The heat is on and nothing can stop temperatures from rising. My attitude is, if we have to sizzle, let’s do it with style!

There’s no more stylish eyewear to use under the fun, hot sun than Oakley. The glam eyepieces showed off remarkable innovation and revolutionary fashion at a recent affair to showcase their latest technologies.

Interactive booths allowed guests to get into the details of the products’ high-definition optics, while the rest of the tech-challenged, like me, just enjoyed the different styles. Unfortunately I couldn’t distinguish between polarized, hydrophobic and photochromic, but I do know what looks good and what doesn’t.

Oakley has moved beyond eyewear. A conveyor belt ramped up the volume on their surf and golf wear.

My son Tyrone says the Blade II Board Shorts are awesome. He uses them at the newly opened Republik Wakeboard Park in Nuvali, where he recently became annual member #002. The O Stretch fabric with a four-way stretch gives great movement and eliminates chafing.

Oakley golf apparel is more up the alley of my hubby Dennis. Their golf shoe features NanoSpike technology, providing superior traction for better flexibility, free movement and reduced heat retention.

All-Filipino company

Heat was on everyone’s minds at the 25th anniversary of Concepcion Durables, the subsidiary of Concepcion Industries that manufactures refrigerators and freezers. The all-Filipino company is a shining testament to Pinoy design and ingenuity, beating globally renowned brands as it made its way to market leadership.

Renna Hechanova, Condura’s vice chair, attributed the company’s success to the family’s hands-on involvement, attention to detail, and passion for excellence. She introduced the company’s new logo, hailing it as a Revolutionary design that still keeps its links to the brand’s rich heritage while keeping the strong, bold and modern elements that characterize Condura.

Ton Concepcion, Condura’s president, spoke of the company’s international aspirations. He also introduced two all-new lines of refrigerators—the fifth-generation Condura Negosyo series and the Negosyo style series, both designed specifically for those who want to use their refrigerators for business and still have a great-looking home appliance.

The most spacious in the market, the Condura Negosyo Refrigerators boast up to three times more freezer space, twice more chiller space, and 14 different storage combinations!

Powered by a Negosyo compressor, the appliances are low on electricity consumption. The Condura Negosyo Refrigerators are up to 100-percent more energy efficient than other no-frost household refrigerators.  Check www.condura.com for details.

Absolute moms

The best way to stay cool in this heat is with a bottle of water. And lots of it was available at the Absolute Distilled Drinking Water’s recent event at M Café, Absolutely Inspiring Moms for Others Awards.

I was thrilled to be chosen as an awardee of the Absolutely Inspiring Moms for Others. It was great to be with other cool mothers, all extending their help to those who are most in need, and making a difference to support a cause.

Absolute Water endorser Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo looked ultra slim as she handed out our awards, together with Risa de los Angeles, Cathy Babao, Patricia Hizon and Pia Magalona. Absolute also gave a donation to Assumption HS ’81 Foundation, and my classmates Popsie Gamboa and Girlie Sison were present to receive the check.

Mother for Others

Coincidentally there was another Mothers for Others event, with Bantay Bata second Mothers for Others fashion show at the Dusit Thani Hotel. I was delighted to host the event, made extra special this year because my youngest, Athena, agreed to join the fashion show.

Like the rest of the proud moms, I felt my daughter looked so pretty in a Cary Santiago creation walking down the ramp with Adriana Zubiri, adorable daughter of Miguel and Audrey Zubiri.

All the kids looked wonderful wearing ensembles by top designers like Inno Sotto, Pepito Albert, Ivarluski Aseron, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Cesar Gaupo, Dennis Lustico, Randy Ortiz and Rajo Laurel.

The successful lunch event was due to the unwavering dedication of the Bantay Bata Advisory Board members, namely Lisa Chan, Jackie Lhuillier Hess, Dawn Zulueta Lagdameo, Rajo Laurel, Nanette Medved Po, Manny Padilla, Carla Ramsey, Kaye Tinga and Audrey Tan-Zubiri.

With generous sponsors like Megaworld and Dusit Thani Hotel, Bantay Bata raised funds for many pediatric heart patients. Mothers also got special surprises from Olay, W/17 and Villa del Conte Cioccolate. Special thanks goes to Robert Blancaflor for the remarkable floral arrangements.

A special edition of Lifestyle Asia, with the Bantay Bata Team on the cover, was given to all the guests. Famed photographer Raymond Isaac took family portraits during the affair and photo prints were given, thanks to the sponsorship of Canon. It was a perfect gift to all the mommies there.

At the Dusit Thani foyer, kids enjoyed the Party Perks’ booths. Magnum ice cream was also available for everyone. Prateek Kumar, Dusit Thani Manila GM, welcomed all the families and invited them to enjoy the delicious Crossover Buffet brunch with all the signature dishes from the hotel’s different restaurants. With all the cool moms and even cooler supporters, Mothers for Others was a smashing success!

Lady Gaga

The temperature will surely be sizzling for the next two nights in Manila as, of course, everyone knows Lady Gaga is performing at the brand new The Arena at the SM Mall of Asia. Thanks to my good friend Carol Sy, hubby Dennis and I were able to score tickets and will be among the throngs enjoying her concert.

Lady Gaga’s concert was cancelled in Jakarta, and in Seoul, minors under 18 were barred from entry. I guess this is more proof that when it comes to concerts, it is more fun in the Philippines!

Follow Tessa on Twitter @tessavaldes, or e-mail her at [email protected].