Shifting my energy to personal growth, mindful purpose
“Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.” – Dalai Lama
January went by in a flash with so many family reunions, auspicious celebrations, and spiritual manifestations. With the shifting of energy due to the alignment of the planets and the transition to the Year of the Wood Snake, we all experienced tremendous healing transformation in all aspects of our life.
Embracing my days with so much focus and clarity, I am ready for the new year even if there are some legal issues that need to be addressed in my fight for justice. With my expert team at Divina Law, I am on solid and dynamic legal ground.
Shifting my energy to personal growth and mindful purpose, I started working with Bilyonaryo News Channel for an upcoming show featuring different kinds of love that have been tested through time. I will be interviewing notable and inspiring couples who will share valued tips on enduring love, respect, and loyalty, and, for others, new beginnings! We will fittingly air on Feb. 15, the day after Valentine’s Day.
There were so many highlights during January apart from our big Teresa de la Paz family reunion last Jan. 5. The recently held Ternocon was a highlight that showcased the talent of so many seasoned fashion designers as well as upcoming ones whose renditions of the terno are so innovative. The highly anticipated fashion event of the year was held at the Philippine International Convention Center, with an awarding ceremony and fashion show.
Innovative terno designs
Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in partnership with Bench, this year’s competition featured innovative designs that honor and elevate the terno with a panuelo, the balintawak with the alampay and tapis, and the inclusion of the kimona, a loose slip-over blouse with slightly extended sleeves made of embroidered fabric, a casual variation on the iconic Philippine dress.
“Ternocon is a spectacular display of creativity, showcasing the fusion of art, fashion, and Filipino identity. It also underscores the CCP’s role as a steward of Philippine arts which includes fashion and our traditional attire,” said CCP president Kaye C. Tinga. “We are glad that Ternocon remains to be a key calendar event for the creative industries, as it helps promote and sustain our collective identity through clothing.”
Through this year’s theme, Ternocon has become a platform that bridges the gap between fashion, heritage, and visual arts. This year’s collection drew inspiration from the works of 20th-century Filipino painters, sculptors, and installation artists whose contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of Philippine art.
Under the guidance of chief mentor Inno Sotto and mentors Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan Gan, and Ezra Santos, competing designers drew inspiration from Philippine contemporary art, encompassing the artists’ various movements, perspectives, and principles.
Now on its fourth edition, Ternocon reinforces the CCP’s commitment to supporting and promoting Filipino creativity, while preserving and nurturing Philippine heritage. The fashion program also aims to provide opportunities for emerging and established fashion designers to contribute to the dynamic and evolving cultural dialogues.
“In the last seven years, this advocacy that Bench supports has grown from its main thrust of preserving and promoting the Philippine terno to a national movement to make the terno a living cultural icon that is not only studied and celebrated, but is also an integral item of clothing in the life of Filipinos and a national symbol of our history and identity,” said Suyen Corporation’s chairman and CEO, Ben Chan.
The partnership between the CCP and Bench truly brings Filipino design to its highest platform. It was fitting that chief mentor Inno Sotto was given a special citation, the Gawad Juanita Mina Roa, for his outstanding craft all these years.
The Ternocon 2025 was also supported by the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc., the Baguio Country Club, St. Louis University Baguio, Seda Hotel BGC, and Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) as the official tabulator since 2018.
Travel fair
Between all my Ternocon outfit preparations, I was able to go to another reunion, but this time for Marixi Rufino Prieto and my mother’s side of the family. Thanks to my Philippine Red Cross Makati branch partner and relative Marivic Rufino, I attended the family lunch to reconnect with that side of the family and enjoy catching up with the four generations present.
I am looking forward to traveling with some of them this February. I will shop around for the best travel deals at the 32nd PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2025, happening on Feb. 7-9 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Borders,” is an invitation to go bigger, bolder, and more fabulous with your travels. I would like to stay in a five-star Maldives luxury resort or take a high-end cruise through the Mediterranean, but for now, I would like to book a chic boutique escape in Japan for a much-needed relaxing vacation that’s all about self-love.
This grand event is organized by none other than my dear friend, Mariegel Manotok, the incredible president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). She and her team have curated a one-stop travel haven featuring more than 700 exhibitors, the best airlines, luxury hotels, and jaw-dropping discounts that will have you booking your next getaway on the spot! See you at the PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2025 next weekend.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to place your flower arrangement orders for that special someone or for yourself. Check out the offerings of Designer Blooms (follow them on Instagram @designerbloomsph) and express your gratitude and love with the prettiest flowers that are uniquely packaged in scented boxes. Love is in the air!
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