Legacy may be the single most important thing to leave to one’s family. I was reflecting on this thought, realizing how family ties lead to a lasting legacy. Each of us are responsible for preserving our own family’s heritage. We build our own story to pass on to the younger generations.
My own personal stories are full of celebrations of different milestones and adventures in travel and leisure. My mantra of celebrating life every day has been set ever since my brother Louie Prieto died very suddenly many years ago. And with the unfortunate demise of some relatives recently, I believe in this statement with even more conviction.
Age is just a number; it shouldn’t define what we are capable of. At the wonderfully ripe age of 102, Doña Marcelina “Nena” Alejo Oreta was singing regularly with her Tuesday Group until she peacefully passed away last week. At her wake, illustrious singer Pilita Corrales and the rest of the group serenaded the grand dame who lived a long and happy life.
At her grand celebration on Aug. 9, 2013, Doña Nena revealed her longevity secret as she turned a century old. She credited her long and happy life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The party hosts, her son Babes and his wife Babot, the former Ma. Luz Aspiras, were overjoyed with the celebration.
At her wake, Dr. Pepito Oreta dedicated his song to his mother, who shared his love for music all these years. Pilita sang several love songs with her signature graceful pose, still impressive after all the years.
That evening, my mother Marixi Rufino Prieto told me that Doña Nena’s husband, Justice José Sr., was the best friend and partner of mom’s father, Don Vicente Rufino, who maintained their law office on the second floor of the State Building on Rizal Avenue, Manila.
Four generations later, our daughter Athena Valdes is one of the best friends of Brielle Oreta, granddaughter of Babes through his son Quinto and Maiki Oreta. The two girls are also going together to the CISV summer camp in Germany.
Amazing patriarch
Talking about family legacies, one of the most amazing is the one still being built by Rustan’s patriarch Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., who at 95 years old is still able to attend most Rustan’s and SSI events.
Ambassador Tantoco was once an accountant and a management executive of the Rufino group in the 1960s. He first worked for his uncle Don Ernesto Rufino while pursuing his studies at José Rizal University. It’s great to hear of all the great family connections from my parents.
For the ambassador, his family is priority No. 1, and he remains close not only to his six children but also to his 22 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was present at the special unveiling of the newest collection of John Hardy.
Rustan’s Makati delighted Manila’s stylish set as the luxury department store celebrated a brand that perfectly exemplifies effortless elegance. Established in Bali in 1975, John Hardy promises that every piece of jewelry it makes is dramatic and inspiring in its own, unique way.
The evening allowed elegant ladies like lovely Agile Zamora to witness the versatility of John Hardy. Polished gentlemen also marveled at the contemporary elegance of its graceful designs. In combinations of silver and gold, the John Hardy pieces are skillfully sculpted for each wearer’s appreciation.
Inspired by nature’s gifts, John Hardy is renowned for artisan-crafted luxury jewelry based on a tradition of Balinese artistry. This remarkable brand has been a part of the Rustan’s roster for two years and, each season, a collection of beautifully crafted, handmade designs is showcased. John Hardy is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati and Cebu.
Beauty junkies
Another family passing its legacy onwards is the Ponce-Enrile clan. Katrina Ponce-Enrile and her daughter Kristen are putting their trust on makeup. Self-confessed beauty junkies and makeup hoarders, they have decided to put their addictions to productive use.
Together with Kristen’s best friend, Bianca Cabildo Jackes, they officially launched their new beauty blog, aptly named The Makeup Addicts (www.themakeupaddicts.com.ph). During its launch at the Soma, Green Sun Hotel, the beautiful trio of Gretchen Barretto, Kiana Valenciano and Samantha Richelle del Rosario were the chosen muses.
Katrina, Kristen and Bianca, with the help of their respective makeup artists, envisioned stunning makeup looks for their muses. These looks not only reflected their unique philosophy on beauty but also offered current makeup trends.
Katrina, with renowned makeup artist Patrick Rosas, highlighted the beauty of Gretchen through a strong yet radiant look.
The porcelain-skinned Samantha Richelle became the canvas for Bianca’s touch as created through the artistry of Jigs Mayuga.
Kristen, on the other hand, envisioned a contemporary and edgy look for Kiana with the help of Imee Sitchon.
Guerlain, Make Up Forever and Inglot were the makeup brands used, and hair was by Aveda. Drinks flowed, care of Moët & Chandon and Belvedere.
Lasting friendships
Perhaps my legacy is having lasting friendships and fun adventures surrounded with food. Over the weekend, our Girls Run For Breakfast gang bonded at Tali Beach and did lots of swim training.
We also celebrated the 40th birthday of Raeanna Cranbourne, who was delightfully surprised with a party at Makati Sports Club organized by her boyfriend Choloy David.
My Assumption Batch 81, in turn, were in Lucban, Quezon, for the colorful Pahiyas Festival. The annual feast is in honor of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of the farmers, in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Buddy’s Pancit Lucban owners Zaldy and Nova Veluz were our gracious hosts.
A summer food festival is on this weekend at the sixth edition of The Gourmand Market at C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street. Sponsored by Globe Platinum, the outdoor market is open until late today. Organized by Trish Panlilio of nawwTy’s Kitchen, the food fest offers visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of food merchants such as Ricing Bowl, among others.
