I HAVE known Lucy Torres-Gomez for a quarter of a century now, and she has remained ladylike in her dealings, lavish in kindness, laudable in both her many passions and public service, large in generosity, and lackadaisical in anything that fosters negativity.

Lucy is on her final term as the representative of Ormoc province at the Congress, and she has not made any decision yet as to what post she intends to target in next year's elections.

"I am still weighing my options. Everything is still fluid at this point. While I am keeping my options open in terms of running for higher office, I have yet to decide if I should do that or stay in Ormoc and serve my hometown. There are many factors I must consider before I make a decision. Over and above that, we all have this pandemic to fight. My focus and priority now is Covid response and how to cope with it as a province, as a people, as a nation. We are all fighting the same battle, and I guess it is but right that we should all look out for each other."

There are reports that she has already been included in the senatorial wish list of some political parties. "Well, I am glad somebody wants to include me in their slate. I am thankful as it is a blessing, an added value. We should listen to anybody offering their services to the people as to what they exactly have in mind in terms of what they can offer and give. But there are no formal talks with any of them, and I have not really decided yet," she said.  However, Lucy confirmed that husband Richard will be running for a seat in Congress. 

In their years as public servants, the celebrity couple has managed to balance their time really well as a couple, as parents to their only daughter Juliana, and as politicians to the respective territories that they serve.

"Marriage is just like a dance," she shared, adding, "When you know your spouse well, you know what moves to make and what the next steps should be. Be sensitive to what your spouse needs. There was this period when we spent a lot of time away from each other because Richard was based in Ormoc and I was based in Manila to attend to Congress. But now, we've stayed put in Ormoc since the virus surge and it's a time we cherish the most as a couple."

She was quick to add: "Not every day is good, and there are days when we are stressed, but just know when to stay quiet and give each other space."

Lucy recounted those two weeks when her husband contracted the dreaded virus.  "When someone gets it, the whole family is affected, and it's both a mental and a physical battle. That's why we have to guard our emotional health, too. The tendency is to panic but each Covid case is an individual journey, so you just listen to your own doctor and stop reading about other cases as these are not your case. I'm just thankful my husband is very energetic and it happened at the same time of the Olympics because otherwise, he would not have stayed put. The Games distracted him so he was able to rest and just watch his preferred sports. I always reminded him to conserve his energy for faster healing."

At 46 and looking as fabulous as the day I met her, Lucy paused for a few seconds when asked about her beauty secrets.

"I guess there's none, really. I am mindful of what I eat, and it was not long ago when I transitioned to a more healthy way of eating.  I eat a lot of fresh food, especially fruits. I eat whatever is in season."

She also said she has never tried anything invasive to enhance her looks.

"My game plan is pahabaan na lang ng shelf life by natural means. I exercise, I do yoga, and I am more into the zen spectrum of things. I also spend time on arts and crafts as these help me become less agitated. I also like reading, but not heavy stuff. I value my personal quiet time to recharge."

Being in Congress has changed her in many positive ways, and strengthened her core to serve and make a difference in the lives of those she serves. Being at home in Ormoc has taught her many priceless lessons about simplicity, the joys of minimalism, the power of love, and the strength of family.

Her constituents in Ormoc respect her. Her colleagues in politics hold her in high esteem. Her family, friends and followers adore her. And I more than appreciate her—I love Lucy.

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