“At any time, you can rethink your life and reinvent yourself.”—Denise Pitre

Cultivate your circle and keep it open, honest and real! Understand that not everyone deserves a seat at your table, so live our days on earth with a healthy boundary that is secured with dignity, integrity and a solid moral compass.

This December is all about celebrating life with a new mindset of peace and abundance. When we least expect it, life throws us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. We should not waste time, accept our destiny and move forward from there.

Claiming back my happy life, I attended many socials once again. I was glad to spend some time with many friends who are starting new businesses and launching new ventures. I also attended some of my favorite affairs like the Jo Malone Christmas event.

In partnership with Solaire, Jo Malone London hosted an afternoon tea event to celebrate the holiday season and the boutique that will open next week at The Shoppes at Solaire. Oasis Garden Café was dressed in the brand’s Christmas Gingerbread Land theme and welcomed guests with Christmas songs by their violinist and pianist.

Guests were able to explore this year’s holiday collection as well as discover the different personalized services the brand has to offer—from bottle charms and colored ribbons to product engraving. The exclusive Solaire boutique orange ribbon and bottle charms completed their gift.

This year’s Christmas collection features a wide variety of holiday scents such as Ginger Biscuit, Orange Bitters and Pine and Eucalyptus. It also includes limited-edition sets, such as the Solaire boutique exclusive set—The Travel Essentials Collection.

Sharyn Wong, country manager of Estée Lauder Philippines, opened the program by thanking guests for their support of the brand. Executive chef (Western) Jonas Patrick Juchli talked about the custom afternoon tea menu that was inspired by Jo Malone London’s most loved scents.

Outstanding Filipinos

Another lovely event was the charity gala of the French Alumni Awards Night. The French Alumni Award was first granted during the 75th anniversary of Filipino and French diplomatic relations in 2022. The Embassy of France identified four exceptional Filipino professionals as its first awardees and testimonies to the success in their respective fields brought about by French higher education.

This year’s four awardees are added to the roster of ambassadors of studying in France: filmmaker and educator Nick Deocampo, Balai Palma chef Aaron Isip, Design Center of the Philippines executive director Rhea Matute and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

Steven began his career in hospitality management and pursued his MBA at the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris. He began his career with SM by handling mall operations of The Podium in 2004, followed in 2006 by the establishment of SM Mall of Asia. Steven has received multiple accolades in the industry.

Back to basics

One of the biggest stars in YouTube these days is my bubbly friend Small Laude. Small and her sons launched their skin-care brand, Small Steps Skin, with an afternoon tea party soirée at the Manila Polo Club recently. (Small Steps Skin is online at Shopee, Tiktok and Lazada. Follow @smallstepsskin on Instagram and Tiktok.)

Small Steps Skin is built on the premise of “skinimalism” or going back to the basics of what makes skin care effective. Small Steps Skin is made with everyone in mind—from the newbies to skin-care enthusiasts.

“We wanted to emphasize the importance of building the habit. This is why every product is numbered and has a sun or moon icon to guide users when they should be using the product. This is especially helpful for men like me who might just be starting their journey in skin care,” said Michael Laude, COO of Small Steps Skin.

Bright Side is the first skin-care collection introduced by the brand. Enriched with niacinamide, vitamin C and bakuchiol (gentler form of retinol), the collection is composed of the Daily Gentle Cleanser, Pore Caring Treatment Toner, Ultra Light Sunscreen with SPF 40 PA+++, Skin So Soft AHA Exfoliating Gel, Power Glow Brightening Serum and Feels So Light Niacinamide Gel Cream.

Cover girl

Owing to her popularity and zest for life, Small was chosen by Lifestyle Asia to be their cover girl for the November issue. The longest running glossy magazine in the Philippines, Lifestyle Asia marked its 36th anniversary at the exquisite Lakehall in Nena’s Sanctuary, Sta. Elena Estate. The event shone a spotlight on benevolence through the Philanthropic Excellence Awards.

News anchor and host Peter Murray presided over the event, emphasizing the gala’s mission to recognize and encourage noble initiatives.

Candy Dizon, editor in chief of Lifestyle Asia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the brand promise of “Beyond Luxury Living.” She expressed gratitude to organizations that embraced the road less traveled, fostering positive change through social responsibility.

The recipients of the Philanthropic Excellence Awards showcased a remarkable commitment to positive societal impact. In the realm of education, Xandra Ramos-Padilla of National Bookstore and Bryan Yap, president of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, were acknowledged. For outstanding endeavors in environment, GCash was awarded, with Heidi Ng receiving the award on their behalf. Bioten was likewise awarded, represented by Angie Goyena. In the field of health, Estée Lauder Companies was recognized, with the award received by Sharyn Wong; The Aivee Clinic was awarded as well, represented by Dr. Aivee Teo.

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.