Focus on self-love, health, family
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” –Tony Robbins
Merry Christmas to one and all! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, perfect for bonding, reflection, and love.
Between all the merriment and busyness, I found time to reflect on and appreciate all the experiences and blessings throughout the year. For me, 2024 has been all about resilience, humility, strength, growth, and generosity.
For as long as my Assumption High School 1981 batch has been together, we have always celebrated Christmas in our usual fantastic way—by sharing our charitable deeds. For the second Christmas in a row, we once again brought joy and cheer to the seniors at the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly in San Juan.
The Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly is a religious order founded in Spain by the venerable Father Saturnino Lopez Navoa and Saint Teresa of Jesus in 1872. There are 210 communities spread all over Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In the Philippines, the community serves over a hundred elderly residents in San Juan and Tagaytay.
My generous batchmates Jojo Ongsiako, Popsie Gamboa, Pia Boncan, Susan de Castro, Connie Quirino, Shirley Daryanani, Chiqui Mangibin, Macky del Rosario, Claudette Cordon, Pia Lorenzo, Liaa Bautista, Carmela Puyat, Janine Dario, Mariles Matias, Marichu Martija, Tessa Alindogan, and Rosette Benedicto brought over a truckload of rice, chicken, fish, hygiene supplies, and cleaning materials for the lolas living there.
Another batchmate of ours, singer Christine Carlos, sang with Reena del Rosario (daughter of batchmate Macky) and our favorite vocal coach Lucille Balais-Javier. Together, they performed Christmas carols and OPM hits, with the lolas gamely singing and dancing along.
From the proceeds of the recent Red Charity Gala, our ACHS 1981 batch and RCG partner Kaye Tinga presented a check to help defray some operating expenses of the center.
Preserving local waters
Apart from my support for the beneficiaries of RCG, I am also committed to help the protection of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site. As an avid scuba diver and lover of the sea, my annual dive trip on board Oceana Maria Scuba has kept me focused on my advocacy. I am looking forward to next year’s dive trip, thanks to my gracious aunt Mary de Leon. Check out their Instagram @divetubbataha for dive trip schedules.
In line with my desire to preserve our local waters, I was delighted to go onboard the world’s most advanced marine research and media vessel, the OceanXplorer, last Dec. 4. OceanX, the global ocean exploration nonprofit, and WWF Philippines welcomed more than 40 guests onboard to check out the vessel that was docked in Manila for just a few days.
Nanette Medved-Po, WWF trustee and founder of PCX and Hope, opened the evening by sharing how she conceived the idea of inviting OceanX to the country with Mark Dalio, founder and co-CEO of OceanX, over a lunch back in October 2023.
Mark said that the Philippines is a natural partner for OceanX. With over 7,000 islands and some of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots on Earth, it is a place where science, sustainability, and community must come together to create solutions. This is why OceanX is thrilled to be in the country to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Elaborating on the purpose of the initial short visit in early December, Mark said that the focus was education, aiming to build the ocean workforce of tomorrow. OceanX believes in the incredible potential of Filipino youth to shape a sustainable future. By introducing them to opportunities in ocean science, storytelling, engineering, and technology, they aim to support the development of local talent and inspire a skilled ocean workforce that will drive sustainable solutions for generations to come.
In addition, OceanX also started building relationships and support for a mission in the Philippines in late 2025. The nonprofit sees many areas where collaboration and mutual learning would advance knowledge in potential areas, such as fishery management, coral reef health, and deep-sea mapping.
After the welcome remarks and an engaging fireside chat, guests toured the OceanXplorer, learning more about the science and exploration capabilities of the state-of-the-art vessel, including the two submersibles that can go as deep as 1,000 m, mission control where the ROV (remotely operated vehicle) is operated, dive center, wet and dry labs, and more. OceanX is the brightest hope for our waters!
A book a month
With just a few days before 2025, I have started my New Year’s list of life goals where I will focus on self-love, health, and family. I would like to also find time to read a book a month.
For January, I chose “Own Your Meraki,” the latest book of Neetu Nilishi, a celebrated author, Tarot card reader, meditation instructor, Mahavastu expert, and intuitive counselor. Known for her expertise in aligning energies for health, abundance, and fulfilling relationships, Neetu brings her unique insights to this transformative work.
As redefined self-help literature, “Own Your Meraki” is more than a book; it’s a guide to embracing hope, experiencing miracles, and tapping into the “MOG”—the Meraki of God—the love and support of the Universe. Through its pages, Neetu empowers readers to merge their intelligence, intuition, and belief in Divine Consciousness. With this powerful combination and the art of complete surrender, she demonstrates how magic can unfold in everyday life.
Neetu’s book sets the stage for a purposeful and successful year ahead. It tackles self-doubt and demotivation, two barriers that often hinder growth and progress. With practical guidance and inspirational wisdom, “Own Your Meraki” ignites a fire within readers, inspiring them to dream big and achieve their goals.
A mantra from the book encourages readers to persevere no matter what: “Tell yourself every day, ‘I will not stop trying. The only thing I refuse to give up is trying.’” This empowering reminder fuels resilience and determination, making it a key to unlocking success and fulfillment.
Whether you’re looking to overcome the year-end blues, find hope for the future, or align with your dreams, “Own Your Meraki” is your ultimate guide.
