Not much has changed
“Self-awareness is a key to self-mastery.” —Gretchen Rubin
In a week, we will start the second half of 2025. As I reassess my New Year’s goals and intentions, I realize that not much has changed, and I am still in a state of confusion and uncertainty.
After the results of the midterm elections were officially tabulated, I feel our country is in the same state of doubt that has caused great divisions. Instead of the Philippines moving forward in the different sectors of business and industry, we are lagging further behind other Asian countries.
Thankfully, we are a peaceful nation, and we will all hopefully take action to help create progress in our own small ways. I am delighted to do my share in promoting new venues, new restaurants, new shops, and new engagements.
Last week, I tried a fairly new restaurant in San Juan called Lobby 385.
Cold Storage Seafood recently hosted a heartfelt luncheon, gathering mothers, families, and food lovers to celebrate the enduring bonds of motherhood. Hosted by lifestyle personality Patty Laurel-Filart, the event opened with a warm welcome and a message from company president Marco Qua, who paid tribute to the women who inspired Cold Storage’s values. Attendees shared personal reflections on motherhood and offered advice to new moms, fostering meaningful conversations throughout the gathering.
The highlight of the day was a special lunch curated by chef Kalel Chan, featuring signature dishes like Seafood Cioppino, Black Cod Miso Saikyo Yaki, and Kopa-grilled Salmon Tandoori, all prepared with Cold Storage’s premium seafood. Guests also enjoyed bestsellers such as Stracciatella Capers and an 800-grams Angus Striplon Steak, with the meal ending on a sweet note with Tiramisu and Mulled Wine Poached Pears. To add a personal touch, House of Laverne provided customizable plates for guests to take home as keepsakes.
Each attendee received a thoughtful gift from Cold Storage Seafood in gratitude for joining the celebration. For more information about Cold Storage Seafood and upcoming events, visit their Instagram (@coldstorageph) and Facebook (@coldstorageseafood) pages, or drop by their San Juan and Banawe branches. Cold Storage Seafood has been a trusted name in the industry since 1996, delivering quality seafood and introducing Lokal, a line of locally sourced export-quality products from across the Philippines.
Trunk show
From enjoying that new restaurant, I went shopping at a new trunk show of Bohème SG at Comme Çi boutique (To shop Bohème SG in Manila and for more information and upcoming events, reach out to Comme Çi at tel. 0926-6710541 or 0975-5319311, or shop the website via bohemesg.com.), located in PowerPlant Mall, Rockwell. The event marked the brand’s Manila debut, and was presented in partnership with Comme Çi and Shauna Jay Popple, celebrating a seamless blend of organic-inspired design and modern luxury.
Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated shopping experience featuring Bohème SG’s newest collection of demi-fine and contemporary jewelry. Each piece reflected a commitment to natural forms and understated sophistication. The event’s centerpiece was an exclusive meet-and-greet with French designer Veronique Manchharam, whose artistic vision and narrative-driven designs captivated attendees.
The cocktails, a highlight of the show, drew Manila’s fashion-forward crowd for an evening of wine, engaging conversation, and striking jewelry. The boutique transformed into a stylish lounge, giving visitors a unique chance to interact with the designer and delve into the stories behind her creations.
More than just a retail pop-up, the event was a celebration of artistry, innovation, and global creative exchange. Bohème SG’s warm reception and impressive turnout signaled a promising entry into the Manila fashion scene.
Immersive stays
A new development was recently launched in White Space, Makati City. Grafik Hotel Collection by Chroma Hospitality, the team behind Crimson Hotels & Resorts and Quest Hotels, is a new hotel brand designed to elevate the local hospitality landscape. Grafik redefines Philippine hospitality by offering immersive stays that celebrate meaningful experiences, spark creativity, and honor the richness of local culture.
Set to open its first properties in Baguio and Moalboal, Grafik is rooted in the belief that great travel is great storytelling. Guided by this purpose, the Grafik experience is shaped by the promise of discovering hidden stories and respecting cultural continuity.
The Grafik Hotel Collection is a collection of distinctive properties that speak their own language, shaped by their surroundings. From the pulse of urban streets to the stillness of the sea, Grafik is designed for the curious traveler.
Backed by Filinvest Hospitality, Grafik joins Chroma’s expanding portfolio of proudly local brands. Chroma Hospitality, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is launching this new brand in line with the 70th anniversary of its parent company, Filinvest Development Corporation.
Beyond developing exceptional properties across iconic destinations such as Manila, Cebu, Mactan, Clark, Tagaytay, and Boracay, Chroma Hospitality is committed to creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities it serves.
I am looking forward to the new hotel of Grafik in Moalboal, where the scuba diving is exceptional. I want to be one of the first to enjoy the excellent hospitality that Chroma is known for, while sipping cocktails on the beach!
We are never too old to start new adventures or soar to greater heights. Hats off to my diving friend Rosan Cruz for reaching Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet—a true testament to Filipino courage and determination. Her journey through Nepal’s rugged terrain reminds us that the greatest climbs are not just physical, but also about inner strength and spirit.
For all of us navigating life’s own mountains, Rosan’s adventure is a beautiful reminder: With heart and grit, no peak is out of reach.
