Reflect, release, and recharge
“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha
When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, a lunar eclipse happens and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. This astronomical event symbolizes change, transformation, or an ending. It’s a time for reflection, release, and renewal.
The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo is happening on March 3, 2026. This total lunar eclipse will affect people born with personal planets and points at approximately 8 to 18 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.
This eclipse is part of a Virgo-Pisces set of seven eclipses, focusing on themes of refinement, revelation, and necessary correction, particularly in areas of health, daily routines, work patterns, and spiritual alignment.
Being a Virgo, I am taking advantage of this energy by refining and finding balance during this lunar eclipse. It’s a cosmic nudge to reflect, release, and recharge. By embracing change, I am able to let go of what’s holding me back.
This year, the luckiest signs are Rabbit and Sheep! I learned many feng shui tips at the Signature Series, which I hosted with Inquirer Property editor Tek Samaniego.
Signature Series by SM Residences hosted this talk, entitled “Prosperity by Design,” with support from Inquirer Property. Interior designer Chat Fores inspired guests with insights on crafting mindful spaces that invite harmony and abundance, while feng shui practitioner Dr. Andy Tan unveiled the auspicious energies of the Year of the Fire Horse and why Susana Heights stands out as a location primed for prosperity.
Signature Series is the premium residential brand of SM Prime Holdings Inc. Building on a solid track record across property segments, SM Prime’s move into the high-end residential market marks a natural progression of its portfolio, which will now include premium to ultra luxury developments in some of the metro’s most coveted addresses.
Susana Heights marks the initial foray of the Signature Series, which is currently offering build-ready residential lots within the existing village. This new player, however, will also be soon unveiling its own flagship residential community, which will feature more expansive lot sizes.
At the interesting presentation of ID. Fores, I learned that any space can be enhanced with color and lighting. Designing a home should be personal and yet functional. She gave some tips on how to enlarge a space by careful placement of accents and colors.
An ambitious art exhibition
As an avid art collector, I am always excited to discover new artists so I can add their artwork in my home. I spotted some favorites at the recently concluded ALT Art 2026 exhibition in SMX Manila Halls 1 and 2.
Returning with a bigger venue and expanded exhibitions, ALT Art had dynamic public programs at its fourth edition. Its most ambitious thus far, this edition featured works of over 300 artists displayed in over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. This expansion continued the collective’s “pro-artist” ethos, providing more room to best present contemporary art and develop curated projects that encourage experimentation, discourse, and critical engagement.
ALT Art is organized by the ALT Collective, comprised of nine of the country’s premier galleries: Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery.
ALT Art 2026 was presented in partnership with BDO Private Banking, co-presented by Nagaraya. For more information, visit www.altphilippines.com.
Mother-and-son masterclass
My latest art purchase was the colorful painting by my lawyer Atty. Tei Leonardo-Ampon. She held a landmark joint exhibition with her only son, Ryan Christopher Leonardo-Ampon at the Mezzanine Restaurant in BGC.
I was honored to cut the ribbon with Adrian Ramos of National Bookstore. Entitled “The Modernist Palette,” the exhibit was a masterclass in optimism. It drew an enthusiastic crowd of art lovers and society figures, all gathered to witness this unique creative dialogue between mother and son.
From this local exhibition, Atty. Tei’s artworks move to Paris with other members of Filipino Advocates for Visual Arts (FAVA). The hallowed glass vaults of the Grand Palais served as the backdrop for a significant milestone in Philippine contemporary art. Two weeks ago, FAVA members made a resounding impression at the prestigious Art Capital exhibition, proving that Filipino creative vision resonates deeply on the global stage.
Led by lawyer-artist Atty. Tei Leonardo-Ampon, the FAVA delegation—including Maita S. Acevedo, Doodz A. Iligan, and Brando L. Bati—presented works that blended cultural heritage with modern sensibility. Leonardo-Ampon exhibited four evocative pieces. Her “La Luz De Amor” series and the whimsical “Happy Flowers on a Bicycle” series drew significant praise for their use of light and color.
Acevedo captured the attention of European gallerists with her “Beautiful Flowers” series, noted for its delicate yet commanding floral compositions. Iligan and Bati proudly displayed their masterpieces, which offered a sophisticated glimpse into Filipino life and aesthetics.
The impact of the exhibit was immediate. The FAVA artists were part of a diverse group of 20 creators from all over the world, organized under the Art and Cross Cultural Exchange Society, headed by Margo Babilonia-Calderero.
In a show of national support, the artists were honored with a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Paris. The delegation was hosted by H.E. Eduardo José de Vega, Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, who commended the artists for acting as cultural ambassadors and strengthening the ties between the Philippines and the French Republic through the universal language of art.
In a world that has become dark and gray, may we find beauty in art and color to make this time more lively and meaningful! To fellow Virgo and Rabbit stars, let’s all have the most auspicious year ever!
