On healing, dance, and a taste of the Riviera sun

“When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure you are always blessed.” – Joel Osteen

Because of all the unnecessary noise from past relationships, I lost focus on my self-improvement and positive development. Focus is not just mental but also behavioral. I seem to lack discipline to ensure my attention is toward my goals and transforming intentions into tangible outcomes. By cultivating better habits and routines, I will avoid putting energy on betrayal or envy. Disciplined action propels progress so I could continually become a better me!

This clearly explains why I am very interested in interior design and beauty and wellness. I get excited when there are events that have beauty products and wellness activities. At the recent Rustan’s Summer 2026 campaign, I was able to sample all the different offerings at the event called Beneath the Riviera Sun.

The campaign came to life at Rustan’s Makati, where guests stepped into an immersive environment that brought together fashion, beauty, and lifestyle in one cohesive narrative. The store was delightfully transformed into romantic scenes of the Mediterranean coast.

Across its stores, spaces were transformed into a vision of seaside living. Sunlit textures, breezy silhouettes, and vibrant yet refined details evoked the charm of coastal destinations, where style feels instinctive and quietly sophisticated. A setting designed for discovery and where every corner will entice guests to experience summer at Rustan’s.

Each floor offered a distinct expression of the Riviera spirit. Each brought to life through sound, movement, and curated encounters. At the women’s floor, a series of live performances featuring playful jazz and coastal rhythms energized the space. The men’s floor shifted into a more relaxed tempo with acoustic performances, while the beauty floor became a sensorial escape, elevated by ambient music and a curated DJ set, alongside live beauty moments that highlight ritual and indulgence.

At the fifth floor, a fashion presentation unfolded through movement and storytelling. Models were seen moving fluidly through the space, showcasing relaxed tailoring, resort-ready pieces, and elevated essentials that define the modern summer wardrobe.

I ended up getting a scarf from Jim Weaver for my beach outfit for the weekend. I was able to reconnect with Ginggay Joven-Dela Merced who did the PR for this event. She has taken over the business of her late mother Susan Joven who we dearly miss.

Divine anniversary

After my quick shopping spree, I headed to the 20th anniversary of Divina Law at Shangri-La Hotel at the Fort for the grand celebration to highlight one of the biggest law firms in the country. Founded by Atty. Nilo Divina who shared his humble beginning with just five lawyers to hundreds today, Divina Law has gained credibility in all sectors and now diversified into securities, finance management, and more.

The celebration included entertainment by music powerhouse couple Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez and with a special performance by Fra Lippo Lippi. It was wonderful to catch up with SM grand dame Tessie Sy-Coson who was one of the first clients of Divina Law.

With creativity in my stars, my Saturn placement in 5th Aquarius indicates that I love freedom of expression, which includes painting and dancing. My regular Zumba classes with instructor Robby Nee at Steps Dance Studio are totally enjoyable.

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The invitational opening night also welcomed guests from Manila’s social, cultural, diplomatic, and arts circles, transforming the Samsung Performing Arts Theater into a gathering of communities brought together by a shared appreciation for dance.

Spearheaded by Ayala Land, the International Dance Day Fest continues to strengthen Makati’s position as a vibrant cultural destination—bringing together artists, communities, and audiences in a celebration of dance as a universal language.

Following the opening gala, the festival continued with folk dancing and street dance movement. On April 26, the festival concludes with the contemporary gala, presenting expressive works that reflect the evolving language of modern dance.

International Dance Day Fest 2026 is brought to you by Ayala Land, Make it Makati, Circuit Makati, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, with additional partnership support from Ayala Corporation, and Steps Dance Foundation.