On any given day, one would imagine Celeste Basapa swanning into posh restaurants for celebratory lunches, then zooming off for nail and hair appointments before appearing at a glamorous gala dinner. This cheeky doyenne confirms with a wink that she does all of that—and makes it look more effortless and lightweight than it all really is.

Casual observers may turn up their noses at the seemingly social nature of her schedule. But behind the perfectly coiffed hair and artfully styled outfits is a hardworking lady who typically rises early and spends her time serving the community through the boards of many charity fundraisers she sits on. Those who know Celeste appreciate her principled ways and perfect manners, and admire how she expertly navigates the social circuit to corral support for her pet charities and raise awareness for the causes close to her heart.

Naturally, getting through her jam-packed day involves carefully planning travel routes that help her get the most out of her time. “I use my time in the car to think,” she shares. And whether she’s driving or being chauffeured, you may find her putting final touches on her lipstick while humming to the tunes on Class 95FM, her choice of music on the go.

It also helps if her ride is in the discreet and luxurious Audi A8, in which I played chauffeur to Celeste for a day. The head-turning marque’s suspension, built-in window shades, extended legroom and vanity mirrors turned her city transit into a cocoon of luxury, leading Celeste to remark that travelling in an Audi A8 is akin to “flying first class in turbulence-free skies, thanks to its superlative suspension!” Here are the highlights of our chat.

Tell us what you do in a typical day.
In my typically 16-hour weekday, I start and end with prayers and quiet time—reading or meditation. This will be followed by breakfast or morning coffee with my husband Larry; a conversation with the housekeeper about meals and chores; and office errands or lunch meetings (I don’t do “lunch with the ladies” except celebratory ones). The afternoon is “my time”. One day it may be spa or shopping, or preening for an event—Larry gives me a quota of three events per week!—and on days I’m not out socialising, I cook dinner and jog. Sundays are strictly family time.

People mostly see you in glamorous outfits, working the social circuit, and having a good time over it all. How do you do it?
I was born with the “happy gene”—so whatever I’m involved in, I enjoy it! And I feel that one is only able to enjoy these moments if they’re not guilt-ridden. To this end, one has to prioritise one’s time into spiritual, family, business and leisure.

What do people not see behind this effortless facade?
Hard work and meticulous time management! I make it a point to fill up my afternoon with personal and family-related errands, whether glamorous or mundane. My mantra is, once you have the face on, use it for the world to see!

How many charities and initiatives are you supporting this year, and which is the next big one?
I have supported four so far as a subscriber: Singapore Repertory Theatre, Bone Marrow Donor Programme, Passion Ball and The One and Only French Gala Dinner. And as an organiser, I’ve worked on the Chinese Women’s Association’s (CWA) book launch, CWA SG50 Tea Dance, CWA Centennial Gala, Singapore Symphony Orchestra Benefit and Kidz Horizon Appeal Gala. I’ve also been invited to co-chair the National Gallery Fundraising Gala, and I recently went to Batam to assist in the Citramas Foundation Medical Outreach Programme with Indonesian Red Cross.

When things get stressful, how do you keep yourself going?
It’s my husband’s unconditional support of my charity engagements. We both agree that it’s important for one’s mental wellbeing as one “matures”. With proper time management, there is no uncalled-for stress. If at times things go awry with my voluntary engagements, I remind myself (and the recipient of my time) that it’s voluntary, and that “I’m the boss”!

Being a wife, a mother, a social engager, a charity fundraiser… Which of these roles do you find most fulfilling? That’s easy: wife and mother (and they have to go together)! Some ladies may bite off my head, but I’m old school. I feel a woman’s primary role in ordinary circumstances is to be a wife/mother. But of course, there are exceptions.

Do you enjoy driving yourself to your various engagements?
Are there occasions where you hire a chauffeur, and if so, why? For evening engagements, I prefer a chauffeur. My biggest fear driving myself at night, all dolled up, is a mishap on the roads! For Larry, if the night event is a gourmet or wine-pairing event, he would prefer a chauffeur too.

What are some of your pet peeves—and do any have to do with the way Singaporeans drive?
Men and women swanning around ballrooms after the cursory greetings and few visits to friends at other tables; taking selfies at the table non-stop and whipping out their own phones and asking the hapless photographer to snap more photos (imagine his load of work for the night!); and finally, drivers who do not signal and speed up behind you when you indicate an intention to change lanes.