Big or small changes to make in 2025

The arrival of a new year brings with it the aim to do better, be better. Resolutions are made, and although we often joke that these are seldom kept, the effort in and of itself is laudable.

We asked our Lifestyle friends what their New Year’s resolutions are for 2025, and they willingly shared them. Maybe they will spur us to make our own during these early days of the new year.

Robbie Santos

Fashion designer, founder of Septième Rebelle

As a designer: Find more opportunities to travel. Traveling continuously inspires me to create—from fashion you see on the streets, to art and architecture. Some cultures have a unique way of putting together color combinations, or putting prints together. All of these influences serve as inspiration for my work.

As an individual: To be more spontaneous when being invited out by friends and family. My schedule is quite rigid, which is sometimes no fun! So, I need to open myself to spontaneity from time to time.

Muriel Vega Perez

Makeup artist

As an advocate of inclusive beauty and as a professional makeup artist, I would like to make a difference in people’s lives more this year. I would like to do more projects that would help individuals, that encompass not just physical beauty but beauty from within, too.

I will partner with beauty brands, local government units, and other pro makeup artists to do workshops with two target specific results: a personal makeup and skincare workshop that will help all attendees gain self-development and personal growth, and a continuous workshop for those who would like to turn their personal beauty skills into something profitable that may help them with their everyday financial expenses.

Melville Sy

Fashion stylist

As a fashion stylist, I’ll continue to push boundaries and work with different creatives to create looks that I can be proud of. I’d also like to achieve more growth not just for myself but our styling studio, Studio 24C.

Jerry Gracio

Screenwriter

To submit scripts on time. Accept only projects that I like, pay well, respect the writer and give writers enough time to write. Parang laging nagmamadali ang mga tao (Seems like people are always in a rush).

Richie Lerma

Director and chair, Salcedo Auctions

2025 is a big year for Salcedo Auctions as we celebrate our 15th anniversary. I hope to set the bar even higher as we continue redefining auctions and significantly contribute to the cultural landscape to maintain our key role as the arbiter and barometer of the Philippine art market and as an industry pioneer and leader.

Tala Singson

Interior designer

I would like to create and fine-tune better systems that will streamline my process, refine my workflow, and automate tasks. I would also like to invest more in continued education, and explore new and better materials that are also sustainable.

As an individual, I am aiming to prioritize health and fitness again—to plan and start an active routine, and to manage cashflow and finances even better this year.

Abbygale Arenas-de Leon

Corporate trainer

For the past 26 years, I have been a wife, a mother of two, a corporate trainer, an author, and now, a three-year breast cancer survivor. As I look ahead to 2025, my goal is to embrace intentional balance by dedicating more time to creative self-care—whether it’s trying new recipes, making art, or painting the garden wall—while continuing my work as a dedicated trainer, author, and breast cancer survivor advocate. I firmly believe that nurturing oneself is just as essential as nurturing others.

Marina Benipayo

Actor and model

The past year was too challenging, and really took a toll on my health. My New Year’s resolution is to seriously listen to my body when it needs to rest. No more pushing for more because ultimately, it’s always your mental and physical health that count.

Marga Nograles

Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer

I have two for this year. On the work front, I commit to continue working on even more meaningful programs that highlight the beauty and diversity of the Philippines while ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and promotes sustainability. The focus will be on initiatives that bring attention to our country’s hidden gems and the stories of the people who make them so special.

On a personal note, I want to make more time for self-care and quality moments with my family. Traveling for work has reminded me of how important it is to pause and appreciate the beauty around us. I hope to be able to find this time to create more lasting experiences with my husband and my children.

Ultimately, my resolution is to lead with purpose—whether that’s through work or in my personal life—while inspiring others to see and experience the Philippines as a place of immense beauty, resilience, and warmth.

Elmer Borlongan

Artist and painter

This year, I will do more prints and printmaking activities at Pasilyo Press. I will also spend more time exercising, biking, playing the guitar, and reading books.

Jilson Tiu

Photojournalist

My resolution is to invest my energy in experiences and relationships rather than material stuff.

Cathy Sanchez Babao

Grief coach

My only resolution, if you can even call it that, is to simply be a better version of myself, which requires discipline and a lot more inner work in 2025.

Charisse Chuidian

Vice president for public relations, City of Dreams Manila

My New Year’s resolution: Get seven hours’ sleep nightly, and …exercise!

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez

Jewelry designer and model

My resolutions are always quite doable and thus, my success rate is pretty high (laughs). For this year, they are to read more and scroll less, believe more and worry less.

Myrza Sison

Certified executive coach and podcaster

My New Year’s resolution is to finish my books, “Join Lang Nang Join: How to Create the Extraordinary Life You Deserve,” and “No. 64,” my first collection of short fiction; and to get started on a third one based on my podcast “You Can Do This!”

Harold Geronimo

Vice president for public relations and media affairs, Megaworld

One of the things I really want to do in 2025 is to be able to just focus on what is good and what is right: God first in 2025!

I will work harder to unload myself from the things that hinder my happiness, and the best way to deal with the undesirable is just to silently walk away.

I am so ecstatic to see what 2025 has to offer, and I just want to embrace every opportunity to be happier and better.