A brave new world
“Only those who dare to fall greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy
In life, adversity only visits the strong because those who are focused and confident clearly know how to overcome any challenge that arrives. Right now, adversity is the bridge I am on. It is the work I am dealing with to rebuild trust in myself, protect my peace, and not let bitterness take the wheel.
Over time, I have learned that resilience is built through consistent action rather than dramatic breakthroughs or noisy explosions. By seeking support from my family and friends, realigning my approach, and continuing to move forward despite setbacks, I have developed greater patience, confidence, and empathy. This experience continues to shape how I approach challenges and emotional issues today—not as obstacles or traumas to avoid, but as opportunities to grow and better understand myself and others.
A month ago, I decided to venture into real estate postings so I can start a new platform with a different purpose. I am done presenting myself only as a victim of my circumstances or just the hero of my story. I want to show thoughtful reflection and concrete growth that at my age, it is never too late to start with a wiser heart.
Leaning into my authentic self, I chose to reinvent myself and build a career as a real estate influencer. I will be sharing market insights, house tours, practical advice, and the lessons I have learned through years and tears of life experience.
Together with all the real estate listings, I will also feature interior design projects, new restaurants, home furnishings, and luxury resorts all over the country. I am quite excited to share the latest exhibits, including local fashion designers and weave artists.
Design agenda
I recently attended the Bernhardt Exhibit at SoFA Design Institute at Proscenium, Rockwell. On invitation of Elisha Mendoza of Bernhardt Philippines, I got to view the three new collections of this US furniture company.
Several pieces from three new collections—Tempo, Monolith, and Antibes—are showcased at the school. Each collection carries a distinct identity but they all share the same purpose to inspire and elevate your space and lifestyle.
Bernhardt’s core has always been anchored on great design and how it inspires and elevates our way of life, which is why this collaboration with SoFA is very meaningful. I had my eye on so many items but I will reserve them for future plans.
New heights
For my first resort feature, I am so delighted to discover Hann Resorts in Clark City, Pampanga. Located in the heart of Clark Freeport Zone, Hann Casino Resort embodies the brand promise “Play Bold. Live Bold.” As one of the country’s premier integrated resorts, it brings together world-class hospitality, gaming, retail, dining, meetings, and entertainment within a single destination. The resort is home to Swissôtel Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, the 8th Avenue Retail Strip, and a continuously expanding portfolio of lifestyle experiences.
Complementing its retail offerings, Hann Casino Resort has also established itself as one of the culinary capitals of Clark, housing more than 20 restaurants, cafés, bars, and dining concepts under one destination.
At Swissôtel Clark, guests can enjoy the refined flavors of Ristorante di Verona, the hotel’s specialty Italian restaurant that celebrates authentic Italian cuisine through premium ingredients and traditional recipes.
At Clark Marriott Hotel, guests can experience the rich culinary traditions of Asia. Wu Xing, the hotel’s specialty Chinese restaurant, presents refined Chinese cuisine through thoughtfully curated dishes. Meanwhile, Smoki Moto showcases contemporary Korean and Japanese cuisine, further enriching Hann Resorts’ diverse dining portfolio with bold flavors and modern interpretations.
Just a short drive away in New Clark City, Tarlac, Hann Reserve represents the next chapter of Hann Resorts—a 450-hectare eco-luxury golf and lifestyle estate where championship golf, hospitality, wellness, and sustainability converge. Guided by the philosophy “Greatness, by Nature,” Hann Reserve is envisioned as an integrated lifestyle destination designed to rival the world’s premier golf estates while celebrating the natural beauty of Central Luzon.
Inquirer Property and Hann Resorts arranged for a leisure visit to experience the latest offerings. We stayed in Swissôtel Clark and played a round of golf at the newly opened Hann Reserve Dragon’s Landing. By far, this course is the most impressive in the country and will surely elevate the Philippines as a golf destination for more golfers and tourists to come.
Manila craves
Because I was in Clark, I missed the Lifestyle Asia event for Crave to feast at Levanto. The event invited guests to look beyond the plate and uncover the stories, rituals, and experiences that shape the way we dine through an exploration of Levanto’s six distinct culinary concepts: Mireia Dining, Brontë, Hakka, Tadhana, Taglish, and the Tasting Room.
Helping bring the event to life were beverage partners The Macallan and Highland Park, hydration partner Evian, and venue partners Levanto Building, Monarc, Venetian, and Sistema, whose support made an evening dedicated to dining, culture, and connection possible.
The formal program opened with remarks from Lifestyle Asia chief of editorial content Kerry Tinga, who shared the vision behind Crave and its role in spotlighting the people, places, and perspectives shaping the way Manila dines today. Lifestyle Asia’s June Wine & Dine cover stars Amado and Carmela Forés of AF Hospitality were also present.
Guests also heard from Levanto owner Donn Ang who spoke about the vision behind the newly opened destination and its ambition to create a space where hospitality, design, and culture converge.
In the coming weeks, I will be showcasing beautiful homes and interior design projects that reflect local artistic schemes. Please check out my new Instagram account @TessaRealEstatePH. I am looking forward to share the beauty of the Philippines in different resorts and developments all over our country.
