“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” —Desmond Tutu

On the last day of 2023, I reflect on the blessed year that went by, grateful to be surrounded by so much love and hope. I fully appreciate all the adventure, travels, challenges and personal growth that I experienced to become a more focused “me.” While I missed out on some opportunities and made certain unfavorable choices, I look back with no regret and embrace the life fully lived.

The love shared with family is arguably the most powerful love of all. Unconditional love is strongest between parents and their kids, as well as between grandparents and their grandchildren. And for friends that become like family, we recognize their value, of the positive and deeply meaningful role their play in our life.

As I turned 60 this year, I have come full circle, and twice done my Saturn Return. Looking back on my 2023 intentions shared in my Tatler Philippines feature, it seems like life unfolded in a totally different direction from what was planned. Desiring a grand year of happiness and new beginnings, I approached my major milestone with a clearer vision of my new true purpose.

My initial intention for the year was to revamp my social scene; I wanted to create a wellness platform, a stellar digital site to extend positive insights and inspire all as they go through difficult challenges. With the shifting energies of life developments, I didn’t pursue this platform and instead enjoyed a year of more privacy and extensive travel. I choose to live with no regret, and I had an incredible year discovering new destinations, receiving new love and meeting new friends.

Among my many intentions, I am just delighted that, together with my ever generous partner Kaye Tiñga, we restarted Red Charity Gala (RCG). As we continue our charitable efforts, Kaye and I were able to mount a successful charity event as well as promote Philippine fashion. Our featured designer Ivarluski Aseron designed an amazingly stellar collection that truly impressed everyone at the sold-out affair.

For better lives

We are truly grateful for our major sponsors like Bench boss Ben Chan and Angkas boss George Royeca, who have generously supported and continue to believe in our purpose. With equal intentions to help promote and sustain better lives for many Pinoys, Ben and George have created programs to do this helpful task. Bench has been supporting Philippine fashion with the TernoCon series for many years now.

For the holiday season, Bench presented Paskong TernoCon at the SM Aura Atrium. The festive fashion show presentation featured two of our Red Charity Gala designers, Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson. The noteworthy event not only showcased their stunning creations, but more importantly, highlighted the beauty of our country’s rich culture through the Philippine national dress, the terno.

One of the most inspiring CEOs I have encountered this year is George, as he shared his passion of uplifting the lives of the Angkas drivers. For our video presentation for RCG, George eagerly talked about his passion project.

Angkas, the pioneering motorcycle ride-hailing service in the country, recently celebrated the unwavering commitment of its drivers with the “Drive to Win” awarding ceremony. In a continued effort to empower and support its riders, Angkas is thrilled to introduce Angkas Weekend Market, a new initiative aimed at augmenting their supplemental incomes.

These programs not only enhance their livelihoods but also support economic advancement through a strong sense of community. These initiatives represent one of the many innovative solutions that Angkas is proud to unveil, in its ongoing mission to shape a better society and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Joyful celebration

Graciously transitioning into her senior year like me, Tess Villanueva-Arocena celebrated her major milestone along with her family and friends, and her dearest sister Nova Veluz made sure the party was a blast. The joyful celebration was held at The Hall at Buddy’s Commissary in Lucban, Quezon.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, my charming Cebuana friends celebrated the birthday of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. It is always wonderful to celebrate milestones with true and trusted friends, just like my forum BFF Patty Chilip and Anton San Diego. They annually host their joint birthday party at Manila House with Lingling King. The celebrators have so much to be grateful for, especially after surviving a helicopter accident many years ago.

Having lost my focus on love of God and family, I now prioritize time with Him and share all blessings whenever possible. Hopefully, in living the coming new year with a kinder heart and a more compassionate soul, I will move toward God’s divine path.

After this year’s intense wringer due to what I did for love, my three words for this year are “reframe, manifest and purpose!” If we choose love, the right kind, everything else flows naturally. In the midst of uncertainty, I have found my North Star—and now, 2024, is my time to shine. This joyful journey is just about to begin!

Happy New Year! Make every single day count!

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