Focus on love
“The soul is healed by being with children.” —Fyodor Dostoevsky
I am journeying into this new month with the intention to center myself in love. Love surrounds us all, everywhere, all the time—sometimes it just takes the right eyes and mindset to see it. Whether it is spending quality time with family, witnessing the loving commitment of young newlyweds, or just basking in all the beauty made by God–focusing on love allows you to be in a state of bliss, filled with contentment and ease.
I began this month with some much-needed mother-daughter bonding with my youngest, Athena Prieto Valdes. After easily arranging all my vacation details with CITTI Travel and Bridges Travel, I flew solo to meet Athena in Paris. She took the train from London, where she is completing her last year of university. It was a good break for both of us since we hadn’t had a special trip with just the two of us since my separation. It was indeed heartwarming to see how independent she has become. We took the train to Geneva and spent some days sightseeing around the lake and other beautiful sights. The entire trip went smoothly, thanks to the preplanning of our friends at CITTI Travel and Bridges Travel, allowing Athena and I to just enjoy lots of shopping, eating, and even seeing some friends like Audrey Cruz and Annie Carmona.
Just before this short trip, I was able to attend the intimate wedding of the son of my longtime friend Irene Ibañez, who was my former business partner at Urban Spa years ago. Her son Diego got married to Nikki Banawa in a wedding that danced to its own rhythm.
In a refreshing departure from the usual fanfare of contemporary weddings, their wedding celebration, held at the Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills and the Isla Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, proved that elegance and intimacy can go hand-in-hand. The couple chose to forgo the typical LED screens, wedding games, and AV presentations—including the ubiquitous “same-day edit”—in favor of a more personal and meaningful experience.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous Chinese lauriat dinner prepared by the hotel’s famed Summer Palace, with generous servings that had everyone delightfully full by the fourth course. The absence of flashy distractions allowed the couple to mingle freely during cocktails, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the evening. A standout moment was the couple’s first dance—an elegant ballroom number that captivated the crowd, especially with the groom’s background in competitive ballroom dancing.
Perfect for the wedding’s color theme, I wore the Terno top I got at Jor-el Espina’s fashion show for ArteFino. ArteFino is the annual fair that supports local artisans and the HeArteFino Development Program, which is happening throughout this weekend at The Fifth at Rockwell. I was also so happy to shop at the booth of my niece Kyla Olives-Laurel, who makes wonderful embroidered home furnishing and cute kids’ outfits. I was able to buy some matching sets for my adorable grandchildren, Louie and Naia Prieto.
There is no question that I love to shop, but I especially love shopping when it means supporting local. I also made sure to stop by Rhett Eala’s concept store for more Terno outfits for all my events.
I wore Rhett Eala’s Terno dress for a special taping at Crate and Barrel. Until today only, they are having their first ever warehouse sale at Crate and Barrel in SM Aura. It is a moving out sale before they relocate to another side of the mall. Big discounts and offerings are ongoing until stocks are sold out!
Meanwhile, the folks at San Carlos City in Pangasinan have a new branch of Wilcon Depot for their home shopping convenience. Marking a new chapter in the province’s steady rise, Wilcon’s newest store in San Carlos, Pangasinan stands as a symbol of growth, grit, and community-driven progress. It is the third branch in Pangasinan, joining Villasis and Sta. Barbara in bringing quality home improvement closer to more Filipinos. More than a strategic location, San Carlos stands up for its agricultural strength–from mangoes to bamboo crafts–making it a key player in the province’s agro-industrial scene.
The 104th branch’s ceremonial ribbon cutting was led by Wilcon Depot AVP for sales and operations Harvy Cruz and Francis Lazaro; San Carlos City, Pangasinan Mayor Hon. Julier C. Resuello; San Carlos City, Pangasinan Vice Mayor Hon. Joseres S. Resuello; Wilcon Depot president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan; Representative of Congresswoman Hon. Rachel Arenas; Malasiqui, Pangasinan Councilor Hon. Vincent Arenas; HCG distributorship manager Paul Wu; Malasiqui, Pangasinan Councilor Hon. Jessica Gueco; and San Pedro-Taloy Brgy. Captain Hon. Juanito Aquino, who helped welcome this milestone in San Carlos.
It always excites me to see the different ways our country moves forward in innovation and growth–whether that be in business or in fashion! At the State Of The Nation Address, I was delighted to see all the different versions of Filipiniana worn by ladies in government. My niece, Chesca Imperial-Horibata, wife of Cong. Hori Horibata, wore a Balintawak ensemble designed by her fabulous uncle Rajo Laurel.
Another Red Charity Gala designer Ivar Aseron made beautiful Ternos for Em Aglipay-Villar and Senator Camille Villar. Both these ladies are continuing their support for the Red Charity Gala that will feature Rhett Eala on Oct. 4 at The Peninsula Manila.
There is so much to look forward to and more to accomplish for the last quarter of 2025. It was great to hear that PBBM vowed to fully implement zero balancing billing for public hospitals, new PhilHealth coverage, as well as ensuring internet access for public schools by the end of 2025.
This month and beyond, let us all focus on love–love that comes to us, and love that we can give out. Love helps us to live lighter, breathe easier, and uplift those around us.
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