M&S Davao Style File: Kay Gempesaw, how a mom fashions Christmas + Holiday gift guide




Every mother embraces Christmas with twice as much dedication and love just to give her family a memorable and exciting holiday experience. Next to Santa Claus, Mothers are the busiest bodies during this time. At the start of this festive season --- which usually comes three months early --- we see mothers on the roll, laying out vacation plans and menu options, scouting for new Christmas ornaments, and meticulously jotting down names in the gift list.


"A mother still finds the time to redecorate the house, making it look more welcoming for family gatherings and dinner hostings," says Kay.
Kay’s Red knitted top & Graphic print skirt from Per Una,



Come December, in between errands and everyday jobs, a mother still finds the time to redecorate the house, making it look more welcoming for family gatherings and dinner hostings. She could easily narrow down her menu options to culinary staples and celebratory favorites, yet she manages to reinvent recipes for that touch of originality and creativity to please her company. After she puts her family’s individual needs together, she her sets her foot in the long queue, buying gifts for everyone in her list.

“The holiday season has a way of fashioning things a bit more remarkable and demanding extra attention to detail,” says Kay Gempesaw, a mother and entrepreneur.


“We all want to look our best this season as celebrations are indeed in full swing," says Kay.
On Kay: Dress from M&S Collection, red pumps from Limited Collection




Baby Cakes and Fun Cuts keep Kay busy during the day, more so now that orders for Christmas confections have started to pile up by day. Parents also line up their children for a holiday makeover in Kay’s kiddie salon. Not that Kay is the designated hairstylist you see in action with handy-dandy scissors and comb, but she has to oversee the parlor’s operations in between baking. “We all want to look our best this season as celebrations are indeed in full swing. From office parties to reunion dinners and the much-awaited Noche Buena, this really is the season to be feasting and to socialize.”

Catering to business needs alone is time consuming, but Kay always makes time for family. Despite keeping up with the busy schedule at work, she passionately puts her heart into planning an enchanting Christmas for her husband, Tom, and kids, Chloe and Tomas.



Kay passionately puts her heart into planning an enchanting Christmas for her husband, Tom, and kids, Chloe and Tomas.
On Kay: Pink Cardigan & necklace from M&S Collection, Lace print blouse from Per Una, white pants from Autograph, gold shoes from Limited Collection.



“To this day, I still find excitement in cooking for them and wrapping and sneaking in gifts under the tree at night when everyone is asleep. I pay heed to the little things that make my children and husband happy. I try to veer away from the Christmas list and surprise them with something that they least expect getting. The smiles on their faces are just precious. Mothers know best, don’t you think?”

“The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint, and I just want to enjoy it rather than worry about getting through it. Christmas reminds us that we are all here for a purpose and for someone else besides ourselves. For me, my purpose in life is my family.”



Kay says, "For me, my purpose in life is my family."
On Kay: Jeweled collar Blouse & black pants from M&S Collection, gold shoes from Limited Collection.
On Tom: Mock shirt, maroon corduroy pants from M&S Collection; deck shoes from Blue Harbour.



To Kay, Christmas with the family will never be out of fashion.






A HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FROM MARKS & SPENCER



Still caught in the holiday rush and can’t decide what to give to friends and family? Fret no more as Marks & Spencer gives you a world of possibilities that would make gift giving decidedly more festive.

Here we followed Kay and Tom Gempesaw and their kids, joyfully scanning through each section, in search for sophisticated scents, smart looking wearables, accessories, and decadent delights.


The Holiday looks of Tom & Kay Gempesaw.
On Kay: Blazer, formal top, black pencil skirt & accessory from M&S Collection for Women, shoes from Limited.
On Tom: Tailored fit blazer & pants from Limited Collection; Tailored top & necktie from Autograph; leather belt & shoes from M&S Collection for Men.   


Stylish mom. Kay’s ensemble from M&S Collection.




1 A wide range of cookies and chocolates kids and grown-ups will enjoy at the Food Hall of the M&S stores.


Cookies, chocolates & more for all!



2 Saving some for Santa. Chocolates, chocolate coated cookies & Ginger Snaps are great holidays gift ideas.


Saving some for Santa....


Snap, snap! Ginger Snaps are very Christmasy treats.




3 The M&S Food Hall offers a wide variety of wines.


Red wine is healthy & a wise holiday gift.



4 Men will always look good in neckties. Choose one or two for the man in your life.


Men & ties make a perfect match.



5 Men’s grooming will never be out of style.


Men who smell good are sexy.



6 Women and perfumes will always make a perfect pair. Choose your scents from the wide offerings of toiletries at the M&S stores.


The scents for the women at Marks & Spencer...