My weekend with Taylor Swift, tennis, and the Lexus RZ
I finally had a weekend at home.
After weeks of traveling, you realize you want to be home and do nothing. Well, sort of.
Last weekend was mostly spent indoors, avoiding the intense heat and managing hot flashes. Edu Manzano joked on Instagram that this heat is a good reason to repent because if this was unbearable, just imagine hell! It’s a clever reminder to strive to be better human beings.
Tortured Poets Department
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking album added another feather to her cap. Initially, the melancholy tone and lyrics caught me off guard. But soon, I was humming along to “Fortnight,” a collaboration with Post Malone. Taylor shares that this album came from a dark place, challenging the pedestal she’s placed and revealing her true feelings through her songwriting. It’s a healthy reminder that feeling your feelings is okay. Although she’s getting criticism for her lyrics being more raw, explicit, and unfiltered, that’s life. While some of her contemporaries have turned to more destructive expressions, she demonstrates that one can succeed even with a broken heart.
Tennis: More Than Just a Sport
Tennis is making a comeback and it’s not just about the sport but about looking fabulous while playing. With designers launching their own “tennis core” collections and Zendaya’s headline-grabbing tennis-inspired red carpet fashion, everyone’s getting into the swing of things. I’ve started playing tennis, coached by the fabulous Dyan Castillejo, though I’m more of a pickle ball player as it’s gentler with my aging joints. But there’s something incredibly satisfying about smashing a tennis ball because it’s a great way to relieve stress. I’m not aiming to compete, just want to have fun.
The Lexus RZ: Pure battery power
Another weekend highlight was testing the Lexus RZ. As a previous Lexus owner, I’m familiar with the joys of Lexus ownership, including their superb customer care program, which makes it hassle-free.
For me, Asian cars have a more comfortable seat angle as compared to European cars. Maybe it’s because it’s built for Asian back issues. When I asked my kids what they like about the car? It was the generous leg space and the airplane smell. Although the trunk is a bit limited, it’s easy to work around it.
I liked that the RZ has enough bells and whistles without overwhelming the driver. It boasts a wide touchscreen display that overreacts to a 360-degree camera view when going over bumps and plenty of charging options (a MagSafe charger and three USB-C ports).
My favorite? The seat coolers are a godsend in the Philippines and should be made standard. The impressive sunroof turns from opaque to clear at the flick of a button. While some might miss the engine’s roar in this super quiet drive, it’s not that bad that you need to recheck if the engine is on.
The interiors exude quiet luxury with a mix of leather and suede-type materials, though I would’ve liked a bit more flair on the door trims, similar to the Brunello Cucinelli brown and sparkle strip but that’s just me. The materials used are both luxurious and low maintenance. For me, a winning combo.
It was a weekend well-spent belting out Taylor Swift’s anthems in the Lexus RZ on the way to whack some tennis balls, just a perfect way to reset and clear out those negative vibes mentally and physically. It also helps when your car doesn’t add to the stress but enhances your mood. Nowadays, being mobile isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about arriving at point B better than when you left point A.
