In the bustling town of Binalbagan, then home of the largest sugar milling company of the Far East (BISCOM), a premature baby girl was born to Lourdes Gayo Manaois and husband Wilfredo Aguillion Manaois. This baby was born with both grandmothers present, who then doubted whether or not this baby would live until they heard that shrill cry of defiance and determination.
She was named Arlette after the movie "naughty Arlette". Her parents had watched this movie and fell in love with the name. Then began Arlette's story....
Arlette and her siblings Rodi Jane, Flora Beth, Lillian Ruth, Julie Ann and Aaron grew up in La Trinidad, Benguet. The Igorot culture, values and traditions were deeply embedded in her. They lived inside Nazarene Bible College Campus where her parents were full time professors while also teaching at the University of Baguio and UP Baguio. Faith, religion and being good to others were part of her upbringing.
Academics, music and the arts captivated her spirit and she soared with it excelling in school, district and provincial levels of competition. Arlette was known to be a declaimer and orator. One day, she was forced to sing a duet at a provincial competition because her classmate caught strep. A week's practice included having to suck on ginger root. It paid off. Arlette won and she officially found out she could sing. A saga of musical, cultural and literary feats from elementary to college was what Arlette was made of. She sent herself through college by being associate editor of the university paper and later editor-in-chief. University of Iloilo was owned by then late VP Lopez. Arlette has a BS Chemistry degree, Associate degree in Religion, M.Ed pending thesis and certificates for other skills.
Sales, marketing and management are her strong assets. She worked for GTE before it became Verizon, starting from a clerk up to manager, from typing service orders to overseeing an entire division of staff to training managers and selling personnel across the country. Arlette moved from California to Texas, worked for the publication divisions of several companies. This skill and experience has brought her to a new level. She is now an editor and publisher of a monthly exclusive community magazine Shady Shores Living.
Charmaine Grace Van Nimwegen is Arlette's only daughter who is the proud mom of 5 month old Miles and wife of Jason. This equates to Arlette being a proud mom, and grandmother.
“One of my passions in life is helping the less fortunate, for after all, life is a journey. We can either sow seeds of kindness or anger and strife, lend a hand or strike and hurt, encourage or curse and defame, give to the hungry or be selfish and loud... I choose to.... Make a difference... one day, one deed, one person at a time...”
Charitable fundraising activities is Arlette’s way of life. She produced and performed concerts benefitting Yolanda typhoon victims sending proceeds for materials to build homes and balikbayan boxes stuffed with clothes, canned and dry food, personal amenities.... She is currently involved in the government life project, giving away cell phones to those under Medicaid, state disability, snap. If you know anyone who may qualify, get in touch with her. Precious jewels Learning Center is her pet project in Enclaro, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, a preschool dedicated to feed, educate and nurture indigent children. A partially renovated building is being rebuilt, ravaged by Yolanda and the recent storm. Funds will go towards a building program and accreditation with DECS.
This preschool has been personally built and funded by Arlette and her family. Financial help is welcome, scholarships for the children, clothing and school supplies as well. This is a lifetime project that will benefit future citizens of the country. God willing, a trade school will follow.