Self-love is a lifelong journey
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” —Brene Brown
Absolute freedom has just come into this golden chapter of my life. It comes with tremendous energetic power to pursue new options with strength and courage. As I embrace this transformative power, I look forward to infinite possibilities and enlightened growth.
This sacred energy comes after many years of therapy and guidance. I feel that the healing process never ends. There just comes a time when one decides the wounds aren’t going to stop you from becoming the person you want to be. Self-love is a lifelong journey, and sometimes it’s harder than others. You just must commit and move to a better life.
It’s time to attract my own tribe. Surrounding myself with beautiful homes and elegant furnishings, I have refreshed my love for interior design. At the book launch of Wilcon Depot’s newest project, I was able to get so many design tips for big and small renovations.
Wilcon Depot recently celebrated a significant milestone in the home design industry with the launch of the book “Do it with Wilcon.” The event, held at Ayala Museum, celebrated creativity, quality and the art of transforming spaces. This book is a must-have for design enthusiasts, providing expert insights and inspiration for home improvement and architectural design.
This insightful guide is a collection of expert tips and inspirations for home improvement, building and architectural design, featuring contributions from leading professionals in the field. I was delighted to see Michelle Concepcion-Reyes and her family, who came to support her as a coauthor of this book.
It is truly amazing that Michelle delivered her youngest at the age of 47. What a blessing this baby is! We shared baby stories about being a mother again in our 40s. I was 42 when I delivered my youngest, Athena Prieto Valdes.
As brand ambassador for Wilcon Depot, I am so proud of the speedy expansion of the best home improvement store in the country. Wilcon Depot SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong and EVP and CPO Careen Belo are also generous supporters of the Red Charity Gala happening in the Shangri-La at the Fort on Oct. 22.
New tribe
My new tribe is also the local art world. As I continue to paint for the benefit of the Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan, I am getting helpful tips on brushstrokes from my artistic relative Marivic “Mav” Rufino. She delightfully shared details of her upcoming group art exhibit.
From Sept. 4 to Sept. 15, “Appassionata III” launches at León Gallery International, in partnership with DF Art Agency. The Italian word for “passionate,” “Appassionata” is also the title chosen by five artists whose wide spectrum of art and mediums is sure to captivate their audiences.
Already on its third installation, the exhibition features Rosario Bitanga, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Lenore RS Lim, Susan Fetalvero Roces and Rufino. The first “Appassionata” was held in 2013, while the second one was held virtually in 2021. “Appassionata III” serves as a reunion for the artists and a tribute to Bitanga.
“‘Appassionata’ is their own tempest of creation,” writes Cid Reyes in the 2013 exhibition notes. “It is a coming together of diverse talents and temperaments united by an impassioned, lifetime commitment to their artistry.”
Proclaimed as the first Filipina abstractionist by Manuel Duldulao, the late Bitanga’s masterful works continue to assert her place in the Philippine art scene. Adept at both painting and sculpture, Bitanga gave her total commitment to her art. This passion was evident as she pursued both mediums with a fervent dedication and intensity.
Endaya’s artistic predisposition revolves around contemporary social issues from the vantage point of women’s empowerment. Her works feature topics such as human rights and cultural identity, among others, in a visual language that is both female and Filipino.
The intricate printmaking process is among Lim’s myriad inspirations. Relishing the technique-driven aspect of art, her technical prowess is on full display in this exhibition. As she distills and abstracts images, she continually seeks out processes and techniques to further enhance her masterful works.
Personal preferences bleed into the works of Roces. Once a lauded abstractionist, she continues to innovate, resulting in a fascinating oeuvre that is an amalgamation of the artist’s interests and views, as evidenced by “Viajes de Vida,” sculptural pieces consisting of boat paddles that perfectly meld abstractionism and minimalism with sculpture.
Rufino’s works draw inspiration from nature and the Divine. Wielding watercolor with ease, Rufino utilizes the medium’s liquid flow to create translucent masterpieces that invokes the intimacy of memory. The equestrienne artist has also immortalized horses in her oeuvre, as evidenced by the pieces to be exhibited at “Appassionata.”
León Gallery International is at G/F Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.
New, old friends
My tribe has been pleasantly invaded by new and old friends in Cebu. Flying in for the last and final Queen Philippines Pageant in Cebu City, I was so thrilled to once again be a featured judge at this very entertaining pageant that fashion designer Cary Santiago heads. It was a fun-filled weekend, with good friend Bea Zobel Jr. also celebrating her birthday in an intimate dinner hosted by DiaGold Jewelry.
Cojudge Anton San Diego was helping me decide among the beautiful contestants, and it was a riot to make our favorite entry win! The next day, Bea again hosted a birthday lunch at the amazing JPark Island Resort in Mactan. With all these exciting activities, there is no time to just enjoy some quiet time to appreciate my new status.
Shopping has always been part of my healing therapy, and I might just get more retail therapy at the ArteFino Bazaar happening at The Fifth in Rockwell. Catch the bazaar, open only this weekend!
