Absorbing positive energy
“Do good. It will come back to you in unexpected ways” — Farrah Gray
In the turbulence of life, bumpy skies could shake things up. But remember, storms pass, and soon, the captain removes the safety belt sign indicating smoother skies ahead. May this Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and peace. With plenty of good food, may you share this memorable dinner with family and dear friends.
As the Year of the Snake comes to its tail end, I feel the need to revisit all my 2025 goals and see if any of them are near completion.Unfortunately, some of my intentions to clean up my space and start my new digital platform have not materialized. Believing in divine timing, maybe 2026 is a better setting to start.
At the annual VIP Thanksgiving Lunch hosted by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, I sat beside assistant vice president for marketing and special events Hanna Carinna Sy and Karen Davila. Over the most sumptuous Chinese dim sum and flavorful menu, we shared updates and deep concerns over the political situation of our country.
With mutual sentiments, we collectively noted the pressing need for love of country. In my little game after lunch, I asked the guests to share something they shed off this year that enabled them to have some growth or improvement. I said that I have detoxed myself from negative posts and energies coming from my past relationships. For the rest of 2025, I wish to spend it with family and enjoy my grandchildren. Of course, I will include retail therapy as well as the exciting mission of completing my Christmas list.
A whirlwind of events
My November started with a golf tournament in honor of my late father Alex Prieto. To remember this remarkable father and golfer, my family organized the First Alex Prieto Memorial Cup in Manila Golf. Different from regular tournaments, each team played with a caddy in the flight. It was wonderful to include some of the caddies who my dad was so generous and kind to while he was alive.
After the awarding, I rushed to the opening of Crate & Barrel at The Podium. This SM mall in Pasig looks like a stunning mall in Bangkok or LA. The rest of the time I spent there was for the opening of Tessera jewelry store.
A slice of Italian home design and fashion
This busy week has been an explosion of events. I have attended multiple functions as new shops, restaurants, and collections are launched. For design enthusiasts, a new showroom recently opened in Makati City. Boloni Philippines held a grand launch of its flagship showroom at Eton West End, Makati City. This marked the brand’s much-anticipated debut in the Philippines, bringing with it a global reputation for artistry, innovation, and timeless design.
Blending Italian elegance with German precision, Boloni introduces a new standard of living where craftsmanship, technology, and everyday functionality come together. Behind Boloni Philippines is the RDS Group, led by husband-and-wife duo Roman and Debbie See, whose shared passion for design and innovation is redefining the look of today’s homes.
The afternoon session welcomed media guests and key opinion leaders for an intimate first look at Boloni’s immersive new space. Attendees experienced the brand’s signature cabinets for the bedroom and kitchen.
The celebration continued with the Designers’ Night, an exclusive gathering of the country’s top architects, interior designers, and creative professionals. The evening offered cocktails, canapés, and a live DJ that set a relaxed yet sophisticated tone for conversation and connection.
The brand’s arrival represents more than a showroom opening; it signifies a new era of creative partnership between global design excellence and Filipino ingenuity.
For my future home, I will surely have my extensive cabinet space designed by Boloni and fill them up with one of my favorite brands, Max Mara. I recently attended the in-store event of Max Mara to showcase the latest collection.
Inspired by Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” the Max Mara Fall/Winter 2025 collection embodies a narrative of resilience and untamed femininity. It celebrates a woman who is deeply connected to nature and its elements. It portrays a woman who defies conventions and remains determined, finding strength in her connection to nature. It tells the story of a contemporary heroine who refuses to be tamed and moves forward despite the chaos.
Based on the characters by Emily Bronte, Max Mara blends the classic with a touch of neo-gothic chic and distinctly urban rusticity. Miss Eyre’s demure demeanor and Miss Catherine’s wild passion come into sharp focus as composure and strong will. The redingote—fitted through the body, cinched at the waist, and full at the hem—gets a tougher treatment with a detachable quilted lining and sleeves in leather or shearling.
Resilience and growth
From that event, I rushed to attend the insightful talk of Brahma Kumaris Denise Lawrence who explores how inner clarity and resilience shape authentic leadership.
Lawrence has spent decades engaging leaders and changemakers around the world, sharing how spiritual awareness and self-mastery enhance leadership and meaningful impact. Her deep insights and gentle wisdom always leave audiences with clarity, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
I was just glad to be present and absorb the positive energy in that session and ready to enjoy the rest of 2025 with clarity and peace!
