A tireless advocate, despite her own health challenges
Pinky Tobiano, influencer, style arbiter for table settings, and humanitarian, is set to expand her brand with the launch of organic supplements and scented candles.
In an interview at her Batangas getaway, Tobiano revealed that she is working with chemists in Switzerland to create organic supplements and is currently going through the registration process. Before Christmas, she will also unveil her new line of scented candles, highlighting crystals from Nepal, under her namesake brand, Tablelove by Pinky.
Unlike the traditional, hefty wellness candles, Tobiano’s new line, named Manifest, is designed to promote healing and inner peace. The citrine crystals from Nepal are believed to attract prosperity, and the candles are packaged in green, the color of nature. The lotus, a symbol of prosperity, adorns the logo.
“This line cannot be mass-produced due to the difficulty of sourcing high-quality crystals,” she explained.
Tobiano exhibited entrepreneurship early by selling medicines for livestock under her family’s business. Driven by a desire to make affordable veterinary medicines available to farmers, she established Progressive Laboratories, a company that has since become a leading manufacturer of animal health-care products. Today, Progressive Laboratories serves as a toll manufacturer for major businesses, contributing to food security and reducing the country’s reliance on imported veterinary supplies.
Vaccine distributor
Tobiano’s distribution company, KPP Powers, has played a role in addressing the devastating African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the Philippines. The company introduced AVAC ASF LIVE, the country’s first vaccine against the disease, developed by AVAC Vietnam JSC and currently being rolled out under the controlled supervision of the Department of Agriculture.
The vaccine, which underwent rigorous two-year field trials before receiving approval from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, is being distributed to pig farms on a voluntary basis. The ASF outbreak had a severe impact on food security, leading to high hog mortality rates, farm closures and substantial financial losses.
Tobiano hopes that widespread vaccination will help reduce the risk of ASF and revitalize the livestock industry.
To further support the advancement of veterinary science and quality control in the Philippines, she recently established the Association of Veterinary and Agri Quality Control Laboratory (Avaqual). This organization aims to upgrade the skills of Filipino scientists and quality control laboratory personnel. Tobiano’s bout with thyroid cancer in 2004 led to the development of Qualibet, a testing laboratory specializing in the detection of toxic substances in food, cosmetics and other products.
“Through Avaqual, we’re helping labs meet new rules and make sure they’re doing their job right, according to global standards,” she explained. “We conduct testing on imported and local animal feeds and veterinary drugs to guarantee their safety for food-consuming animals such as chickens and pigs.”
Cancer survivor
Despite her busy schedule, Tobiano remains dedicated to her humanitarian work through Grateful Tuesday by the Pinky Cares Foundation. The foundation’s name is a tribute to the safe delivery of her youngest daughter on a Tuesday after a challenging pregnancy.
“Everyone should be grateful,” Tobiano said, reflecting on her experiences as a cancer survivor with an autoimmune disease. “Life’s setbacks have taught me to cherish every day as a gift.”
Two of Tobiano’s most cherished projects are Graces (formerly Golden Acres Home for the Aged) and Haven, which she affectionately describes as her “happy places.” Inspired by her grandmother’s passing 32 years ago, Tobiano began visiting and caring for the elderly in need.
She recalls the heartbreaking case of an elderly person abandoned on a wheelchair under a bridge in Manila. Many elderly individuals are often seen as burdens by their families and are subsequently placed in care facilities.
“I was 21 when I started visiting these homes,” she said. “Although my resources were limited, I could offer them hugs and listen to their stories. Now, thanks to God’s grace, I can bring doctors, provide medical treatment and ensure they have food. When you leave, you can see the joy and gratitude in their eyes.”
Supporting children
For three decades, Tobiano has been a supporter of Reception, a facility that provides care for sexually abused children under the age of 12. “You hear heartbreaking stories of fathers abusing their daughters as young as 4,” Tobiano said. “I realized the depth of these children’s trauma while fighting my illness. They often lose hope. Visiting them has made me appreciate my blessings.”
When she’s not working, Tobiano enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Juancho Robles, the managing director of her companies. The couple is passionate about travel and has plans to visit Paris for the seventh time this year. A highlight of their trips is always a pilgrimage to Lisieux to visit St. Therese’s sanctuary and basilica.
Tobiano prefers intimate social gatherings. Her greatest joy however, is the positive impact she has on others, especially with her massive social media following.
“Sharing positive thoughts and receiving messages from people who have been inspired by my experiences bring me immense joy,” Tobiano said. “These foster a more positive outlook on life.”
