Emphasis on peace and presence
“There is a need for more voices of peace.” – Pope Leo XIV
World peace is under serious pressure right now because of the current Middle East war. The fragile ceasefire is being threatened by the other regional conflicts and this crisis is creating global economic and energy concerns. Markets, food security, and diplomatic relations are all destabilizing, and leaders like Pope Leo XIV have called the war a “scandal to the whole human family.”
Over the weekend, Pope Leo presided over a prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica. At a time of war, fear, and uncertainty, the Pope once again points to a clear path: invocation of God, silence, communion, and supplication for the gift of peace.
As we continue to pray for our fragile world, life goes on as it does. We keep peace and love in our own family unit. I am surrounded with loving women who support their husbands in business while nurturing their children as well.
The kitchen is the heart of the home
Good friends Ton and Karen Concepcion run Smeg Philippines. At the opening of its newest showroom in East Gallery Place BGC, their kids help with the business and are fully knowledgeable about all the products of Smeg that isn’t just a cute fridge. Joined by Ayala’s Mariana Zobel and Mike Jugo, the ribbon and cake cutting marked a celebration of style, innovation, and inspired living.
Conceived as a fully immersive experience center, the space goes beyond display. It allows visitors to explore Smeg’s complete kitchen ecosystem—from built-in ovens and range cookers to dishwashers, refrigeration, cookware, small appliances, and an expanding line of coffee machines. From espresso systems to fully automatic bean-to-cup solutions, the collection brings the Italian coffee ritual into the home in a seamless, everyday way.
The East Gallery Place showroom located at 28th Street and 11th Avenue is designed as a one-stop destination where customers can explore and compare the full range in a curated setting. It also functions as a space for consultation—whether for residential kitchens, design projects, or business use.
As Ton Concepcion, president of Smeg Philippines and Mondo Cucina Inc., notes, the kitchen remains the heart of the home—a place for connection, creativity, and everyday moments. The showroom reflects this perspective, positioning appliances not only as functional tools but also as considered elements of the home’s overall design.
With its new flagship in BGC, Smeg continues to expand its presence in the Philippines, offering a space where design, innovation, and lifestyle come together in a more grounded and accessible way.
True Italian style
With life being so uncertain, we should always try to celebrate every milestone. Birthday girl Carla Larrazabal-Del Prado has been fully supporting her husband Joel del Prado for last 26 years. They recently hosted the arrival of the Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba at Mezzanine PH in BGC. The evening brought together an elegant circle of guests, including Maestro Ugo Venturino of Alba and Maestro Roland Muksch of the Singapore Chapter.
Also in attendance were Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio and Anna Lisa Ghini, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion. Guests enjoyed a curated selection of Piemonte wines—from Alta Langa to Barolo and Barbaresco—paired with a thoughtfully prepared menu by chef Arnel and his team.
It was likewise announced that Joel, a current cavalier of the Order together with his wife Carla, will be heading the Philippine chapter.
More than a dinner, the evening marked the beginning of a promising new chapter for the Order in the Philippines—celebrated in true Italian style: with fine wine, warm company, and timeless elegance.
Strength, stye, and substance
Another lady who celebrated her golden birthday in style is Jenny Gabin Santillan, City of Dreams Manila director of sales and marketing. Working with the luminaries in events planning, she transformed the ballroom into a golden soiree that wowed not only her associates at Hotel and Sales and Marketing Association and colleagues in the hospitality and travel industry but also Catbalogan’s elite society who flew in for the occasion.
Beyond the glitter and the sumptuous fare, the poignant tributes by her debonair husband Boyet, vivacious daughters Bea and Beatrice, and son Benjamin, along with the celebrants’ closest friends, focused on Jenny’s admirable traits as a woman of strength, stye, and substance. The resort’s property president Geoff Andres was also generous with his praise of the dynamism and creativity of the woman of the hour.
To make her birthday more memorable, my Assumption HS classmate Popsie Gamboa spearheaded a project with Maripi Jalandoni and our batch celebrating our Sapphire Velada.
Forty-five years after graduating from high school, my Assumption HS’81 batch experienced a sense of pride and glory reminiscent of our own graduation day. We recently celebrated the achievements of the first batch of our 45 Sapphire Scholars at Assumption Passi, one of the mission schools funded by Assumption Old Girls. For the past seven years, we have been supporting the best and brightest learners, witnessing firsthand the power of an Assumption education.
It was a homecoming of sorts, reconnecting with our scholars and their families on this special occasion. Our now-alumni scholars are set to embark on university studies in nursing, education, engineering, and criminology. Their gratitude was palpable, and we felt seen, heard, and thanked repeatedly.
We also took the opportunity to reconnect with our first batch of Ruby scholars who have completed college. We now count on Starwin Panes, a licensed nurse, Jethro Ian Perez, and Mike Brent Palmares, who both passed the Civil Engineering Board Exams, as inspiration for our incoming scholars. I am forever grateful for the generosity of HS’81, which has enabled these students to take a step forward in achieving their dreams.
As we stay hopeful for peace and an end to the war, may we continue to live with kindness and compassion. We need to have a collective shift to move toward global harmony for all of mankind!
