State of bliss
“You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience.” – Stephen Montagne
The cyclical nature of life is a profound concept where the balance between opposing forces is interconnected and our existence is on a continuous loop. The cycles of relationships, human experience, and growth help us gain wisdom to move forward. In finding renewal and new beginnings in endings, remember that there is always hope to improve, especially if we hit rock bottom. We can only achieve balance when there is peace and harmony in all aspects of life.
In my quest for that state of bliss, I decided to go on a very relaxing holiday in Finland to catch the Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon is an incredible display of green lights that dance with the cold temperature. My last visit almost 10 years ago with Sabina Pe of Bridges Travel and Jessica Soho of GMA was unsuccessful so I was hoping to be luckier this time around but still no lights.
Even without the Northern Lights, I was able to catch the opening night of the Christmas at Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi and other activities like feeding the reindeer and exploring the igloos. I will have to try my luck next time with Aurora hunter and photographer Christine Chen (contact christinechen0214@126.com for more details) whom I met while shopping in the village. Her photographs are amazing.
Women of style and substance
Because I was away traveling, I missed the annual Assumption Velada at the Assumption College Auditorium. The Assumption Velada is a recurring event that every alumna gets to celebrate every five years as a gem jubilarian. Our Assumption HS 1981 will be Sapphire next year. Celebrating Sapphire this year is Batch 1980 who graduated high school 45 years ago.
This solid batch delivered a spectacular dance number at the Velada. They shared their journey from Denman brushes and Ace handbags, to CMT, to siomai and cottage pie, to faking illness at the clinic with Nurse Flor, lady guard Sgt Pepper chasing us for IDs, to class parties. They went on to falling in love, getting married, building careers, having children, having grandchildren, and losing batchmates.
A collection of Alpha women, these leaders in their fields are women of style and substance. When they reunite for Velada, they are like the girls of yesteryears running down the Assumption halls. This is the secret to their resilience, their strength, and their joyfulness. They will always have each other, laughing at jokes only they understand, sharing memories only they have lived together.
Starting preparations early, I am looking forward to our batch HS 81 next year with the rest of the gems like HS 1986. Malu Gamboa-Lindo is part of that batch. Her family including my batchmate Popsie Gamboa has much to be proud of.
A toast to stars
When it comes to timeless Manila dining, Cirkulo has always been the place where good food and good company come together in effortless style. Now, as this beloved Makati landmark celebrates its 30th anniversary, it has even more reason to raise a glass—Cirkulo has been named one of the Michelin Selected restaurants in the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines 2026!
Led by siblings chef J. Gamboa and Malu Gamboa-Lindo, Cirkulo continues to charm generations of diners with its sophisticated Spanish-inspired cuisine and impeccable hospitality. From cozy family gatherings to glittering society celebrations, it remains a favorite venue for special occasions and memorable events.
The Michelin Guide, the world’s gold standard for culinary excellence, recognizes restaurants that deliver quality, craftsmanship, and consistency—and Cirkulo’s well-deserved inclusion is a shining tribute to its legacy of passion, flavor, and heart.
Congratulations to all the winners especially my fave chef Chele Gonzalez who received one Michelin star for Gallery By Chele. Chef Chele also got a second star for Asador Alfonso. And to the sole recipient of two Michelin stars, chef Josh Boutwood for his restaurant Helm, our biggest praise and congratulations. Indeed this is a gloriously fantastic moment for Philippine F&B!
A bigger round of applause for golf champ Miguel Tabuena, the first Filipino to win the Asian Tour, The International Series title and he did it right in the country! The tournament was held in Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate where Miguel made history and even made a hole-in-one. His mother and my golf mate Lorna Tabuena shared photos of her champ who she is so proud of!
There is much to celebrate these days especially for Florence Ko. Poltrona Frau and FURNitalia recently showcased the Archibald Denim Edition with a grand celebration at her expansive shop in BGC. Blending casual sophistication and artistic excellence, the collection is a tribute to freedom, style, and contemporary living.
Let’s all do our share in creating more positive vibes for ourselves and our country.
