To my delight, Mhon Lumabe, a Filipino working in Brunei, has created two personalized dolls wearing miniature versions of my gowns by fashion designer Cherry Veric.
Posted on his Instagram account @fashiondollbn, Lumabe first made a replica of my white gown for the unforgettable wedding of Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo in Paris. The detailed creation included intricate beading and lace accents of the headpiece done by Mark Tenchavez of Shandar.
The second doll was the floral creation that Veric made for the latest Philippine Tatler Ball last November. It was such a showstopper that even international shoe designer Christian Louboutin was impressed.
Louboutin recently sent me a personalized note and his new lipstick collection.
I am eagerly awaiting a third doll, hopefully wearing a gown by international fashion designer Michael Cinco or Ezra Santos. I am also looking forward to our Red Charity Gala 2018 with our featured designer Rajo Laurel.
We are already planning the biggest charity gala yet, to be held at the grand ballroom of Marriott Manila on Oct. 27.
Siblings collaborate
For the gala, I will ask artist Bea Valdes to create a special bag for me. Her latest collection was a collaboration with Philux. Philux has been manufacturing and retailing high-quality furniture pieces for over three decades.
Hearth–Philux X Bea Valdes is its newest collection of beautiful pieces for the home.
Two tales of craftsmanship intertwine in this design collaboration. Behind the brands are the Kienle and Valdes sisters, who come from generations of families in the furniture and fine jewelry businesses, respectively.
From the echoes of the workshop floor, to the focused light from a jeweler’s nook, these design teams have created several masterpieces that are stunning works of art.
Valdes is internationally renowned for her handmade bags and accessories. The coveted pieces continue to receive global recognition and have been featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, CNN and Newsweek. The vision has always been to bring distinctive Filipino craftsmanship to a worldwide audience.
Antiaging skincare
Last weekend was quite epic. I was back onstage at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena for the Usana grand celebration and the launch of the revolutionary skincare product Usana Celavive.
Usana Celavive skincare counsel and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1989 Sara Jane Paez and I hosted the event. It showcased the Usana Celavive associate ambassadors: Usana Celavive skincare experts, equestrienne Michelle C. Barrera, football heartthrob Misagh Bahadoran, and the face of Usana Celavive, Sam Pinto.
I was happy to meet Usana executive 17-Star diamond directors Annette and Victor Que at the grand celebration. This lovely Filipino couple living in Canada are Usana’s top global agents. Also at the event were Usana Executive Nine-Star diamond directors Pin and Billy dela Fuente.
Formulated with advanced technology, Usana Celavive helps unlock our bodies’ natural power to reduce the appearance of visible aging. With ingredients to support skin’s natural renewal processes, these high-performance skincare products deliver benefits that are unique to individual beauty needs.
With key cosmetic nutrients and powerful peptides, Usana Celavive helps support the skin’s healthy, beauty-preserving functions to battle the most common signs of visual skin aging, including wrinkles, dryness, loss of elasticity and texture.
Life-changing marathon
It was also an epic weekend for a lot of first-time marathon finishers.
There are fun runs, and then there are life-changing marathons such as the recently held The Bull Runner-Sun Life Dream Marathon (TBR). On Feb. 18, 743 runners crossed the finish line of the marathon in Nuvali.
These runners make up the ninth batch of Dream Marathoners who have successfully completed the program designed by coach Jim Lafferty and Jaymie Pizarro, a top running blogger aka the Bull Runner and the first Filipino to complete the World Marathon Majors.
The Bull Runner-Sun Life Dream Marathon is the first and only event in the world designed for first-time marathoners. Since its inaugural event in 2010, the marathon has grown in popularity due to its unique race features and impressive reviews.
In 2012 and 2013, it was recognized by Runner’s World Philippines as one of the top 10 marathons in the country. More than that, it has inspired non-athletes, beginners, or experienced middle-distance runners to aim for the elusive goal of running a full marathon.
“The Dream Marathon is one of a kind because we accept only first- or second-time marathoners,” Pizarro said. “Upon registration, we embark on a 22-week journey from August to February in which we provide participants with a marathon program, Bull Sessions or run clinics, Bull Circles or running talks, a Send-Off Party, and a fully supported race with Dream Chasers—racers who support you during your first marathon. This is more than a race, it’s a life changing experience.”
Prominent TBR Dream Marathon finishers include Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Daniel Matsunaga, Ruby Gan, Bearwin Meily, Mico Halili and Eric Virata a.k.a. Slick Rick.
Every year, runners await the opening of the TBR Sun Life Dream Marathon registration hoping to grab a slot in one of the most prestigious marathons in Manila.
Registration for TBR Sun Life Dream Marathon will open in August 2019. Visit www.thebullrunner.com and www.tbrdream.com.
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