HER CROWN JEWELS

In A.S. Byatt’s 1990 novel “Possession”, the reader undergoes a tempestuous journey surrounding a romantic mystery that culminates in the discovery of meaning and purpose through a series of beautifully written letters, journal entries, and poems set against a lush 19th-century backdrop. It is a literary masterpiece that not only enthralls the reader with its well-developed historiographic metafictional characters loosely-based on Alfred, Lord Tennyson (or Robert Browning) and Christina Rossetti, but also with the hearts of the novel’s protagonists who for me, are symbolic bastions of curiosity and self-revelation. It is my subject’s favorite book, as I found out during the interview, and a suitable allegory to the spirit of the story of which I am to write about.

Bea Valdes, esteemed jeweler, bag artist, and just last year, home decor and furniture designer, invited the Lifestyle Asia team to the family estate in the hills of Tagaytay for a day of good food and great conversation. The early morning drive was chilly. And for the most part of the drive, the team was tucked into their seats sleeping save for the occasional banter, excited to see the Valdes home, which in pictures looked absolutely breathtaking yet extremely cozy.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Pam, Bea’s mother, who brought us to their large receiving area and served us breakfast. While waiting for the rest of the production team to arrive, she introduces us to her husband Gabby and over , ham, and coffee, she continues to put everyone at ease, making sure each person is comfortable in the place she and Gabby have recently called