society or life in general.
How would you like to be remembered someday?
I would like to be remembered as an obedient daughter, a loyal friend and someone who has made a difference in society.
What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment so far?
Making my parents proud of me.
Which living person do you admire most?
My Mama Bobbie (my paternal grandmother) because of her strength of character and her ability to love unconditionally.
What do you value most in a relationship?
The emotional support and the ability of the other party (may it be my parents, siblings, friends, etc.) to contribute to my growth as a person.
What was the most amazing thing that someone said about you?
A friend of mine wrote a testimonial in Friendster saying, "Rita is too good to be true. If only she heard the testimonials outside of Friendster."
What is the most common misconception about you?
That I'm a very serious person. When you get to know me better, I'm very sociable and outgoing.
What is your greatest fear and how do you face this?
Losing loved ones. I face my fears by praying to God for inner strength and for the protection of my loved ones.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Playing the violin because I've always been fascinated of how the violin can create romantic and beautiful music.
What is your current state of mind?
Blissfully happy.
What do women like most about being women?
Our ability to bear children because it is one of the most significant and precious events in a woman's life.
How would you sell Iloilo to tourists?
First of all, I would focus on the food because Iloilo has the best restaurants in the country specifically seafood. I will promote certain Ilonggo delicacies which is known all over the country. More importantly, I will promote the Ilonggos in general because we are simple, humble, warm and accommodating.
How can you contribute for the betterment of the city in your own little way?
First of all, by being a responsible citizen like following city ordinances, laws, etc. Aside from that, by being active in socio-civic activities and more importantly by contributing to charity that benefits underprivileged individuals or groups.
What is in your top most Christmas wish list?
That my family would continually be blessed with good health and that they would constantly be protected from harm.