“The most fascinating discovery of your life will be the discovery of yourself.” —Nitin Namdeo
Our journey of self-discovery is ever evolving and filled with unexpected forks on the road. Faced with choices on that path, we can alter the direction with a shift in strategy or mindset. There are countless possibilities and directions to consider. However, with a thoughtful and purposeful approach, navigating these forks can lead us to new paths of fulfillment and growth.
Before embarking on any new path, it is essential to introspect and gain clarity about your values, passions and aspirations. Reflect on what truly matters to you, assess your strengths and weaknesses and determine your long-term goals. This self-awareness will serve as your compass, guiding you toward choices that align with your authentic self.
While exploring options, we need to understand the risks and find opportunities for growth. Controlling fear and anxiety, we embrace this uncertainty as a path to self- discovery.
While rational decision-making is important, do not underestimate the power of intuition. Pay attention to your gut feelings and inner voice when making choices. Trust yourself and have faith in your own judgment.
With September upon us, I embark on new paths even with the unexpected detours and challenges. Flexibility and adaptability are key words for me at the moment so I shall embrace these.
Instant glow
Back in the social scene, I hosted the launch of the newest skin health device—Hydrafacial Syndeo. It is a pain-free treatment to enhance the face, scalp and body. With no downtime, Hydrafacial gives instant glow involving three signature steps of cleansing, extracting and hydrating.
Hydrafacial has patented vortex technology. It started in Long Beach, California, over 25 years ago, and is now loved in over 90 countries, and multi-awarded, including 2022 and 2023 New Beauty Award for Best Hydrating Facial and the Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Acne Award for Best Pro Acne Facial.
Syndeo further personalizes the Hydrafacial experience since it has hundreds of customizable treatment combinations for all skin types and concerns. There’s also a menu of nourishing boosters you can add to target specific concerns.
While “facial” is literally in the name of Hydrafacial, it was exciting to also hear about the scalp and body treatments. Those doing any therapy for their hair, for example, will get the best results if they have a healthy scalp, so Hydrafacial’s Keravive scalp treatment will enhance the results of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or any other hair treatments.
The body treatments are fascinating: back and shoulders, neck and décolleté, booty (Hydrabooty!) and thighs, and even the hands. One of the highlights of the Hydrafacial Syndeo launch event with Philippine distributor Spectrumed was the Hydrabooty demo. This would appeal to a range of people, especially those who want to be beach body-ready or prep for their honeymoon!
If you know, you glow: Hydrafacial Syndeo is now available at Avignon, Belo, Delaram, Kamiseta, Luminisce, One Nadela, Priore and Rai. Time to book and get the best skin of your life!
At that launch, I chatted with Chris Cachuela of Avignon Clinic. We are so delighted that they will be sponsoring our Red Charity Gala this year. We are truly grateful for their generosity and support.
Anniversary gala
Avignon Clinic also sponsored the Vogue Philippines anniversary gala at the Shangri-La at the Fort. The evening was capped with the unveiling of the September issue, marking the first anniversary of Vogue Philippines.
Guests witnessed the reveal of the cover, which is graced by models Jo Ann Bitagcol, Lukresia and Rina Fukushi, styled by Melissa Levy and photographed by Sharif Hamza.
The “Common Threads: Re/Creating Fashion” exhibit traces the common threads that connect culture and identity, heritage and modernity.
Another highlight of the evening was the exquisite six-hands dinner prepared by renowned chef Margarita Forés, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016, in collaboration with Shangri-La BGC’s chef Joris Rycken and chef Carlo Huerta. A journey of Philippine cuisine from the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the dinner presented an array of flavors and produce that represent the diversity of the nation’s culinary heritage.
With 500 attendees, including celebrities, fashion influencers, artists and industry leaders, Vogue Philippines commemorated a remarkable first year chronicling the evolution of the Filipino fashion identity while setting the tone for a more ecologically respectful future.
Dreamy paintings
I missed the opening of Marivic Rufino’s “Scintilla: Dreamscapes“ but I was able to drop by her 19th solo exhibit of dreamy, exquisite watercolor and mixed media paintings. The 23 paintings and five pieces of soft art (lamps and screen dividers) reflect her soaring spirit and the desire for a peaceful world.
Art critic Cid Reyes wrote in his review: “lyrical, intimate, poetic and contained. The artist’s compulsion is toward restraint and subtlety, simplicity and economy.”
The art of Marivic is the elegance of minimalism, where a flicker, a spark of light and a faint trace of motion settling down to stillness are all the scintilla of joy that the artist needs to keep dreaming, even as she draws again and again, from the inexhaustible well of her sacred space.
“Of Art and Wine: Scintilla: Dreamscapes” exhibit is at Conrad Hotel until Oct. 21. Part of the proceeds will benefit her favorite charities: Child Protection Network and the Marián Missionaries of the Philippines.
Remember, navigating the forks on life’s road is not about finding the “perfect” path. It is about embracing change, exploring new possibilities and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
Embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and have faith in your ability to navigate through life’s twists and turns. In the end, it is the journey itself that shapes us into who we are meant to be.
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