Your mantra for the week: “When I truly love myself, I make it easy for others to love me.”
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you love yourself? If you find yourself buried in the lower half of the scale, then you must find ways to raise yourself up.
The quickest way to do this is to help others feel good about themselves. Write a list of the things that make you feel good about yourself and make sure to do them. In addition, try listing your weaknesses and find ways to strengthen them. Also, let go of all your childhood hurts and old beliefs that have not given your heart’s desires.
This guide will help you accelerate the process of getting to like yourself:
Every day, add a few positive words to your vocabulary.
Accept criticism nonchalantly, because when people criticize you, they are only wanting to feel good about themselves.
When you are ill, find out “who is the matter with you,” and the “what” begins to heal itself.
Accept all circumstances as temporary (because they are), while remembering that change is a friend that has a blessing to bring you.
Keep in mind that once you accept that the God is within you, a personal relationship with It begins, and with God, all things are possible.
Always remember that God is Fairness Itself, and that all that happens in your life, you have attracted and deserved, whether you consider them good or bad.
Shirley Halili Cruz at 60
Shirley Halili Cruz, founder of Halili Cruz School of Ballet, was feted by her daughter and son, Anna and Francis Cruz, on her 60th birthday—to celebrate life, love and dance.
The event began at 3 p.m. at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, with a reception that followed at Marquis Events Place, Kidzania Building in BGC at 6:30 p.m.
The guests dressed in their most colorful semiformal attire as requested, with the specific note to avoid wearing black.
Francis said: “My mother’s whole life was dedicated to promoting Philippine art. She championed Filipino talents and brought them to the world, and the world applauded. She strove to reach the heavens, touch the stars and bring the light to earth to share with us.”
His speech summarizes Shirley’s legacy to ballet in the Philippines. Many of her students attended the party in heartfelt gratitude to her contributions to her field.
Millie remembers
Millie Reyes is widely known for handling the operations of The Plaza, one of the pillars of the restaurant industry, which her father Jose “Joe” C. Reyes founded in 1965. Recently she launched a book on the memoirs of her father, “Joe Remembers,” at the William J. Shaw Pavilion B, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
The families of the Cruz-Reyes and Albano clans were present.
Joe Reyes is the son of Engracia Cruz Reyes, who founded Aristocrat in 1935 and survived the Japanese occupation.
My parents recalled that at the time, for 25 centavos you could watch a movie and have merienda at the Aristocrat.
In 1965, The Plaza opened, aiming to draw a higher-end clientele. The enterprising Meldy Reyes, wife of Joe and a member of the Fashion Guild of the Philippines, went into the catering business and made The Plaza a byword in “aristocratic,” classy, luxuriant dining services.
Bergamo’s ‘Beyond Bespoke’
This week began with a celebration of Bergamo’s more than 30 years of trailblazing sartorial elegance. The unmatched Mel Meer invited 80 of his friends and clients to “Beyond Bespoke,” held at the restaurant Finestra in Solaire, where cocktails and an exquisite dinner were served.
The guests projected simplicity and elegance—the ladies dressed in long gowns, the gentlemen in dark suits or barong.
What followed was a presentation of Bergamo’s latest creations. The colored barong featured a new weave called pinukpok, which gave an added twist to Mel’s unique designs.
Beyond Bespoke is part of Bergamo’s advocacy to help build work spaces for the weavers of natural local fiber. Mel is doing this in partnership with Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal.
Donations were accepted that evening for the benefit of the Weavers of the Banquerohan Resettlement Site Neighborhood Association in Legazpi City, Albay.
I arrived at Finestra with two recipients of my Priscilla: Dressing at its Best awards, designer Lulu Tan-Gan and Tatler Traveller’s Mia Borromeo. We sat at different tables, but later regrouped again, and were the last to leave the event with the frustrated Hawaiian dancer Rene Puno with wife Ann, who looked lovely in blue with accessories of diamonds and rubies.
I sat at a table with Rustan’s chair Nedy Tantoco, Hermès and Bulgari’s Mario Katigbak, the popular Babette Benoit (whose Urdaneta apartment was recently featured in Inquirer Lifestyle), Joanne Rae Ramirez in a bright blue ensemble by Ito Curata, the irrepressible Johnny Litton, Tony Leviste with constant companion Nelia Fuentebella and Mon Atayde.
Duday Tuason was stunning in black, with rose of golden and white pearls decorating her lovely neck.
Also present were interior designers Paolo del Rosario and Kim Policarpio, who is rumored to move around in a helicopter courtesy of his multibillionaire clients.
Tina Jacinto wore red, indicating a joyful mood for the successful launch of the book “Having a Ball: A Decade of Celebrations.”
Cath Huang sported a very becoming look, clearly sprinkled with lots of love from her fiancée Dr. David Endriga.
If there is anyone who enjoys his success, it is Mel Meer, whose industry and creativity keep him fueled and energized. It’s November—dance, eat and suit yourself!
E-mail the columnist: georgedfsison@gmail.com; catch him live in his lectures on IAMISM every Sunday, 7 p.m., on his Facebook page.