Self-care, self-love, and healing from within
“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” – Roy T. Bennet
Never underestimate the power you have to write a new chapter and start a completely new book. After my engaging interview for a future project with gorgeous friend Jenny Syquia, I realized it is never too late to rebuild your life—even after being in a marriage for more than two decades. Our very similar life stories share the same struggle, pain, betrayal, and heartache of the end of a marriage.
Healing from the ordeal took years with the help of all the support groups and therapy. In time, we took back our power to pick up the pieces and move to a life where we are happy and contented.
On rediscovering your power
When you feel lost, stuck, and disconnected from your own power, there is no need to search for answers outside—just focus inside. Obviously, external forces like therapy, meditation, family, and prayers help tremendously, but clearing our mindset through self-care and self-love makes a big difference for a speedy recovery.
Keeping yourself busy surely helps in the journey forward. Jenny got into her own line of fine jewelry with her brand, Trit Jewelry. Her custom-made line puts meaningful dates into jewelry so they become milestone pieces.
For me, I got busy with promoting my charity, Red Charity Gala, and other activities that share my passion for local fashion. While I was in Europe, I brought with me many Filipino-designed outfits and accessories. I was so delighted to get a chance to go to the Vatican and visit St. Peter’s Basilica with my niece, Anna Panicucci. I even wore a special weave wrap from Tessa Handcrafted and a skirt by our RCG designer, Ivarluski Aseron.
Fashion as a dialogue between cultures
When I got back from that trip, I wore a terno by another RCG designer, Rhett Eala, for the Bench Fashion Week SS26 on the invitation of Bench boss Ben Chan. Day 2 unfolded as a Gala night called “Threads of Dreams,” in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and Japan Foundation, Manila.
Rhett Eala opened with “Inherited Stories,” weaving personal memory with the quiet elegance of Japanese influence. Jaggy Glarino followed with “Imin,” a thoughtful exploration of cultural intersections shaped by movement and texture. Closing the evening, Joey Samson presented “Imagined Dialogues: Una Bulaqueña & O Sei-San,” a poetic encounter between histories, reimagined through form and silhouette.
It was truly a reflection and reverence where fashion became a dialogue across cultures. With the ongoing war in the Middle East, it is great to flood our world with harmony and peace, even in the world of fashion. Bravo to Ben Chan and the Bench Team for a super successful three-day Bench Fashion Week, directed by the brilliant Robby Carmona.
Beauty and wellness made accessible down south
I wore another terno at the opening of the flagship clinic of Aivee Group, Aivee Parqal, last week. The glamorous event welcomed over 200 guests, including family, friends, Aivee Ambassadors, and a star-studded lineup of celebrities and VIP clients such as Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, Judy Ann Santos, Heart Evangelista, Nadine Lustre, Bea Alonzo, Sarah Lahbati, Carla Abellana, Jake Cuenca, Ernest and Arlene Cu, and the Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Batin.
The sophisticated evening underscored Aivee’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge aesthetic treatments in a luxurious new space. Dr. Aivee Teo, founder and medical director, described the new clinic as “a true world-class destination that seamlessly integrates three concepts in one space,” adding that, “after seven years, we finally unveiled our newest home in the South.”
Aivee Parqal features a clean, contemporary design that underscores a holistic approach to beauty and advanced treatments. The new facility houses three distinct experiences designed to offer a complete lifestyle destination for beauty and wellness: Aivee Skin Spa, Aivee Clinic, and Aivee Skin Boutique.
Located on the second floor, Cogon Building, Parqal Mall, Parañaque, Aivee Parqal is now open to clients in the South Metro Manila area. For appointments and inquiries, you can contact 0917-623-0891. I will surely go back and have a facial at Aivee and enjoy a much-needed beauty day.
Elevated relaxation
We all need places to fully unwind, and I was able to find a new spot that elevates a more relaxed way of living: Southlinks.
Southlinks Estate recently hosted “Living Well, Living Consciously,” a gathering that felt less like a formal talk and more like a thoughtful pause. Set within its Sales Pavilion, the space welcomed a small group of guests for a conversation that centered not on achievement, but on how we choose to live.
Joining the discussion were entrepreneur Cristalle Belo-Pitt and actress and wellness advocate Iza Calzado, with Tim Yap guiding the afternoon with his signature ease. What unfolded was not a series of answers, but a shared reflection on balance, presence, and the small choices that shape everyday life.
There was a quiet honesty in the way both women spoke about the realities of juggling roles, responsibilities, and personal well-being. More than anything, they spoke about the importance of creating space, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, to breathe, reset, and be fully present.
It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with the setting itself. The South, long appreciated for its calmer pace, has increasingly become a place where families choose to build their lives. Here, distance from the city does not mean disconnection, but rather a different rhythm, one that allows for both movement and stillness, work and rest.
In many ways, the conversation reflected a broader shift in how people define living well. It is no longer about filling schedules or doing more, but about being more intentional with time, energy, and environment. It is about choosing what matters and allowing space for it.
Months ago, Sales Head of Southlinks Alex Cenzon (contact 0977-786-9008) told me about this exclusive subdivision with the most incredible clubhouse. It is truly impressive and worth a visit. For more information about Southlinks Estate, visit www.southlinks.com.
A journey with many ups and downs
Healing from traumatic events is a complex journey filled with many ups and downs. Some days feel lighter than others, and sometimes, we can find ourselves frustrated that we seem to be back in the same place we started.
But the reality is that healing is not linear, and personal growth can often manifest in ways we don’t see clearly ourselves. That’s why it is so important to surround ourselves with a loving support system, one that holds us up when we’re at our lowest and cheers us on when we’re back on our feet.
Though remember: The truth we often forget is that our biggest support system needs to come from within.
