Make the holidays extra special
“Time can be an enemy or a friend.” -Joseph Brodsky
What better time to celebrate family, friendship, and love than this holiday season! Christmas time is here and it always comes early in the Philippines. Last week, I started decorating a Crystal Wonderland theme with the help of SM Home and SM Store. There are so many Christmas decor options to choose from—whether traditional or whimsical or whatever it is you fancy.
And to make the celebrations feel grander, SM Supermalls has officially launched the Christmas season with the grand lighting of the first Christmas tree at SM Aura. The 30-foot centerpiece, draped in rich red hues and golden ornaments, captures the beauty of a classic Christmas reimagined for today’s generation. Holidays at Aura marks the beginning of a nationwide celebration across all 89 SM Supermalls, uniting millions in the spirit of joy and togetherness.
“Christmas at SM has always been about family,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. “It is where people come together, share joy, and create lasting memories. Christmas at SM feels like celebrating Christmas with family, surrounded by warmth, laughter, and togetherness.”
The event gathered Rhian Ramos, Michelle Dee, Tim Yap, and Christine Allado, who joined the SM family in celebrating the country’s most festive season. SM Supermalls is bringing back its signature attractions to keep the holiday spirit alive. Families can enjoy the dazzling Night of Lights, the Grand Magical Parade, and the Holiday Snowflakes Surprises.
To get the family holiday spirit alive, my father’s maternal side, Mercedes Roces, held a family reunion at Last Chukker of the Manila Polo Club. Several generations of the Roces family gathered to celebrate their shared heritage and honor their patriarch, Don Alejandro Roces, Sr.
Fondly known as Lolo Moy to the family, Don Alejandro Roces, Sr. was the pioneering owner of the Philippines’ first newspaper chain, TVT Publications (composed of Taliba, La Vanguardia, and The Tribune), to which the title “The Father of Philippine Modern Journalism” was given. Also a close friend and confidant of President Manuel L. Quezon, their friendship helped pave the way for the founding of “the new city” in 1938—Quezon City.
In attendance were the eldest descendants of Don Alejandro, including Marcos C. Roces, Joaquin C. Roces, Jr., Bettina Prieto-De Leon, and Sandy Verzosa-Fabie, representing the Roces, Verzosa, and Prieto families.
The afternoon was filled with laughter, music, and memories—a tribute to Lolo Moy’s legacy in publishing, and other endeavors. The program was lovingly put together by his great-grandchildren Tono Verzosa, Isabel Roces, Bianca Tambunting, Sandra Fabie-Gfeller, and Nanette De Leon.
Family talents took the stage—Cowboy Santos, Audrey and Alexis Prieto, and Curtis Smith (Mito Fabie)—drawing cheers and even a few dance moves from the crowd. Even raffling off artworks by Briccio Santos and Joshua Barrera as well as books by Vicky Barrera and Tanya Guerrero. Meanwhile, the younger generation enjoyed games organized by Isabel Roces, ensuring everyone—young and old—had their share of fun. I was happy to host and happier to win the grand prize raffle of Briccio sculpture.
The reunion also served a deeper purpose: to raise funds for Paete Elementary School, a cause close to the hearts of Don Alejandro and his wife, Doña Antonia Pardo Roces. The school, which Don Alejandro helped establish a century ago, remains a lasting symbol of his dedication to education and community.
As the family gathered for the traditional photo, laughter, hugs, and playful banter made it a challenge for the photographer to get everyone in place but that joyful chaos captured the essence of the day.
Spreading some good news about Philippine fashion globally, Pinas Sadya, a proudly homegrown Filipino brand made a stunning debut at New Year Fashion Week 2025. The fashion and lifestyle brand brings Filipino craftsmanship, cultural pride, and unapologetic confidence to the global stage. Walking to the rhythm of Maymay Entrata’s “Amakabogera,” the brand’s models embodied the essence of the modern kabogera—radiant, confident, and playfully powerful.
The collection, titled Kabogera With a Purpose, celebrates women embracing their individuality and potential. “Kabogera is your birthright,” says Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut, founder of Pinas Sadya. “You are born to shine, to stand out, and to achieve your best. This collection is meant to accompany you through your journey—as you discover, fulfill, and share your purpose.”
Through the support of Filipinxt, an innovative platform championing Filipino creativity and craftsmanship, Pinas Sadya was able to showcase its vision to an international audience. “There’s a growing global appetite for Philippine-made, thoughtfully designed products,” notes Valerie Fischer, co-founder and general manager.
Key collaborations elevated the presentation. Farah Abu, a Filipino artist and designer, provided accessories that perfectly complemented the looks. Skeeter also expressed gratitude to fellow Filipino designers and collaborators—Bitagcol, Style Ana, Farah Abu, Bessie Besana, Ram Silva, and “Project Runway Season 21” winner Veejay Floresca—along with the talented makeup artists, photographers, production crew, marketplace staff, and models who brought the showcase to life.
The NYFW debut marks a defining milestone in Pinas Sadya’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to heritage, boldness and purpose-driven design. Celebrate Filipino artistry and fashion with Pinas Sadya at their pop-up at the ground floor of SM Mall of Asia near the main entrance or their showroom at Room 254, The Peninsula Manila or explore more at pinas-sadya.com.
Time is precious so spend much of it with family. Last year, our Red Charity Gala was held on Oct. 22, the same day as the birthday of my BFF Tessa Alindogan. It was also the day my father, Alex Prieto collapsed in his favorite place, Manila Golf. He passed weeks after but at least we had him for so many wonderful years of happy times and full of love!
