Feeling positive toward the final stretch

*“I didn’t really see it as failure. I saw it as an opportunity.” –**Andrew Rosen*

Everything feels exciting when we’re learning something new. As we gain experience and exposure, sometimes we lose our open-mindedness and enthusiasm. Keeping that beginner’s mindset alive, even with our most routine activities, can enhance our thinking and help us to continue learning. With an attitude of openness and curiosity in whatever we do, we begin to expose ourselves to new possibilities that allow different outcomes.

Recharged from my family vacation in Europe, I have made deeper connections with my children as we move together forward as our own family unit. Completely letting go of the past relationship has been long overdue and I got the closure I needed with the ex-husband remarrying.

With this circumstance, I have truly refocused my mindset to get back on track and start something new. Life happens and oftentimes we need to work around the cards that we are dealt with. Sometimes, even the best-laid plans get knocked out of play. After we recognize the inevitable setbacks, we need to be flexible, adjusting to new ideas to make us more resilient when things don’t go as planned.

Tinkay Prieto, Jordan Prieto, Tyrone Valdes, and Athena Valdes

With the Red Charity Gala already happening next weekend, RCG co-chair Kaye Tinga and I are busy trying to add new exciting elements to the gala. We are happy to have it once again at The Peninsula Manila as the grand hotel is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A week after the Gala, The Pen will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony with the Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited heading the joyous event.

On the same day as the RCG on Oct. 3, the Assumption Silver Batch is organizing a fundraiser with a dinner/raffle event. AC HS 2001 invites all Assumption alumnae, friends, and family to also purchase raffle tickets at P500 each for a chance to win so many exciting prizes like premium escapes from Hotel 101—three-night stay in Niseko or Madrid, Balesin Key Suites, Hotel Elizabeth, Linden Suites, Boracay Uptown, Gabi Leaf Boracay, and many more. There are also lots of restaurant GCs and health and wellness packages. Every ticket is an opportunity to celebrate, enjoy a 1920s theme party, and support a worthy cause.

The Assumption Velada is all about the timeless bond you have with your AC classmates. Together with my mother Marixi Prieto who celebrates her 70th homecoming, our AC 81 batch will celebrate as the Sapphire Batch being 45 years after high school.

All raffle proceeds will benefit the Assumption Mission Schools, helping provide meaningful opportunities and support to communities in need. The raffle draw is on Oct. 3. Get your raffle tickets today via https://achs2001.com/products/ac-velada-gala-raffle

From top, 1st row (L-R): Nerene Tagalag-Merlino, Jacqueline Dinglasan-Atilano, Army Padilla, Kitchie Pingol, Eryn Jade de Leon-Trinidad, Yvette Buendia-Dator, Gail Fojas-Miller, Kitty Ambat Manahan, Sica Sanchez-Chen, Pam Alquisada, Lianne Salcedo-Capino, Michelle Hallare-Groves, Coach Reigh, Fara Roxas, Monique Revilla-Gil, Cay Cuasay, Carla Hontiveros-Orbeta, Meg Angeles-Dayrit; 2nd row: Rina Marfori-Custodio, Cheng Carreon, MG Santos, Mira Meneses, Bob Casasola, Shirley Aromin-Catubigan, Carcar Lamson, Aina Garcia; 3rd row: Pia Gonzalez, Denise Castro, Candice Lim-Venturanza, Alice Huang, Michelle Cuevas-Gana, Therese Santos-Gococo, Mia Que, Kate de la Peña, Michelle Sta. Catalina-Manalastas, Las Sarmiento, Nina Reyes-Fojas, Pia de Guzman-Reyes

Girlie Rodis; Jia Estrella; Ayni Nuyda; Ginggay Joven-Dela Merced; Anton Baretto; Winston Llamas; Catz Jalandoni, President, Global AI Council Philippines; Glenn Llamas; and Arthur Tselishchev

Meaningful golf rush

Extending support in different events, the EPCALM Foundation recently held their second golf tournament entitled 2nd EPCALM Swing for Hope Invitational Golf Tournament in Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The Hope Fund provides vital assistance and comprehensive, family-centered care to adult leukemia patients and their families.

As the first and only nonprofit in the Philippines dedicated exclusively to serving adult leukemia patients, EPCALM delivers personalized programs and services that address the medical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients throughout their leukemia journey. The tournament is also held in support of World Leukemia Awareness Month every September, which the Philippine Department of Health observes as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Through this event, EPCALM seeks not only to raise much-needed funds but also to increase public awareness of leukemia, other blood cancers, and blood disorders.

I wasn’t able to play golf this year but PR guru Sunny Ku told me about the fun golf game. My flightmates last year, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano had a great time once again.

Both the EPCALM Golf and Assumption Golf tournaments are great fundraisers every year.

For the Assumption Golf, it is always a family affair, with some participants proudly playing on the same flights as parents, siblings, and even children, turning the tournament into a multi-generational celebration.

Epcalm’s Justice Demerre, Emerson Yao, and Dr. Erlyn Demerre

Garlic Garcia, head of content, Viu; Paolo Valenciano, creative director; and Bambi Manosa-Tanjutco, co-founder of Awit at Laro

Ramon Orlina, the father of Philippine glass sculpture; DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque; and Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Malaysian Ambassador

The home of creativity

Another event I missed was the first-ever Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEx) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. This expo brought together Filipino and ASEAN creatives to celebrate the region’s vibrant creative industries.

Organized by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, ASEAN MPEx made it possible for nine creative domains to be in a single event. This included audiovisual media, design, digital interactive media, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, and visual arts. The expo also featured interactive pavilions, cultural performances, industry talks, and spaces highlighting creative innovation and collaboration across the region.

ASEAN MPEx provides a platform for creators to showcase their work, connect with industry partners, and explore opportunities within the ASEAN creative economy. The event forms part of the Philippines’ broader efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and highlight Filipino creativity on the international stage.

Roselle Del Rosario-Rebano, Art Rojas, and Vivian Caramba

Gary Valenciano, Tirso Cruz III, Martin Nievera, and Ogie Alcasid

Investing in generosity

Celebrating the spirit of charity and legacy, I continue to find ways to promote local fashion and art while raising funds. To help RCG get more donations, we have the artworks of Katrina Cuenca and Art L. Rojas II.

A self-taught abstract mural artist/sculptor, Art is a BGC-based licensed real estate broker who discovered his innate passion to create gorgeous sculptures in metal. His design language of ribbon flamboyance creates his exploration in silk textiles and makes metal fluidity happen.

Their generosity in sharing their pieces is truly appreciated. With so many positive things happening around me, I feel that the last quarter of the year will be productive. So, onwards and upwards we go!