Recap: The Better With Aging Summit
When I first thought of putting together the Better With Aging Summit, I wasn’t sure anyone would actually come. Talking about aging isn’t exactly a hot topic in a society obsessed with youth. It felt vulnerable, even a little risky—inviting women to spend their Saturday afternoon unpacking the layers of getting older. Would people relate? Would they care?
But on March 29, the room was full. We just successfully mounted the Better With Aging Summit last Saturday and wow, what a thrill that was. I was on an elevated heart rate for the last few weeks making sure everything would go well on the day of the summit. And it did, despite the stress, thanks to the amazing team we had laying the groundwork and managing the setup. If there's one compliment I loved receiving the most from our guests, it’s how they realized that aging is not just about what we look like, but how we feel inside too. We have to think about our mental and physical health, and we have to be braver, to take more chances.
Women of all ages came, many of them strangers to each other, but connected by a quiet, powerful understanding: we’ve all been made to feel that growing older is something to fix, fight, or fear. That day, we chose something else: we chose to celebrate it. What followed was one of the most beautiful and honest afternoons I’ve ever experienced.
The phenomenal Mica Pineda was once again our host for the event. We kicked things off with a keynote talk by Myrza Sison, who shared advice on how to evolve through the years. She is proof that change is not just a necessity but a way to thrive. “Your best chapters are still ahead!” she said, and I cannot agree with anyone more. Apples Aberin spoke about the seven key lessons she’s learned over the years, ones that keep her not just relevant but also happy in her trajectory. For her, progress over perfection is key, and at the end of the day we have to pay it forward for our achievements to be more meaningful.
Host Mica Pineda
Myrza Sison
Apples Aberin
We also had a heartfelt fireside chat with Sarah Lahbati. She spoke with such honesty and grace about learning to love herself without needing to impress others. For her, getting older means being more intentional about where she puts her energy, and choosing to prioritize her own well-being over people’s expectations. It was a reminder that self-worth doesn’t come from outside validation. It’s something we build from within.
Sarah Lahbati
Our first panel, From Hustle to Heart: How to Have a Meaningful Life, was a grounding, affirming conversation with Rosario Juan, Anna Oposa, and Reese Fernandez-Ruiz. I moderated this one because I really wanted to learn from these women about how they’re able to stay focused on their purpose They shared how their definitions of success have changed over time, and how meaning isn’t found in doing more. It’s in doing what matters.
Rosario Juan, Anna Oposa, and Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
The Art of Aging Well: Beauty, Strength & Self-Care panel, featured Kimi Lu, Coach Mindy Rivilla-Lagdameo, and Dr. Jennie Francisco-Diaz. This was moderated by Janlee Dungca, and the conversation was fantastic! They talked about how aging isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, spiritual. They reminded us that self-care evolves, and that true beauty comes from knowing who we are and caring for ourselves like someone we love.
Kimi Lu, Coach Mindy Rivilla-Lagdameo, and Dr. Jennie Francisco-Diaz, moderated by Janlee Dungca
I looked around that room so many times, and what struck me most was how open everyone was. Women cried. Laughed. Nodded silently when something hit home. People made friends. They swapped stories. They remembered that they weren’t alone. And neither was I.
This summit started as an idea, just something I needed to hear myself. But it turned into a movement to remind us all that aging isn’t something to be ashamed of, instead, it’s something to honor. It means we’ve lived. At 37, I feel more grounded, more confident, and more myself than I ever did at 27. It’s not perfect. There are still days I mourn the version of me with a faster metabolism and fewer responsibilities. But this version of me? She’s softer, stronger, and far more self-assured.
Thank you to everyone who came, supported, and believed in this vision. You helped create something meaningful. And I’ll never forget it. Aging isn’t a decline. It’s a becoming, and we’re just getting started.
The Better With Aging Summit wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you to our Co-Presenter, Shiseido, for believing in our vision and helping us celebrate beauty at every age. Our Venue Partner, KMC Solutions, provided the perfect space for connection and conversation—we’re so grateful. To our Main Sponsors—Fortima, Beautybox Corp., Skin 101, and Myra Ultimate—thank you for championing wellness, skincare, and inner strength. And to our incredible brand partners—Snailwhite, Spotlight, Browhaus, Strip, Luxelle, Avon, Mis En Scene, In Touch, and Flowerman—your support added so much joy and thoughtfulness to the day. You helped make this experience truly meaningful for every woman in the room.
