“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”—James Baldwin

At any given moment, there are always a million different possibilities for how life can unfold before us, each based on the decisions that we make moving forward. While that thought can be a bit paralyzing, it can also help us focus on what is truly important: the now. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we only have control of the present. Yes, some of us choose to live in a perennial state of “elsewhereness,” but the moment we are fully aware of our existence, we become present and alive. All we need to do is to accept our current moment in its entirety, and cherish the milestones as they come.

After a year and a half of constant reminiscing about the past and overthinking about the future, I have reframed to live fully in the present and embrace all new experiences that come my way. With the pandemic almost over, there are more celebrations and festivities that I have been bravely attending.

Doctors’ wedding

Fresh from my local and overseas travels, I was overjoyed to attend the wedding of the son of my Assumption BFF Jojo Ongsiako. Weddings are so romantic and I love attending them, whether as a ninang or a guest. I always look forward to witnessing promises made with true love! This is even more true when I have a special relationship with the couple.

On the auspicious date of Oct. 22, 2022, Dr. Ramon Mario R. Ongsiako (Marto) and Dr. Ann Bernadette C. Dy (Berna) officially started their life of wedded bliss. I have known Marto since birth, so being at his wedding truly meant a lot to me, and of course, to Jojo, his mother. The beautiful celebration of life and love commenced with their exchange of vows at the Banyan Garden of the Manila Polo Club. Intimately styled by AC batchmate and close friend Popsie Gamboa, the garden and Manila Polo Ballroom were fully adorned with flowers, decorative lights and votives. The added touch of the Manila String Machine serenading the event certainly added an emotional, joyful, nostalgic and sentimental ambience for all.

 

Many guests were doctors and medical professionals from the Makati Medical Center, where the couple practice ophthalmology and general surgery, respectively. Truly, there was something special about seeing so many heroes in one room, all celebrating the beginning of a new life journey after the battle they’ve all endured on the front line.

And what a wedding to celebrate! They were all raving about the delicious food at the reception—special thanks to Margarita Fores for providing a genuinely scrumptious menu.

To aid in the revelry, the crowd had live music from Filipino band Powerplay and the DJ skills of recent bar passer lawyer Pelos Remollo. I found myself hamming it up with the young ones and the young once!

Cheers to the newlyweds and thank you for sharing your celebration of love with us. I heard there’s another love story blooming in this family … But that’s for another column in the near future!

45th anniversary

Celebrating another grand milestone was international designer Josie Natori, who has been in the fashion industry for 45 years and counting.

After the pandemic’s tumultuous three years, she was so excited to finally celebrate with Rustan’s again. As her local partner in the Philippines for two decades, Rustan’s hosted a fashion show and cocktails at the Peninsula Manila. Special thanks to Bobbi Brown and Jane Iredale as the official hair and makeup partners.

Natori shares her mission of bringing art into life with an East-West sensibility. “My two biggest assets are being a woman and being Asian. I feel so lucky to have been raised in a matriarchal society in the Philippines. I always knew I wanted my own business, and my grandmother was a quintessential entrepreneur and a great role model and so was my father, who was a self-made man,” Natori said.

According to Natori, one of the best things that happened was to have her son Kenneth join the business 16 years ago. As president, Kenneth Natori has led the company in building their direct-to-consumer business and growing their partnerships in licensing. Their business has no doubt expanded and flourished due to this unique partnership between mother and son.

Proud of her heritage, Natori built a brand where exquisite craftsmanship from the Philippines is showcased. She truly has elevated the presence of the Philippines in the international fashion world. What began 45 years ago with creating lingerie on her living room floor truly has evolved into a lifestyle.

Sustainable surfwear

Heading off on the journey of starting a business can be both daunting and exciting, with so many unfamiliar roads up ahead. My daughter Jordan has just started her very own surf brand, Junior Varsity (@juniorvarsitysurf on Instagram), and will be releasing a special line of sustainable surfwear, made especially for women. Jordan sourced soft, recycled fabrics made from ocean garbage, and has been striving hard to ensure that her new company will be as eco-friendly and zero-waste as possible, all the way from production to packaging. She vows to put profits back into environmental protection and also to support the local Siargao surf community. Her first collection’s release early next year will be a true milestone for her.

 

Arabian-themed birthday

Birthdays are just as special milestones, and it’s nice that they happen every year! If a birthday party can foretell a celebrant’s life, then Ovah Rumohr’s will be a truly colorful and exciting one, all in the company of her friends and family.

Despite the typhoon, guests from Manila dressed in their best Arabian-inspired outfits, and arrived even earlier than scheduled—proof that birds of a feather flock together. Always tastefully dressed, Ovah is known to be prompt in all her appointments.

Held at the Hortz Hotel & Resort in Tagaytay, the milestone was overseen by partner Rolan Hortaleza, who made sure that his hotel’s service was excellent and guests were comfortable. Events planner Bangs Zaldivar masterfully orchestrated the event from its concept to execution. She also directed the program hosted by PBA sportscaster Dominic Uy and the lovely Lia Santos, which started with a dance number choreographed by Geraldine Uy.

 

Entertainers were Juan Miguel Salvador, Ice Seguerra and DJ Mike Yabut. The perfect ambiance was created by stylist Randy Lazaro, and dinner was managed by Alex del Rosario of Juan Carlo Catering. The event was documented by photographer Chito Cleofas and the Jason Magbanua video team.

Even when three of the newest iPhone 14 Pro Max units, fresh from the United States, had been awarded to those who were best in costume, they all continued to dine, dance and drink until 4:30 a.m. Talk about celebrating to the max!

 

After attending so many events, it always helps me to decompress by shopping. I’ll be sure to drop by Noel Bazaar this weekend at the Filinvest Tent Alabang, as they continue the festivities and bring back traditional, in-the-flesh Christmas shopping in the south. They had a spectacular kick-off last weekend at Okada Hotel, and will move to the World Trade Center on Nov. 25 to Nov. 30. Their last pop-up will be back at the Filinvest Tent Alabang from Dec. 16 to Dec. 18.

Let’s all be jolly and bright, with arms full of shopping bags!

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