Giving back with purpose
“If you have life, you have purpose.” —Caroline Myss
Discovering one’s life purpose is an exploration of passions and a reflection of values. With life’s journey being so unpredictable, we need to stay flexible to adapt to challenges and situations. I have learned to focus on self-care and mindfulness so I could purposely move forward into my next chapter. My focus has always been giving back as instilled by my parents, Alex and Marixi Prieto, who have been supporting many charities like Sisters of Mary and our Red Charity Gala.
For more than a decade, Red Charity Gala (RCG) has been raising funds for various beneficiaries and providing aid to those affected by disasters, emergencies, and health issues like lupus. Because our country is constantly hit by storms, the RCG earmarks funding for relief goods and other emergency units like ambulances and pump boats.
The Red Charity Gala is a prominent annual fashion and charity event that co-chair Kaye Tinga and I organize to benefit Philippine Red Cross, Hope for Lupus Foundation, and Assumption HS 1981 Foundation. This year, the gala features renowned fashion designer Rhett Eala and will be held at The Peninsula Manila on Oct. 4.
Our RCG team has been busy tapping our annual sponsors and we are so delighted that we already have two Emirates business class tickets to any destination in Europe and a beautiful Jewelmer South Sea Pearl necklace. These auction items are always part of the highly entertaining “bid war” between our generous patrons. We will be announcing more auction packages as we come closer to the Gala.
Enjoying some mother-daughter bonding in Paris, I flew Emirates just before the storm. Because I was traveling alone, I was afraid of missing my connection and worrying about airport transfers. Thank goodness Emirates has excellent service and even offers chauffeur transfer and pickup. Big thanks to my travel agent Sabina Pe of Bridges Travel who assisted me all the way.
During a lunch with Emirates’ sales manager-Philippines Barbie Gonzales, we talked about the Sky Bar of Emirates A380 and having champagne throughout the flight. We also talked about matters of the heart and moving forward!
For dinner entertainment at the Gala, I am coordinating with event styling genius Gideon Hermosa who recently celebrated the 15th year anniversary of House of Hermosa. The spectacular event with a cast of thousands was so breathtaking and meticulously detailed in every corner—from cocktail lounge décor to main stage and dinner extravaganza production.
Founded by Gideon Hermosa in 2010, the House of Hermosa was built on his passion, creativity, and talent for bringing dream concepts to life–a mission that is also shared by all of the different members of the company. From an early age, Gideon already knew that he was destined for a career in the creative field, but what he didn’t expect was the deep, tight-knit relationships he would go on to build through his renowned event design empire.
Years ago, I worked with Gideon for our 25th wedding anniversary, which showcased our love for Africa. Now, I am just happy to marvel at all the events and weddings Gideon transforms into an amazing setup that is skillfully created both here and abroad.
Speaking of extravaganza, I love how Buddy’s Pancit Lucban restaurants project a very festive atmosphere. All of the branches’ interiors are inspired by the Pahiyas Festival celebrated every 15th of May. It’s to thank God and San Isidro Labrador for a bountiful harvest.
Last week, Buddy’s opened its 20th branch on its 40th Fiesta Year at San Antonio Ave. in Parañaque City. As a homegrown restaurant from Lucban, Quezon, Buddy’s has expanded with seven branches in Quezon Province, one in Laguna, one in Batangas, and 11 branches in Metro Manila. They serve an array of Filipino dishes from Pancit Lucban, longganisang Lucban, hardinera, cassava cake, BBQ, sisig, kare-kare, Pinoy-style spaghetti, etc. Its employees, as the management calls them Buddy’s Family, are 80 percent from Quezon Province. It is their way of giving back to its roots.
Before Buddy’s came to be, Zaldy “Buddy” Veluz, was an Electrolux seller and a Black Gold dancer before going back to farming in Lucban, Quezon. One day, he found black spots in the Baguio beans he harvested and thought of making fresh lumpias instead of throwing them. He started with so many variants before creating today’s menu.
The ever bubbly Nova, Buddy’s wife, came into the picture in 1991. Growing the business, Nova handles the people and finance side and Buddy handles the food and interiors of the restaurant.
Their four children Miggy, Vino, Ysabelle, and Lia help with the family business. Currently, Miggy is the HR manager, Vino is the production manager, and Ysabelle is the operations manager of Buddy’s.
With the hands-on management of the family, their passion for food and love for its customers, partners, and employees, the stores’ vibrant interiors, good food, and good service, Buddy’s is a place for customers to have an exceptional festive dining experience with their family and friends. Dahil sa Buddy’s, parang laging fiesta!
Another friend celebrating a milestone is musician Kowboy Santos who turned 50 years old. My first cousin Nanette Prieto de Leon invited me weeks ago to surprise her hubby. What began as a quiet evening quickly became a lively mini concert with the help of Kowboy’s rockstar friends and with the guidance of Nannette. The surprise brought together people from every chapter of his life in a heartfelt tribute to a man whose story is rooted in creativity, resilience, and connection. Kowboy and Nannette have been together since 1998—27 years of love, partnership, and overcoming the kind of challenges that come with being ahead of your time. Their bond has remained strong through it all.
The night was filled with emotion as longtime friends and chosen family reunited, many for the first time in years. It wasn’t just a party; it was a homecoming. And, in true rock n’ roll fashion, the evening ended with a jam led by the very people who’ve helped shape his journey.
May we all find our life purpose to make a different in this volatile world we live in!
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