“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.” —Steve Maraboli

Women empowerment is not merely about strength and influence. It is about self-discovery, growth and resilience. We may find ourselves in situations where doubt creeps in, and the weight of adversity threatens to overwhelm us. At these moments of weakness, I find the need for mental resilience and spiritual guidance. Keeping challenges in control, we search for positive solutions through expert wisdom, friendly encouragement and inner motivation.

Liberating myself from unwanted noise of the gossip world, my main focus right now is leveling up. At this exciting point in life, I realize I have squandered valuable time on trivial matters that do not benefit my personal growth. Exploring my full potential, I will elevate myself quietly. I will plan, work and improve in silence and let my success make the loudest noise!

Remarkable achievements often develop quietly, a truth we sometimes overlook when we are all excited to share to the world our plans and dreams. We are not always in that perfect situation, when we take action to embrace change and work on starting over in a more compassionate platform.

When one shifts the mindset, the transformation comes into a growth state. The mind then starts to perceive possibilities and avenues for enhancement. Ultimately from there, there is greater strength and resilience. Not all arguments hold significance so examine the issues so as not to squander time and deplete energy.

Ball for a cause

Thanks for many empowered women who surround me, I am always inspired to make positive actions to help in small and big ways. At the recent Tatler Ball, Irene Martel Francisco chose Project Inclusion Network as this year’s main beneficiary. Their goal was to raise P11,250,000 to help 250 PWDs (persons with disabilities) get education and job placement training. That evening at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La The Fort, they raised P15,445,000! A hundred percent of the donations and auction proceeds go directly to the beneficiary.

The 22nd anniversary of Tatler Ball hosted cocktails in the first one-third of the ballroom. The set by the expert team of Moss Design had sofas, armchairs and some coffee tables with a big fountain in the middle of the room. The auction lots were displayed for guests to see. In the foyer, they put the different photo vignettes for guests to enjoy.

The dinner menu for around 300 guests had a Moroccan touch. The ball was more intimate and exclusive than 450 to 500 people they used to have prepandemic. Tatler said they were more mindful and selective of who they invited.

That evening highlighted the Tatler awardees that included Diamond Award: Maria Ressa; Impact Award: Kenneth Cobonpue; and Arts and Culture: Dolly de Leon.

Congrats to Tatler editor Anton San Diego for hosting such a fun and meaningful ball. Kudos to Irene for always choosing a beneficiary to make the Tatler Ball so purposeful every year. More empowered ladies

Another empowered lady is my generous Red Charity Gala partner Kaye Tiñga. To celebrate a night of fun, family and friendship, Kaye and good friend Yiouri Augousti celebrated their birthdays against the backdrop of art and dance. Patrick Coard and Kifu Augousti, surprised the birthday celebrators with the art installations and performances of modern dance.

Friends and family of the celebrants came to join the fun at the Balmori Tent in Rockwell. Among present were Makati Mayor Abby Binay and husband Rep. Luis Campos, Hans and Carol Sy, Al and Angela Panlilio, Irwin and Mila Lee, Gianna Montinola, Bernie Aboitiz and Ria Macasaet Augousti, wife of Yiouri. Of course, Kaye’s hubby, Freddie Tiñga, and kids were present to enjoy the amazing party, too.

There were a lot of young and beautiful empowered ladies at the 15th year anniversary in fashion of renowned Filipina designer Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez. She recently celebrated her career’s decade-and-a-half milestone with scrumptious bites, free-flowing drinks served by The Botanist and the unveiling of her anniversary collection, “Amore Mio,” at Dr. Wine in Poblacion, Makati.

Eleven of Rosanna’s muses were in attendance, namely Issa Pressman, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Mika Lagdameo, Kelly Misa, Bethany Talbot, Verniece Enciso, Marie Lozano, Janeena Chan, Camille Co-Koro, Bianca Brandner and Jess Kienle—all dynamic women handpicked by the designer for embodying the RO girl’s vivacious, multifaceted spirit. They breathed life to Rosanna’s latest creations, posing as living mannequins as they danced the night away. As a special treat, Rosanna sent her guests home with her favorite luxurious products from Clé de Peau Beauté.

“Amore Mio” (“my love”) is Rosanna’s love letter to Italy, where her fashion journey began. At 23, she moved to Milan, where she received formal training at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni. “Amore Mio” marries the rich grandeur of Sicilian ruins and classical columns with a playful and contemporary vibe, showcasing the evolution of Rosanna’s design aesthetic over the years.

The collection has no shortage of party-ready garb, just in time for the holidays. It boasts chic and modern floral brocade, mini and midi dresses flaunting layers of fringe, vintage lace, gold and metallic knits.

Happy birthday, Poplex

Noel Bazaar’s driving force is Mayose Gozon-Bautista. The holiday shopping extravaganza continues at one of the bazaar’s standard venues, World Trade Center. The metro’s longest running bazaar will be at this venue until Nov. 30. Proceeds of the event will fund the 2024 projects of Inquirer Foundation as well as the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Life is too exciting to waste time on regret. I wish to enjoy more time with loved ones especially my father, Alex Prieto, who turns another year wiser on Nov. 28! Happy birthday, Poplex! INQ

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