Milestones -

October 22, 2025

Taal Vista Hotel Designated as UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub in Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), led the conferment under the theme “Building the Future Together.”

In celebration of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, Taal Vista Hotel, a renowned Philippine heritage landmark, has been officially designated as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub. This recognition affirms its commitment to culture, sustainability, and community-driven peace initiatives.

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), led the conferment under the theme “Building the Future Together.”

“By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista Hotel, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone—it begins where history, culture, and community meet. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity,” says Direk JP Ninalga, UNGC President.

The ceremonial turnover of the UN Flag to SMHCC and Taal Vista officers at the ballroom.

Elizabeth T. Sy, president and chairman of SMHCC, was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment through SMHCC.

The conferment was attended by SMHCC officers and the Taal Vista Hotel. They include: Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President – Operations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Agnes Pacis, Vice President – Commercial, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Leah Magallanes, Vice President – Quality and Sustainability, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Nian Rigor, Assistant Vice President – Public Relations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Brenda Cabuyao – Director of Operations, Taal Vista Hotel; Mary Rose Lomibao – Director of Sales and Marketing, Taal Vista Hotel; and Ariesha Faith Dimaano, Cluster Marketing Communications Manager, Taal Vista Hotel and Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel.

Women in media and UN pose for posterity.

Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, UNESCO Governing Board Member and Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) representative, as well as a representative of the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, delivered the keynote address on the topic “Building our Future Together.”

Meanwhile, the closing keynote, titled “Legacy of Peace: Honoring Leaders, Empowering Learners, Inspiring Change,” was delivered by Dr. Margarita Ballesteros, Director of the Department of Education and a Carlos P. Romulo Awardee.

A recitation of the UN80 theme at the hotel grounds.

The milestone gathering featured several symbolic activities: the ceremonial turnover of the UN Flag to SMHCC and Taal Vista officers at the ballroom; a circle of unity with UNA Philippines, UNGC, Taal Vista, SMHCC, and event delegates; a UN flag raising ceremony accompanied by a peace pledge; and a recitation of the UN80 theme at the hotel grounds.

About the Path to the Future

The Path to the Future is a philosophy and movement anchored on the Philippine Agenda 21 (PA21) and supporting the UN SDGs. Co-developed by Direk JP Ninalga and the late Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas, it calls for regeneration through the Four Capitals: societal, economic, human, and spiritual.

In Memory of Nicanor “Nick” Perlas

This movement is lovingly dedicated to the legacy of Filipino visionary Nicanor “Nick” Perlas — whose work in peace, governance, and human awakening continues through all who dare to build the future.

About SMHCC

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) integrates sustainability, culture, and community stewardship across its hospitality properties, including Taal Vista Hotel.

The author during the UN flag raising ceremony at Taal Vista Hotel.

(Ruby’s Precious Moments served as a valued media partner for this landmark event, helping to amplify its message and reach a wider audience.

#UN80 #TaalVistaHotel #SMHCC #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #buildingthefuturetogether

August 5, 2025August 5, 2025

Solaire Resort North Celebrates Guinness World Records™ Title for The Mangrove

Solaire Resort North is proud to announce that they are the record holder for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD title the Largest Glass Tube Installation, The Mangrove. The event was witnessed by hundreds of employees and guests who gathered in the resort’s grand lobby to celebrate this momentous achievement.

A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS official adjudicator was present to validate the record, confirming that The Mangrove, measuring 25.396 meters high, officially holds the world title.

(From L-R) Official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Adjudicator, Emi Saito, with Bloomberry Resorts Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Hawkins holding the official certificate for The Largest Glass Tube Installation.

Gregory Hawkins, Board Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, expressed his excitement, saying, “As we commemorate Solaire Resort North’s first anniversary, we are honored to officially hold a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence, and we take immense pride in being recognized on a global scale.”

Designed by renowned sculptor Nikolas Weinstein, The Mangrove is a monumental glass installation that redefines architectural art. Taking over four years of meticulous planning, engineering, and craftsmanship, it stands as a breathtaking symbol of the intersection of nature, art, and innovation.

(From left) President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp., Gregory Hawkins, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Vice Chairman of Construction and Regulatory Affairs Donato Almeda, Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle, Habitus Design Group Founder Samantha Drummond, and the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Adjudicator Emi Saito.

