Carol Mercado: Lady of beauty and bounty
Carol Mercado was once a little girl who dreamt of becoming a doctor “like my father, to go to the boondocks on weekdays so I may be able to treat patients in remote places and go home to my family and be a weekend wife,” says Carol.
“But God had bigger plans for me,” she points out. “He gave me Rotary which enabled me, through The Rotary Foundation (TRF), to multiply our club’s resources. As a result, we multiplied our personal capability to help hundreds, maybe millions of beneficiaries at a time. “
Through the Global Grants of TRF, “We have just donated 13 brand new bedside monitors to Ward 5 of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), a project that cost P2.7M,” she shares.
In the offing is “a donation of two brand new Fuso minibuses converted to mobile clinic equipped with medical machines to the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. to the tune of P10 million. Using these buses, we will promote cancer awareness, the importance of regular screening, early detection and early treatment.”
Education is another passion of Carol’s. “We want to help our Filipino children realize theirs and their family’s dreams to become earning citizens who are competitive in the world market. We are enhancing their basic education through the use of videos. This way, we will improve their reading and comprehension of the English language.”
The project costs P4 million.
Favorite outfit at home: Lounge wear by Josie Natori “because they do not only make me feel good and comfortable. They also make me fashionable even if I am just at home.” Face soap after waking up in the morning: Shisheido Cleansing Milk Favorite everyday scent: Chanel Classic and Nectarine by Jo Malone
Skin care secret: “No other than La Prairie. Sometimes I alternate it with SK-II.”
Favorite casual shoe brand: Ferragamo
Number one beauty secret: Positive attitude and being at peace with myself and God Who is a beautiful woman: Jane Seymour
Favorite painting at home: A painting of Tuscany. “It reminds me of my travels in Europe, a fascinating and enchanting place.”