With two beautiful daughters, Khloe, 19 and Kishi, 15, who have both excelled in their own fields of endeavors, Joy Soo could not ask for more. Speaking with this empowered woman would mean ending up inspired. Moving forward to a more personal aspect of her life as a woman, I asked, “Do you still have other dreams apart from what you have already accomplished? “My big dream? In the future, I want to become a volunteer. I want to dedicate my life serving God first and foremost in our chapel which I used to do when I was in high school. Then reaching out to other religious communities. Singing and praising God with all my heart together with members of a choir that I want to establish soon. Gleizl Joy Cabahug-Soo, fondly called “Joy” to those who know her, close to her and love her is an epitome of grace under pressure. The many trials in her life did not in any way hinder her to succeed in her chosen endeavors. “This is what I picture my life in the future. Simple, void of complexities. What else would I ask for? I no longer long for materials things. No more shopping sprees or crave for cars or luxury. I enjoy vegan food. I prefer vegetables over meat. I get tired driving on my own car. Funny, but I don’t mind riding our delivery vehicles. For as long as I can reach my destination, it does not matter at all,” exclaims Soo as we wrap up our interview. Indeed, Joy Soo’s life was mixture of all the spices in the world. She is a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. The artist who defies mediocrity, but promotes excellence. Empowered and realistic. Fragile but strong-willed. Unbreakable and unrelenting. Passionate and spiritual. The Musa Advocacy will forever be embedded in her name. It is her legacy. A legacy that will be engraved in the pages of Davao del Norte history. (PhamPerales/ AlegreDeMusa2022)
Joy Soo smiled with humility, “You have to work with passion, you have to be happy with what you are doing. My being a CPA was what my father wanted. My first love was Fashion, Performing Arts. But I already embraced my being an entrepreneur.” Her strong persona was definitely seen in her answers. My big dream? In the future,I want to become a volunteer.I want to dedicate my life serving God first and foremost in our chapel which I used to do when I was in high school...
fashionable pud. Hindi rin pahuhuli sa style. You see, people from different countries use and appreciate these Musa products, tayo pa kaya, di ba? “, recollects Joy Soo. When I became curious at the costing of the products, Soo explained,”We cannot sell the products at a very low price. The labor itself is hard for our prison- mates and our lumads, same is true with the process. I would say the prices are at a competitive slate. We also have to take into consideration the manpower behind all these beautiful products”. The first three (3) merchandises produced out of the fabric were (1) Musa Masks (2) Musa Apparel/Clothing and (3) Musa Bags (Musa La Bolsa). Today, Musa dolls, Musa Accessories, Musa Blazers and Jackets and other bag varieties have invaded social media and are now an international favorite. National and international fashion models have worn the Musa Fabric. Local celebrities have likewise supported the fabric, with them wearing their own Musa Apparels and Masks. Musa Fabric has spread its wings all over the world, from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Canada and recently in the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) which opened doors to many event organizers in the different states of America, as it is aired via The Filipino Channel (US). IN like manner, it reached Atlanta and San Diego, ushering big shows in Okada, Manila. A line up of Fashion Shows for a Cause are also up and about in Tagum City featuring the Musa Fabric.The House of Musa, with 100 models, 6 designers will also launch the Alegre de Musa magazine in September of 2022. Significantly, amidst all the Musa funfare, Miss Joy Soo was crowned Mrs. Philippine Grand Classic 2021, with her bringing the Musa Advocacy during the national pageant. “Its my way of spreading the beauty and sustainability of the Musa fabric.” Our conversation went on with me asking her perspectives in life, how she dealt with all the attention and limelight Musa fabric has brought her.
–Joy Soo
I asked her, what can you advise young entrepreneurs of this generation? “Embrace what you have. Do not think of big profit right away. Think of the things or the resources that are near you. Those that you can use to prosper. Don’t aim for the biggest things, pero there’s uncertainty. Big things come from small things, you know, that’s a fact.” Joy Soo’s advocacy has indeed gone a long way, even with the pandemic spread all over the world. “We have loyal employees whom we treated as family. It’s very important to have a good relationship with your employees”. With a supportive husband who is glad seeing his wife happy doing the things she loves, Soo considers herself blessed in spite of the many trials in their family life.
19
Issue 1 • September 2022 | ALEGRE DE MUSA
Made with FlippingBook Proposal Creator