“Love is not power. Love is giving power away.” —Madeleine L’Engle

On the first days of February, the month of love, I reflect on my continuous journey to rediscover my life purpose. Exploring the possibilities of new relationships, I realize that self-mastery is more important to feel whole again. No other person could fill up a void where the core is broken. Only God or a higher spiritual guide could help in resolving that emptiness.

Young couples are lucky in that they are able to fully live in the present, with an uncertain future that will bring about opportunities. In contrast, more senior couples have to think wisely about their partner’s role in their life. Breaking up means not only giving up the present, but also the future of the union. Leaving a long-term relationship, starting a new life, meeting the right person and getting hitched all over again could be a horrifying thought especially in the “wiser” years of life.

Some therapists are fond of pointing out that the past is alive in the present. Although this is true, consider also that the future is alive in the present. The future is not some place or situation we can control, but an idea in our mind now. It is something we are progressively creating, that in turn creates us but could unfortunately consume us as well. The future is a fantasy that shapes our present, so it is better to live in the present and let the future happen naturally. Let go of what cannot be controlled.

Over the pandemic, I lost my drive to work on my charitable activities and secluded myself into my quiet comfort zone of isolation. I felt I needed to find myself again after all the darkness thrown at me so unexpectedly. I was staying in the present, but not living in it.

Insight and wisdom

Time has slowly healed me and I have gained so much insight and wisdom on moving forward to a more compassionate life. I am excited to inspire and share my thoughts on new love, rediscovering God and the joy of single blessedness.

Still open to love again, I want to ultimately find the love I deserve in the service of God. Hopefully, that is a future that is possible, but as it stands, I will fully be present in life NOW.

Thanks to all the healing sessions, therapy, bible study and everything in between, I have found my excitement especially my drive to restart my charity work. After the recent Ternocon 2023, I got inspired to work on Red Charity Gala again with my partner, Kaye Tiñga.

After months of preparation and workshop mentoring, the third edition of Ternocon culminated last Jan. 28 at the brand new Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (Black Box Theater) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Twelve finalists took on the mission of reimagining the terno for the modern-day Filipino. The three designer winners are Gabbie Sarenas (Rizal), Glady Rose Pantua (Zamboanga), and Yssa Inumerable (Parañaque).

Yssa Inumerable was crowned the grand winner of this iteration of Ternocon, receiving the newly titled Pacita Longos award for her astounding interpretation of the balintawak, followed by Gabbie Sarenas, who took home the Pura Escurdia award. Glady Rose Pantua, on the other hand, placed third, receiving the Ramon Valera award. The sartorial geniuses of chief mentor Inno Sotto and mentors Dennis Lustico, Chito Vijandre, Ricky Toledo and Joey Samson, guided each finalist together with Ternocon artistic director Gino Gonzales.

Runway show

During the occasion, the finalists presented their balintawak creations in a runway show. Ternocon 2 grand winner, Hannah Adrias, also showcased her designs, followed by Dennis Lustico’s collection accompanied by live acoustic scoring.

Afterward, Joey Samson presented his collection with his models walking to the tunes of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Meanwhile, Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo kicked off their segment with models singing with a jukebox song.

In line with his advocacy to embrace and celebrate Filipino heritage, Ben Chan, chair and CEO of Suyen Corporation, aims to raise awareness about the cultural significance of the terno among the current generation through Ternocon. “The national dress is important to us not just because we are in the business of fashion but because we are foremost Filipinos. It links us to our past in both personal and national ways,” said Mr. Chan during his speech at the event.

Ternocon is a collaboration project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, led by its president Margie Moran-Floirendo, and Bench.

The art world continues to flourish in the Philippines. This February, Swarovski introduces its new brand pattern with the Signum collection. Crafted in partnership with world-renowned porcelain artisan, Rosenthal, the new collection signals Swarovski’s first foray into dinnerware while boasting a fresh approach to craftsmanship and modern sophistication.

Luxury and enchantment

The new Swarovski x Rosenthal collection reimagines the 127-year-old Austrian glass brand’s four brand colors–blue, pink, yellow and green–into a range of pastel candy shades. The swan-engraved, cut crystal lids are also a nod to the collection’s goal of putting a playful and festive spin on the almost-forgotten art of table setting.

The country’s premier fashionista, Heart Evangelista, took charge of the Azure collection. CEO and TV personality Pinky Tobiano styled the Rose collection. The Jonquil collection was styled by fashion and lifestyle blogger and influencer Camille Co. Last but certainly not the least, award-winning entrepreneur Robert Blancaflor applied his designing prowess to the Fern collection at The Podium.

The Swarovski x Rosenthal collection encompasses tea sets, espresso sets and complete dining sets that can easily be customizable according to the user’s taste. The pieces are edged with gold accents and topped with a golden Swarovski Swan, which is reminiscent of the brand’s classic style.

Add a dose of luxury and enchantment to your table setup this Valentine’s Day with the new Swarovski x Rosenthal collection and crowd-favorite Fornasetti candle collection. Both collections are exclusively available for purchase at the Opulence Design Concepts store at The Podium.

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