Activating holiday mode

“Kill them with your success; bury them with your smile.” – Coco Chanel

It is never too late to redirect the story of your life and choose a path that aligns with your new passion or interest. Now in my 60s, I realize that it is still possible to navigate the digital world even if it is initially difficult and overwhelming. With so many instructional apps and tutorials, gaining digital knowledge is attainable.

As an upgrade to my digital postings, I have a new Vivo phone to play around with their high-quality camera setups. They come with a range of innovative features that make them stand out from the rest, including a face unlock system that is faster and more secure than traditional methods.

I was introduced to the most advanced Vivo phone in the market—Vivo X Fold 6. It was presented to me by Lulu Liu of Vivo Philippines at the Inquirer Property Table Talks in Haraya Residences in Bridgetowne, Pasig City.

Thanks to Lulu, brand marketing director of Vivo Philippines, I became the first in the country to hold the Vivo X Fold 6. The more I use it, the more I understand why it’s special. The features that stand out are so many but briefly, the triple camera system, the largest battery, and the slim and light features of this foldable phone are the highest quality.

If you create content, work on the go, or just want one device that does more, this phone is built for you. The big screen turns editing and reviewing footage into a real workflow instead of a squint. The camera gives you quality worth posting. The battery keeps up with your day. And if you’re an iPhone user like me, it makes a perfect partner: your iPhone stays your everyday phone, and the X Fold 6 becomes your creative workspace. Two phones, two roles, one smoother creative life.

Big imagination

After the presentation of the Vivo phone, we all got to view the impressive show suites of this upcoming development. Haraya comes from an old Filipino word meaning “imagination,” a fitting concept for a development that encourages residents to envision the life they want to live. After all, a home is where so many of life’s favorite memories begin.

Developed by Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc., a collaboration between Shang Properties and Robinsons Land Corp., Haraya Residences brings this idea to life through its vision of a “vertical gated village.”

Located within the Bridgetowne Destination Estate, the development offers the convenience of city living while giving residents a sense of privacy. With Ortigas Center and Bonifacio Global City within reach, it offers an address for those who enjoy being close to the action while still having a peaceful place to come home to.

The residences feature Italian-inspired loggias, which extend the living areas outdoors. These spaces offer residents opportunities to enjoy quiet afternoons with a book or invite a few friends over for coffee.

After the guests got a glimpse of the model units, we prepared a sumptuous spread by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. It was wonderful to enjoy an evening with friends who also support Red Charity Gala.

Visual celebration of Filipino creativity

On the same day as the Inquirer Table Talks, the Kartini Gallery opened its latest exhibit. Kartini Gallery celebrates the masterful works of Filipino Artists with its ongoing art exhibition entitled “Pahiyas”  at the  Palms Country Club.  This exhibition celebrates the unique artstry of artist Erick Dator and well-renowned Filipino artists who bring together vibrant colors, inspired interpretations, and exceptional creativity.

Inspired by kiping—the colorful, leaf-shaped rice wafers traditionally displayed during Lucban’s Pahiyas Festival—Erick transforms boards and canvases cut into the shapes of leaves into extraordinary works of art.

Dator’s cubism-inspired works echo the themes of the famous Pahiyas fiesta in Lucban Quezon, bountiful harvest, Tayabas basket series, Orchids series, bull cart series, and his tribute to the subjects of Filipino master Oscar Zalameda, which transformed local themes into modernist abstraction of rhythmic, stained glass like compositions.

The Pahiyas Art Exhibition brings together the masterful works of celebrated Filipino visual artists including Roger San Miguel, Fidel Sarmiento, Teody Racuya, William Yu, Paul Gustilo, Eugene Silawan, Freddie Sayman, Rogelio Orobia, Jun Virtusio, Reynan Dingal, Vera Pax, and Robert Joaquin.

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The themes echo iconic subjects such as the Mother and Child, Tres Marias, Harvest, Fruits on the Table, Fish and Kois, the resilient Filipino mother in the compositions of Jun Virtusio, and the refreshing renditions of local flowers and provincial landscape.

The exhibit run is ongoing up to Nov. 30, 2026. For inquiries, please contact Ria Malvar at 09266899014. The Palms Country Club is located at Laguna Heights Drive, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.

A glamorous Christmas