Mother-daughter bonding in London
“Words are not enough to express the unconditional love that exists between a mother and a daughter.” —Caitlin Houston
In England, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of March. It was so timely that I visited my youngest Athena Valdes, who is currently at a university in London. Spending almost a week with her was so heartwarming and enjoyable because I could see how independent she has become in her second year there. In fact, I would not have known how to take the tube and figure out the exits without her help.
Athena and I have been through a roller coaster of emotions and drama, especially with the separation in my marriage four years ago. Even if she is my youngest, Athena was my solid rock with her sound advice and profound thoughts. She was the one who told me that we will be fine on our own, and that she didn’t lose her parents; it was just the death of a marriage.
Being there for me in my darkest moments, Athena encouraged me to be resilient, courageous, and brave to weather the storm and survive with so much heart and compassion. With wisdom beyond her age, she made me feel so loved and supported, with the rest of my family behind me. I didn’t realize the soul could endure much pain and betrayal and still come back whole again.
As I continue my journey as a single mom again, I am so grateful that Athena and the rest of my kids have grown to be grounded adults sharing the same principles and core values that were passed on from my parents, Alex and Marixi Prieto. I am looking forward to Athena’s bright future, whether she decides to live in London or back home. Our growing family is happy to be all together, especially to celebrate milestones like the birthday and baby shower of my niece Audrey Prieto-Gallego.
I was glad that my other daughter, Jordan Prieto, flew in from Siargao where she is residing. Two years ago, Jordan and I were in London together to help settle Athena in SOAS University. I was so nervous for her, but Athena has adapted so well. She arranged all other dinner reservations, transfers, and our “Mamma Mia” theater tickets. Watching this iconic musical made me feel even more proud of our similar mother-daughter bond and single motherhood.
Culinary legend
On our 25th wedding anniversary then, my ex-husband Dennis Valdes, Athena, and I met world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa when he came to town for City of Dreams Manila. As part of its yearlong 10th-anniversary celebration, City of Dreams Manila flew in Chef Nobu again, but we missed our photo op this time around. The culinary legend behind the global chain of eponymous restaurants and hotels spanning five continents returned to Nobu Manila after his last visit in 2019, to host a two-night intimate dinner affair for the metro’s discerning gourmands on March 25 and March 26.
His fifth visit to Manila follows close on the heels of Nobu Restaurants’ global 30th-anniversary celebration in October 2024, after he cofounded it with Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper. Key Nobu Restaurants Group executives came with him: chief operating officer Hiro Tahara, Asia-Pacific regional director and general manager of Nobu Tokyo Ichibaku Kobayashi, and corporate chef Herve Courtot.
Together with Nobu Manila head chef Michael de Jesus and head sushi chef Kei Hirukawa, Chef Nobu and the visiting team hosted an unforgettable gastronomic experience with a curated six-course “Art of Omakase” dinner menu on March 25, and a “Canapé Night” on March 26. Nobu also hosted Japanese Ambassador and Madam Endo Kazuya.
Nobu graciously obliged photo ops with diners, and had a sushi-making demo with the media and a fun session with top content creators Abi Marquez, Jujumao, and Ninong Ry. Filipino ex-Nobu also chefs reunited with the master, with Tom Bascon, Godfrey Laforteza, Pierre Addison among those present.
Chef Nobu was appointed the official chef at the 81st and 82nd Golden Globes in 2024 and 2025. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Japanese emperor in 2024, and was accorded the Lifetime Achievement Award by GQ in 2017.
The fast-expanding Nobu Hospitality and Restaurant Group currently counts over 50 Nobu restaurants, 38 Nobu hotels, and 12 residence projects spanning five continents. In addition, Chef Nobu operates 11 Matsuhisa restaurants in key cities in the US and Europe.
For a summer glow
This much-needed vacation was also so timely for my new show on the Bilyonaryo News Channel, as I will be featuring Joel and Carla Del Prado as they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. We will do our interview in Paris before they fly out to Rome. It was wonderful to catch up with them and other Cebu friends Caca and Warren Go. Before arriving in Paris, Joel and Carla spent a few days in Dubai and totally enjoyed the progressive city.
Last week, I missed the exclusive, invite-only “Summer Glow” workshop of Elizabeth Arden (Discover Elizabeth Arden’s confidence-boosting skin-care products at Rustan’s and at their online stores. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Arden fragrances are available at leading department stores and online at Shopee and Lazada). This intimate event provided a select group of VIP guests an exclusive opportunity to discover how Elizabeth Arden’s renowned skincare and fragrance lines could enhance their summer beauty regimen.
Guests were treated to a personalized overview of the brand’s latest products, featuring the refreshing Elizabeth Arden Green Tea fragrance line such as the Classic Green Tea, Green Tea Lavender, Green Tea Cherry Blossom, and Green Tea Coconut Breeze, as well as key products from the Elizabeth Arden Skin Care line, including the Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream, Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum, PREVAGE Anti-aging Daily Serum 2.0, and the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant. Expert tips for achieving a radiant summer glow were also shared.
Celebrating the partnership with The French Bistro, the restaurant’s newly appointed executive chef Loic Brun curated a bespoke four-course lunch, showcasing the restaurant’s exquisite French cuisine. This unique culinary experience perfectly complemented the workshop’s focus on beauty and elegance, offering a truly luxurious and memorable afternoon.
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