Take a glimpse of the life of "Conching" as she was fondly called, through the loving anecdotes and inspiring stories told by those whose lives she greatly touched
This feature story was originally titled as Society Empress, and was published in the March 2003 issue of Tatler Philippines.
Conchita Sunico was an extraordinary woman who was far ahead of her time. A noted bon vivant, patroness of the arts, and an extraordinary party host, she lived her life to the fullest. A stickler for details, she was a perfectionist who demanded only the very best from those who surrounded her.
She was an original in many ways. In the Commonwealth Era, she was Philippine society's first "It Girl". Throughout her life, she was looked upon as "The Hostess with the Mostest" even before the phrase was coined.
As one of the first patronesses of the arts and fashion, she originated touring Filipiniana multi-media culture-cum-fashion shows. She started benefit shows for charity and, despite the illusory flightiness of their approach, attained noble ends. Homegrown Filipino musicals flourished during her term as the Metropolitan Theatre's head honcho.
As 2003 marks her 90th birth anniversary, "Tita Conching" (as she is called by her wards) is remembered for her charismatic leadership and for nurturing the careers of designers, models, artists and cultural and civic leaders. "Conching did not do anything ordinary. She did everything in a grand way," recalls Mary Prieto.
Born on 8 December 1913, she was the youngest of four daughters of Tomas Sunico and Paz Chuidian. As one of the country's first beauty queens, she won her title, Carnival Queen in 1935 not only because of her delicate Oriental looks but more so for her larger-than-life persona. No less than President Manuel Quezon rooted for her beauty. As a beauty queen, she was one of the first Filipinas to be seen in strapless dresses to make costume jewellery chic.