I was too busy having fun over the holidays that I didn’t have time to make any New Year’s resolutions—all for the better, because now I won’t feel bad about breaking those I never made.

Spending less on shopping would have been a good resolution, if I had made up a list. It’s a good thing, too, because it’s impossible to ignore all the amazing end-of-season discounts. That resolution would not have lasted past New Year’s Eve.

In California, the Mecca of retail shopping where I spent the holidays with our two college-aged kids and the rest of the family, I found all sorts of gifts and great bargains in some of its outlet malls.

For a New Year’s Eve dinner, the family of Titoy and Marilyn Pardo graciously hosted a delicious Chinese lauriat in San Francisco.

For 2018, one of my resolutions focus on beauty, wellness and healthy living. This may be truly overwhelming at first, but at my glorious age, it’s quite necessary. Thank goodness for skincare products that deliver youth-preserving results.

RJ Santos, David Milan, Santino Rosales, Joshua de Sequera, Kylie Verzosa, LA Aguinaldo, Maureen Wroblewitz, Donny Pangilinan, Hannah Pangilinan, Dee Gee Razon, Jennifer Contreras, Jaggy Glarino, Raymond Ang, Onin Lorente, Lex Celera

Usana, a United States-based nutritional company that makes supplements, personal care and healthy food products, will be launching its high-performance skincare system, Usana Celavive (visit www.celavive.com). This unique line is fueled by Usana InCelligence Technology, a combination of powerful peptides, botanicals and key nutrients that talk to your skin’s cells to target your unique beauty needs.

Keijun Koh, Usana director of product development, said there is sufficient scientific study behind the beauty line. Usana’s advanced skincare system features the exclusive Cell-Signaling Complex, specifically designed to help support bodily processes responsible for natural, beauty-preserving functions.

Usana Celavive products also feature Usana’s Olivol Botanical Blend—a combination of olive, apple, lentil and watermelon fruit extracts that have been clinically shown to provide 24 hours of hydration after just one application.

For the Usana Celavive Philippine launch next month, equestrian Michelle Barrera, Philippine Azkals member Misagh Bahadoran, actress Sam Pinto and 1989 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Sara Jane Paez were chosen as product ambassadors. I will join them at the big reveal at SM MOA Arena.

Dan Macuga, Usana chief communication and marketing officer, introduced the beauty line to me when he visited the country a couple of months ago. I am happy to report that there have been incredible improvements in my skin tone and texture.

Standing are Dianne and Jude Aguilar, Myda and Andrew Prieto, Barbie and John Tiangco, Bettina and James Harner, Yvette and JP Orbeta ; seated are Dennis and Tessa Valdes, Mona and Robin Valdes.

Shared blessings

It’s the year of recovery. Hopefully, what you missed and lost last year will be recovered this year. Good karma comes with good fortune. I always believe wonderful rewards happen when blessings are shared.

At the opening of Wilcon Depot Bacolod-Talisay branch, Wilcon Depot big boss William Belo handed over a P1.8 million check for the purchase of a brand-new Isuzu 10-wheeler fire tanker to the community service arm of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BFCCCII), the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade (CVFB), which is celebrating its 40th founding anniversary.

The turnover ceremony was led by Philippine Red Cross governor Jorge Lim, Wilcon VP for human resource Grace Tiong, Wilcon president and chief executive officer Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, Wilcon SEVP-chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong, CVFB fire chief Bryant Lao, BFCCCII president Ong Beng Ping, BFCCCII executive vice president Clifford Uy and BFCCCII director Wee Kiat Tan.

Wilcon Depot has recently opened its 41st retail store at Diversion Road, Brgy. Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City. Aiming to have 65 stores by 2022, it is set to open more branches in Cavite, Tacloban and Zamboanga.

Jonathan Kwong, Careen Belo, Rosemarie Ong, Iloilo City Mayor José Espinosa III, Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, Cosette Defensor, William Belo, Alen Alban

Youthful energy

After attending Marites Allen’s Feng Shui Extravaganza yesterday, I am really looking forward to this Year of the Earth Dog. She suggested surrounding yourself with young positive energy so you can be more energetic and happy.

At the 7th Philippine Fashion Ball last year, it was all about youth and looking forward. Several personalities were honored for their innovative creations. Young male models and athletes Joshua de Sequera of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and Santino Rosales of the football team of Colegio de San Agustin were feted for being runway standouts in the Ayala Malls Style Origins series and the Red Charity Gala, as well as being featured in print and online.

The winners of the Bench Design Competition who flew the Philippine colors in Tokyo Amazon Fashion Week were awarded, and also dressed the Fashion Ball’s style savants that night.

The talents that command massive online followers were acknowledged, of course. The Lit Blogger award went to DG Razon, while “It” boy and newly minted vlogger LA Aguinaldo was recognized for his videos that showcase the world’s wonders, as well as his more mundane adventures, such as convincing a friend to try boxing.

Siblings Donny and Hannah Pangilinan were also awarded as Lit Influencer and Lit Female Blogger respectively.