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By Mae Jacinto
Parenthood does not come with any manual. Being a parent is a
continuous learning process. It is indeed a fulfilling profession.
Together with celebrating parenthood, UK’s famed fashion
powerhouse Debenhams ushers in the new Autumn–Winter Collection
for 2008. This season, Debenhams showcases their best looks for the
whole family with featured brands for parents and kids alike from
Debenhams’ own brand Red Herring and from the Designers at
Debenhams range such as Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, Rocha by
John Rocha, J Jeans by Jasper Conran, Star by Julian McDonald and
St. George by Duffer.
Debenhams perfectly suits the active lifestyle
of the loving Defensor Family— Mike and Julie Defensor with kids
Mikee, 12; Miguel, 10; Mico, 7; and Mica, 6. With both their hands
full with work, plus four kids that need their equal attention, the
Defensor couple handle the task with such ease. In raising a family,
it is always a matter of setting priorities and placing more
attention to what really matters. Mike and Julie Defensor certainly
prove this point with their four lovely children as living examples.
Despite their busy schedule of handling a
real-estate and trading business, parents Mike and Julie Defensor
value family time. “Mike still makes it a point to be home for
dinner,” says Julie as she also makes time to bring the kids to
school. “During the kids’ parent-teacher conferences, Mike is
always present, too, and we make it a point for the whole family to
attend school activities,” Julie adds. “Since my office is also
here at home, I still get to be with my children even when I am
swamped with work,” says Julie. And whenever both have free time,
they still choose to spend it with their children like Julie going
to the salon with Mikee and Mica, or Mike swimming or playing golf
with the boys Mico and Miguel. Mike also adds that they are a
spontaneous family, “We really don’t plan that much, sometimes
we go hiking or just go see a movie.”
Julie, whose passion is practical shooting now
gets to shoot with Mikee who inherited the interest from her mom.
Mike, on the other hand, ensures he finds time for his love for
swimming—also being the family’s favorite past time. When asked
how their relationship is with their children, Julie laughs in
saying that sometimes she is the “bad cop” since she is the one
who is mostly at home. But most of the time, she is like a
“barkada” to her children. Mike, on the other hand, would
usually be the disciplinarian or the authority figure, “he can get
the kids’ attention with just one look.”
When Julie chooses clothes for herself and the
rest of the family, there are two things that she is most conscious
of—the fit and the fabric. It is always a matter of the clothes
being flattering and comfortable to any member of her family. When
it comes to Mike’s shoes, he himself chooses the style, and
comfort is definitely key. Overall, it is important for them that
their kids look neat and clean. Otherwise, it is a trip back to the
room for a change. “Mikee, being a 12-year-old can already decide
what to wear,” explains Julie. For the youngest Mica, she just
enjoys wearing dresses most of the time. And for the boys, they are
normally in jeans and shirts, or hoodies and sweaters.
For clothes that suit every family member’s
needs, Debenhams can definitely provide the style and comfort that
everyone looks for. Debenhams also carries a wide range of home
essentials that will surely compliment any home.
Enjoy quality time with the whole family at
Debenhams located at the Third Level of Shangri-la Plaza Mall and at
the Third Level of Rustan’s Makati, Glorietta 4. Also visit
Debenhams’ newest branch at the Second Level of TriNoma.
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