WEDDING

Armed with a deep appreciation for the sanctity of human life, Pinky Tobiano shares her journey as a woman for others

Koro-Co Puno-Concepcion

Asunny afternoon and a gentle breeze greet us upon our arrival at the Haven for the Elderly. A solemn atmosphere blankets the tranquil facility, nestled within lush hills in Tanay, Rizal. Volunteers guide us toward the activity area, where mass is being heard. We join the elderly residents, guests, and the birthday celebrant, Pinky Tobiano.

Pinky makes it a point to spend her special day with the elderly of Haven, alongside people near and dear to her heart. With the joint efforts of her foundation, Pinky Cares, and her business partners, they organize a fun-filled day of food, performances, games, quality time, and thanksgiving with the elderly. This year isn’t an exception—in fact, Pinky is celebrating her 50th birthday, making the festivities more monumental and meaningful.

Mass has ended, and the hosts chime in to kick things off. What follows after is a moving celebration of life: people singing to their favorite songs, playing parlor games that bring back memories of childhood bliss,

and exchanging gleeful smiles and laughter with everyone. In the middle of this revelry, an energetic Pinky is up and about. At one moment, she is dancing with prancing elderly women; next thing, she’s entertaining guests left and right. She radiates vitality and energy, showing no signs of tiredness on her birthday. One can say that she is, in a fulfilling and rewarding sense, living her life to the fullest.

Pinky shares that she has long been involved in elderly care, beginning as early as her freshman year in college. Her overflowing heart for the elderly is a way of honoring her own grandmother, who she fondly calls her Ama. “I was very close to my late grandmother,” she shares. “She took care of me [as I was] growing up, [especially whenever] my parents were working. She is my inspiration—she is a woman for others, my kindest and most generous grandmother. When she passed away in 1994, I started Pinky Cares Foundation. I took it upon myself and committed to continue to take care of the abandoned lolos and lolas. This is also my way of saying thank you to my Ama, who I love dearly. She is very instrumental [in what has made me] who I am today.”

Mobilizing a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, Pinky Cares ensures that the nutritional, financial, spiritual, and biosecurity needs of the elderly are met. In their feeding and immersion programs, for instance, the foundation invites people to spend an afternoon with the lolos and lolas. “I [make it a point] to invite my friends to visit the shelters with me, so someday they can also bring their friends to place a smile on the faces of the lolos and lolas there,” says Pinky.

More than giving back, Pinky’s philanthropic deeds also stem from a deep appreciation and celebration of life. As a cancer survivor, she has also been involved in efforts to combat the life-threatening disease. “When my Mom and I had cancer at the same time, I was thinking about how I can help prevent it from happening in the lives of others. Drawing from my expertise in chemistry, I started Qualibet Testing Services,” she shares. Her testing laboratory checks for impurities and heavy metal content in water supplies, the potency of pharmaceutical and veterinary drugs, and the content of animal feeds. “We help Filipinos be assured that the products that they consume, or the feeds that our animals eat, are free from contaminants, steroids, or impurities—all of which may be carcinogenic for humans.”

As much as she is passionate about helping other people lead better lives, she ensures that her mind, body, and spirit are strong enough to power through her day-to-day tasks. On top of her demanding schedule (which involves being the CEO of three companies, conducting volunteer work, and taking care of her family), she is currently combating a rare autoimmune disease. In response, Pinky has incorporated healthier options in her diet. “As a chemist, I researched the most nutritious vegetables that can boost my immune system. Kale, for instance, is a great super-food.”

It takes courage to face debilitating conditions and carry out philanthropic deeds as steadfastly as Pinky. Her challenge-filled journey as a woman for others inspires her two daughters, Pianne and Karrel, to continue the legacy that their mother has established. “Pianne and Karrel are my pride and joy,” she exclaims. “I am very proud of them. They have taken it upon themselves to make a difference in the lives of street children and sexually abused children— causes that I also help out with. They are both driven and passionate about what they do. My daughters are simple and grounded, and I am proud that they have nurtured these values at a young age.”

Pinky hopes to share the heart for service with even more people. “Whenever volunteers come to help out with the lolos and lolas, I would always tell them a quote from Mother Teresa: ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’” she says. “After all, a truly meaningful life is all about creating a difference in the lives of other people. Seeing my lolos and lolas smile is worth a lifetime of happiness, and this is best shared with those I love the most.”

“Seeing my lolos and lolas smile is worth a lifetime of happiness, and this is best shared with those I love the most.”