Seeing the good
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
Despite the recent political chaos going on in the Philippines, there are still some good news to share especially in the local design scene. The recently concluded Manila FAME showcased the country’s rich culture, traditions, and design applications that spotlight Filipino craftsmanship from across the archipelago.
This year, TropAfrica travel buddy Nix Alanon joined Manila FAME, showing his latest collection of Phoenix Home. Philux, manufacturer and retailer of locally crafted fine furniture, also joined FAME in celebration of their 45th year. Founded by Max and Zelda Kienle, Philux is now managed by the second generation—their daughters Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez and Jessica Kienle Maxwell. Aspiring to have a global mindset, the sisters remain rooted in their homegrown values with a legacy of conscious luxury.
I wasn’t able to make Manila FAME or the Assumption Velada because I was on a special trip to bond with my mother Marixi Prieto and her golfing group. It was well planned by Joji Bautista who chose quaint hotels in both cities.
Visiting for the first time, Laos is a wonderful discovery with its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, interesting history, and very gracious people. Truly a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, the golfing gang toured Vientiane, the capital, and took the bullet train to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. We were all impressed with their efficient railway system surpassing our country.
A unique blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and vibrant markets, these senior ladies spent equal time in Vientiane for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Exploring the weaving industry, HABI co-chair Maribel Ongpin led us to the main shop offering the finest silk fabrics and other items.
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Mekong River. After settling into Burasari Heritage Hotel, we visited the stunning Wat Xieng Thong temple and headed to our sunset river cruise. The next day, we participated in the alms-giving ceremony that started so early in the morning.
We made sure not to miss the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a breathtaking multi-level waterfalls that is surrounded by gigantic trees. It was a treat to see the giant Asian black bears on the way to the falls.
Before leaving Laos, we enjoyed the night market and ate Lao cuisine. I was so lucky that Cory Suntay hardly shops so I requested her luggage allowance! I bought a heavy wedding gift for my inaanak Kaye Pascual who got married on the same day as our Red Charity Gala (RCG).
Our friendship with Kaye started many years ago with our running group—Girls Run For Breakfast. Our coach Ani de Leon-Brown brought these strong Ironman finishers all together almost two decades ago. Coach Ani is still amazingly competing and she just completed her 4th Ironman Kona Hawaii last week.
I was a witness not only to the matrimonial celebration of Kaye Pascual and Rj Ramos but from the very beginning when this love story unfolded. It was at Papillon in Salcedo Village Makati in mid-2024 where restaurateur Rj was introduced to Kaye by his business partner, Steven Ticzon of Project Vino Reserve.
The rain could not dampen their joyous and heartfelt wedding at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros that was followed by cocktails and a delicious feast at Palacio de Memoria. This wedding was filled with love, laughter, tears, good food, and a curated wine section.
I missed the reception because I rushed to RCG. Since my co-auctioneer Tim Yap is performing at “The Bodyguard,” I got the assistance of RCG co-chair Kaye Tinga. One of the silent auction items is the Omega that the Lucerne Group of Companies generously donated to RCG.
Managing director Emerson Yao and his Lucerne team also supported Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park with their P2 million donation through Philip Stein Watch Company. In line with this project, the international watch company unveiled a unique watch collection and a special book, both dedicated to supporting conservation efforts and promoting positive change. This launch reflects the shared commitment of both companies to preserve the environment and contribute to meaningful causes.
The newly introduced series includes the Tubbataha Titanium Professional 200M Limited Edition and the Tubbataha Professional 200M, marking a significant milestone as Philip Stein’s first professional diver’s watches.
The watches feature luminous markers, a unidirectional bezel and a robust 44mm case housing an automatic movement with a power reserve of approximately 30 hours.
The launch also introduces Watch Tubbataha, a joint conservation effort by the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Philip Stein. As a diver myself, I know how valuable this project is to preserve this Philippine treasure and global heritage site.
Diving helps me relax and so does retail therapy. Marking a new chapter in its evolution, The Rajo Store reopens its doors at Power Plant Mall with a renewed vision. Spearheaded by celebrated designer Rajo Laurel, this milestone highlights two important initiatives: the debut of a contemporary new store design that is sleek yet ethereal, and the launch of the brand’s Holiday Collection 2025 designed in collaboration with the designer’s sisters, Venisse Laurel-Hermano and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier—a first in the brand’s history.
To launch the collection, The Rajo Store mounted a stylized fashion show of family members and close relatives. It was great to see many of the Laurel cousins like Chema Laurel Marquez, Angia Laurel, and Matt Laurel model for dearest Rajo. I have already ordered pieces for my upcoming trips abroad.
My life has just become more dramatic and colorful. I am so glad to have this special time with my mother and her gang. This coming week will surely be very exciting and I pray that justice will be upheld for myself and our beloved country.
