Enduring legacies
“The best kind of parent you can be is to lead by example.” —Drew Barrymore
On this very day 40 years ago, I became a mother for the first time. Motherhood and parenting are life skills that are quite overwhelming at a young age without the help of family support. As a new single mom, I had to double up on learning how to be the best mother for my son Bryan Prieto.
Thanks to my parents and the rest of my family, Bryan turned out to be the most dependable, kind, and compassionate son who is now a father to two children.
During my challenging years after my separation, Bryan stepped up and took the reins to keep my family in a safe and loving space. Happy birthday Bryan and my mother Marixi Prieto as well!
Forty years ago, SM Malls opened their first mall in SM North EDSA in 1985 when many thought it was too ambitious, and even risky. Built in the middle of a political and economic crisis, it was the vision of Mr. Henry Sy, or Tatang as he was fondly called, to bring a world-class mall experience closer to every Filipino. SM created a culture of malling. This is now a family tradition and part of the lives of millions of Filipinos.
The Sy family and the Rufino family are longtime friends and business partners where my maternal grandfather, Vicente Rufino, was one of the first landlords of Tatang and even became his Ninong at his wedding. Fast forward June 24, 1994, Tatang was one of my Ninongs at my wedding.
Today, Inquirer and SM have built partnerships and businesses with mutual goals to improve and promote Philippine progress. At the grand 40th anniversary celebration, the ballroom of Conrad was filled with tenant partners and other guests who are all part of the SM history.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan welcomed all and thanked the tenant partners for their years of business with SM. He also shared that SM is only as strong as the community they build together.
The SM journey continues with even more malls as they start a bold new era. For the lineup of their new malls, they are not just building spaces but shaping destinations that will live in the hearts of communities.
Like SM Zamboanga, poised to be a real retail game-changer in Mindanao. SM Sta. Rosa in Nuvali, with its sprawling air-conditioned indoor garden, is an experience never before seen and felt. SM Harrison Plaza is a nod to the historic landmark but in ways bold and new, built for Manila’s GenZ and Gen Alpha denizens. SM Malolos blends heritage and modernity. And I am beyond thrilled to introduce SM’s foray into new lifestyle estates Carmona—contemporary, progressive, and sustainable.
Equally important, Steven shared that they are future-proofing through renovations and redevelopments that keep their current malls fresh and relevant for decades to come. You will see this in SM Megamall’s new crystal rooftop garden. And now SM North EDSA’s upgraded Sky Garden, fully air-conditioned and connected to the train system, to name a few.
Another company celebrating a milestone this year is Boffi in the Philippines. This year marks the 10th year of this Italian kitchen manufacturer in the country. Since being introduced by Focus Global Inc., Boffi has helped shape the local luxury interiors market by offering curated solutions that balance form and function. Its presence is anchored by the Boffi | DePadova Studio Manila at The Residences at Greenbelt in Makati, where architects, designers, and homeowners experience the brand’s enduring commitment to creating exceptional living spaces.
In celebration of this milestone, the 10th anniversary event gathered an esteemed group of leaders and guests who have helped shape Boffi’s journey in the country. Among those in attendance were Stephen D. Sy, president and CEO of Focus Global Inc.; Lolita Sy, co-founder and vice president; Angela Sy, chief of finance; and Holly Quiec, business unit director.
Joining the local team was Attilio Tettamanti, CEO of Boffi Asia Pacific, who marked the occasion with a strong message of continued partnership and innovation in the region. “Boffi’s success in the Philippines over the last decade is rooted in a shared appreciation for design that is purposeful, refined, and enduring,” said Stephen D. Sy. “We are proud to represent a brand that values both heritage and forward-thinking innovation, offering not just exceptional products, but complete design solutions that enhance everyday living.”
Boffi Studio Manila’s enduring presence over the last 10 years is anchored in its commitment to design integrity, material innovation, and a deep understanding of how people live today. The brand has become a true reference point in the Philippine design landscape, trusted by architects, designers, and homeowners alike for creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Looking ahead, Boffi is expanding its reach within the local market. By mid-September, a new display of Boffi wardrobes will be unveiled at the ADL showroom on the 11th floor of Twenty-Four Seven McKinley in BGC, further strengthening the synergy between the two brands and offering clients a more complete and elevated design experience.
Ten years in, Boffi continues to lead with its distinct approach: merging architecture, functionality, and artistry to create deeply personalized and timeless spaces. In the Philippines and beyond, Boffi remains a symbol of modern design excellence—shaping how generations live, now and into the future. For more information, visit fgi.boffistudiomanila.com or follow @boffi_studio_manila on Instagram.
In closing, I am delighted to have my sister-in-law Ria Prieto as my new Lifestyle editor. I am looking forward to a more exciting and engaging section with the new excellent and innovative team of Inquirer!
