Embarking on a grand tour

“If you want to shine like the sun, first burn like the sun.” – APJ Abdul Kalam

Enjoying a completely different weather condition from rainy Manila, Bohol is sunny with clear skies as I spend a couple of days here in Be Grand Resort in Danao, Panglao Island. Just a two-minute walk to Alona Beach and a 10-minute drive to Bohol-Panglao Airport, Be Grand Resorts offers family-friendly, chill, and relaxed vacation vibes with five restaurants, a game room and a full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center and scuba diving, and so many water activities.

My welcome at the impressive grand lobby with furniture by Kenneth Cobonpue was so gracious and warm. Be Grand big boss Grand Benedicto and COO Nova J. Noval were present to tour us around and host our welcome dinner at the beach. The gastronomic dishes prepared by chef Jenzel Fontilla were a blend of interesting flavors and textures that showcase local ingredients.

Tek Samaniego, Nova J. Noval, Grand Benedicto, Enrik Benedicto, Brittany Ocampo, and Amy Remo

Sea Princess, Naiara Prieto, and Bryan Prieto

After dinner, the fire dance was incredibly performed. Between all the thrilling stunts, they asked the Inquirer Property team to join the fire movements. Together in our table were Grand’s son Enrik Benedicto and girlfriend Brittany Ocampo who also enjoyed the fire show.

The villas have beachfront views and a private pool where I had my flowing breakfast. The resort has so many fun games for kids of all ages and sports activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboards.

Watching the sunset from Lune Bar was extra special to cap my first visit before we headed to Be Grand Residencies in Cebu. I will surely be back in Be Grand Resort in Bohol when the diving has better visibility at the marine sanctuary.

Assumption HS 81: Riena Novenario-Pama, Sea Princess, Yvette de Leon, and Maripi Jalandoni

A swinging success

Just before my Bohol trip, I was able to play golf at the 25th Golf Tournament of Assumption Alumnae Association. Despite days of intermittent heavy rains, the fun tournament with around 200 players was completed in Sta. Elena Golf Club in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The decision to proceed was made after careful assessment of conditions on the ground and confidence in Sta. Elena’s well-maintained course, which remained playable despite the weather. Coming just a day after the Sunday Gospel of Matthew 14:22–33—Peter stepping out onto the water in faith—the morning offered a timely reminder for the Assumption community: prepare well, trust, and take the step forward.

The ceremonial tee-off brought together three generations of women golfers with strong Assumption ties. Maribel Ongpin, Assumption Batch ’58, who has played competitive golf since 1965 was first to hit. Tita Maribel and my mother Marixi Prieto play golf two times a week and still walk part of the Manila Golf course.

The Assumption Alumnae Association Board of Trustees at the 25th AAA Golf Tournament held at Sta. Elena Golf Club

Chebang Garcia, Maribel Ongpin, Joji Bautista, Sea Princess, and Malu Gamboa-Lindo

Leana Farrales-Carmona, Maribel Ongpin, and Malu Gamboa-Lindo

My GRFB running buddy, Leana Farrales Carmona, Batch ’86, accomplished amateur golfer, vice president and board member of the National Golf Association of the Philippines, teed off after. She is the current club champion of Sta. Elena Golf Club.

To represent the next generation of golfers, Eriane Chiu Pobeda, nine-year-old student-athlete from the Assumption College Golf Team impressed the crowd with her long drive. She is one of the tournament’s youngest players that day and she also won the best dressed golfer. I was happily dethroned from that award!

Together, they represented the history, passion, and promising future of golf within the Assumption community. Now on its 25th edition, the AAA Golf Tournament is one of the Association’s major fundraising events, with proceeds supporting the Centers for Transformative Education (Assumption Mission Schools). The milestone event was made possible by generous sponsors and partners, and by golfers who showed up in full force despite the uncertain weather.

AAA extends its gratitude to the management, grounds crew, caddies, and staff of Sta. Elena Golf Club for their professionalism and hard work, and to the organizers, volunteers, alumnae, and friends who worked behind the scenes. What began under unsettled skies became a meaningful celebration of faith, fellowship, generosity, and the enduring Assumption spirit—all in support of transformative education.

I was just happy to play with my Assumption HS 81 classmates and Malu Gamboa-Lindo who also hosted a batch fundraiser in Stardust Bar with her batchmates of Assumption HS 86. Charlie Carmona joined our flight who played exceptionally well.

Sabrina Miranda (group general manager of Adrenaline Group), John Malte (Greenbelt general manager), Hans Yao (Adrenaline Group president and CEO), Mark Sablan (Ayala Malls head of brand acquisition and brand strategy), and Mel Yao (Adrenaline Group brand director)

Gerry and Jinky Sy, Sea Princess, Connie Haw, Mel Yao, Ginggay Joven-Dela Merced, and Han Yao

No kidding

On the same day, Kids Around, a new multi-brand concept store opened its first location in Manila at Greenbelt 5. Born in Paris, Kids Around is dedicated to premium and luxury childrenswear.

More than a retail destination, it introduces a global language of children’s fashion—rooted in Paris, shaped by international style codes, and centered on individuality from the very beginning. The newly opened store brings together Chloé, Givenchy, Kenzo, and Boss, alongside Kids Around’s own label, under one roof.

Already present in 29 countries with over 85 boutiques worldwide, Kids Around is the first global premium and luxury multi-brand network entirely dedicated to children. Its debut in the Philippines marks a new chapter, offering Filipino families a distinctly Parisian vision: curated, expressive, and quietly confident—where style is not imposed but discovered.

In the Philippines, Kids Around is operated by Adrenaline Group and is located at 3/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Catherine Agustin; The Peninsula Manila managing director Kevin Tsang; Museum Foundation of the Philippines president Danny Jacinto; Congressional Spouses Foundation chair Mary Ann Dy; Museo Pambata Foundation president Wilma Santos Huang; Yael Buencamino Borromeo; Congressman Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez; National Museum Director Jeremy Barns

Fair ladies

It takes more than a relentless Manila downpour to keep friends from celebrating the birthday party of good friend Sheila Romero at Nara Thai Restaurant along Arnaiz Street in Makati City. Together with another Cancerian, Erica Concepcion Reyes shared the celebration that ended up with all night singing and dancing.

Erica has generously donated beautiful jewelry pieces for auction at Red Charity Gala at The Peninsula Manila. We are delighted that we are holding our charity at The Pen once again. This weekend, the hotel hosts the largest pop-up bazaar called MaArte Fair. Check out the different selections until today only.

As we get closer to our Assumption Velada, our batch is starting to practice our performance. It is so heartwarming that even 45 years later, we still keep the same friendship and close bond with our passion to help our Assumption charities and more.