(From left) Vice Mayor Gian Sotto’s wife Joy Sotto, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Gregory Hawkins, Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Vice Chairman of Construction and Regulatory Affairs Donato Almeda, Quezon City Third District Representative Franz Pumaren.

Visitors to Solaire Resort North in Quezon City can marvel at this awe-inspiring work of art, now officially recognized as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS record holder, and experience a destination that blends luxury, creativity, and world-class hospitality.

For more details, visit sn.solaireresort.com, call us at +632 8888 8888, or email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com.

#TheMangrove #SolaireResortNorth #GuinnessWorldRecords #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

June 30, 2022May 22, 2025

PBBM: ‘Pangarap n’yo ay pangarap ko . . .’

The inauguration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the 17^th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

On June 30, 2022, Filipinos witnessed the inauguration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., the nation’s 17^th president amidst the challenges of the pandemic and pressing economic issues that will confront his new administration.

The inauguration was held at the historic National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. President “Bongbong” Marcos was the fourth President to be inaugurated in the same venue following Manuel Luis Quezon (1935), Jose P. Laurel (1943), and Manuel A. Roxas (1946).

The President and the other members of the First Family wore Filipino attire as a symbol of their patriotism in action, words, and even in their manner of dressing. His inaugural barong was designed by Pepito Albert. It was inspired by a traditional military uniform during Spanish time. For his dinner barong, it was again designed by Albert and was made of pina barong from Taal, Batangas paired with shoes from Sapatero Manila.

For the First Lady Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, her terno was designed by Leslie Mobo. It was made of pure pina, seda, and suksuk embroidered with Sampaguita, the country’s national flower. It was paired with shoes designed by Lila Almario of Greggs Frame.

Singer-host-actress Toni Gonzaga sang the National Anthem. A military-civic parade ushered to welcome the Commander-In-Chief.

In his inaugural address, President “Bongbong” Marcos extends his gratitude for the support of the Filipinos. “You rejected the politics of division . . . You made it happen. . . You picked me to be your servant . . . I don’t take it lightly but I’m ready for the task, ” he said. “I am here to talk about the future, a future of sufficiency . . . Imagine what you and the government can achieve together. We are here to repair a house divided, to make it strong . . . Never forget we are Filipinos . . . let us all be part of the solution we chose.”

President Marcos stresses that he and the Filipinos share the same dream. “Pangarap n’yo ay pangarap ko . . .” (Your dreams are mine).

He adds that “We will build back better . . . in the experiences that we had . . . There were shortcomings in the COVID-19 response; we will fix it . . . I will complete on schedule the projects that have been started; I am not interested in getting credit.”

Plans are being carried out for agriculture and food sufficiency, education, public health system, tourism, climate change, infrastructure, and business, especially for the MSMEs.

The inauguration was characterized by solemnity, simplicity, and keeping with the tradition. It was attended by foreign dignitaries, VIPs, public officials, and Marcos supporters. Marcos is considered the majority president elected with more than 31 million votes garnered from the recently concluded 2022 presidential elections.

Photos: Screenshot from Bongbong Marcos FB page coverage

#PBBM #inaugurationday #17thpresident #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021

Golden Feat: Hidilyn Diaz feels grateful for making her triumph “possible”

As the first Gold Medalist in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Hidilyn Diaz still couldn’t believe that she did it, and conceded that she couldn’t do it on her own, but her faith in the divine providence made everything possible. She posted and shared this message on her Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/hidilyndiaz/

“Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ako ngayon sa Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na matutuloy ang Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ang TeamHD.
Di ako makapaniwala na 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 ako sa Olympics .

Kung ako lang ito, di ko ito magagawa parang impossible. Salamat God sa pagdala ng mga tao, government support, private support, pamilya, kaibigan at prayer warriors para magawa ko ito at maging possible.
⠀
Jesus looked at them and said, “with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.”

Team HD. Photo courtesy of hidilyndiaz on Instagram

Diaz continues to hog the headlines after she won the gold medal for the Weightlifting 55 kg category in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. With her mighty strength, focus, and determination, she bested two opponents from China (Q.Y. Liao) and Kazakhstan (Z. Chinshanlo). She cleared 127kg in her final lift in clean and jerk and finished with a total of 224kg lifted – both Olympic records.

