Seated: birthday girls Cynthia “Cha” Naval and Sea Princess; standing: Dr. Navs Rivas, Sally Ong, Helen Chua

“When the broken-hearted people living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.”—Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles

Once we release all our limiting beliefs to the universe and fully trust in the ebb and flow of life, we are able to set ourselves free to fully embrace the moment and just let it be.

In choosing a theme song for my coming-out birthday party, the iconic track of my favorite Beatles single came to mind. Written and sung by Sir Paul McCartney, the song was dedicated to the Liverpool legend’s mom who died of cancer when he was in his teens. His mother was named Mary, which has been cited as an inspiration for the “Mother Mary” lyric. However, when asked if it had any reference to the Virgin Mary, The Beatles lead singer said to leave it up to fans’ interpretation.

He explained: “I had a dream in the ‘60s where my mum who died came to me in a dream and was reassuring me, saying: ‘It’s gonna be OK. Just let it be …’”

Siobhan Moylan, Mond Gutierrez, Anne Curtis, Ruffa Gutierrez, Julia Barretto, Phoemela Baranda. — Siobhan Moylan, Mond Gutierrez, Anne Curtis, Ruffa Gutierrez, Julia Barretto, Phoemela Baranda

It is truly a beautiful song with a really heartfelt message. In the song, Mary comes like an angel whispering to him these wise words—“Let it be.” To let something be means to let go, to relax, to not worry about your troubles. These are words of comfort, reminding us not to think about sad things too much, to accept the bad things that have happened that we cannot change and to move towards a better tomorrow.

There is always hope; we just need to know where to look. In some new world, there will always be an answer, so let it be. I think this song is McCartney’s greatest work. It gives us his vision for peace. It is similar in some ways to the song “Imagine,” which John Lennon wrote several years later. Both songs give us hope for a happier and more peaceful world.

For my birthday extravaganza at the newly opened Pardon My French on Jupiter Street, I sang “Let It Be” with the amazing band, The Plug. Being with my family and friends at this point of my journey has been such a blessing.

To add to the festivities, I asked my pole-dancing instructor, Ahlex Leyva, to perform a number, and I even joined her! To add to the cheers, Woomera Premium Wines and Woomera in Cans were all enjoyed by my guests that evening, and they also brought home a trio pack of Cabernet Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé wine bottles.

Nicole Andersson, Rei Germar, Mond Gutierrez, Anne Curtis, Dr. Hayden and Dr. Vicki Belo Kho, Jess Wilson, LA Aguinaldo, Siobhan Moylan

Pampering

I’m thrilled to be spending lots of time attending events. Last Aug. 25, the international luxurious skincare brand La Mer (G/F, Greenbelt 5, Makati) finally opened its first flagship store in Manila. As guests entered the store, they were welcomed by La Mer experts who introduced them to the relaxing on-counter services, all part of The Custom Skincare Journey. This allowed guests to experience a full regimen of products customized to their needs and lifestyle, while enjoying a moment of pampering.

Providing exceptional service is both the heritage and the expectation of La Mer clients, who are eager to try and feel products with a personalized touch. La Mer offers the looks and finishes of La Mer based on the guests’ requirements.

After the in-store experience, guests were serenaded by the Manila String Machine and enjoyed champagne to celebrate throughout the evening at the outpost area. They were welcomed with opening remarks by La Mer Philippines brand general manager Camille Oloan, who talked about the brand’s history. They were also treated to a quick demonstration by education manager Mina Manuel, on how to properly apply and incorporate the La Mer essentials into the daily skin care routine.

Christopher Maglanoc, Mark Sablan, Sharyn Wong, Sharmila Hiranand, AC Legarda, Tim Yap, Mariana Zobel de Ayala

Industry pioneer

I was also thrilled to celebrate Belo Medical Group’s 32 years as an industry pioneer with a magical night honoring beauty and artistry alongside the biggest stars in the country.

A full-circle moment of sorts, the Belo anniversary party was a celebration of the company’s Diamond Award for being the #1 clinic for Botox and Fillers in the Philippines.

And if that wasn’t enough reason to celebrate, the event was also the debut of a beauty exhibit featuring the face of Belo’s Renova Powerfacial, Anne Curtis. She was joined by fresh faces Jess Wilson, Rei Germar, LA Aguinaldo and Siobhan Moylan.

Hosted by Nicole Andersson and Belo Medical Group’s creative director, Mond Gutierrez, the evening began with a breathtaking ballet production by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, followed by an aerial silk dance performance by Beast House Philippines.

Ana Llaguno, Rocio Solitaria, Lauren Golangco, Tara Santos, Jordan Prieto-Valdés

The food was prepared by the company’s favorite, Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016 Margarita Forés, and served alongside customized cocktails by The Black Box Mobile Cocktail Bar.

It was one of the biggest celebrations of Belo Medical Group since 2008, and it was indeed a magical night filled with beautiful Belo people. Cheers to 32 years of artistry and innovation, Belo Medical Group!

To regain my state of centeredness and balance, I have visualized more love, happiness and prosperity. Blissfully aware that abundance flows from within, I manifest all positivity knowing that abundance is a birthright and should be used to enhance the lives of others and create positive change for the world. We just need to manifest it!

With a rich meditation practice, I am set free and now enjoy the energy of ease and flow. In being blissfully happy, I vibrate in complete harmony, inner peace and unconditional love. May we all reach this state of unlimited abundance that is to be shared during our earthly life!