When a Vedic reader told me the travel star is in my destiny natal chart, I didn’t realize it would mostly manifest this year. Gosh, that sentence needs translation, doesn’t it?

A Vedic chart reading is based on the positions of the stars and planets when you are born. Along with many other factors, the chart serves as a guideline or aid to understanding life’s challenges and obstacles. By knowing one’s Vedic chart, you gain a sense of clarity and assurance of the universal destiny meant for your life.

My chart says I am born to travel. So far, I have been to Japan five times! But last week was my first time to visit Hokkaido during its summer.

On invitation of Hokkaido Tracks (HT), my family and I stayed at one of the lodges in Niseko town, Japan’s premier resort town. HT has been selling and developing land in the Niseko-Hirafu region since 2003, building over 200 properties.

From concept to completion, they ensure all projects exceed expectations. Their services include custom homes, property management, property development, asset management, real estate sales and letting management. Since Japan allows foreigners to buy property without a local partner, it is a great real estate investment.

We stayed in one of HT’s properties called Foxwood. It is the first masterplanned estate in Higashiyama with seven proposed contemporary homes and underground infrastructure to maintain unobstructed views of Mount Yotei.

Hirafu village is 10 minutes away by car, and several shuttle buses run regular circuits to ski lifts and popular locations around Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko village, Annupuri, Niseko town and Kutchan town.

During the winter season, Chuo Bus operates several times a day to local hot spring onsens, JR Sapporo Station, and even Chitose Airport from a bus stop just meters from Foxwood.

‘Green season’

Skiing and snowboarding are obviously the main attraction for visitors to Niseko. But what sets Higashiyama apart from the rest of the resort is the wide range of “Green Season” activities. The Arnold Palmer-designed Niseko Golf Course and 170 other courses are all a short drive away.

Nearby outdoor adventure centers rent bicycles and operate family-friendly tours for those interested in river rafting, sea kayaking, trekking, mountain climbing, camping, etc.

For those who love to eat, there is farm-to-table dining with organic options and the option to pick your own fruit.

Guam for JT

A week before Hokkaido, I flew to Guam with my hubby Dennis, and renowned actor Joel Torre and his wife Cristy. We were there to open Joel’s first international branch of his JT’s Manukan Chicken Inasal restaurant. Joel and Dennis have been classmates since grade school at La Salle Bacolod, and they partnered with several Guam friends for the venture.

Guam is a great place for Pinoys to visit. Our shared history goes back to Magellan’s voyage and there is probably more prehistory before that.

We have much in common, and among more modern cultural traits, what I love is that Guamanians love shopping as much as we do. I mean, where else can one find a Kmart store that is open 24/7? It’s the perfect place to head to once the Philippine Airlines flight lands at 4 a.m.

On a naughtier front, I found out that Guam has just legalized recreational marijuana, and just like in several American states, the industry is growing, haha.

French style from Lacoste

Travel aside, I was in Manila for the launch of Lacoste’s Spring Summer 2019 Tennis Remix collection. In celebration of Lacoste’s DNA of modern French style and sporting he-ritage, the iconic brand hosted an exhibition tennis match and a fashion presentation at the Rockwell Club, Makati.

Rockwell’s tennis court was transformed into a contemporary urban tennis playground where guests were welcomed by a Tennis Infinity Photo Booth and a pretty awesome VR (virtual reality) station, which transported participants to the brand’s heritage.

Over in the real world, A-list tennis aficionados played a friendly match of mixed doubles on the clay court, while fashionable spectators Marlon Stockinger, Santino Rosales, Mari Jasmine, Amanda Fernandez, Ida Anduyan and Miguel Wycoco, all in Lacoste Tennis Remix collection, sipped on cocktails and joined the affair. Music and beats was courtesy of DJ Samir Ayeb.

The exhibition match was capped with the awarding of winners Hanky Lee and Ninay Morales. The Tennis Remix Collection is available in all local stores and at lacoste.com.ph.

Essential oils

I also hosted an intimate party to launch Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, a line of essential oils. The launch included some shopping items from Ann Ong jewelry.

Essence of Cleopatra also carries popular essential oils with specific healing agents. Examples: peppermint for energy and digestion; lavender for stress relief; bergamot for skin conditions; tea tree for infections and to boost immunity; sandalwood to calm nerves.

For its Youth Serum, argan oil is its natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco. It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, often used in skincare as an anti-aging product. The oils are available at Luxe by Kristine Salon.Spa, Lumiere Spa, Nature’s J. Spa, Dr. James Joaquin’s clinic, Rebel Yoga Studio, Pure Beauty, Sonya’s Garden and Spa, and Chimes Specialty Store.

In closing, according to another Vedic reader, between Aug. 8-15, Jupiter will be moving forward and giving inspiration for a renewed sense of purpose. This long weekend is a perfect time to reflect on midyear goals to be fulfilled by the end of the year.

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