My January has started with much excitement that I’m sure 2020 will be extra special. With many birthday celebrations, a relaxing trip to Balesin Island and a coming vacation to Bali, I’m already enjoying this new decade!
Fresh from our family vacation in Japan, I prepared my disco outfit for the milestone birthday of stylish friend Linda Ley.
On Jan. 4, “La Linda” celebrated her 60th birthday with an epic Studio 54-theme disco bash at Manila Marriott Hotel. When Linda told me to “Save the Date” for her milestone birthday, I seriously thought she was turning 50. She’s the best-looking senior-citizen fab friend I know!
The Marriott’s grand ballroom was transformed into a disco hall throwback to the famed Studio 54 in New York, styled beautifully by event stylist Teddy Manuel.
It was a fab evening filled with glittering disco balls, a massive LED dance floor, and Manila’s party people clad in wigs, bell-bottoms and sequined outfits. The band Spirit of ’67 and DJ Jon Tupaz brought everyone back to the glory days of the disco’s heyday. Mitch Garcia, cluster director of marketing communications of Marriott Philippines, arranged all details for the party to be flawless.
More birthdays
A few days later, my hubby Dennis and I flew to Balesin Island to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Alphaland big boss Roberto “Bobby” Veloso Ongpin (RVO).
Since the party was set at dinner, Dennis and I spent the day diving just off Bali Village. I was amazed to see a huge turtle and some really cool coral formations, while Dennis kept showing me beautiful spider conch shells.
The intimate dinner party for RVO was for his immediate family and close friends, held at the majestic Royal Balesin Villa on the island’s southern tip. The sumptuous dinner was excellent, from the gambas sourced from Vanamei shrimp grown on Balesin’s own farms to the cochinillo prepared from the island’s Costa del Sol kitchen.
The Royal Balesin Villa was also the venue for the milestone birthday of wonderful friend Nova Veluz last November. She celebrated her 50th birthday with a two-day weekend birthday bash with many family and friends who flew in from abroad.
There were six exciting events and activities, surprise guest performers including Raymond Lauchengco, special dance numbers, loads of raffle prices and endless food and drinks!
Before the main birthday celebration, Nova and her husband Zaldy gave many gifts and toys, and fed the kids of Balesin’s island barangay. The Veluzes have been so blessed that their family wanted to share all their blessings as well with the barangay families.
Feng shui forecast
For the coming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration on Jan. 25, I will be flying to Balesin again to host the Year of the Metal Rat CNY countdown with feng shui enthusiast Ollay Aninion.
Ollay will be giving her feng shui forecast that she got from her feng shui master Lillian Too.
The Year of the Metal Rat begins Jan. 25. The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac hierarchy that indicates the start of a 12-year cycle. This year is a period of renewed energy, enthusiasm and hope for better circumstances.
In terms of the economic forecast for 2020, earth element industries such as real estate properties, building materials, landfill, recycling, storage and warehousing, construction, hospitality and car parks are extremely auspicious.
Energies are constantly flowing in and out of different locations within people’s homes and offices. Placing feng shui enhancers in auspicious areas within the establishment can help enhance the positive luck indications.
Likewise, placing cures in the areas that indicate unlucky energies can help reduce the influence of such negative stars, thus maximizing the feng shui of one’s house.
The luckiest direction of the house is northwest. The northwest direction of the house should be kept clean in order to attract more wealth in 2020. It’s good to have your door and window opened at northwest.
If your front door, bedroom or office is at northwest, you’d better place a red or purple blanket at the entrance to strengthen its force. Placing a Pi Xiu item in this direction can also help maintain and attract wealth for family.
For 2020, add new furniture to enhance auspicious feng shui energy.
‘Stylescapes’
The recently installed Ayala Malls’ “Stylescapes” showcase at Greenbelt 5 Gallery has a lot of new ideas and interior design trends for 2020. I collaborated with Cyndi Fernandez of Moss Manila for a beautiful vignette. Visit the showcase until Jan. 23. Ayala Malls’ “Stylescapes” is co-presented by Avida Land.
For more feng shui tips, join Ollay on Jan. 19 at the Bikram Yoga Manila Studio for her annual forecast. And if you can, head to Balesin Island Jan. 24 onward for a more auspicious celebration! While you’re there, check out Balesin’s latest restaurant, the Chinese-theme Apsaras, with its own chef from Shanghai and authentic Chinese food.
Make yourself a gift to the world!
More pics on Instagram @seaprincess888
