See the world with new eyes

“Her eyes are homes of silent prayers.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

The eyes are the mirror of the soul and reflect hidden emotions that remain silent within us. With so many events this time of the year, I have not been able to find the time to get my eyes done. I have been planning to get a procedure to create fuller eyelids but could not have it scheduled.

Instead of that option, I visited Dr. Kaycee Reyes of Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations for a special kind of beauty lift and rejuvenation. She recommended a new procedure to lift my eyelids and I had it done at Luminisce Prima in Parkwest Grand Central BGC. There was zero surgery for all the firming, tightening, and contouring.

From laser treatments and anti-aging therapies to lifestyle programs, Luminisce offers the best solutions to individual skin and beauty issues. I have been going to them for many years now and they are the secret weapon to my holistic approach to my anti-aging journey. Combining state-of-the-art treatments with age-old preventive and regenerative medicine practices, Dr. Kaycee maps out the beauty plan to achieve total and optimal results.

I also attended her talk at Galderma Skin Awareness Month 2026. It was quite informative and interesting to meet the other clients of the clinic. The session was held at KMC Solutions at One Ayala Building.

Alliana Dolina, Valerie Tan, Doc Kaceey Reyes, Sea Princess, and Celine Cornejo

Clara Lapus, president of Mama Sita; Pepot Miñana, chief integration, sustainability, and corporate affairs officer of Jollibee; and Steve Piczon, AVP for public affairs of Jollibee

Furniture and function

To further enhance my eye lift, I went to Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty Salon for lash extensions and nail art as well. The owner, Kiyosa Kato, has been my close friend for more than a decade since she opened her first branch in F1 Hotel in BGC. After the pandemic, she opened another in Perea St., Legazpi Village, offering the best nail art and eyelash extensions with Japanese technology.

With my new look, I attended the 13th anniversary of Genteelhome at Medusa at The Palace. Genteelhome has quietly redefined how Filipinos experience home, creating bespoke furniture that goes beyond function to tell stories of craftsmanship and intention.

Katrina De Leon, Cristalle Belo, Ruffa Gutierrez, Dong Ronquillo, Tessa Prieto, and Janeena Chan

Founder and creative Principal Katrina De Leon has grown the business from its first showrooms in Pampanga and Mandaluyong into a trusted name in bespoke furniture. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and actress and socialite Heart Evangelista have done projects with them. For this milestone and her birthday, we all partied at Medusa and had a grand time.

Belen Silverio, Kathy Yupangco, Myda Prieto, Catherine “Kit” Silverio-Zobel de Ayala, Mia Borromeo, Yolanda Cruz, and Marissa Tambunting

Suyen Corporation president Virgilio Lim; Honorable Mayor of Pasay City, Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano; Suyen Corporation chairman and CEO Ben Chan; SM Supermalls president Steven Tan; award-winning Filipino actor Alden Richards; and Benlai Asia commercial and operations director Klaus Wu during the Benlai ribbon-cutting ceremony

Serious retail contender

My social calendar has also been filled with the new brands that Bench king Ben Chan brought into the country recently. International apparel brand Benlai officially opened in the Philippines with its first store at SM Mall of Asia. To mark this milestone, the brand hosted a grand launch and VIP event that was followed by an exclusive in-store shopping party for invited guests.

Founded in 2022, Benlai is known for its functional lifestyle apparel that combines innovative fabrics, comfort, and modern design. Its Philippine debut reflects the brand’s commitment to bringing technology-driven fashion to Filipino consumers.

Ben Chan, Alden Richards, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Nenita Lim, Virgilio Lim, and Agnes Huibonhoa

Dong Ronquillo, Morgan Say, Janeena Chan, Katrina de Leon, Dra. Aivee Teo, and Dr. Z Teo

A week later, the Bench Group opened another concept store but this time a fragrance shop. Scent has a unique ability to bring memories to life, making fragrance more than just something we wear. Embracing this idea, Gramiix officially celebrated its grand launch at SM Mall of Asia, introducing five signature fragrances—April 31st, Bare Nude, Cocktail Hour, Mandarin Caramel, and Persona—each inspired by emotions, memories, and personal stories.

As fragrance becomes a powerful form of self-expression, Gramiix offers a collection that celebrates authenticity and connection. More than a fragrance brand, it invites wearers to create lasting memories through scent, proving that the most meaningful moments often linger long after they pass.

Rico Hizon; DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque; Ana de Ocampo, president and CEO of Wildflour Hospitality Group; and Karen Davila

Miguel Pastor, Ben Chan, Madel Mauhay Valery Hidalgo, and John Wayne Alba

Master their trades

My social scene also included a DTI event. To help promote the different branches of the Philippine export sectors, an exhibition was held to showcase the products from fashion, textile, beauty, and personal care to health and home living.

Anchored on the theme, “Navigating Uncertainties and Seizing Opportunities,” the fair offered a series of Usapang Exports sessions, consultations, networking activities, and product showcases for exporters and other stakeholders.

The DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Exporters’ Fair 2026 is organized by the DTI, with the support of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., the DTI Halal Industry Development Program, and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

At the Crate & Barrel sale: Jojo Ongsiako, Ona Chung, and Pia Lorenzo; Seated: Sea Princess and Popsie Gamboa

In closing, come shop at Crate & Barrel this weekend and enjoy a 15 to 20 percent discount on regular products. To celebrate the Sapphire Jubilee of Assumption College HS 1981, Crate & Barrel generously chose us as the beneficiary of their Shop & Give Back Sale that ends today.

Featuring especially curated pieces for the home, the sale showcases Crate & Barrel’s new furniture collections designed by Athena Calderone, Jeremiah Brent, and Brigette Romanek at special discounts. Proceeds of the sale go to the charity projects of our batch. Happy shopping!