I often get asked what my secret is—why I’m always happy and smiling and seem to have such zest and energy for life.
I always say, “because life is beautiful and all we need to do is appreciate it.”
Appreciation is the key to happiness—or at least in my opinion. Appreciate your life, your family, your blessings and gifts!
Recently I’ve done some major appreciation of art, with my family, and my favorite activity: charity.
Three-woman exhibit
I’ve always been supportive of the arts; and if it’s my best friend who having a one-day exhibit, I will make sure to be there to show my love for her. “Ebb & Flow” is a three-woman art exhibit held at Discovery Primea last March 8, and I was there for Tessa Alindogan, one of the three up-and-coming artists featured.
She, along with Tessa Mendoza and Tina Gonzales, showcased their creations to the public. Though quite distinct and unique, each artist’s style complemented and completed the exhibit, presenting an almost tangible representation of the beautiful rhythms in their art—a perfect ebb and flow, indeed.
It wasn’t just an exhibit, though, it was a time to appreciate art and purchase some pieces through an auction.
Being a wife, as well as a mom to four kids, Mendoza put her artistic passions on hold to take care of family. After more than 20 years, she has now come back to her art and won’t be held back.
Her style is more focused on the human form and its intricacies, getting inspiration from nature and everyday scenes.
Gonzales started out as an art dealer and collector; she plays with linear details in her art, also using everyday life as a source of inspiration.
Alindogan, on the other hand, married her profession as an interior designer with her passion for abstract art, making a harmonious sonata that completes her designs for her clients’ homes and offices.
For a cause
It’s not just about appreciating art in “Ebb & Flow”; part of the proceeds of the auction were donated to the Assumption High School Batch 1981 for the benefit of the Assumption Alumnae Association. Beautiful art for a beautiful cause!
The auction winners were Richard Tiu and Pablo Lobregat, who won the bidding for pieces from Alindogan and Gonzales, respectively.
One of the event sponsors, Volvo, also made a generous donation to a chosen charity. What a wonderful exhibit, indeed!
The ambiance at Discovery Primea was perfect for the exhibit, and the gorgeous food served was artistic as well.
Ralph’s sponsored the delectable wines, completing the charming milieu.
Fila for charity
Speaking of charitable causes, I was invited to the annual Fila Polo Cup at the Manila Polo Club (MPC) last March 20.
The was in conjunction with iSport Life Ministries, the non-profit subsidiary of iSport Life Inc., the company that holds the license of Fila Philippines— whose CEO and president is Cris Albert, and with husband Butch Albert as chair.
This year’s Polo Cup was for the benefit of Operation Compassion and iFoster, a campaign that aids in the foster care of children who are waiting for their permanent home.
The kickoff of the day was the opening match for the low-goal, won by the Red Team composed of Butch, Jun Juban, Jose Constantino and Anthony Filamor.
The high goal game soon after was won by the Whites, composed of Jimboy Dulay, Tommy Bitong, Iñigo Zobel and Manot Montilla.
In attendance were Fila endorser Fabio Ide, Fila VP for advertising Ana Abad Santos, and Cris Villonco who sang the National Anthem.
Doing the ceremonial throw-in were MPC president Isabel Caro Wilson and Cris Albert.
Family affair
The Fila Cup was definitely a family affair, with Butch, Anna, Cris and Isabella altogether supporting each other and the cause.
I had a family affair as well with my daughters Annika and Athena when we strutted the runway for the SM Style Up fashion show held at the SM Store in Makati.
Summer Style Up is the summer campaign of The SM Store’s Summer 2016 collection. A vibrant combination of florals, geometric prints, bright colors, neons and flowy fabrics were showcased by models and influencers such as GP Reyes, Abi Sumida, Tommy Esguerra, Chi and Gabs Gibbs.
From casual wear and beach wear to something dressier, the SM store definitely has it all.
The Style Up fashion show featured Daywear and Dressy Casuals from the SM Woman, SM GTW, SM Men, and SM Kids collections.
It wasn’t just our family’s affair, though. The kids of my friends also walked the runway, with Ina Ongsiako and Dani Camcam showing off their modelling skills.
If you missed the show, you can watch the Style Up fashion show at blog.thesmstore.com.
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