In the business of kindness
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” — Dalai Lama
The business of kindness and generosity is valued by the immeasurable happiness received by recipients of the act. These small acts could have a big impact on a person’s life and could even be life-saving! As the floods in affected areas begin to subside, many are still in the state of calamity and need food and clean water. Thanks to social media, foreign aid has been pouring in to help rebuild lives and there are no cases of mishandling funds.
Every year, Red Charity Gala aims to support more NGO projects that have no funding and help sustain their beneficiaries. My Assumption HS 1981 batch was happy to share blessings last weekend to the homeless in Malate, Manila. Together with Arise for Dignity of Bro. Armin Demetillo, we provided hot breakfast to over 150 people and distributed rice and treats for the children. My classmates Popsie Gamboa and Maripi Jalandoni arranged all the details so I just had to show up in my Mrs. Claus outfit and spread happiness. We are grateful for the opportunity to help and be blessed with gratitude, love, and unforgettable smiles.
On the same day, I joined Popsie’s sister Malu Gamboa-Lindo and Rajo Laurel at the 25th anniversary of Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines Foundation. To mark this important milestone, a charity Gala dinner was held at the historic Foro de Intramuros.
Held under the patronage of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, the evening gathered Manila’s cultural patrons, philanthropists, and artistic leaders for a celebration that highlighted ACC’s enduring commitment to cross-cultural exchange.
Guests were welcomed by chairman Ernest de Leon Escaler, president Maribel Ongpin, and board members Ching Cruz, Dr. Joven Cuanang, Alice Eduardo, Judy Kim, Rajo Laurel, Anton Mendoza, Josie Cruz Natori, Isabel Caro Wilson, Malu Lindo, Tess Rances, and Atty. Alan Reyes. A thoughtful dinner by Amado Fores’ Cibo Signature Caterer, honoring the culinary legacy of his mother Gaita Fores, set the tone for an exceptional program featuring an excerpt of the Asian premiere of “Sky Islands” by 2025 Pulitzer Prize–winning composer and ACC grantee Susie Ibarra.
Performing alongside her were the Manila Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, pianist Alex Peh, percussionist Teresa Montes, flutist Tony Maigue, and ARDP dancers Monica Gana and Ejay Arisola, with choreography by Erl Sorilla. The program continued with selections from Ibarra’s Pasig River, a stirring rendition of “Mutya ng Pasig” by soprano Rachelle Gerodias, and a captivating tong-ali and kubing duet by Maigue and Ibarra.
Adding depth to the evening’s significance was the fact that 20 ACC grantees played leading roles across the artistic and technical production teams led by Cris Millado, Loy Arcenas, and ACC executive director Tess Rances. The venue itself became an immersive art experience: tables adorned with metal sculptures by Sam Penaso and Dex Fernandez’s iconic Garapata, and monumental crochet installations by Aze Ong—some reaching 20×20×20 feet and 60×6×6 feet—created without patterns or preconceived designs.
This crochet queen was also part of AMA—a voluntary program of Assumption College for missionary work. It was great to catch up with Aze and listen to her creative style of making the crochet pieces that are truly incredibly amazing! It was an evening of artistry, philanthropy, and Filipino flair—proof that after 25 years, ACC continues to elevate culture, nurture visionaries, and celebrate the creative soul of the Filipino.
After that, I had to rush to another side of the city to attend the Love Gala at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. This gala brings together advocates, change-makers, and supporters to amplify the conversation around HIV awareness, education, and prevention. The event highlights the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS while raising crucial funds to continue this life-saving work.
On the invitation of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, I made sure to make it to this masquerade ball in full costume! Anchored on the theme “Unmasking Truths, Empowering Futures,” this year’s gala is dedicated to supporting youth groups and expanding grassroots initiatives nationwide.
Following the success of the Taguig Youth Center, this year’s gala will also mark the launch of a new youth center in partnership with the City of Mandaluyong. The center, donated by the city council, will serve as a safe and inclusive space designed to support young people and people living with HIV (PLHIV), while promoting mental well-being, social inclusion, and justice for marginalized communities.
Co-presented by BDO, Philippine Airlines, Cream Silk Philippines, and Empath, the event was made possible by our generous major sponsor, Allied Hospital Supply International Corp, alongside the support of L’Oréal Paris, Center for Advanced Dentistry, Belo Medical Group Philippines, SSI Group Inc., Metro Magazine, and Castro Communications.
Huang, Michelle Dee, Chie Filomeno, and Justin
Soriano
This year’s Gala embodies what’s possible when communities come together for love, inclusion, and empowerment: a future where every Filipino can live with dignity, pride, and purpose.
As Christmas draws near, I am all excited about the newest collection of Josie Natori, the global Filipino fashion designer who made loungewear fashionable. The Natori RTW Fall 2025 was creatively launched at Medusa Supper Club recently.
The collection has a universal appeal, offering a balance of versatile items for every climate. Fabrics include compact knit, double jersey, vegan luxe lambskin, faux mink, felt, wool, taffeta, crepe, and texture jacquard, with layering pieces made of jersey and silk charmeuse.
The launch also included the stylish sunglasses that Natori introduced to her line. I was happy to shop and find something to wear for the holidays. It’s been an emotional week with the first death anniversary of my father, Alex Prieto, so I am extra appreciative of family, life, and love. Happy Thanksgiving!
