One may call Charito a "batang Tondo" who lived half of her life on the treacherous streets of this crowded community. It was here where the young Charito started to dream big.

Charito says that her biggest influence in life are the other two "C's" in the family's triumvirate: her mother Concepcion "Aling Concha" Reyes Lim de Planas and her sister Carmen or ate Mameng to the young Charito.

"It was my mother who taught me the value of sharing when I was young while my sister Carmen had a big impact on most of my decisions my principles are somehow patterned after hers. They are the two women whom I look up to until now. They were my inspiration," tells Charito.

Although Charito admits that she took after the two women in her life, his father, Iluminado, was an equally influential figure as she was growing up.

The man was reclusive and preferred a quiet life even as the Planas family gained prominence in the political arena. He favored the simple things, a trait that the young Charito imbibed and carried with her as she slowly worked on her dreams.

Charito's love for simple pleasures was reflected with her affair with nature.

"Early in the morning, I talk to the plants or anything that has life, for that matter. I do that everyday it gives me peace of mind," she narrates.

But more than anything, Charito?s special bond with her surroundings stems from the woman's deep sense of spirituality and philosophy in life.

"I'm not a religious person, I'm not the type who goes to church every Sunday. My thinking is, if you love God then you must show it with your actions. This is my way of thanksgiving to Him. I look after the environment. Of course, I also have to take care of myself. It's my gift to Him," she explains.

"I believe in reincarnation I got this from my mother. That's why I respect everything that has life. You don't know, baka ganun ka din in your past life," says Charito philosophically.

Like any lovestruck individual, Charito's obsession with her environment led her to do things that ordinary people, not even those in the seat of power, would dare touch. Thus, she started a "green revolution."

Her pilot project was rather ambitious. She wanted to rehabilitate the 26 hectare Quezon Memorial Circle, a vast expanse of barren property neglected for almost three decades by the government.

One criticism after the other, Charito eventually emerged triumphant. Needless to say, the "jardinera" was able to transform a once bare land into a sprawling park that is now a favorite rendezvous among friends, family, students, and of course, nature lovers.

With the old glory of the QC Memorial Circle reclaimed, here comes Charito with another vision. She is now pushing for a more vibrant Nayong Pilipino which she started under the current administration.

Whether the project will see the finish line is still a quesiton. She says it all depends on the outcome of the upcoming elections.

"You know, for us to progress as a country there must be continuity. Nothing's finished if we keep on changing leaders," points out Charito.

"My principles doesn't necessarily reflect that of President Arroyo. We have conflicting stands on several issues. But I believe in the continuity (of a bureaucracy). Also, nothing can subsititute experience. And President Arroyo has the experience," opines Charito.

Inspite of having a lady president, Charito is quick to add that until now women haven't achieved total equality in the society.

"What's good about being a woman is you command respect and you almost always get away with most things. Yet, when you're a woman, people tend to belittle your talent and potential. Isn't that ironic?," remarks Charito.

Hence, Charito gives her all out support for the celebration of Women's Month, to pay homage to moms, daughters, nuns, wives and women in general who put order to man's chaotic world.

The essence of being a woman, as one beauty queen answered, is fulfilled when she assumes the role of a mother to her children.

What if you're single like Charito Planas and don't have kids of your own?

"You don't have to give birth for you to become a mother. Being a mother is all about how you raise your kids to become good citizens and upright individuals. It's what you teach them that's important," relates Charito who became an instant mom when she adopted an abandoned baby girl four years ago.

"Actually, I had my niece adopt the baby because I wanted her to grow up in a normal family with a mom, dad, and a brother."

"I was already 70 at that time. Thinking that the judge might not grant me custody because I was too old and unfit to keep her, I had my niece adopt her," recounts Charito.

Today, Charito feels young at heart more than ever.

"I always want to come home after a day's work to play with her. You know, the more busy you are, the more you should find time to spend quality time with your family," she continues.

Charito Planas  a champion of women causes, an earth saver with a passion and, a devoted mother.