Hidilyn Diaz was ecstatic after winning the gold medal for weightlifting at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Photo courtesy of Reuters / Edgard Garrido

Diaz is set to receive Php10 million from the government for bagging the historic first gold medal for the Philippines after nearly 100 years of Olympic gold dry spell. Meanwhile, a silver is worth Php5 million, while a bronze Php2 million, but additional pledges from various individuals have reached the total prize of Php35 million+ (to date, as per a recent report).

The Zamboanga City pride is now the most consummate Philippine Olympian. She’s not just a gold medalist, but a multi-medal winner from various competitions, such as the 2016 Rio Olympics, 2018 Asian Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2019 SEA Games.

Hidilyn Diaz has now 232k followers on her Instagram account.

Featured photo courtesy of @hidilyndiaz on Instagram

#OlympicWeightlifting #TokyoOlympics2020 #HidilynDiaz #goldmedalist #pinaypower #Philippines #pinaypride #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

March 23, 2021

Women Speak Up

Let’s hear it from these successful women who have made a difference in their own unique ways.

In the course of my work interviewing various personalities, I have come across varying ideas and views about issues – from personal, complex to the most trivial – but what strikes me the most is when those thoughts emanate straight from the heart. It feels genuine and sincere. It makes you think, that we are all the same in the eyes of God – you stumble, recover, and start again, and come out a better person. There is always resilience in the face of trials and adversity.

Here are some of the meaningful quotes I have gathered from my previous interviews with these accomplished women:

“How I rose from scratch makes me a real model for the youth. I will never break that image.”

– Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, when she was chosen as one of the “Most Distinguished Women” in Puerto Rico at the age of 23. She shared that she was probably selected because she made well in spite of her very humble background.

“Mothers are often placed in a dilemma prioritizing between career and family. But for me, my family is always first.”

-Zsa-Zsa Padilla, actress, singer, mom, digital influencer, during the time when she was reviving her showbiz career

“After that trying situation, I’ve learned to appreciate life more. It has strengthened my faith. I feel so blessed and whatever will happen to me, I’ll be fine because I’ve been given so much already.”

-Megastar Sharon Cuneta, on her thoughts, when she had her second miscarriage

“I believe in a woman’s right to express herself and to live her life the way she wants to, without losing her sense of morality. I’ll probably despise myself if I take on any man I meet in the streets. Let’s not limit the definition of morality. The most important thing is to have respect for yourself.”

– Star for All Seasons and Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto on how she sees herself in a movie role “Bata, Bata . . . Paano Ka Ginawa?”

Courtesy Bianca Araneta-Elizalde FB Page

“Always keep your values and be well-grounded. When you get into it, you must be mentally, physically, and emotionally stable. You must know what you want because you can fall into so many traps. Make sure to carry the real person in you.”

– Bianca Araneta-Elizalde on her advice to youngsters who are contemplating a career in modeling and hosting

Katherine Annwen De Guzman. Courtesy www.geocities.ws

“It should be considered so important. Where’s the system going if people aren’t educated? How can we vote for a good president if we don’t have educated people?”

– Katherine Annwen De Guzman, former Bb. Pilipinas-World on her notion that education must come first

“My family. And I would dedicate my life to preserving that. It’s something I hold in my heart. My mission is to help build a foundation for a good family because I believe the family is a source of strength for all of us. So that children will have good idols, and when they have their own families they will also be able to pass on the strong family values they learned from their own parents.”

-Janelle Bautista, former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe on what she considers as the most beautiful thing in this world, and what would she do to preserve it

Individually, these inspiring women have made a difference in their own unique ways. Happy International Women’s Month!

#InternationalWomensMonth #views #thoughts #women #personalities #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Category: Milestones

Taal Vista Hotel Designated as UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub in Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), led the conferment under the theme “Building the Future Together.”

Solaire Resort North Celebrates Guinness World Records™ Title for The Mangrove

PBBM: ‘Pangarap n’yo ay pangarap ko . . .’

Golden Feat: Hidilyn Diaz feels grateful for making her triumph “possible”

Women Speak Up

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