Chic nostalgia for Chona Kasten
Chona Recto Ysmael Kasten always stood out no matter where she was — whether it was at the much-awaited Kahirup Ball dressed in an avant-garde Ramon
Valera terno or modeling abroad for top Philippine couturiers, a busy executive in top companies or teaching PAL stewardesses how to comport themselves.
A favorite child of the eminent nationalist senator Claro M. Recto, she was married to the dashing and wealthy Johnny
Ysmael, who spoiled her with the best of everything. But he died too soon, leaving a devastated 27-year old widow with four very young children.
A close family friend of both my parents ( Paquing and Nati Aguinaldo), it was my father who thought of giving her her first job to keep her busy — as the fashion consultant of Aguinaldo’s. She epitomized everything that a woman wanted to be and, with her fine taste, assisted with the concept and design of top fashion styles that were offered by the store. At ease with everyone, customers flocked to enjoy the merchandise and to catch a glimpse of this lovely woman.
Parties then were hosted by a handful of good friends headed by Luis Araneta, Elvira Manahan, Chito Madrigal, Mary Prieto and Conchita Sunico. They never competed but always tried to partner with each other to make the affair a fun one since the guests all belonged to the same social circle.
No matter how life treated her, Chona carried her problems with grace. No complaints would be heard despite life’s tribulations and a scoundrel of a second husband who absconded with the Ysmael-Recto fortune. The recent book launch of La Divina written by her only daughter, Techie Ysmael Bilbao, was not only a well-attended affair at the Ayala Museum, but turned