A year of abundance, enlightenment, infinite possibilities
“If a dream is not frightening, it’s not big enough.”—Oprah Winfrey
The power of transformation is limitless with the right combination of intention and perseverance. To start my new chapter being legally free, I hosted a “multipurpose” lunch celebration to commemorate this milestone and the other occasions like the birthday of my sister-in-law Myda Prieto and send-off party for good friend China Cojuangco. It was also to wish blessings for my youngest daughter, Athena Valdes, who will start her second year of college in London.
The intimate lunch was held Aug. 8, the most auspicious day of the year, as it was the Lion’s Gate Portal—8/8 is when the cosmic alignment between the Sun, the star Sirius and the Orion constellation is at its peak. This alignment creates a powerful influx of high-frequency energy that could positively impact everyone.
To open this tremendous energetic power, we wrote eight intentions and burned the paper to release these wishes to the universe. Claiming these manifestations as already present, we offered our good intentions while channeling the strength, courage and fearlessness of the lion.
As the Lion’s Gate Portal opened, we embraced the transformative power of the number 8, symbolizing abundance, infinite possibilities and spiritual enlightenment.
After being in unpleasant darkness for most of last year, I have realigned my boundless energy to more productive work, like preparing for this year’s Red Charity Gala on Oct. 22 at the Shangri-La at the Fort. We are truly excited to feature our first woman designer, Lulu Tan Gan.
Focusing on her detailed weave designs, we are presenting a different staging so our valued sponsors and guests could view the craftsmanship of Lulu up close while keeping the grandness of the Gala. We are delighted to also have new auction items this year with more outstanding travel packages and stunning artworks.
Homage and celebration
For the entertainment, RCG cochair Kaye Tiñga and I got ideas from the tribute to the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, to celebrate what would have been her 78th birthday. It was a night filled with enchanting music and warm memories as family, friends and the cultural community gathered to honor this grand dame.
Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. (PPOSI), the musical event “Remembering Nedy” paid tribute to her remarkable influence on both institutions.
The concert was both an homage and celebration of the exemplary life of the philanthropist and patroness of the arts, whose contributions to classical music and opera in the Philippines have left an enduring impact on the lives and hearts of many.
In her lifetime, she devoted much of her passion preserving the legacy of the Tantoco family business and advocating for arts and culture through her support for various organizations such as the PPO, PPOSI and CCP, to name a few.
The evening featured moving performances by renowned artists who received numerous opportunities and unwavering support from Tantoco, including pianist Raul Sunico, violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr., the string ensemble Pundaquit Virtuosi with soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada, PPO String Ensemble with conductor Herminigildo Ranera, Philippine Opera Company’s Harana, tenor Nomher Nival, cellist Dr. Renato B. Lucas, Viva Voce, baritone Byeong-in Park and soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park. The concert was conceptualized and directed by CCP VP and artistic director Dennis Marasigan.
Tantoco, who served on the CCP board from 2002 to 2021, played a pivotal role in reviving the PPOSI and supporting the national orchestra. Her efforts included coproducing numerous fundraising events with the CCP, supported by the Rustan Group of Companies and other sponsors, for the purchase of new instruments and facilitating the PPO’s performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and their first European tour in 2001.
I attended the musical tribute with my parents, Alex and Marixi Prieto. It is wonderful to be back in the social scene again after about a year of absence. Being with family has become my priority and focus as I start my next book!
Passing values
When the Alpha Lifestyle Asia editor Candy Dizon asked if they could feature me as cover, I requested if the issue could include the four generations of women in the Prieto clan, including matriarch Marixi Rufino-Prieto, her daughter Tessa Prieto and granddaughters Jordan and Athena Valdes and her great-granddaughter Naiara Noah Crespo Prieto.
With strong commitment to helping those around us, these Alpha cover girls are passing values and tradition through our lives. We continue to make a difference through purposeful charity work in our chosen industries and passions. The poise, authenticity and confidence of these women shine through in the photos by Kim Santos of KLIQ.
Sharing my story with Mariane Perez made me reminisce about my past life, but I focused more on my exciting future. At the pictorial, editor Candy and creative director Paolo Torio worked on bringing out the best family vibes after our hair and makeup by Bambbi Fuentes were beautifully done. We had several outfit changes that stylist Roko Arceo arranged. The day was coordinated by Mae Talaid.
“The Ripple Effect: How The Prieto Women Are Championing Philanthropy, Purpose and Filipino Culture” is out now online at the Lifestyle Asia One Mega website.
Whether we are confronted with a dilemma or going through an overwhelming challenge or just a moment of confusion, we will always have reassuring infinite guidance from God and divine forces in the universe to weather the storms of life. We are never alone to face these hurdles.
