“Always maintain only a joyful mind.” —Pema Chödrön

Constantly applying cheerfulness, my days are filled with gratitude and positivity. We all have our times of difficulty and struggle but keeping the right mindset can help navigate us into the next chapter. Clarity in our goals and keeping priorities in check could bring us on a smoother journey. The universe is in a constant state of change. Old memories are replaced by new ones. Keeping that in mind, I have actively worked on self-improvement and time management.

More than a decade ago, I was on a TV talk show called “Look Who’s Talking” with co-hosts Johnny Litton and Anton San Diego. It was a very wonderful experience being in front of the camera long before YouTube and cable were big. Being a newcomer, I was grateful to be hosting with Uncle Johnny, who gave me tips on the art of interviewing.

This witty and irreverent Johnny recently marked his 88th birthday with a glamorous James Bond-themed celebration aptly called “Johnny Awards” at the Grand Hyatt Manila ballroom. Now on its second year, the Gratitude Awards recognizes people who have made a significant mark in their respective industries, most especially in Johnny’s life over his decadeslong career in film distribution, television, events and public relations. Among those who received sculptor Noel Bueza’s “Tree of Life” trophy this year are Charo Santos-Concio, Barbie head boss Myrna Yao, Wilcon’s Rosemarie Bosch-Ong and Rep. Linabelle Villarica.

The night’s fashion show opened with mini Bond girl standout Stellawen Co cartwheeling across the whole ramp, followed by the suave William Go and the gorgeous Martinez grandchildren. Striking Lovelyn Segovia opened the second set with a bang complete with pistol in hand, fashionable Maru Go walked alongside her two girls Winona and Wyan, and Lynn Bautista’s bigger-than-life outfit left me in awe. It closed with two fabulous Amir Sali creations modeled by Carmeli Palacio-Alleyne and the regal Grace Gobing, recreating their catwalk outing in Paris Fashion Week some months back. I was also privileged to be called onstage to help blow the birthday cake alongside the Litton boys.

Kudos to director Raymond Villanueva, my dear longtime friend Roselle Rebano and Marissa Fenton for the beautiful evening.

To quote Johnny, “The one thing that never goes out of style is kindness. You can never throw kindness away. One way or another, it comes back.” Yes, Uncle Johnny. The immense kindness and love you have given is just being given back to you.

Steadfast

At the birthday celebration, I spotted many Red Charity Gala (RCG) ladies like Connie Haw, Virginia Lane, Myrna Yao and Rose Ong. I am looking forward to see all of them again at this year’s charity gala on Oct. 22 at the Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila. (For additional information, you may contact Maggie Gineta at tel. 0917832-5570 or email [email protected].)

Now on its 13th edition, the country’s premier charity fashion event remains steadfast in our goals to champion the Filipino fashion designer while raising funds for our chosen beneficiaries, Philippine Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.

We are thrilled to have Lulu Tan-Gan as this year’s featured designer. Lulu is an artisanal designer at her core, starting her collection with a thread and working wonders into fabrics that turn into clothes, and will be presented up close and personal in our upcoming fundraising event.

RCG cochair Kaye Tiñga has been so busy these days as the new president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). She recently invited me to the presentation of the new CCP Young Music Scholars at the Admiral Hotel. Pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol, flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong and soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada are the talented scholars this year. They will be performing on July 27 at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

Produced by the CCP, the concert aims to create deeper appreciation for classical music by introducing the diverse audiences to the various orchestral instruments and classic masterpieces by renowned composers.

The scholars

From drumming to his rapid immersion in piano, Baracol’s musical journey has been marked by swift progression. He is currently a student at the Royal Academy of Music, London, attending master classes with renowned instructors such as Roberta Rust and Wael Farouk. He has been awarded scholarships by the CCP in 2023.

Cavite-born Rocas began playing the flute at 9. He later joined the Sta. Cecilia Band 89, and became a member of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band from 2005 to 2012.

Violinist Ong is pursuing his artist diploma at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School under Koh Min-jeong and Paul Kantor. He graduated with honors from the Mannes School of Music in New York City, under a merit-based scholarship.Estrada is studying on a full scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London under professor Susan Waters. She won first prize in the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Bursary for Young Singers Competition in 2023.

Experience the talents of these four young virtuosos at this year’s “PPO Young People’s Concert” on July 27 at 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.

Another big supporter of the arts and RCG is Wilcon Depot. They continue to be the leader in home and building retail suppliers.

Wilcon Depot is getting closer to achieving its #FlyingHighTo100 milestone with the grand opening of its 96th branch in Roxas City, Capiz. In keeping with its mission to deliver excellence, advance sustainability, uphold innovation and improve the customer experience, the grand opening was a great success, expanding the company’s reach throughout the country. Executives from Wilcon Depot and Capiz local government representatives were present to commemorate this milestone. Congrats to my Wilcon Depot family! INQ

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