“IT IS by chance that we met, but it is by choice that we became friends” - Henri Nouwen
Somewhere down the road, we encounter people who leave their mark on our lives, whether we’ve known them over a span of years or only met them once and never again.
I can easily say that I would not be where I am now, if it had not been for those who I had met along my journey. I have created lasting friendships with many of those who have been part of my journey, whether I have gotten the privilege of seeing them everyday or met them for just a brief moment.
I am extremely grateful for having been blessed with such amazing company. In this article, I would like to recognize a few people whose impression made a lasting impact on me.
The first two people whom I would like to recognize are people who I had met during my travels in New York with Bong, Lim, Dion, and Amy.
The first, Sonny Garcia, was introduced to me by Alex Pineda in New York. Aside from his laughter and good company with amiable Dr. Manny Lim from LA, he took us out to a number of delectable restaurants: ranging from Turkish to Chinese and also Puerto Rican food at Sofrito with their to-die-for paella.
Miss Rebecca Villasenor and her unequaled hospitality at the posh and A class Waldorf Astoria will never be forgotten. She made sure that our experience was memorable by showing me around town and providing me with a VIP pass to the Metropolitan Museum—a tourist attraction which I thoroughly enjoyed. To Rebecca and Sonny, Maraming Salamat.
I am a frequent visitor to Las Vegas because of the opening of one of the Monet Salon branches there.
There is no doubt that my Las Vegas visits would not be the same without Doc Michael SantaJuana. He is a permanent fixture and supporter of the salon. He has always treated the Monet Salon Las Vegas team as family and has proven to be the life of the party at all salon functions. Doc’s sense of humor and vibrant personality keeps away dull moments.
Lerma Dela Cruz Calles, concert producer and former Grand Champion in Asia’s Song Festival, is one of my long-time friends—over twenty years, regardless of the 350-mile distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco. She makes sure that we always connect whenever I go to the City by the Bay.
Lerma and her husband Cesar Calles, are true friends. They are my second family in San Francisco. Although we do not get to see each other often, she will always have a special place in my heart.
I am so blessed to know all these people and many others whom I have had the privilege of meeting. For me, the world has become a better place to live because of their presence in my life. May God bless you. Until we meet again!
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The author is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products available at www.skinbymonet.com. He supports many humanitarian efforts to include projects in his native Marikina, The Bantay Bata Foundation, and many more. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com.
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