Fresh beginnings and renewed hope

Christmas party at Sea Princess’ home —CONTRIBUTED

“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” —Jen Sincero

As the year ends, it is a perfect time to reflect on our life experiences and the lessons learned. It is the right time to release old thoughts and beliefs and forgive old hurts. It may have been a difficult and challenging year, but the New Year brings fresh beginnings and renewed hope. Let us be thankful for all the blessings of the past and the promise of the future that awaits us all.

I started 2024 with the magic of new beginnings. I had just come out of a toxic and traumatic relationship that brought so much turmoil to my family. With love, understanding and compassion, we have repaired our family ties and throughout the year, we continued to restore this bond.

I am grateful for my family who have listened without judgment and helped without conditions. They understood me with empathy and loved me no matter what. I am just looking forward to more family time together this coming new year.

John Estrada; Lucerne managing director Emerson Yao; Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan; Glydel Mercado, Omega Trophy Philippines 2023 ladies overall champion; Jefrë; Sta. Elena Golf Club board president Edward Tiu; Zanjoe Marudo —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Olivia Yao, Marie Monozca, Sea Princess and Gabrielle Macatulad

Olivia Yao, Jessalynn Tan, Sea Princess , May Que, Patricia Tan

Zanjoe Marudo , Sea Princess, Jefre , Paul Chuatico

Golf tournament

Between all the Christmas parties and birthday celebrations this December, I was glad to play golf at the Omega Trophy Philippines in Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club. This prestigious invitational golf tournament was originally set for last month but was moved due to bad weather. For this second edition on Dec. 16, the tournament began with the ceremonial tee-off where key personalities were called to the marker to show off their best swings, followed by a toast to signify the start of a memorable day ahead.

The 18-hole game concluded with an awarding ceremony at Sta. Elena’s Lakehall, a beautiful space that served as a fitting backdrop to celebrate everyone’s day on the course. Winners from the Men’s and Ladies’ categories took home specially crafted trophies by Filipino American visual artist Jefrë, who is known for his outstanding public pieces such as “The Victor” in Bridgetown and the shiny statue in SM Megamall called “The Time.”

Specially crafted trophies by Filipino American visual artist Jefrë

Daniel Peters, first runner-up, Class A and longest drive winner; Ritz Azul, overall ladies champion; Paolo Paraiso, champion, class C; Derek Ramsey, overall lowest-gross champion; Romy Chong, champion, Class B; Warren So, second runner-up, Class C

More notably, the overall winners were able to take home signature timepieces from Omega. Ritz Azul was declared the overall ladies champion and was gifted with the Omega De Ville Tresór 39 mm with steel on leather strap, while Derek Ramsey got the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m 41 mm steel on steel watch as the Overall Lowest Gross Champion of this year’s tournament.

I was just happy to play golf with my flight mates Olivia Yao, Marie Monozca, and Gabrielle Macatulad. Although I didn’t win, I was just delighted to support Emerson Yao of Lucerne and the Omega family who have been so supportive of our Red Charity Gala (RCG) auction every year.

Art and fashion of Michael Cinco and Bing Taojo

Special fashion showcase

Speaking of RCG, I was able to attend the special fashion showcase of RCG’s past designer Michael Cinco at Salcedo Auctions last Dec. 8. “Masterpiece in Motion” was the title of the silent auction showcasing the collaborative works of Michael and Davao-based visual artist Caroline “Bing” Taojo. Apart from the fashion show of Michael, Bing showcased 16 paintings featuring her idyllic floral romantic images.

The collaboration that brought different realms—fashion and art—together was a brilliant concept by good friend Keren Pascual. The beautiful pieces were so enchanting, and truly showcased the immense talent of both artists.

Nikki Tang , Tessa Alindogan , Connie Haw and Irene Nubla

J Paul Getty Museum’s curator for photography Paul Martin- Art and fashion of Michael Cinco and Bing Taojo eau, Salcedo Auctions’ Richie Lerma, Caroline “Bing” Taojo, show producer Keren Pascual, Michael Cinco, Salcedo Auctions’ Karen Lerma

Salcedo Auction chair and chief specialist Richie Lerma shared that he envisioned their auction house as a platform for communication and engagement, for different disciplines to create wonderful creative interfaces.

Both Richie and Karen Lerma have been supporting RCG as well and proposed to have an important art work for next year’s Gala auction. We are all looking forward to this and also view the collection of featured designer Rhett Eala.

Irene Nubla , Sea Princess and George Royeca of Angkas

‘Uninvited’

In support of the local movie industry, please watch “Uninvited,” starting Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre and Aga Muhlach. The suspense/drama film is produced by Mentorque Productions and is brilliantly cast. Mentorque Productions is also one of RCG’s major sponsors, so I was glad to watch the world premiere last week.

May the New Year bring more amazing experiences and enjoyable travels. As we count our blessings throughout this year, may we grow and live more purposefully in the coming 2025!

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.