“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” —Maya Angelou

There are three versions of news—good, bad and fake! One could decide to filter what information is relevant. I recently experienced all three versions when I hosted the launch of the newest and steamiest online streaming site called AQ Prime and Director’s Cut by AQ.

It was serendipitous running into Front Row big boss RS Francisco on the final night of the “Joseph the Dreamer” musical. They were looking for a co-host for the launch the next day and asked me if I was free. Gladly, I was available to host and witnessed the exciting and uncensored world of online streaming.

Due to the pandemic, moviegoers are now viewing movies online instead. This prompted AQ Prime chief executive officer and president Atty. Aldwin Alegre and chief operating officer Atty. Honey Quiño to create an app that caters to this new market by featuring their own films as well as other series. The launch was held on the same day as the birthday of RS, who is their managing business partner.AQ Prime and Director’s Cut by AQ went live on Aug. 8 and is now available on Apple Store and Google Play. The event was also streamed on Facebook Live. I was actually able to download the app easily and started viewing some films.

Before the actual launch, I was interviewed briefly about my life in general. Thinking it was a casual chat, I jokingly shared my healing journey and present relationship. I didn’t realize the reporter was from pep.PH, the largest local entertainment portal. As with most showbiz news, the piece came out with much flair.

Digital platform

I am just happy to share my healing experience to others going through similar challenges. It is also a sample of my soon-to-be digital platform set to start in October. By that time, my Red Charity Gala partner Kaye Tiñga and I would have fully supported the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign for the benefit of the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care.

Always happy to participate in different charity programs, we started meeting with the team to plan the program for the gala dinner on Oct. 13. We hope to finalize the event details soon.

The world of Rotary Club is centered on camaraderie and civic service. It was great to reconnect with members of the club and see their wonderful projects. I attended the 25th Charter Anniversary and 28th Induction Ceremony of the Rotary Club of Manila Bay. At the face-to-face celebration, the Club inducted William Emmanuel Yu as incoming Rotary president along with his team.

The theme of the event was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, complete with hidden silver tickets in chocolate bars. The Chardonnay by Astoria was dressed up and transformed into the stuff of “Pure Imagination” (a song popularized by the movie). This is also a play on this year’s Rotary International theme, “Imagine Rotary.” The event was graced by dignitaries such as Rotary Club of Manila Bay past president and current Senate minority leader Koko Pimentel and his spouse Kath Pimentel, District 3810 Gov. Joyce Ambray, former district governors Robert Koa, Lisa Elodre, Rudy Bediones, Ernie Choa and Jude Doctora, district governor elect Lai de la Cruz, district governor nominee Jackie Rodriguez, district officers, the members of the Rotary Club of Manila Bay, families and friends. Yes, the organization has two governors lined up.

Flagship projects

Amidst the festivities of the night, the Rotarians of Rotary Club of Manila Bay set out to showcase their flagship projects. This includes showcasing the newly completed and under-construction homes at the Luwalhati ng Maynila Home for the Abandoned Elderly through the Dalampasigan Foundation and their partnership with the office of Sen. Koko Pimentel, the Philippine Racing Commission and the Rotary Club of Siheung Korea.

Also showcased was the Pacemaker Bank project through the Pintig Puso Foundation with partners Heartbeat International, Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital and the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, which have worked tirelessly to keep hearts beating by providing pacemakers (inclusive of medical procedures and incidentals) to indigents. Other projects mentioned were the Sen. Koko Pimentel Golf Cup fundraising tournament, support for providing enhanced learning to beneficiaries such as day laborers and incarcerated youth with the Arnold Janssen Alternative Learning System and the Hopeful Writers Society, and support to the Manila Youth Reception Center.

In 27 years of existence, the Rotary Club of Manila Bay has always aimed to keep faithful to Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” From the original group of 31 young, dynamic and energetic professionals, the club has grown to over 80 members strong. In line with the celebration’s theme, they continue to imagine and implement programs to build a more humane living environment for our abandoned elderly. The club puts to action their belief that “Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life.”

Watercolor artists

I continue to support the arts, as well. I graced the opening of “Romancing the Water II” at the Main Gallery, Altro Mondo Creative Space on Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. Three esteemed watercolor artists—Alfred Galura, Gerardo Jimenez and Rene Canlas—came together for an exhibit that pays full respect to the illustrious medium of watercolor painting.

Initially conceived during the L’Arc En Ciel group show in 2019 curated by Elaine O. Herbosa, the show conveyed the artists’ passion and love for this medium of expression. The first edition of the exhibit came to life in August 2020, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

The three artists reunite for the second phase of the show to showcase their latest works, calling to the audience to witness and experience the ways in which they’ve broadened their horizons and tamed that most difficult medium to master—watercolor. The exhibit runs until Sept. 3. INQ

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