The positives of changing course
“Lead from the heart, not the head.” – Princess Diana
After enjoying some reflective time in Cebu and Bohol, I am recharged with positive energy. With so many past incidents haunting me, I have learned to refocus my mindset. If we don’t make peace with our past, triggers may surface as unresolved issues and affect our future. Instead, I channel these unfavorable feelings into life lessons and integrate wisdom so I can be honest with myself and change course with no hesitation.
Put a smile on someone else’s face
Keeping my love for charity alive, I flew to Cebu for a few hours just to attend Operation Smile Philippines Charity Gala 2026 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu. On the most auspicious day, Aug. 8, I landed in Cebu to also pick up my gown by Ronald Enrico at Bridal Gallery to wear at the gala. I already purchased two outfits the weekend before when I flew in with the Inquirer Property team for Shang Properties to feature their premium Cebu project—Shangri-La Bauhina Residences.
Set in a prime address in Metro Cebu, this Shang Properties development offers a distinctive expression of contemporary luxury that incorporates local charm and aesthetics. Combining timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship, the thoughtfully curated residences comes with the Shang way of life where the development’s signature amenity spaces set this development above the rest.
After quickly changing at Bridal Gallery at Waterfront Hotel, shop owner Janet Chua shared her story about how she decided to open a boutique shop carrying bridal gowns and accessories that showcase Cebu artists. Other Cebu designers include Jun Escario, Mike Yapching, Philip Rodriquez, Ronald Enrico, and more.
Because the traffic of Cebu is so notorious, I got to the charity gala in the middle of dinner. I greeted event chair Mariquita Yeung and her team for the successful turnout. The ballroom was filled with generous guests and supporters for one meaningful purpose: to help children with cleft conditions receive life-changing surgery and comprehensive care.
The gala raised more than P20 million through donations, pledges, and a charity auction, supporting Operation Smile Philippines’ mission to provide free reconstructive surgery, speech therapy, dental care, rehabilitation, and other essential services to children in need.
A P40,000 contribution can help fund a child’s surgery and related care, giving them not only improved health but also greater confidence and a better quality of life.
The evening was made memorable by a live performance from Concert King Martin Nievera, joined by Pinky Marquez and company, adding music and celebration to an evening centered on compassion and giving. Anya Lagman, a renowned composer also performed the song she composed for Operation Smile.
For decades, Operation Smile Philippines has helped thousands of Filipino children overcome the physical and emotional challenges of cleft conditions. The success of the gala is a powerful reminder that every contribution can help transform a child’s future—and give them something priceless: a confident smile.
Donors may send proof of transaction to monica.Arenas@operationsmile.org or contact +63 917 700 0160.
The live auction with good friend Ferdi Salvador kept the paddles up in the exciting bid war. Generous Sheila Romero who also bought a table won a Kenneth Cobonpue iconic chair. I will be calling Kenneth soon to also support our Red Charity Gala auction.
Hit your stride
Next weekend, I will be joining a Shangri-La Mall event. Shangri-La Plaza is bringing back Stride: Walkathon at The Shang for its second year, and this time it’s bigger. Stride 2.0 happens on Aug. 29, 2026, Saturday, at 6:30 a.m. The event opens with a Fireside Chat featuring five credible voices across Pilates, nutrition, Spartan training, triathlon, and dance before participants take on a 5,000-step walkathon through the mall’s levels, stopping at wellness stations and tenant activations along the way. The afternoon closes with a mini dance tutorial by coach Mia Razzi and a live concert at the finish line.
In need of a sound night?
Since the weather has been so disruptive for our outdoor activities, do come join the fun at Stride 2.0. I have been in this mall lately since I attended the launch of Dunlopillo CoolSilk Version 3.0 at the mattress store at Level 4 of the Main Wing.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the latest collection combines enhanced cooling technology, upgraded materials, and refined support systems to deliver a sleep experience that is cooler, more comfortable, and deeply restorative.
“At Dunlopillo, innovation begins with understanding how people truly live and sleep,” said Jam Chan Cua, managing director of Dunlopillo Philippines. “For those living in warm climates like the Philippines, temperature plays a significant role in sleep quality. The CoolSilk Version 3.0 reflects our commitment to developing thoughtful sleep solutions that combine cooling comfort, proper support, and lasting durability.”
Also present at the launch of the Dunlopillo CoolSilk Version 3.0 were Pablo Mas Riera, head of export, and Ariadna Salas, export and business development from Dunlopillo’s headquarters in Malaysia. Riera expressed his enthusiasm for introducing the latest CoolSilk innovation to the Philippine market, reaffirming Dunlopillo’s commitment to continuously bring world-class sleep technologies to Filipino consumers.
Highlighting the collection’s key innovations, Salas shared, “The CoolSilk Version 3.0 was designed to deliver a cooler, cleaner, and more comfortable sleep experience through advanced technologies such as antibacterial protection and copper-infused materials. We want every night of sleep to be as restorative as possible.”
Visit the Dunlopillo Suite at Level 4, Main Wing, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, or 2nd Floor, LRI Design Plaza store to test the CoolSilk Version 3.0 firsthand.
Giving back has no deadline or timeline. As we continue to share our blessings to help others live better, let us not lose our desire be the positive change the world needs!
