Happy Mother’s Day to all wonderful moms who have showered limitless love and affection on their children! Motherhood is truly a blessing from God even if we are challenged with difficult life lessons in rearing kids the best way we can.
The latest copy of Metro Society, featuring its annual Generation Issue, is focused on the force behind every family: women. This issue is so timely for Mother’s Day as it presents some of the most respected matriarchs in society, along with their heirs—daughters and granddaughters.
A couple of months ago, Franco Laurel, contributing editor of Metro Society, asked if our family could be part of the special feature. As family always comes first, we were thankful that my mother Marixi Prieto was included in this amazing article and we have lasting photos captured by photographer Ejay Leung.
The three-generation cover girls are Philippine theater and film icon Armida Siguion-Reyna, her daughter Monique Villonco and
granddaughter Cris Villonco. Metro Society editor in chief Raul Manzano was delighted to have these strong women who are successful in their chosen fields. Also, Monique was Raul’s predecessor as editor of Metro Society.
Beautiful pictorial spreads of other matriarchs and their clans include Cristina Ponce Enrile, Tingting Cojuangco, Margie de la Rama, Ruby Roa, Mellie Ablaza, Celia Diaz-Laurel, Vicky Zubiri and Nenita del Rosario Floirendo.
The feature on Vicky Zubiri includes her daughter Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi and granddaughter Adriana Tan Zubiri. Stephanie is celebrating her first Mother’s Day this year. Her cuddly baby boy is turning one next month.
Evocative scent
Stephanie and I had a nice chat about motherhood after she hosted the Downy Timeless launch at the Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila. The new addition from the Parfum Collection represents a scent meant to evoke the sincerity and simplicity of unwavering, genuine love.
Deirdre de Padua, P&G communications manager, said that it was perfect to launch Downy Timeless around Mother’s Day and celebrate with special moms.
Downy Timeless combines the playful notes of citrus fruits, the feminine scent of flowers and is mixed with a trace of musk and sandalwood, to evoke stability and calmness. I must admit, Downy Timeless is now my fave scent and is a perfect match to the Ariel detergent I got at the Ariel Loves Chocolate affair, which was hosted by lifestyle columnist Mons Romulo.
Cleansing power
In an intimate gathering held at the newest branch of renowned Filipino fine-dining restaurant, Florabel, Ariel demonstrated its superior removal of even the toughest stains.
Mukta Maheshwari, P&G brand manager, presented the power of Ariel over tough stains from the chocolate feast created by top chef Florabel Co-Yatco.
In between the chocolate-infused, four-course meal, Florabel put Ariel to the test and stained white napkins with dark chocolate balsamic vinaigrette. Ariel’s fast-acting enzymes dissolved tough stains so the fabric became spotless even before lunch ended.
The demo was quite convincing to the “ladies who lunch” as they enjoyed the wonderful dessert and marveled at the many giveaways that afternoon. Special gifts included emerald earrings and lots of P&G products as well.
Tiki theme party
Mother’s Day is extra special this year because it’s the same day as the party of our youngest, Athena, who celebrates her 10th birthday. Her wonderful Tiki theme party will have lots of prizes and giveaways from Bench, Dunkin’ Donuts, Goody, Oishi, Watsons and ZenZest. The awesome theme invitations were created by Mye and Norman Cruz of Adworks Graphic Designs (tel. 6365570).
For Athena’s party, I will be wearing the latest Swatch Summer Collection 2015. The pineapple design of the Surfing the Wave collection is just perfect for the party. The Swiss watch brand unveils a bevy of eye-catching designs inspired by the spirit of summer in this new collection.
Summertime
The launch transformed the modern Swatch & Swatch building along Arnaiz Avenue, Makati, into an inspirational hub. All three floors became an interactive gallery experience, so guests could immerse playfully with the new collection.
A 24-ft-tall Sardina watch at the Swatch & Swatch facade greeted guests as they entered the ground floor into the main gallery. Swatch grand dame Virgie Ramos was excited about the dynamic creations of artist Jerome Lorico, who masterfully displayed the new collection spread throughout the building.
At the main gallery, motion-sensor walls were part of the reveal of the latest Double Double collection of audacious Swatch double tour watches. The Silver Glistar, Tri-looper or
Spira-loop watches come in elegant hues of champagne gold or rose while the golden-chain Double Me speaks of a confident charm.
For the more adventurous debonair, the Gran Turismo, the Double Depth and Doppiogiro are the more masculine lines boasting a classic look with metallic twist.
On the second floor, rainbow-color walls bounced light from the ceiling and spotlighted the brand-new designs from the beach-inspired collection. Surfing the Wave collection is full of spunk and attitude with names like Mister Parrot and Limbo Dance. The tropical punch of the Florida Breeze, Miami Peach and Exotic Taste watches is perfect with any summer wardrobe.
The Mediterranean Dolce Vita collection was displayed wonderfully at Swatch & Swatch’s roof deck. A grass lawn was laid out complete with whirling windmills and wall landscapes to replicate the gardens of Tuscany. Pop Art graphics of tomatoes, onions and oranges are the designs on the Tomatella, Onione and Vitamine Boost watches.
And lastly, the Roses4u watch is Swatch’s Mother’s Day special design for the ladies who make us who we are. This piece is inspired by a delightful picnic set spread out especially for mom, with bountiful roses around its dial, and a baby-blue gingham print on its straps. It’s sure wrist candy for mom and a reminder to always have time for lovely get-together affairs and precious moments with her.
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