Last night, over dinner with friends, I declared with absolute resolve that I will never ever pay for cosmetic surgery for the sake of vanity. Everyone grows old and the age lines are our life's battle scars. Every woman (or man) should be proud of it.

Mother Theresa once said, “A good feeling from inside is worth much more than a beautician."

Isn't it phenomenal to turn 60 and look every inch graceful and charismatic ? It can be done! And Miriam Batucan is a living testament of one woman who fits this mold.

She turned 60 last January. She is the other half of the Cebuano couple to have been awarded the Benemerenti award by Pope Benedict XVI (a first in New Zealand). This award is conferred to those who have exhibited a long and exceptional service to the Catholic church. She has devoted herself to loving others, devoted herself to the community around her and devoted herself to creating something that gives her purpose and meaning.

She is every inch an inspiration of how one should live life. Her strength and compassion is the torch of light for the NZ-Filipino Devotees of Senyor Santo Nino. She is the chairperson of the organizing committee of the Sinulog Festivities in Auckland which is now on its 16th year.

She is not only a mother to Kit, Arthur, Oscar Jr, Vincent and Mary Anne but she has become a mother to a lot of migrants who she has taken under her wings.

When she celebrated her 'sweet' 60th birthday at the St. Benedict's church last Friday, the number of people who came was an affirmation of how she is very much loved and respected in the society. The venue was filled to the brim.

To Tita Miriam, whose love, encouragement and confidence held me tenderly and nudged me gently.

To Tita Miriam, whose grace, success and gratitude lifted me into the fullness of surrender to God.

To Tita Miriam, the woman on my journey who taught me love by means of both darkness and light...

I whisper a prayer that she continue to have happiness and miracles everyday of her life. And that I may turn 60 as gracefully and as stunningly beautiful as she is.

Because the Beauty of the Heart is after all one that will last forever.