Strength of character
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
From the beginning, God is omnipotent. His hands shape mountains, hum the wind, and calm the storms. The quiet strength of God’s all-powerful presence cradles the entire world. With our country experiencing powerful earthquakes and devastating typhoons, we can only pray for our safety and protection. We continue to ask for His divine grace to spare the Philippines from another super typhoon. God can control the weather but the floods that destroy homes, roads, livelihoods, and even lives could be prevented if proper measures were done. It is clearly human error!
Filipinos are built for strength and resilience but not for abuse. As I am being challenged with matters of disrespect and false accusations, I feel the need to stand up for my rights and make a statement. In between all my legal issues, I am one in supporting the typhoon victims in Cebu and other areas in the Visayas.
Our Red Charity Gala (RCG) was able to support the earthquake victims last month but this time, we will continue to send relief for those affected by flash floods. We are grateful to Jewelmer and DiaGold for their auction items for all the proceeds go to Cebu.
Intersection of fashion and sport
Apart from raising funds for all the charities, RCG plays an important role in promoting local fashion. With the partnership with Bench, we are able to showcase different world-class Filipino designers every year. Next year, we are featuring JC Buendia and the following year, it will be Len Cabili. Both of these designers are part of Ternocon.
Speaking of, heritage met play at Ternocon: Palaro, where Filipino fashion took center stage atop the FIFA-certified MOA Sky Football Pitch (which transformed into an open-air runway) in a celebration of artistry, culture, and creativity. The event brought together SM Supermalls, Bench, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in a dynamic collaboration that redefined how Filipinos experience fashion and heritage.
Now on its third staging with SM Supermalls, the Ternocon Special Edition continues to honor Filipino identity through contemporary Filipiniana (kimona, terno, barong), while inspiring a new generation of designers and audiences. This year’s theme, “Palaro,” celebrated movement, diversity, and the joy of creative expression, all captured through bold, athletic-inspired Filipiniana designs.
It featured six trailblazing Filipino designers: Hannah Adrias, Glyn Alley Magtibay, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Len Cabili of Filip+Inna, Renz Reyes, and Carl Jan Cruz, each pushing creative boundaries while paying homage to Filipiniana clothing.
Set atop one of the country’s most innovative venues, the MOA Sky Football Pitch is the first FIFA-certified football field built on a retail complex in the Philippines. “It’s the only place where you can watch fashion walk on the same ground where athletes play,” SM’s Steven Tan added. “That’s the kind of creativity and versatility we celebrate at SM.”
The athletic-inspired ternos reflected the strength, adaptability, and playfulness of Filipinos both on and off the runway—proving that while style may evolve, the Filipino spirit will always shine through.
Gummies for better sleep
Between my travels, I was able to decorate my home for Christmas. I got the help of SM Store and SM Home to transform my tree into a Crystal Winter Wonderland spectacle. I was impressed with the skills of the SM crew who came to my house to create the magic of Christmas. It took them just one afternoon to decorate my entire place. You can check out the different options SM Store has this season.
Princess
Because of my jet lag, I have been adding to the setup at wee hours in the morning. Thank goodness for Swiss Proli Night Gummies with melatonin that help you sleep better.
Swiss Proli, led by CEO Julia Montes and renowned chemist Pinky Tobiano, furthers its mission of supporting holistic Filipino wellness with the launch of Swiss Proli Night Gummies. Developed to promote better sleep, relaxation, and refreshed mornings, the new gummies combine natural, science-backed ingredients that help calm the mind and prepare the body for rest.
“The modern lifestyle can take a toll on our sleep patterns, especially for people like me with hectic schedules. With Swiss Proli Night Gummies, we want to help build better nighttime routines that support wellness and balance,” said Julia Montes.
Formulated with 3mg of melatonin, the gummies feature a unique blend of ashwagandha, L-Theanine, and reishi mushroom—ingredients known to support relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. They also contain magnesium oxide, Valerian root, vitamin D3, and vitamin B6 to aid mental health and overall well-being.
“As a chemist, I wanted every ingredient to work synergistically with the body’s natural rhythm,” shared Pinky Tobiano. “Melatonin and adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi, and Valerian root have been scientifically studied for their calming properties. Together, they ease the mind into balance for restorative sleep and fresher mornings.”
Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation can impair focus, memory, and decision-making by up to 40 percent. Chronic lack of rest elevates cortisol levels, leading to stress, irritability, and brain fog—and even accelerates physical and mental aging.
Developed through the collaboration of Pinky Tobiano and a team of Swiss scientists, Swiss Proli Night Gummies embody the brand’s hallmark of world-class innovation and scientific precision.
