Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung: Smiling from the heart

1. Mariquita Yeung: Smiling from the heart
By Ferliza Contratista | The Freeman
Kindness is captivating in a woman. Which is why, this society figure from the barrio is known
for her various civic and charitable works imparted to Cebu.
Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung grew up in Brgy. Corva in the town of Medellin — a far setting
from her posh villas in Cebu City, Hong Kong and London. Although looked up to as a socialite,
Mariquita prides herself with real-life treasures — her husband Carlos and children, a bundle of
memories and “Operation Smile.”
Described as down-to-earth by friends, Mariquita emulated her father by being herself an
educator. But she never got to practice due to more pressing and rewarding circumstances.
“I have no attachment to material things,” Mariquita said, as she doesn’t have much of things to
share to remind her of places she traveled all around the globe. Hong Kong and London are her
favorites — places she considers home not only because of the fascinating views but these
places are filled with valuable memories of her children.
“I’m proud of my children and how they turned out, you will really know them as the Yeungs’
children,” she declares. Her eldest daughter Carla, 28, is a lawyer while her only son Martin, 27,
is helping his father in the business. Meanwhile, youngest Janel, 25, is a designer for Puma. As a
mother, Mariquita shares that she chose to be the “villain” parent because disciplining for her is
serious business.
Once charity is already filled up at home, it now overflows and “Operation Smile” for Mariquita
is an extension of this extreme love for children with harelips. “I see results in just 45 minutes
and it gives hope to the treated child,” she said. For 11 years now, she has been involved in
“Operation Smile” and difficulty in implementing the project is never a consideration for
Mariquita. For her, there is always a solution, a “yes” instead of a “no,” in the problems now
termed as “challenges.”
Mariquita’s fashion icons include the jean trend of Audrey Hepburn and the simplicity and

2. elegance of Jackie Onassis’ outfits. This socialite prefers Inno Sotto and Cary Santiago for her
outfits.
Mariquita exercises regularly and credits her highly moisturized skin to lots and lots of
malunggay. Earlier in the day, she has a glass of juice composed of different greens (green apple,
bitter melon, celery, bell pepper and cucumber), fresh orange and carrot juice an hour after. She
admits that she also gives in to lechon (roast pig) but only in tiny bites. She enjoys wine and
soothing music.
Mariquita can definitely discuss anything under the sun. And no matter where you bring the
discussion, it will always lead to the two most important aspects of her life: her family and
“Operation Smile.” These are the two reasons why Mariquita stays youthful and always smiling.