All will be well
“Your identity is eternity, and your homeland is heaven.” —Rick Warren
Compared to eternity, life on earth is extremely brief. So, when going through challenges that seem unresolvable, know that time will pass and all will be well. In faith, we believe that God will guide us to the right path, the right solution, or the right relationship.
Whenever I am in a dilemma, I focus my energy on future travel plans where I can enjoy a new destination or a new adventure. Corporate International Travel and Tours, Inc. (Citti) Elite, the Philippines’ luxury travel agency, has been my trusted agent to scout around for exciting packages that are Instagram-worthy.
In an event that felt like a cross between a global summit and a traveler’s dream diary, Citti unveiled an amazing lineup of destinations and experiences that had attendees itching to pack their bags. From Argentina’s hidden gems to Silversea’s polar expeditions, Citti Elite proved once again why it’s the go-to for discerning Filipino travelers.
The event at Grand Hyatt BGC kicked off with diplomacy and South American charm. Secretary Fabricio Sordoni and Minister Leandro Waisman of the Argentinian Embassy in Manila took center stage to showcase Argentina’s lesser-known treasures. Forget just tango and steak—Argentina offers sweeping natural wonders like Iguazú Falls, the Andes, and Patagonia. And let’s not forget its unique bragging rights as one of only two gateways to Antarctica.
Takanobu “Koba” Kobayakawa, Silversea’s director of sales for Asia, unveiled itineraries that sounded like they were plucked from a Jules Verne novel. Think Antarctic and Arctic icebergs, Galápagos wildlife, and yes, even Antarctica—this time from the comfort of Silversea’s ultra-luxurious ships. With Kobayakawa’s vivid descriptions, one could almost hear the crunch of ice beneath the hull or feel the spray of ocean waves.
But Citti Elite wasn’t done yet. The evening transitioned into an intimate gathering for VIP clients where Shan David, Citti Elite’s president and CEO, shared personal tales from her voyage aboard Silversea’s Silver Origin in the Galápagos Islands. Her stories were as vivid as they were inspiring—giant tortoises, Galpagos plunges, volcanic landscapes, and sunsets that defy Instagram filters. She also shared exclusive Arctic and Antarctic sailings for 2025.
In an era where travel has become both an escape and a statement, Citti Elite is setting new standards for luxury exploration. By partnering with global leaders like Asta and Silversea Cruises and spotlighting emerging destinations like Argentina, it’s clear this agency isn’t just following trends—it’s creating them.
After all the travel planning with Citti, I thought of returning to Greece with my youngest Athena for this coming summer. She was actually conceived there almost 20 years ago during the centennial Olympics in Greece. I have to thank Virgie Ramos of Swatch for hosting us there two decades ago.
Returning to Greece
I was reminiscing about that trip at the grand celebration of Greece’s National Day and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The monumental affair brought together ambassadors, dignitaries, government officials, and close friends in a night of shared history, vibrant culture, and heartfelt connection.
Greek Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ioannis Pediotis, reflected on the journey that began in 1947, when Greece first established its Honorary General Consulate in Manila. “Today, our relationship is that of a warm friendship and close proximity—I would say identical—to all international issues, especially on the law of the sea, the peaceful resolution of dispute, and climate change,” the Ambassador remarked.
Among recent milestones in the relationship was the landmark visit of Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo to Athens. There, he met with the Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to discuss matters spanning trade, labor, maritime affairs, and defense.
Beyond diplomacy, the evening also commemorated Greece’s hard-won independence, achieved on March 25, 1821, after centuries under Ottoman rule. “Thanks to ordinary people who showed incredible bravery, and the support of the then great powers, the revolution succeeded in giving back to Greeks their freedom,” Ambassador Pediotis noted. “In the 204 years that followed, through bitter challenges at times, Greece regained its position in the world as a democratic, peace-loving, advanced, modern European state.”
The evening began with the stirring rendition of both the Greek and Philippine national anthems, sung in Greek and Tagalog, setting the tone for a night rich in symbolism. Welcoming remarks by Ambassador Pediotis were met with an equally heartfelt response by the Department of Foreaugn Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Charles C. Jose.
Guests went home with curated mementos: a notebook with the Triiris, an ancient Greek ship, on the front cover, and the Caracoa, its Philippine counterpart, on the back—each a symbol of the two countries’ maritime legacy.
Fun mix
Before this summer trip, I will check out Streetscape, the newly opened dining strip at Shangri-La Plaza that officially launched last week. Like its namesake, Streetscape is a fun mix of street, eat, and escape that delivers a fresh, open-air spot where you can grab great food, catch up with friends, and take a breather from the usual mall routine.
The launch day was anything but quiet. It kicked off with a food crawl where guests sampled signature dishes from each restaurant. Think pasta made from scratch at A Mano, juicy steaks at Longhorn, and the kind of bold, shareable plates Nikkei Sakagura is known for. It ended in a full-on street party.
But more than just a party, Streetscape really does feel like something the city needed. It’s casual but still polished, relaxed but not too quiet. The restaurant lineup hits all the cravings: Wildflour, Manam, The Wholesome Table, Sala Martinez, Refinery, Starbucks, Gingerlily, Juniper by Josh Boutwood, and more. Whether you’re out for brunch, a quick coffee, or dinner that turns into drinks, it’s all there.
Streetscape is now open at Shangri-La Plaza.
