“When you change what you believe you’re worthy of, you change your entire life.” —Jamie Kern Lima

It is difficult to imagine that we are already halfway through the year, and that 2025 is just in six months! This year has been a whirlwind of adventures and misadventures, with a whole lot in between. Time seems to have flown by with no firm direction guiding my life path. When life gets too busy, there can be a tendency for us to mindlessly jump from one thing to the next, almost on autopilot. However, there is always opportunity for us to realign and recalibrate. It is crucial to be intentional about where we spend our time and energy, as this is the core foundation of building a mindful and fulfilling life.

It’s been a very busy 2024, and I often have to remind myself to be present through it all. I have filled my days with birthday celebrations, beauty regimens and charitable works. Fresh from my Czech Republic and Germany familiarization tours, I went straight from the airport to attend the 60th birthday of dear friend Joy Rustia.

The grand affair transported guests to the enchanting world of old New York glamour. From the impeccably dressed attendees exuding timeless class to the opulent champagne-filled cocktail area, every detail exuded sophistication and elegance.

The night kicked off with a mesmerizing serenade by a saxophonist inside a clear acrylic bubble, creating a captivating experience for guests and setting the tone for a remarkable evening that was organized by Teena Barretto.

As 350 guests stepped into the lavishly styled ballroom done by event stylist Michael Ruiz, they were greeted with a setting reminiscent of a bygone era, where every aspect exuded grandeur. One of the night’s highlights came during dinner, when acclaimed singer Zsa Zsa Padilla serenaded guests with classic tunes. Joy herself surprised everyone with a heartfelt rendition of “Follow Your Road.”

The evening continued with a captivating medley by Joy’s daughters Tara, Keana and Gilly, and the dance floor came alive with iconic hits from Madonna and others, filling the celebration with joy and jubilation. The night culminated in a thrilling performance by Apl.de.Ap, leaving guests in a frenzy of excitement. Joy’s 60th birthday celebration truly encapsulated the essence of style, captured in video and photos by NicePrint Photos.

Beauty expo

Still jet-lagged and hungover from that party, I attended the Israel Beauty Expo 2024 organized by the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines and the Israel Export Institute.

Israel has great potential for beauty and cosmetics, which is why the Israel Beauty Expo was convened in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel to highlight how nature, science and technology can be used to improve our way of life.

As the first of its kind, this exclusive gathering immersed Filipino retailers and skincare professionals in the innovations of Israel beauty and skincare products. It was a star-studded event with attendees that included big names such as Doctors Aivee and Z Teo of the Aivee Group, Nikki Tang of DermAsia and Doron Glazer of SpectruMed. There were 19 leading brands of aesthetic devices and beauty products showcased.

During the expo, I spoke to Doron, chairperson of SpectruMed, about the recent launch event of good friend Tim Yap as the new face of Sofwave in the country. As the host at the intimate SpectruMed’s official launch called “Life Without Limits,” I introduced Tim as Sofwave’s new brand ambassador.

The launch was held at Lusso in Rockwell, where Doron and his wife, SpectruMed president and CEO Cherryl Glazer, warmly welcomed Sofwave users, members of the press and dear friends to celebrate this new collaboration.

Guests were treated to a first view of a super exciting video of Tim showcasing how Sofwave helped him look his best from all angles. It can lift, tighten and smoothen your skin in as little as one treatment.

It’s no secret that Tim and I love the Sofwave treatment. It is FDA-cleared to treat so many skin issues like fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a brow lift, submental lift, neck lift and so much more. It uses the most advanced technologies like Superb technology and Sofcool to make treatments super comfortable and effective. Visit Sofwave Certified Clinics to book your appointment today.

Golf for a cause

This week, I shall be busy finding golfers to play in support of Beacon School. The Beacon School, a nonstock, nonprofit, uniquely Filipino IB World School, is inviting parents, students, alumni and friends to join the 1st Beacon School Golf Cup on Aug. 19 at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City.

Titled “Par for a Purpose,” the golf tournament is designed to be a fun community activity with a worthy cause at its core: proceeds from the event will help support the expansion of facilities beyond Grade 8 in the school’s Makati campus, a crucial step in its mission to provide quality education to more students. (Contact Pilar Lorenzo, project head, at [email protected].)

“Par for a Purpose” will bring together the Beacon School community for a day of friendly competition while generating funds to benefit present and future learners. The organizing committee is composed of parents who have witnessed the difference that the Beacon education has made in their children, encouraging students to learn from each other, stay curious and become independent thinkers who strive to make a positive impact wherever their paths may take them.

The tournament will follow a Modified Team Scramble, Stroke Play format, with players grouped into teams of three or four. Players may register by visiting the school website (beaconschool.ph) and pay the tournament fee of P7,500 per head. Nonplayers are also welcome, and for P2,500 may enjoy a sumptuous lunch and the chance to win raffle prizes.

Contact Pilar Lorenzo, project head, at [email protected].

As I continue life in my 60th year, I have rebuilt my sense of self-worth and destroyed some self-doubt that was imposed on me because of circumstances. I have stopped doubting my capacity to grow and I have not looked back. We should rise to believe what is possible, and believe we are worthy of the success that we are destined to experience.

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