Darlene Magnolia Ricasa Antonino-Custodio (born December 26, 1973) is a politician from the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. She previously served as the representative of the first district of South Cotabato and mayor of General Santos. She gained national fame for defeating her challenger, professional boxer seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in the 2007 elections.
Antonino comes from New Manila, Quezon City. Her father and mother, Adelbert and Luwalhati R. Antonino both served as mayor and house representative of General Santos and South Cotabato. She is also the granddaughter of Senators Gaudencio and Magnolia Antonino. Her great-grandfather, Magnolia's father, was an American.
Early life and education
Antonino was born on December 26, 1973, in California, United States. She graduated high school at O.B Montessori, Manila in 1992. She finished her college degree in B.S. Business Management in De La Salle University-Manila in 1996. She holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts in the prestigious school Le Cordon Bleu in London, England.
Career
She belongs to the NPC-AIM party and served as the House Deputy Minority Leader in the 13th Congress of the Philippines.
In the May 14, 2007, elections, she defeated her challenger and future representative Manny Pacquiao by more than thirty thousand votes.
On May 10, 2010, she ran for the mayoralty of General Santos and won.
On May 14, 2013, she was defeated by councilor Ronnel Rivera in her bid for a second term as Mayor of General Santos in the 2013 Philippine mid-term elections.
Personal life
She is married to Benjamin Custodio, a businessman.
Credits
TV appearances: Proudly Filipina (2007) Up Close and Personal (2007) Totoo TV (2008)
References
Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio: Darling of the House opposition.(Metro & National News)