Happy Mother’s Day to all the real bosses in the family! The 24/7 job we have is most challenging, yet also most fulfilling and truly gratifying. We raise our children in the best way possible, so we wonderful family nurturers truly deserve one day a year
of total pampering.

My hubby Dennis and other hubbies need to search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Here are some suggestions.

Sweet treats from Auro Chocolate

Chocolates always satisfy a mom’s sweet tooth. The newest chocolate in sweet heaven is Auro Chocolate, a proudly Filipino, bean-to-bar company that empowers local farmers in order to sustainably create the finest single-origin cocoa and chocolate products.

Manila House Private Membership Club was the venue for the launch of this budding chocolate company. This family business is headed by its founder and president Jacki Go and daughter Kelly Go as co- managing director with partner Mark Ocampo, the grandson of Atty. Estelito Mendoza.

The team pulled out all the stops with Manila House chefs headed by Selena Ocampo to come up with unique savory finger foods and cocktails from Avenue Bar, all with Auro chocolate infusions. Selena, daughter of Ricco and Tina Ocampo, has also been busy with Manila House’s preparations for today’s special
occasion.

The launch was made even more special with the serving of  one-of-a-kind desserts made by four of the country’s most sought after pastry chefs, namely Sunshine Puey, Peachy Juban, Miko Aspiras and Richie Manapat. The night ended with the unveiling of a chocolate wall full of spoons, with sumptuous chocolate creations only by Auro Chocolate.

Party fare by Nic’s

For Moms who fancy home dining, consider ordering a sumptuous turkey and irresistible desserts from food entrepreneur Rina Go of Nic’s. Other main courses include Chilean Black Mussels in White Sauce, Salmon Crunch, and Seafood Medley.

Inquirer Lifestyle’s “Best Desserts” book lists Rina’s Peach Walnut Torte in its latest edition. Visit www.nics.com.ph or email [email protected] for their complete menu and catering service.
Last week, I tried Nic’s dishes and desserts at a small lunch for my Red Charity Gala family. RCG cochair Kaye Tinga and I used the occasion to welcome Joey Samson, this year’s featured designer, to the team. We are so delighted and excited for the Gala at Shangri-la at the Fort on October 14.

Pottery Barn furnishings

All mothers love home décor and accessories. From the classic to the contemporary, from the rustic to the industrial chic, Pottery Barn has an extensive selection of home furnishings and more.

Pottery Barn recently hosted an intimate gathering at its flagship store in Central Square with the esteemed presence of architects, interior designers, and style purveyors. At the event, Anthony Huang, president of SSI Group, and his wife Nina, along with Maritess Tantoco-Enriquez, director of Rustan Co mmercial Corporation, treated guests to a private tour of the store and introduced Pottery Barn’s newest Designers’ Circle Rewards Program.

Through this members-only initiative, Pottery Barn aims to help designers bring to life their style visions through special rewards, promos and discounts, and access to exclusive products reviews and events.

Although I missed that affair, I was able to attend the private Tea Party of Mia Borromeo to launch the Summer 2017 Collection of Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. Lots of moms enjoyed exclusive offers, special promos and discounts for that day only.
I got a double treat, since Central Square has an ongoing summer raffle promo called Lounge in Luxury. The promo gives shoppers a chance to win exclusive summer getaways to Huma Island in Coron with airfare courtesy of SkyJet Airlines, and Samsonite luggage sets.

My Diamond collections

Diamonds are every mom’s best friend! Quite simply, there’s no better symbol of unconditional love and a lasting gift more priceless than
a diamond.

Our eldest son, Bryan Prieto, and I are featured in the latest Mother’s Day campaign of My Diamond. For the pictorial, I wore a My Diamond set of heart-shaped ruby earrings and pendant and a 14-carat tennis bracelet, both set in white gold from the Classic collection.

At the interview, Bryan shared his appreciation and gratitude for me, especially when I was his single mom before marrying my hubby Dennis. It is this selflessness that Bryan, who is involved in the family real estate and food business, most appreciates. After all, he knows best the sacrifices I went through in the beginning. It is something he cherishes and is totally grateful for, especially this Mother’s Day.

I was especially touched by his words. “From the time I was working in Singapore for four years to when I decided to come home and go into business here, my mom was always there. She is so much fun, accommodating, and easy to talk to. She’s always been giving and raised me the best way she could, even with her multifaceted life and my siblings.”

Thank you, Bryan. And thanks, too, to My Diamond. It’s great that you got Bryan and I to bond even more. It makes me want to rush out and shop
at My Diamond.

Or better still, get the hubby to buy me something there. Check out the My Diamond concept stores at Shangri-la Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Supermall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Gateway Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Lucky Chinatown, Ayala Center Cebu and SM Lanang Premier Davao. Check out their Facebook and Instagram account, @mydiamondph, as well.

Being a mother is something I really enjoy. I’ve been a mom in my 20s, 30s and 40s! With our youngest Athena just turning 12, I am going to cling to being an overly affectionate and cuddly mom until she kicks me out  of her room!

In closing, let me also wish my own two moms, Marixi Prieto and Cynthia Valdes, as well as all the great moms out there, a happy Mother’s Day, too!

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.