The promise of new beginnings
“Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.” —Janine di Giovanni
Easter brings the promise of new beginnings. It is a time to step away from negativity, and with faith, have the hope of renewal and rebirth. Just as Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified, we are given the opportunity to rise above any burden in the past. We are given the strength to conquer challenges that come our way, and to live with endless possibilities.
For this Holy Week break, I am visiting Australia with my mother, Marixi Prieto, my kids, and my grandkids. This is the first trip back to the Gold Coast where we are missing my father, Alex Prieto, who passed away last year.
Apart from the sadness of his loss, I am also healing from toxic elements that poisoned my internal waters. I feel so blessed to be here to put myself back together. I was hoping God’s rescue plan would take action sooner, but the best outcomes are always in His perfect time.
Inevitably, there are moments in life that break you. Around a year ago, I was carrying the weight of a traumatic heartbreak and betrayal that shook me to my core. When I walked into Integra Wellness Center (To begin your healing journey, book a session at Integra Wellness Center, 3/F Holism Center, R. Palma Street, Makati City. Call tel. 0917-1732886; visit integrawellnesscenter.com.ph), I was angry, exhausted, and confused. My entire being was aching. I was in dire need of Elaine Kahn—a healer, self-mastery coach, and wellness guide, who saw through my facade and met me exactly where I was.
Healing
With deep compassion, she walked beside me as I released years of pain, resentment, and grief. Through her powerful one-on-one sessions—a blend of coaching, energy healing, and mind-body work—Elaine helped me peel back the layers I had built to survive. I felt safe to grieve, to be real, and to finally let go.
Elaine doesn’t just help you cope; she helps you transform. Her work reaches the root emotionally, energetically, and physically. That process of healing from within changed everything for me to reconnect with who I truly am.
At Integra, Elaine’s healing sanctuary in Makati, the body is treated with the same reverence as the soul. I began with lymphatic drainage to open detox channels and clear stagnant energy. From there, I did Ayurveda, an ancient healing tradition that honors the body’s innate intelligence.
I now regularly receive Abhyanga, a four-handed oil massage that grounds and soothes me; Takradhara, where cool buttermilk flows over my forehead to quiet the mind; and Matra Basti, a gentle Ayurvedic enema that aids digestive and reproductive health.
Each self-love therapy made me feel like a layer was being lifted. Their body scans help uncover hidden imbalances, colon cleanses ease heaviness and support digestion, and the burnout recovery program goes deep to restore energy and emotional clarity. I absolutely love their Ayurvedic doctor—wise, nurturing, and deeply intuitive.
Today, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. I’ve found joy again, not because I forced it, but because I allowed myself to heal. And if you’re in a season of pain, burnout, or simply longing to feel whole again, I can’t recommend Elaine and Integra enough.
Passion project
Recently, after a session at Integra, I attended the special screening of “Hasik,” a passion project of Princeton University graduate Mandy Qua. She discovered a passion for agriculture through her involvement with The Seed Farm, a student-led initiative focused on growing rare, culturally meaningful seed crops in collaboration with community partners.
As a sociology major, Mandy was drawn to the deeper stories behind food systems and the concept of “seed stories”—personal narratives tied to heirloom seeds.
Alongside her academic pursuits, Mandy also nurtured her love for dance, earning a certificate in the field and culminating her senior year with a thesis performance titled “Pamana,” which she choreographed with a cast of Filipino student dancers exploring themes of identity and heritage.
Eager to merge her interests and her Filipino roots, Mandy teamed up with fellow Filipino American classmate Marissa Mejia, a dancer from Pamana. Together, they applied for Princeton’s inaugural ReachOut Herbert C. Paschen, Jr. ’56 Fellowship, which funds postgrad public interest projects. Their proposal: a documentary spotlighting the traditional agricultural practices of indigenous Filipino farmers. Partnering with Global Seed Savers, a nonprofit with offices in the US and the Philippines, they spent over a year planning, filming, and editing “Hasik.”
Six farmers
“Hasik”—Filipino for “to sow”—documents the stories of six farmers across the
Philippines committed to preserving native seeds and farming practices despite systemic challenges. Their 13.5-month immersion deepened their understanding of the importance of indigenous agricultural knowledge. Mandy and Marissa seek to inspire action and contribute to seed preservation.
The film is now freely accessible on YouTube (@HASIKDocumentary), continuing its mission to educate and empower individuals to protect cultural and agricultural legacies.
Summer is indeed in full swing, and Rustan’s hosted “Moments of Summer,” a luxurious summer escape event where guests enjoyed exciting promos and immersive brand experiences.
There were activities on every floor and a stunning art exhibit by Arthur Tselishchev and Marco Coching. There was also a live painting session by Tara Soriano that delighted guests. Proceeds of any purchase from the artists will go to their chosen charity.
Join the season’s celebration and experience Moments of Summer at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway, and Cebu. Rustan’s loyal FSP members can also join the Sunlit Summer Raffle for a stay at the Seaview Pool Villa at Amorita Resort and many more.
Life will always throw curveballs our way, unexpected things that are out of our control. What matters most is how we react to them, and how we choose to rise above the pain. Fill your life with a good support system of loved ones, endless self-love and compassion, and the heart to give back to your community.
