Freedom, focus, and moving forward
“Concentrate on maintaining a high sense of purpose, and success will flow.” – Robert Greene
Before I spiral into a negative force field, let me refocus on the new life I chose to rebuild with soulful purpose after my annulment. For two weeks, I was derailed due to past issues that should have been dismissed easily. After releasing my statement on social media and live TV at Bilyonaryo News Channel, I am choosing freedom over rumination. Detachment over drama and setting my energetic boundary.
Replacing negative conversations with Bikram yoga
My freedom is my peace over other people’s posts. Choosing my grandchildren’s laughter over my past is a conscious decision. Freedom is a daily practice. Replacing negative conversations with Bikram yoga practice has tremendously helped me clear all the annoying negativity.
My constant yoga classes at Bikram Yoga Manila at HV Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City keep my mind, body, and soul aligned. As the first and original hot yoga studio in the Philippines since 2006, this studio, owned by yoga instructor Ollay Aninion, has built a growing yoga community for two decades.
For beginner students and seasoned yogis like me, the 90-minute Bikram yoga class helps with body alignment, detoxification, and energy flow regardless of strength and flexibility.
Two weeks ago, Laju Choudhury, the daughter of Bikram yoga founder, shared her passion and big energy at Aninion’s studio. The experience was tremendously powerful, and the exchange of energy was explosive. Being a Bikram girl for so many years, I was happy to still learn tips to adjust my posture.
It is never too late to practice Bikram. In fact, as we age, we need to move our bodies to have better blood circulation. This type of yoga is the most gentle, and the heat in the room helps with stretching the body to detoxify all the fat and toxins.
Check out their Instagram @yoga_bikrammakati for class schedules and other details
Advocating for my passions
Focused on my new project, I promoted my new real estate platform at “The Daily Dish” on Bilyonario News Channel with hosts Ferdi Salvador, Chal Lontoc del Rosario, and Monique Tuzon Basi.
Apart from talking about my past relationship and my legal cases, we talked about so many topics—from gender fluidity, women’s rights, and financial liberty. More importantly, I was also able to promote my charity event, the Red Charity Gala, with my partner Kaye Tinga. This is happening on Oct. 4 at The Peninsula Manila.
This year, we are featuring the fashion creations of JC Buendia. And we are delighted to be sponsored by BENCH/, Emirates, Globe, RE/MAX, USANA, and many more.
Finding inspiration in art and fashion
Right after my segment at “The Daily Dish,” fashion designer Happy Andrada was presented in line with her show “Art Inspires Fashion,” as presented by Fundacion Sanso. In partnership with Discovery Primea, Sanso x Happy Andrada is a striking 30-piece collection by acclaimed designer Andrada—inspired by the rich visual legacy of Presidential Medal of Merit awardee, artist Juvenal Sansó.
Blending Andrada’s love for Philippine textiles and artisanal craftsmanship with Sansó’s celebrated imagery, this collaboration presents a dynamic dialogue between fashion and fine art.
The collection highlights one-of-a-kind barong bibs conceived as gender-neutral pieces with a universal fit, embodying both inclusivity and craftsmanship. To reinterpret Sansó’s celebrated motifs, Andrada incorporated an array of indigenous Philippine materials, handwoven textiles, and upcycled eco-conscious accents.
Adding to the prestige of the collaboration is the partnership with Discovery Primea, the host for the exhibition and fashion show. This partnership highlights the hotel’s celebration of artistic legacy and contemporary Filipino design.
The capsule collection is available for purchase. In honoring Sansó’s vision of nurturing young artists and creatives, a portion of the collection’s proceeds will help fund Fundación Sansó’s scholarship and arts programs.
To purchase your own piece of wearable art, visit Fundacion Sansó at 32 V. Cruz St., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan. Follow and message @fundacionsansomuseumshop on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their online shop fundacionsanso.shop
Celebrating timeless design
After the airing of the show, I attended the event of Focus Global in celebration of Verner Panton’s centenary, Danish lighting house Louis Poulsen.
The affair unveiled “Aisle of Light”—a retro grocery-inspired pop-up introducing the return of the original Panthella colors. Held at Focus_, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, the activation transformed the store into a nostalgic, color-filled destination where everyday references met iconic Danish design.
The launch brought together members of the design community, tastemakers, media personalities, celebrities, architects, designers, and creatives. Guests explored the striking installation while enjoying specially curated refreshments, artisanal light bites, and interactive experiences inspired by the Panthella Originals palette.
Among those in attendance were Justin Edwards (Louis Poulsen APAC Regional Manager) and Jennifer Soh (Louis Poulsen APAC Regional Sales Manager), who flew in from Singapore to take part in this one-of-a-kind event.
Notable personalities, such as Isabelle and Ava Daza, Jess Wilson, Paolo Abrera, and Amanda Griffin Jacob, and longtime patrons of design such as Patrick Diokno, Tomas Cadiz, Cynthia Almario, and Jason Magbanua, all gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of Verner Panton.
“Panthella is unique for many reasons, but especially so in how both shade and trumpet-shaped base serve as reflectors, a true testament to Verner Panton’s innovative mind,” says Monique Faber, chief design officer at Louis Poulsen.
For more updates, follow @lightsbyfgi on Instagram or visit the Louis Poulsen showroom on the 10th Floor of Focus Global at Twenty-Four Seven McKinley, Bonifacio Global City
Championing freedom
Last June 12, we celebrated Independence Day. May we continue to champion freedom and help build a better Philippines in any form or action for the future generation!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
