A royal and opulent chapter
“The joy of brightening other lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” – W.C. Jones
In the happiest and busiest time of the year, I got so overwhelmed with all the festivities and fanfare that I almost got sick! Thank goodness for all the USANA supplements that got my immune system back up again.
I was well enough to host two big events in one day and have some spare time to drop by another store opening between affairs. After months of preparation, Royal Gem and I hosted a special shopping party featuring their extensive line of jewelry.
Regal artistry
Held at One Ayala last Monday, Royal Gem presented several beautiful gems and diamonds and pearls at amazing discount prices. At Salo-Salo, I welcomed fellow Royal Gem collectors, industry personalities, and VIPs to the event that featured a relaxed, lounge-style setting. The tone was a celebration and true appreciation for Royal Gem’s finest selection of jewelry. It also served as a breather in the middle of the holiday rush as guests took their time and paused to make purchases that were both personal and meaningful.
After sharing some delightful insights and shopping advice, I invited all my friends to shop and avail of the huge discount and deferred payment option! Maybe we can take advantage of the season and pamper ourselves with bling pleasure! There is no occasion needed to wear jewelry! At my age, I have come to appreciate fine jewelry that could be passed on to the next generation.
Royal Gem’s Marco Ang told us about the different gemstones and interesting designs that his shop offers.
Gemstones allow you to mix, match, and layer in ways that complement signature looks while also pairing beautifully with timeless classic pieces.
“To us, she embodies the Royal Gem woman. Someone who can’t be defined by a single look or a single mood. She’s vibrant, multifaceted, and unafraid to express herself, much like the wide range of styles we offer. Her creativity and love for life mirror the spirit of Royal Gem, so the partnership happened naturally. Having her host Salo-Salo felt like the perfect fit,” says Hazel Henrisha Ang, Royal Gem general manager.
As a symbol of gratitude to their clients, Salo-Salo offered exclusive pieces from their vault not usually available at their boutiques, featuring gold, diamonds, and gemstones. It was the perfect moment to find that precious gift or that coveted future heirloom.
Salo-Salo for this year is but a precursor for what’s to come for Royal Gem as they approach a milestone 45th anniversary. The jewelry authority continues its commitment to craft Filipino stories in every piece.
Ang shares, “We’ve always designed with the modern Filipina at heart—someone who carries a deep love for heritage and tradition yet embraces a contemporary, progressive spirit. She is rooted but never static; refined yet always evolving. That duality inspires us, and it’s one of the main reasons we’ve continued to expand and diversify our collections over the years. We want to offer pieces that honor where she comes from while celebrating the woman she is becoming, ensuring that every design feels both meaningful and current.”
I ended up getting several pieces for my daughters and myself, of course. After all that I have been through, I deserve some sparkle in my life!
A new spot for imaginative design
Before heading to my annual Christmas party, I dropped by the opening of the Opulence Design Concept store in Greenbelt 5.
With globally acclaimed brands including Fornasetti, Versace Home, Jonathan Adler, Polspotten, and Dolce & Gabbana Casa, Opulence seeks to redefine and elevate contemporary home décor. Each collection is thoughtfully curated to inspire homeowners to create spaces that are both expressive and timeless.
Present at the store opening were Opulence Design Concept owners Gerry Sy and Jinky Tobiano Sy, along with brand ambassador, tastemaker, and fashion icon Heart Evangelista. Renowned interior designers also lent their creative touch, decorating curated vignettes for each global brand: IDr. Cynthia Almario and IDr. Ivy Almario for the seasonal display, Ar. Geewel Fuster for Fornasetti, Ar. Anton Mendoza for Jonathan Adler, IDr. Myze Bangayan for Versace Home, IDr. Grace Tan for Polspotten, and IDr. Cyndi Fernandez of Moss Design who did the interior of the store.
Each designer carefully selected pieces to inspire elegant interiors and provide exceptional options for holiday gifting. The launch celebrated a festive holiday theme, creating a warm, inviting, and memorable atmosphere for all attendees.
“This is one of the most beautiful spaces of Opulence,” said Heart Evangelista. “Sir Gerry and Ms. Jinky truly brought everything wonderful they’ve seen and translated it into a space they can share with all of us—especially this holiday season.” She also noted that Opulence understands the importance of giving back, particularly through its partnership with the Child Foundation.
In the spirit of giving, Opulence opened the store with the theme “Holidays with a Golden Heart,” partnering with the Child Foundation of the PGH Pediatric Department and pledging a portion of event-day sales to support the foundation’s programs. Guests were invited to hang heart-shaped ornaments, each symbolizing their contribution and goodwill.
After the quick stop, I headed to my house as it started to snow! My Assumption classmate Popsie Gamboa was able to find a snow machine to get the Winter Wonderland theme in full effect. That evening, Makati Red Cross director Marivic Rufino present our Assumption HS 81 batch with an award for all our support through Red Charity Gala.
With Christmas just a few days away, let us not get caught up in completing that Christmas list but instead show love and appreciation to all who are present in our lives. As I brave my new chapter, I am grateful to all who have been part of my healing and growth. We all have the power within us to overcome darkness and shine in all the colors of the rainbow!
