SHE holds no public office, devoting her time instead to charity work and in lobbying for the downtrodden. Yet nobody turns down an invitation to cosy lunches and dinners at her Manila mansion, and everybody returns her telephone calls promptly.
So what makes Rosemarie ''Baby'' Arenas arguably one of the most powerful and influential people in the Philippines? Certainly, stories of an alleged close relationship with President Fidel Ramos have to be a prime contributing factor, especially in politically driven Filipino society where shadow counts as much as substance. What is without doubt is that 53-year-old Arenas campaigned tirelessly for Ramos at the last presidential election, giving of her time and money - reputed to be in the region of 30 million pesos (about HK$10 million) - generously.
And her inner circle of friends who meet for dinner unfailingly every Wednesday (hence called the Wednesday Club) include Vice-President Joseph Estrada and National Security Adviser Joe Almonte - the second and third most powerful persons respectively in the archipelago.
Holding court in a harbour view suite at the Island Shangri-La, Arenas - immaculately groomed and coiffured, and designer-labelled from head to toe - is every bit a socialite of the serious variety.
But her composure is ruffled when she finds herself having to defend her friends in high places. ''It infuriates me when people misconstrue any entertaining I do as power-broking,'' she states dismissively, adding: ''They were my friends before they joined the government and they will remain my friends long after they've left the government.'' The Filipino people have read the newspaper headlines, heard the coffee shop gossip and generally consider Arenas to be someone with a healthy appetite for controversy. And don't they love her for it.
When strolling through Pacific Place with her teenage son Roberto who attends private school in England, Arenas is quickly recognised by other Filipinos in the mall and soon an excited entourage forms around her and cameras are quickly produced and flashlights pop.
She has a friendly word for all, asking after the welfare of the domestic workers among them and telling them to write to her if they have any problems. ''Just address the letter 'Baby Arenas, Makati, Philipinnes' and it will get to me,'' she advises.