MANILA, Philippines - The most meaningful Christmas presents are those that bring enduring memories.
Model, entrepreneur, and mother of three Rissa Mananquil Trillo shares that the traditional opening of presents on Christmas morning was always full of happy memories for her family while she was growing up, “My siblings and I would open our presents from Santa, but what made it extra special were the memories of all the happy laughter and joking that went with it. I hope to foster the same kind of tradition with my husband and children.” Rissa and her husband Paolo Trillo always make sure to create happy Christmas memories for their son Enzo, and their daughters Celestia and Audra. “For me, the best presents remind the receiver of great memories, a special anecdote, and even secrets or dreams that you share. The best gifts are always personal,” she relates.
She remembers receiving a two-tone white and yellow gold charm bracelet from her moth- er, each charm earned as a reward for good grades. In the Pandora collection of bracelets and charms, Rissa has found the perfect way to introduce the tradition of creating one’s own unique charm bracelet to her two daughters. “I adore Pandora because it al- lows me to experience again those special memories I had while growing up. Charm bracelets are a wonderful way of telling one's story, and I hope to pass on the ritual to my daughters too,” she says.
Rissa too is creating a charm bracelet ‘life story’ with her own Pandora charm bracelet that is decorated with charms representing her family and other meaningful aspects of her life. “The camera charm represents not just my life and career as a model but also how instead of being in front of the camera, I now stand behind it so I can capture won- derful moments of my family. The airplane represents our family’s love of travel. Every December, we celebrate the holidays explor- ing a country. Our best memories come from our family trips. The Key to My Heart, and the P and R letter charms represent my mar- riage to Paolo. The three crowns represent our children– our biggest blessings. They ruleourlives. ThetealMuranocharmrepre- sents another "baby" of mine – my cosmetics line Happy Skin, makeup that cares for the skin. Together with my partners, we recently celebrated the brand’s first anniversary.”
Soon, she hopes to include the Gold Heart charm to represent her husband, “He really has a heart of gold. He is a good man to so many and loves our children like no other, his goodness inspires me everyday,” she dotes, and the Twinkling Night charm,” because I hope for my chil- dren to be each other’s guiding light as they grow older, and for them to succeed and shine bright with what they are pas- sionate about.”
For Rissa, the true value of jewelry isn’t really on how much it’s worth, but the personal story behind each one, which is why her Pandora charm bracelet is among her favourites and why she is so eager to share the experience with her daughters. “When you give Pandora pieces, you are not just giving a piece of jewelry. You’re evoking priceless memories,” she says.
Pandora boutiques are located at the Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street Central, Resorts World Manila, Shangrila Plaza Mall, Century City Mall, SM Mega Fashion Hall, The Podium, El- emento in SM Aura and Trinoma.