The Romantics: Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo on Partnership and Passion

Decades of love, creativity, and shared passion shine through the home and work of Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo.

Romance, as a way of seeing, shapes more than personal relationships. It informs how people design their lives, approach their work, and remain open to the world around them. For Vogue Philippines’ Love Issue, we profile individuals, across disciplines, who live a life shaped by romance.

It was 1980, in a German lighting shop, one of the few places in Manila at the time that carried halogen fixtures, and locally, the only one that did. For designers Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, there was nothing like it: the beam and quality of light, its temperature, the way it softened a room.

Neither remembers who spoke first, only that they noticed each other. After all, what were the odds they were looking for the same lights at the same time? Ricky recalls thinking, “He also looks for lights like this, so he must be nice. In any case, maybe we’ll have similar tastes and lights.”

Chito, on the other hand, remembers the moment differently. “When I saw him,” he admits, “I thought, ‘Oh, I really want to grow old with this guy.’ It was love at first sight.”

More than forty years later, the same lights still glow in their home. Ricky gestures toward the fixtures that still illuminate their home decades later. “Look at the warmth! It’s different. It’s not a pain in the face.” Chito nods in agreement, adding, “And for parties, it’s perfect! It makes everyone beautiful. I love it.”

Carefully hoarded before the company closed, the German lights illuminate every corner of their rooms, which are filled with an array of objects accumulated over decades: spirited pieces picked up from travels, eccentric gifts they’ve exchanged, inherited fragments of other lives. Their home is a living archive, spry with memory and evolving with the quiet work of time.

Their dynamic is just as animated. Even in conversation, Chito and Ricky move in tandem, volleying one after the other as jokes arrive mid-story and memories detour and circle back. This rhythm extends into their work as a creative couple. “We consult and critique each other,” Chito says simply. Ricky nods. “I edit, he adds. It’s balance.”

As life and work partners, a sense of romance is central to how they see the world and approach their work. “When creation has no emotion, it’s not romantic,” Ricky says. “We look at life with rose-colored glasses.” For the duo, being emotional is far from weakness. “You have to feel anger, happiness, love. Otherwise, what’s life?” Chito remarks. “You have to love your work. You have to work at love.”

“And working at love means sensitivity,” adds Ricky. “Knowing when to give space, when to shut up, when to speak.” Chito agrees, “Respect and friendship must stay. Once respect is gone,” he pauses dramatically before joking, “I want a divorce!” The two break into laughter.

If there is a secret to their longevity, it’s this: laughter, fun, and an ease that allows things to keep unfolding. Travel has become one way they sustain that openness. “You have to absorb what life offers you. It’s not great when you’re empty,” says Chito. “What enriches me is going to museums and absorbing culture in a different country. But even here, it’s the theater, the symphony, art exhibits, and what our friends are doing. Travel is really the best education. But more than the trip itself, it’s about opening yourself to new things.”

Dressed in matching embroidered sarongs from a previous trip to Bali, the fabric worn loose and layered with jewelry collected over the years, they sit together in their library. Their dog rests comfortably on their lap as their hands absentmindedly find their way to each other.

See the full story featuring Ambeth Ocampo, Rhea and Jayjay Sycip, Paloma Urquijo, and Antonio and Gema Garcia in the February 2026 Issue of Vogue Philippines, available now on newsstands and at the link below.

By BIANCA CUSTODIO. Photographs by GABRIEL NIVERA. Beauty Editor JOYCE OREÑA. Talents: Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Multimedia Artists: Mcaine Carlos and France Ramos. Videographer: Angelo Tantuico. Producer: Mavi Sulangi. Hair: John Alrey of Toni&Guy. Photography Assistants: Sela Gonzales, Jason B. Sevilla, Ruby Pedregosa, and Shemuel Lopez