Giving back

De Torres is married to tennis coach and player Dustin De Torres. The couple have no children. “I believe I’m destined to help my family and friends, which I probably wouldn’t be able to do if I had kids of my own,” she says.

However, she is quick to add: “I love children. Put me in a situation where there’s a kid, who doesn’t seem to want to go near anybody;

[ he/ she will come near me],” she says with a laugh. “I treat my nephews and nieces as my own. They spend weekends with me doing normal things like going to the grocery. When they go trick- or- treating, I follow them with a car to keep an eye on them, or in case they get tired.”

De Torres’ life is certainly one that is full and well- lived. But there are still some things to tick off the proverbial bucket list like visiting other countries such as Prague, Czechoslovakia and London. Switzerland remains one of her favorite places because of its breathtaking scenery.

Believe it or not, but this spunky doer looks forward to leading a quiet life. “stop [ I’m winding down],” she says. “I’ve done my best, I’ve grown the business here [ at Emperador] 10 times. When I retire, I would like to get into projects that are corporate social responsibility- oriented. I want to work on programs that can benefit the community.

“I would also like to write,” she adds, recalling that she used to be a scriptwriter for various corporate launches.

As with all the things she has ever done, Ma. Veronica De Torres is certain to accomplish it with excellence, and for a cause greater than herself.