Cory Untalan, Samantha Bermudez, Suzette Ayson, Monika Ravanera, Sheila Romero, Monica Dela Cruz, Talia Asuncion, Dey Dimaandal, Trisha Calma, Leah Sotto, Kathy Ventura, Pinky Antonio

“Some people will judge you for changing. Others will celebrate you for growing. Choose your circle carefully.” —Jay Shetty

When one selflessly gives to others, one often finds that the gifts come back to them tenfold. This is true, from something as simple as the love that you share with those around you, to something as grand as donating millions to those in need. While financial endowments are pretty much straightforward, donations of love can be made in many different ways.

The time you spend with your loved ones, the acts of service you contribute to their well-being or even just to the attention you pay to their everyday lives—these things all matter. So I am happy to find myself in London with my two daughters, Jordan and Athena. Athena will begin her first year of university here in London, and while I am sad about sending off my last child into “the real world,” I know that she will do amazing things and have the best time.

London is foreign to me so it felt even better to meet up with other Filipinos in the city. Some close friends have made the United Kingdom home, like Nikki Allen, daughter of feng shui queen Marites Allen. This trip, I met up with chef Karla “Kara” Mendoza, the lead chef of Pizzeria Mozza, and good friend Mila Lee, who no doubt will help Athena if she ever feels homesick.

Designers Rajo Laurel, Martin Bautista, Andrea Tetangco, Mark Bumgarner, Avel Bacudio

Exchanging numbers

At a dinner at Pizzeria Mozza hosted by fellow mom Ronna Sieh, Athena exchanged numbers with incoming junior Mia Sieh to stay connected and got their pizza fix from their new Tita Chef Kara. I was delighted to also meet New York-based Pinoy director Victor Lirio. He is currently in London as resident director for the West End run of “Dr. Semmelweis” at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Victor and Ronna were lucky to watch “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends” at the Gielgud Theatre with Broadway legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga.

After getting Athena settled in London, I head back to Manila to iron out all the numerous details of the Red Charity Gala with my totally generous partner Kaye Tiñga. I am so happy to share that there have been so many new sponsors like George Royeca, cofounder and CEO of Angkas, and Arthaland, to name a few. We are so grateful to longtime sponsors like Bench, Jewelmer, A2A Safaris and Lucerne who have been with us for several years.

I am proud to be part of many foundations that support various charities. And I am also happy to be surrounded by generous friends who share the same passion for giving.

Francisfest 2023 Committee Jun Rodriguez, Rose Galvez, Marie Tycangco, Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM, Crissy Castillo, Karen Limpe, Mike Limpe, Jaime Blanco

Generous partnerships

As known to many, my friendship with couple Charlie and China Cojuangco has materialized into generous partnerships, with them being supportive of causes and projects close to my heart. Despite Charlie’s passing, China has vowed to continue his philanthropy and has taken it upon herself to extend help to those in need through an initiative called Little Blue Chair (Visit littlebluechair.ph.).

One of Little Blue Chair’s beneficiaries is my Red Charity, and I have been so thankful for the continued help. It has been a year since this very personal project was launched and together with Charlie’s brother, Rep. Mark Cojuangco, Fr. Jerry Orbos and other supporters, I join in greeting and praying for the continued growth of Little Blue Chair, for Charlie’s legacy.

Every year, Santuario de San Antonio Parish celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi with Francisfest (For tickets, you may call the parish office at tel. 88438830 local 1.). This year, to celebrate the feast as well as to commemorate its 70th founding anniversary, Santuario de San Antonio Parish presents Francisfest 2023 with a beautiful show entitled “Generations: Our Pilgrimage Continues” on Oct. 3, 8 p.m., at the Main Church.

Written by Joel Trinidad and directed by Nelsito Gomez, this musical journey will showcase the homegrown talents of its parishioners like Jose Mari Chan, Cocoy, Denise and Franco Laurel, among others. Proceeds of Francisfest will benefit the various outreach programs of the parish.

Cara de Ocampo, Camille Villar, Kaye Garcia, Kai Lim, Nicole Limos Morales, Grace Barbers-Baja

Charity gala

I Want to Share Foundation (IWTS) recently held its first charity gala at Shangri-La the Fort. The country’s showbiz, media and affluent crowd gathered to help children of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) fight their battle against the Big C.

“My own journey as a cancer survivor has been a catalyst for this cause. I honor my second lease on life by helping children have hope for a brighter future,” said Sheila Romero, founder and chair of IWTS.

The beauty and resilience of the young patients were on full display as they graced the runway in couture masterpieces by renowned designers Mark Bumgarner, Rajo Laurel, Andrea Tetangco, Martin Bautista and Avel Bacudio. The undertaking was proof of their industry’s compassion to help those in need.

The night was a testament to the young cancer warriors’ resounding statement of empowerment and determination to regain their sense of control. Once on the stage, the children were greeted with resounding applause, walking down with their tales of hope and resilience.

Featured artwork and jewelry pieces of master sculptor Daniel Dela Cruz, contemporary artist Andres Barrioquinto, and Dino Gabito were part of the auction.

Cristalle Belo, Joy Marcelo, Stanley Ng, Sheila Romero, Annette Gozon-Valdes, Tracy Garcia

Exceeding expectations

Everyone united to meet the target proceeds of P12 million and the night ended with a staggering P19 million, exceeding everyone’s expectations.

The funds will be used for the establishment of the Childhood Cancer Helpline, a newly launched initiative that will help increase the country’s cancer survival rate from 30 percent to at least 60 percent so young individuals can thrive beyond their diagnosis.

“This gala will also help secure funding for the construction of two specialized rooms at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center in PGH, a pioneering achievement in the country, increasing the chances of healing. The IWTS will support the funding for the Pediatrics Hematology Oncology of PGH as well,” Romero shared.

For more details, follow the campaign, I Want to Share Foundation (@iwanttosharefoundation) across all social media platforms. I am so delighted to be part of this foundation.

Spread love and kindness in your corner of the world. The universe needs all the help it can get!

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.

Red Charity Gala family Ivarluski Aseron, Sea Princess, Kaye Tiñga, Angkas boss George Royeca