Thank goodness for happy distractions

“Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.” —James Clear

The key to creating true and lasting life transformation begins with habit change. This process starts with self-awareness and ends with consistent, repeated actions.

Our mind runs mostly on automatic throughout the day. To improve our quality of life, we should make the conscious effort to shift our thoughts, feelings and actions to create positive change. We begin to change our lives when we start focusing on who we are. Watching your new chapter unfold may take patience and understanding. Do not give up until the habit assimilates into your system.

Good habits shape into self-improvement when one starts taking action. From the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, forming a good habit starts with a trigger, cue or reminder. “Habit change starts with small beginnings and builds with tiny gains compounded over time.”

Building new daily habits takes focus, discipline and accountability. In any relationship, it takes time to heal from a broken one. I now understand the value of clearing internal emotional energies and asking help from friends and family. Removing the craving or addiction should be addressed with mental and physical detachment. Although easier said than done, this is quite attainable with professional help, loving support from family and friends and happy distractions!

Team Sea Princess Nova Veluz, Dr. Rica Cruz and Tessa Prieto and Team Juana Change – Mae Paner , Leon Flores III, Richard Merk

Passion project

And thank goodness for the happy distractions in my life! I recently joined “Family Feud” under Team Sea Princess with my good friends Nova Veluz, Shelly Lazaro and Dr. Rica Cruz. Playing against Team Juana Change, we won and made it all the way to the grand prize. It was actually redemption for me from my hilariously terrible answers in another episode several years ago.

At our viewing party last week, watching the show on the latest LG TV, we had games in-between with Pili Ani beauty products prizes for all winners. These local products are my favorite because the essentials oils are so effective.

My dear friend Shelly and I did the Fast Q&A on “Family Feud” and won an additional cash prize. We were also glad that the show donated a portion to the Philippine Red Cross as my chosen charity.

It was so special to be on the show with Shelly, as we are also celebrating our 20th year of being friends! I got invited by the Australian ambassador to the launch of Shelly’s skincare distribution company back in 2004, and the rest is history. Her company has since brought in plenty of amazing beauty and wellness brands from different parts of the world. She also opened several spa and wellness centers.

Ever the entrepreneur, Shelly has been spending a lot of time with the stalwarts and mavericks of the wines and spirits industry. She has discovered some really great brands that are rich in history. Her latest passion project, The Drink Registry, aims to give people in her circle special access and dibs to some of the world’s finest, rare and hard to find drinks through this exclusive events and e-commerce platform where you can network, shop, give and receive.

One of her personal favorites in her curated list is Antigal Wines from Argentina. We recently had a wine appreciation dinner at my house with no less than the brand owner himself, the very handsome Francesco Cartoni who flew in from Argentina and spent just a couple of days in Manila. His family owns one of the most iconic wineries in Argentina. You can now get the entire Antigal product line from The Drink Registry.

The online shop, with a same-day delivery feature, will be up very soon. In the meantime, you can email sales@drinkregistry.ph or message Shelly directly (0917-5770921) for your orders or inquiries. Watch out for more of The Drink Registry’s events and product offerings.

More events

Life has been progressively moving forward with so many events happening all at the same time. For the launch of Max Mara’s latest collection, the international clothing brand chose the “Women’s Land Army” in the 1940s as their theme. The theme may be pastoral but this is a collection dedicated to the big city girl and the modern mania for horticulture.

The in-store launch of the spring/summer 2024 collection was held at Max Mara in Greenbelt 3.

Even Sundays have been busy for me with events. For the 20th anniversary of SpectruMed, the company hosted the President’s Cup polo match at the Manila Polo Club. Guests enjoyed an exclusive VIP Lounge called Spectrum of Beauty and it was a day filled with great company, including valued clients, partners and the press. The lounge wasn’t just about watching the thrilling High Goal Game and marveling at the majestic horses and their riders; it was a feast for the senses!

“We are thrilled to kick off our 20th anniversary with such a prestigious event at the Manila Polo Club President’s Cup. Our clients and partners have been instrumental in building a spectrum of success over the past two decades, and we are dedicated to providing them with unforgettable experiences such as this one,” said SpectruMed chair Doron Glazer.

But with all the events I attend, I am most happy to spend quality time with my daughter Jordan in Siargao. I was so happy to squeeze in a surf and some good bonding time before jetting off to Africa this weekend.

For my quick trip, I stayed in Jordan’s newly opened surfer’s hostel, Copacabana (@copacabana.iao). With a Brazilian-themed, maximalist design, Copacabana stands out as a fun and vibrant place for travelers to lounge around or meet other adventurers. It’s walking distance to the main restaurant and bar area in General Luna, but still quiet enough to relax after a long day exploring Siargao.

It was a short but sweet trip, but whenever I’m in town, I definitely always need to dine at Jordan’s restaurant, Nãga Siargao (@naga.siargao). With their delicious Filipino-Mediterranean cuisine, the coziest decor, and the best live music every night, going to Nãga is always a good time. Can’t wait to be back! INQFollow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.