“To educate is to transform the world.” —St. Marie Eugenie

In my personal journey inwards that led me to be more spiritually guided, I have discovered the universal energies that surround us. It may be mumbo-jumbo to some, but the shifting of cosmic forces that affect our emotions could enhance the outcome of a prevailing challenge.

Mercury retrograde offers a useful period of contemplation where life slows down and you’re urged to reflect and revisit past projects, work or relationships. It’s not a great time to move forward with new plans but, with Mercury’s retrograde shifting over into air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, you are in a position to assess your relationships, figure out how to better relate to people and perhaps eliminate certain negative habits you have in relationships. Be prepared to talk through problems or frustrations you have with anyone.

The last Mercury retrograde of 2021 is happening now until Oct. 23 in Libra. In the world of relationships, you might become aware of an imbalance in the relationship with your partner, or you may even hear from an ex.

It is advised not to revisit the past just to reminisce about old memories. This energetically charged time is often marked by closures, especially those regarding Venusian topics, such as love, beauty and money, while the second half is defined by new beginnings.

Gong healing

The healing realm of sound is yet another avenue to renew positive energy. My good friend and urban healer Rosan Cruz converted me into a gong-healing believer. I am excited to join her latest offering.

Come experience Soulspeak’s Zamba Soul Kundalini Yoga and Nature Retreat on Oct. 22-24 in the serene Sambali Beach Farm in Zambales. Kundalini Research Institute-certified Level 2 instructor and gong master Rosan will lead the three day-two night soul retreat to help you reconnect with your heart center to help you thrive in these dynamic, dramatic and transformational times.

Inclusions in the three day-two night stay are six vegetarian farm-to-table meals (meat options available), three Kundalini yoga classes, two sound healing gong baths and meditation session, river stream eco-tour, farm tour with demo on organic practices, and private round-trip van transfer Manila-Zambales-Manila. A negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (saliva or swab) test result is required two days before the retreat. Fee is P13,950 per person. (Register at bit.ly/zambasoulkundalinioct2021)

Assumption Velada

October for me is all about healing, transforming and rekindling ties that bind. This month is also about the Assumption Velada, the homecoming of Assumption (San Lorenzo) High School.

When the organizers of Assumption (San Lorenzo) High School Class ’96 were planning for their 25th or silver homecoming back in 2016, they began by going back to what was most important and memorable about their years at Assumption.

In a class session conducted by one of their classmates, Miselle Penalosa-Bergonia, they came up with “fidelity to duty, love of simplicity”—lines from the Assumption School Song that they carried with them even after graduation. Memories of their retreats, immersions and outreach programs to the Assumption mission schools came rushing back, reminding them of their “fidelity to duty.” The “love of simplicity” was remembered in how, as students, they were encouraged to avoid fancy jewelry or branded items in school.

And so the theme “back to bACics” was born—attuned with the goal of having a simple yet truly meaningful and joyful celebration. It turns out that it would be most appropriate for pandemic times.

Knowing that the 2021 Velada would be celebrated online, AC ’96 tried to recreate the experience of going home to Assumption for all the jubilarians. And what better way to celebrate as in years past, than by wearing the high-school uniform? They all got excited about wearing the red plaid skirt with the white blouse and necktie uniform again. Knowing they could all share together despite many miles apart, AC ’96 busied themselves in the first half of 2021 with placing orders for uniforms and shipping them out to different parts of the country and the world!

Twenty-five years after graduation, the Silver Jubilarians of AC ’96 all have a story to tell and this is exactly what they will be doing on Oct. 17, when they bring Old Girls’ Day to your homes with a mass at 9 a.m. and the Velada at 10 a.m., on the Assumption College YouTube channel (youtu.be/KXNBXFoPBRg).

Sharing stories

AC ’96 will be celebrating alongside the High School Batches of ’91 (Pearl), ’86 (Jade), ’81 (Ruby), ’76 (Sapphire), ’71 (Gold), ’66 (Emerald), ’61 (Diamond), ’56 (Blue Diamond) and graduates from the different college batches. I am excited about the online velada as I am part of the Ruby batch.

This year, AC ’96 also launched VeladaTV.com, an online platform for sharing stories of Old Girls from different parts of the country, and the world. It is a testament to the fact that even if we may all be physically apart, the Assumption Old Girl will always be able to connect with her high school sisters.

AC ’96 is also hard at work raising funds for the Assumption Mission Schools. The limited-edition Assumption Havaianas are back, and available in select branches or via the Havaianas Personal Shopper (tel. 0917-5448606). You can also still purchase the AC ’96 x HogsmithPH aprons (tel. 0917-5417222).

For Sunday lunch, you might also want to order the special Velada menu from The Moment Group with offerings from Manam, Ooma, 8Cuts, Din Tai Fung and Mo’ Cookies (tel. 0919-0845484).

Plus, enjoy 30-percent off site-wide on Zalora when you use the code AC96ZAL until Dec. 31.

And for those in the market for real estate, check out Ayala Land Premier’s latest offerings—each successful referral from any of the Jubilarians entitles you to a free three day-two night stay at Miniloc Island, El Nido (email [email protected]).

By availing yourself of any of these, you are able to help the Assumption Mission Schools.

AC ’96 would like to thank Ayala Land Premier, Landers, Zalora, Havaianas, The Moment Group, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, ZincWell, Marby Bread and Piandré.

Follow the author at @seaprincess888 on Instagram