The value of life is measured in legacy
“Self-knowledge is the beginning of self-improvement.” —Baltazar Gracian
Life is a constant flow of energy, and even in death, it is not an end but a change of energetic force. The value of life is measured by many components that comprise the legacy one would leave behind.
This week has been filled with emotions, with momentous celebrations and joyous events, as well as a solemn memorial service to honor the passing of Beatriz Zobel de Ayala. Her grand, long life shared with her family and friends was honored, and she was praised for her compassion, kindness and generosity to many of her favorite charities like Friends of Elsie Gaches and Tuloy Foundation.
As her daughter, Bea Zobel Jr., continues her legacy of service to others, we jointly support local theater with promoting “Request Sa Radyo” featuring two of the world’s most acclaimed Filipino performers, Tony Award winner Lea Salonga and Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon.
Produced by Tony-nominated producer Bobby Garcia, Tony Award winner Clint Ramos and Samsung Performing Arts director Chris Mohnani, “Request Sa Radyo” will run Oct. 10 to Oct. 20 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. This theatrical piece’s subtle yet powerful undercurrent delves into the poignant solitude experiences of our OFWs.
Honoring creative geniuses
At the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining, Salonga received the award for Theater and Joey Ayala for Music, among many awardees, at the event held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, where creative geniuses in different fields were honored. Also that evening was the opening of “Luminaries and Legacies” exhibit at the theater’s Jaime Zobel Sr. Hall.
My Red Charity Gala co-chair Kaye Tiñga has been extremely busy these months as she is also the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and all its charities. We are both delighted that we have been receiving many sponsors for RCG 2024, featuring the fashion of Lulu Tan Gan, on Oct. 22 at the Shangri-La at the Fort.
For the auction, A2A Safaris has offered a four-night stay in South Africa for two guests. First two nights are at La Residence, the best luxury resort in the Cape Winelands, and then two nights at Silo, now the most high-end hotel in Cape Town. We are so grateful to Binky and Tracie Dizon who arranged this auction donation.
Expeditions to India
This year, A2A adds a new destination in their luxury travel packages. After arranging tailored safari and nature expeditions to Africa and Latin America for over 22 years, A2A has just launched its custom journeys to India. A2A celebrated its first foray into wild Asia, with an exclusive Indian-themed cocktail event at the Manila Polo Club.
Special guest for the evening was distinguished historian and specialist guide Manjeet Singh Ghumman. Manjeet has guided the likes of Brad Pitt, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Dame Judi Dench, Richard Gere, Gordon Ramsay and many more.
A2A’s trips will offer a seamless blend of India’s finest accommodations, top-tier private guides and exclusive, five-star experiences and safaris.
With A2A Journeys, travelers can explore iconic sites and hidden gems alike, with unique opportunities to delve deeper into India’s rich culture and natural beauty. A2A’s handpicked portfolio of accommodations range from charming owner-run havelis to extravagant palaces and fort hotels, ensuring an authentic and comfortable stay.
“We’ve been traveling to India for a quarter century, captivated by its cultural richness. With recent advancements in lodging and access to the country’s diverse wilderness, we believe the time is right to introduce our discerning travelers to our favorite corners of India,” said cofounder Victor Dizon.
My travel buddies TropAfrica will surely plan a trip with A2A as early as next year, although I would still love to go to Africa. For this auction package, we will bid it out with business class tickets for two on Emirates. This year, we will also auction a special furniture showcase from Crate and Barrel.
Celebrate moments
Leading up to their 10th anniversary in the Philippines, Crate and Barrel hosted the second “Portraits of Life” interactive design experience at the flagship store in SM Makati. The event, which was developed last year to capture and celebrate moments of life, feature different personalities who embody modern sensibilities.
During the afternoon soirée, Crate and Barrel Philippines’ vice president and business unit head Steven Ticzon said, “Crate and Barrel has always been about more than just furniture. The brand is about celebrating moments, experiences and spaces that reflect who you are.”
For “Portraits of Life 2,” four inspiring individuals like Cecil Ravelas, Geewel Fuster, Milka Romero and Vince Uy curated their spaces featuring the timeless, modern and quality pieces of the store.
Four personalities, known for their exceptional design sensibilities, shared their personal edits. Cecil’s impressive work is a study in design as it moves through eras and stages in life. In working with spaces of some of the most discerning clients, she is intentional about amplifying the genius loci or spirit of the place.
Geewel brings function, form and a sense of bliss comfortably together. Some of the key pieces in her space include the Momo accent chair and a Burl side table.
Restaurateur Milka chose vibrant colors and mixed something more modern, with darker neutral tones that offer a sense of depth.
For creative director Vince, he combined abstract and even architectural elements with soft furnishings.
Crate and Barrel is also supporting Assumption HS ’81 Foundation with a one-day sale on Oct. 11 at their branch in Makati. Special discounts and promos will be offered on that day only for the benefit of the mission schools.
Next Sunday is the Pink Ball by Estée Lauder Companies for its annual campaign to promote breast cancer awareness. There are many travel packages up for auction as well as a beautiful Jewelmer 10-12 mm semi-baroque gold pearl necklace and art pieces by Katrina Cuenca and Patrick Coard. We are all looking forward to showing full support for this campaign, as well.
