Mindfully moving forward
“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” —Betty Friedan
Mindful aging seems to be the buzzword that describes the process of aging gracefully and being fully engaged in the changes going on as one grows older. As I turn a year wiser over the weekend, I have a higher appreciation of all the blessings, experiences, and life lessons thrown my way. Personal aging fears, legal battles, unwanted relationships, and negative issues have drained my energy but adopting a mindful approach with prayer, meditation, and a happy disposition keeps me moving forward.
Fresh from a relaxing weekend vacation in Hong Kong, I attended the launch of Ayala Land Premier’s Laurean Residences, a new beacon of modern luxury rising along Dela Rosa Street in Makati Central Business District.
Changing the city landscape of central Makati, Laurean Residences finds its home in Dela Rosa Gardens, a reenergized live-work-play district anchored by the new BPI Tower, lush green spaces, vibrant retail spaces, and a civic hub. Over half a hectare of exclusive amenities—managed by Ayala Land Hospitality—bring the atmosphere of a private in-city club, where wellness, leisure, and social connection converge seamlessly.
Ayala Land Premier president Mike Jugo shares, “More than a collection of homes, it is an urban sanctuary where timeless architecture, purposeful amenities, and meticulous craftsmanship come together to elevate everyday life.”
After the Q&A at the launch, I joined the lunch and got to know more about the development that will be completed in the next five years. This complex has direct access to the Dela Rosa elevated walkway that links residents to key destinations, while nearby green spaces—Ayala Triangle Gardens, Washington Sycip Park, Legazpi Active Park, and Jaime Velasquez Park—offer moments of respite amid the urban energy.
“Laurean Residences continues Ayala Land Premier’s tradition of creating enduring communities that embody modern luxury in the Philippines,” Jugo emphasizes.
As Ayala Land continues to shape the future of Makati, Laurean Residences emerges as a testament to its enduring legacy: spaces that elevate everyday life, where luxury is not simply a matter of design, but of the lives it empowers.
As a longtime Makati girl, I am glad that my city is continually progressing and offering so many options to city dwellers. I recently attended the relaunch of FitFlop Philippines that is now regionally distributed by WPI. They unveiled a new brand campaign featuring innovative collections, refreshed store concepts, and VIP ambassadors, bringing the brand’s signature blend of style and comfort closer to Filipino shoppers.
To mark the launch, WPI will host a special event at the Glorietta Activity Center, headlined by actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista, the newly appointed FitFlop Philippines ambassador. The gathering will also welcome local influencers, media personalities, and fashion insiders to experience the brand’s latest showcase of style-focused, science-backed designs. The celebration will further highlight the newest collection by FitFlop Asia ambassador Song Hye Kyo, underscoring the brand’s commitment to comfort-led innovation each season.
Beyond its latest innovative collections, FitFlop Philippines is unveiling a refreshed store concept with a more premium, modern design aimed at elevating the shopping experience. Sleek layouts and stylish details create an engaging, inspiring space for customers to discover their footwear favorites.
More than a visual update, this transformation highlights WPI’s commitment to enhancing the FitFlop customer journey in the Philippines. Several new store openings are also planned in the coming months, expanding access to the FitFlop experience nationwide.
Over at One Ayala Mall is the newest dental clinic of Dr. Ralph Figaroa Delas Alas. Urban Smiles Neo is located at the fourth floor of the mall and showcases the state-of-the-art dental equipment and services. I have never been to a dental clinic with the most advanced machines for all dental needs. For more details, follow @urbansmilesph.
I am so delighted that Dr RFD is also supporting Red Charity Gala with an auction item of P500,000 worth of dental services. This generous dentist has been our table donor for years and is now sponsoring as well. Apart from his 15 branches, Dr. RFD also founded The Med Club Diagnostics, a wellness center and outpatient services. Located in another Ayala Mall—Ayala Mall Vertis North, Quezon City—this complete center offers many different packages for the entire family. Check out their Instagram @themedclub.ph for details.
For our Red Charity Gala this year, we are auctioning an amazing sculpture by international acclaimed FilipinoAmerican artist JEFRE (Jeffrey Manuel) who recently unveiled the world’s largest heart sculpture in Florida.
This monumental work rises seven stories tall in the heart of Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Titled “The Heart at Tradition,” the massive sculpture is constructed from twisting mirror-polished stainless steel, reflecting both the natural surroundings and the people who come to experience it.
“This piece is not just a sculpture,” said JEFRE. “It is a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. The heart is universal it transcends culture, language, and borders. I wanted to create a monumental landmark that invites people to come together, to connect, and to see themselves reflected in the art.”
The public debut this weekend marks another milestone in JEFRE’s career as a creator of global icons. He is also the artist behind “The Victor,” the Philippines’ largest monumental sculpture, a 28-story figure that has become a national landmark. With “The Heart at Tradition,” JEFRE continues his mission to design monumental works that both define skylines and inspire communities.
Beyond its scale and artistry, the piece is deeply rooted in JEFRE’s personal philosophy: transforming art into a vessel of healing, community, and identity.
