Martine Ho's life runs on two time zones: Manila and Melbourne — and somehow, she's made both of them feel like home. She co-founded Sunnies Face, the Filipino beauty brand known as much for its colour as its cult following. We sat down with Martine to talk about family, real rest, and the things she refuses to compromise on, no matter how busy things get.
You divide your life between Melbourne and Manila. How do you feel grounded in each place?
Family, always. Manila is endless family dinners and people constantly dropping by. My dad lived in Melbourne for decades, and my sister is here too, so somehow both places feel like home. I love having everyone over - lots of food, very loud, usually quite silly.
Is there one object you bring everywhere that makes a new place feel like yours?
A silk eye mask and a cashmere blanket. Cosy and premium fabrics only.
What’s the one thing people always get wrong about you?
I think people are always surprised by my voice. It’s very melodic and cheerful but my photos come across as a lot more serious.
If your morning routine had a soundtrack, what would be playing?
Whatever my daughter is obsessed with. Right now she’s deep in her ’90s/’00s Mariah Carey era, so we all are. I’m not mad about it.
Is there a beauty or self-care step that’s non-negotiable for you?
Good quality sleep. Hands down.
If you could bottle one feeling into a Sunnies product, what would it be?
Joy. The immediate kind. The feeling of putting something on and getting really excited about it.
What does rest actually look like for you right now?
Being unreachable.
What’s a small, ordinary moment recently that made you feel completely at ease?
Getting into my own bed after being away a few nights.
Is there a place that genuinely recharges you?
A beach house in the Philippines called Paradiso that belongs to my cousin Georgina. We spend several family holidays there where we see all of our children playing the same way we did as kids and it’s just the best. We watch sunsets every day over the best snacks and drinks and just laugh and share stories for hours.
Photographed and interviewed by Christine Lafian