“In order to attract more blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” –Ralph Marston

Manifestation and meditation have shown me that envisioning your life full of joy, clarity and fulfillment has the power to change everything. I claimed that this September will shower me with positive news, endless possibilities and abundant blessings, and I thanked the universe for the love coming my way.

On the first week of my birth month, the universe has already brought me a gift of peaceful acceptance, of hope and of love. Now I truly feel that just “being” is enough.

After endless months of struggling to figure out all the answers to my past and future problems, I now choose to focus my energy on being fully present in each moment as it presents itself—with no doubt, anxiety or worry. Living every second as alive as possible is my gift to myself.

Void of envy, confusion or negative vibes, all the storm clouds in my mind cleared and left a space for a new journey to unfold. It was the realization of oneness in love that propelled me to move forward.

Aside from shifting my mindset toward an awareness and appreciation of the present moment, I also acknowledged the importance of setting boundaries that support and protect my emotional well-being. By prioritizing my own mind and heart, I was able to uncover more steps for me to take to fully embrace this new life. Now with better use of my time and energy, I continue to gain more self-love and respect every day.

I have come to the point where my personal mood doesn’t shift based on the insignificant actions of someone else. I enjoy my state of oneness with an unconditional love of self, and I have gained full strength over my circumstances. With that, I have been able to return to the postquarantine social world as a stronger woman and an unapologetic, fabulous fashionista!

Vogue Philippines gala

In my first big social event as a proud bachelorette, I entered the Vogue Philippines gala all by myself, with my head held high in a stunning white dress made by Cebuano bridal couture designer Ronald Enrico. Popular YouTuber Small Laude also walked into the gala solo, so we gamely posed for all the cameras, enjoying the spotlight.

Power couple Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. and Dr. Vicki Belo-Kho joined our little photo session with handsome actor Piolo Pascual. Doc Hayden looked dashing in his white suit that he wore to his wedding exactly five years ago. Happy anniversary to my favorite power couple in the beauty world!

Vogue Philippines, which is published under a license agreement between Condé Nast and Mega Global Licensing. Inc., recently launched its maiden issue with a cover story featuring Chloe Magno, a Filipino American model whose roots are from Davao.

The issue marks the arrival of Vogue Philippines, in print and on its digital and social platforms. The cover story, shot by Sharif Hamza, a British-born half-Filipino, half-Egyptian photographer, highlights the diversity of Filipino talent and beauty, with stunning locations that reflect this diversity.

The 36-page cover feature travels the length of the Philippines, with Chloe floating in the lagoons of Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, exploring the otherworldly rock formations of Biri Island, Northern Samar and conquering the marble boulders at Tinipak River, Rizal. All this while dressed in clothing from international couture labels to local indie darlings, showing a range of designers and brands that have a mind for both luxury and sustainability.

Other notable fashion stories in the issue include a futuristic take on the terno, the traditional silhouette symbolic of Philippine national dress as interpreted by contemporary and cutting-edge Filipino designers, as well as a feature on the next wave of emerging talent that is pushing the boundaries of fashion, whether by creating gender-disruptive clothing or diving deep into Filipino heritage.

“Through the content in Vogue Philippines and its platforms, we hope to showcase the Philippine fashion identity, by connecting us to the global community. Vogue remains the most powerful platform for fashion’s emerging talents and their diverse perspectives. It has always been at the crest of new aesthetics and mindsets, and we are thrilled to join the fold,” says editor in chief Bea Valdes.

“The maiden issue explores the concept of identity—what it is to be fashioned and shaped by our environment, our landscapes and by the people we cherish. It speaks of sustainable mindsets, in our own terms. It is filled with hometown heroes and global dreams all seen through Vogue’s unique lens,” says Valdes, who has guided the team in stamping a distinctly Vogue Philippines identity to the title.

Vogue Philippines invites you to step into its world, one that is uplifting and inclusive and filled with the Filipino values of optimism, empathy and the spirit of bayanihan. The September issue is only the beginning of a journey Vogue Philippines intends to take with its audiences, navigating the new and nuanced meanings of beauty, style and luxury, and championing Filipino creativity in its multitude of forms.

Cebuano hospitality

For this black and white ball, I chose one of the gowns showcased at the Globe-presented Queen Philippines Pageant. I was invited by pageant chair Cary Santiago and most lovable philanthropist Bea Zobel Jr. to be a judge at the most spectacular trans woman pageant in the country. After I saw the beautiful Miss Cagayan de Oro model Ronald Enrico’s white gown, I asked Ron to fit it to my size.

I crowned my favorite candidate, Miss Cebu, and graced the stage with my own crown by Mark Tenchavez of Shandar. Mark also sponsored all the shoes and bejeweled crowns of the winners.

That fantastic weekend was filled with Cebuano hospitality, delicious food, impressive Cebu fashion design talent and sincere friendship. Cebu is like a second home for me. The friendships forged there are genuine and loving. They are the most attentive to making sure their visitors have the best time.

For an entertaining feature of the pageant and the weekend, check out the YouTube shows of Karen Davila and Small Laude. We all had a fantastic time. Our Sunday lunch at The Pig & Palm Restaurant was truly memorable as we exchanged insights and life lessons that we all gained from the pandemic.

As we move forward in this new life, I realize we already have all we need and the support we have is right here with us. We just need to reframe our mindset and set the intentions of faith, hope and love toward what we truly desire.

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.