“If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”—Paulo Coelho
There is a unique energy this year due to the extra-special day that arrives only once every four years. 2024 is a leap year, and it is akin to a cosmic portal disrupting our usual life patterns. We should embrace this rare vibratory opportunity to tap into an energy often elusive in our day-to-day routine. Let’s allow the essence of this leap year to guide us toward a harmonious equilibrium between our practical, earthly existence and our intuitive, spiritual self.
The numerological significance of Feb. 29, 2024, is the number 3 that symbolizes communication, curiosity and creativity. This day presents a wonderful opportunity to focus on a project that holds significance for you and witness its growth and development. Making the most of this day and the rest of the year, we should aim to let our creativity flow and communication skills shine.
Embracing this unique leap year energy, I hosted a special Feb. 29 party to celebrate exciting new developments in my personal life. It was also a way to bring renewed energy to conflicting elements that needed to be released. Thank goodness for friends who are like family who are always around for guidance and support. It does take a village to help mend a broken heart.
To help launch the liquor business of good friend Shelly Lazaro, we decided to have the leap year party be the first of many that would feature her different brands. The Whiskey Outlet (@thewhiskeyoutlet_ on Instagram) carries Clase Azul Tequila, Macallan Whiskey, Bottega Champagne and wines. They have a large selection of fine spirits as well.
To honor the February-born friends, we greeted them that evening and even had one guest born exactly on Feb. 29— Oliver Cruz. The others included Sunny Ku, Chris Juan, Carlo Umali, Malu Gamboa-Lindo, Alex Carpo and Ysa Veluz.
Just like all the parties in the past, there were giveaways from Gardenia bread and food from Buddy’s Pancit Lucban and Longganisang Lucban.
Art appreciation
February was indeed a wonderful month of art appreciation and renewed creativity. I totally enjoyed the recent sold-out show of artist Briccio Santos who mounted a one-man exhibit titled “The Sentinels” at Leon Gallery, Makati City.
Santos is highly acclaimed for his contributions to the arts and film. The painter, photographer, sculptor, filmmaker and writer is renowned for his avant-garde use of many mediums. He has had 28 solo exhibits since 1977.
One of his most prominent works was the “Heritage Tunnel,” which was acquired and displayed by the Singapore Art Museum. He is a recipient of two knighthoods, France’s Chevalier Legion d’Honneur and Italy’s Ufficiale nell’Ordine Della Stella d’Italia, for promoting culture and film. Santos’ latest sculptures embody auras of protective forces and guardians of time. In varying sizes, from reliefs to standing sculptures, Santos presented metal pieces. He conceptualized these complex and abstract forms during the pandemic. The opening last Feb. 13 was graced by family, friends, collectors, critics and renowned artists including Impy Pilapil, Gus Albor, Lito Carating and Sandra Fabie-Gfeller. The artist, although happy with the good turnout, felt the absence of his good friend and fellow Chevalier, Tikoy Aguiluz. The award-winning film director died a few days later, on Feb. 19.
Peachy Prieto, Santos’ partner of 47 years, was by his side throughout the festive evening to welcome the guests with their granddaughter Anais Tambunting and her best friend Lovisa Virata doing the rounds and having people sign the guest book. The artist was overheard thanking Derek Flores for arranging the show and making sure everything went smoothly. Margarita Fores, who just arrived from Italy that morning, attended the exhibit and provided the yummy pica-picas.
More parties
A few days after her opening, gallery owner Jia Estrella invited me to a special art dinner. Cohart X J Studio invited its top 40 favorite collectors to J Studio La Feurza.
With art as backdrop, J Studio gallery was transformed into an intimate dinner venue to celebrate Art Fair Philippines. Cohart’s cofounder and Vin Gallery owner Shyevin S’ng introduced Cohart’s art discovery platform to art collectors, artists and art movers, who enjoyed the evening with live music and catering by Melo’s.
At this dinner, I greeted Alelee Aguilar-Andanar for her special birthday on Feb. 29. She said she is technically not yet a teenager!
The following week, I attended the special dinner of Sheila Romero, president and CEO of Roku Group at Nara Thai Cuisine at Molito in Alabang. Nara Thai Restaurant Molito has been honored with the highly acclaimed Thai Select Seal, a prestigious recognition bestowed by the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government. This mark of recognition guarantees the authenticity of Thai taste in food products and restaurants, both in Thailand and abroad.
Capping off this recent victory was a night of festivity held at Nara Thai Restaurant Molito. It was a resplendent showcase of Thailand’s authentic charm where diplomats and other VIP guests joined in the celebration.
Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat presented the seal to Romero and Yuki Srikarnchana. Srikarnchana, founder of Nara Thai Cuisine Group, expressed her delight in the establishment’s remarkable feat. She has been instrumental in shaping the culinary scene in Bangkok.
Let’s all welcome March to celebrate our womanhood and reevaluate our life goals and move progressively forward!
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