Building a better place
“Justice is truth in action.” – Benjamin Disraeli
Today is a big day for our country! In the past years, Sept. 21 went by uneventful and everyone enjoyed a free holiday. With two rallies scheduled today in Metro Manila, both protesting corruption, particularly in flood control projects, I wish that the rallies remain calm and peaceful so as not to disrupt the other legitimate programs that sustain the welfare of many Filipinos.
As we go closer to the gala night of Red Charity Gala, co-chair Kaye Tinga and I are so grateful to the sponsors and donors who have not backed down and continue to support our beneficiaries—Philippine Red Cross, Assumption HS 81 Foundation, and Hope For Lupus.
One of our RCG sponsors is DiaGold. For many years. DiaGold CEO Jennifer Viloria has donated a stunning piece of jewelry for auction. As one of our most active bid war item, DiaGold jewelry is truly a family heirloom that could be passed through generations.
Last week, two icons from Cebu—DiaGold and fashion designer Cary Santiago united to showcase the elegance of fine jewelry and the mastery of stunning haute couture in one show. Cary presented a 50-piece couture collection at Shangri-La The Fort where every design was a masterpiece!
DiaGold unveiled an entirely new jewelry collection created exclusively for the show, headlined by its latest masterpiece: Crown Jewels. The boldness of DiaGold’s vision finds its counterpart in Cary’s couture collection, featured in this milestone event, marking his first solo show in Manila in a decade. Cary drew inspiration from animalia and plumage, reinterpreting wings, feathers, patterns, and movement through soft sculpture technique.
Together, the Crown Jewels Collection and Cary Santiago’s couture created a powerful visual dialogue: jewelry that embodies the magnificence of nature through gemstones of unparalleled brilliance.
In the Philippines, DiaGold is located in most malls nationwide. For more information, visit DiaGold’s official website at www.diagold.com.ph, or follow @diagoldjewelry on Instagram and Facebook.
To continue my birthday celebration and host the private launch of Chele Catering, I organized a birthday party of my son, Bryan Prieto and other Virgo-born friends. Multi-awarded chef Chele Gonzalez embarks on an exciting new journey by taking dining event to the next level with Chele Catering. This latest venture applies Gonzalez’s decades of expertise in hospitality to private events, corporate gatherings, launches, weddings, and other catering requirements through two distinct branded experiences—Chele Catering (innovative and refined dining) and Deli by Chele Event Catering (bespoke casual dining).
Since their opening last March 25, they are proud to have partnered with some of the most eminent events venues, including Rockwell The Fifth. Best known as the mind behind critically-acclaimed restaurants such as Gallery by Chele, Asador Alfonso, and Deli by Chele, Gonzalez’s earlier requests for catering private and corporate events are from loyal patrons in his restaurants who want to bring the same level of culinary expertise and impeccable service that they experience in his establishments.
Chele Catering lists well-known luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Lexus, Lucerne, and Ferrari Philippines as some of their satisfied customers. They have only accolades and praise for Gonzalez’s catering team which he coordinates along with his wife Teri Gonzalez, who brings with her 25 years of experience in F&B, 15 of which was with Shangri-La Hotel; beverage program expert Cyril Addison who orchestrates the service team and creates memorable wine and cocktail pairings for the events; and chef Carlos Villaflor who is Gonzalez’s long-time partner and collaborator in the kitchen, ensuring that Gonzalez’s signature menu is executed flawlessly.
At my party, Swiss Proli owner Pinky Tobiano shared their products—Lean Quick and Night gummies for prizes. We had so many prizes and giveaways from Dove Hair as the brand did a special project for its Reborn campaign. I was just happy they gave me giveaways for all my guests. The special edition collaboration with MEGA magazine was held at The Conservatory at The Peninsula Manila last week.
Apart from RCG, I am also supporting the EPCALM Foundation and will join their 1st EPCALM Swing for Hope Invitational Golf Tournament. This is scheduled on Sept. 29, 2025 at the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Bo. Malitlit, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will be for the EPCALM Medical Fund. This seeks to establish a sustainable fund source to provide life-saving medications for our serviced leukemia patients. At the same time, it will help boost programs on early screening, detection procedures, prevention, treatment, and care.
In order to continue its vital work and expand its reach, the EPCALM Foundation invites golf enthusiasts as well as compassionate individuals to join this golfing event for a worthy cause, which also coincides with the observance of World Leukemia Awareness Month in September.
Supporting this fundraiser as a Sponsor or Golf Players will most definitely add up to a lot in terms of helping EPCALM provide vital resources, and support programs and services to our brothers and sisters afflicted with adult leukemia.
For sponsorship packages, please contact EPCALM through our Office Landline: (02) 8727.5012.
We could all do our share in helping make our country a better place to live in. May we all have a meaningful and peaceful weekend!
