During this third and hopefully final extension of the quarantine, I have decided to “quarantine” my attention from all the negativity out there so I can refocus on my real life purpose. With more time for myself, I can pay more attention to developing skills.

For some of us, our purpose and passion in life are obvious and clear. We’re born with a set of talents, and through persistent practice, we develop our talents into skills. We then pursue them with passion and enthusiasm.

It’s never too late to change or adjust our purpose. Take a few moments and write a description of what the world would look like if we had the chance to operate it. Think about what we really want to do.

When you present your goals to the universe with all its powerful technology, you will be surprised and dazzled by what it delivers. This is where the magic and miracles truly happen.

Because of this enhanced community quarantine, I now have more time for my spiritual growth, as well. This pandemic has had tremendous impact on so many lives, both on personal and national levels. Global economies are going through maybe the highest level of hardship.

How do we make sense of what God is doing in periods of pain, disappointment and suffering? What’s impactful when we are going through suffering? Where is God? He is right there with us.

Be encouraged by the fact that suffering will not win. There is going to be a resurrection and an end to these evil symptoms. Our suffering need not defeat us if we lean into God. He will surround us with love and comfort.

The keyword now is resilience. We all need to maintain our core purpose and integrity in the face of dramatically changed circumstances.

Every single day is a gift. Even during these dark times, we have so much to be grateful for. Many people have celebrated their birthdays during lockdown but somehow the celebration was even more meaningful with those who matter the most.

99th birthday

This is so true especially for the Rustan’s Group’s Tantoco family. With most of the retail industry temporarily closed, this may be the most challenging time for their family-owned retail empire, but the Tantocos still share their strong family ties as they celebrate several important milestones in the family.

Last April 7, Rustan Commercial Corp. chair emeritus ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. celebrated his 99th birthday. Rustan’s cofounder “Lolo Benny” was supposed to have a birthday bash with a Bulakeño theme to celebrate his roots and his childhood. It was going to be celebrated with just family at home.

He might just jointly celebrate after lockdown with his daughter-in-law Nena Vargas Tantoco, who turned 75 on May 2. Tita Nena is such an elegant lady who has a gift for styling beautiful interiors and table settings.

Indeed, family is what truly matters most, and it took this virus to remind us of this valuable aspect. In our family, our youngest Athena Valdes turned 15 on May 5. Just like everyone, we celebrated at home with just family, and it was still very special.

Thanks to food delivery and online shopping, we were able to enjoy food favorites like Florabel (@florabel.ph) and Buddy’s Pansit Lucban (@buddysph). Buddy’s owners Zaldy and Nova Veluz have been so generous in feeding a lot of front-liners, too. Their daughter Lia is a good friend of Athena, and she also celebrated her 15th birthday on May 15.

Virtual fashion show

For my fave designer Rajo Laurel’s upcoming birthday on May 19, he will celebrate it fashionably online!

Saga Events Inc. presents “Rajo Runway Online! My First Virtual Fashion Show.” The brainchild of director Robby Carmona, the livestreaming party and fashion show will be launched on May 19 at 6 p.m. on Saga Events’ official Facebook page. Join us for this unique celebration. A portion of the proceeds will go to our Red Charity Gala (RCG) beneficiaries, including Makati Red Cross.

My cochair Kaye Tiñga and I have decided to postpone RCG this year, and prepare instead for the charity show in October 2021 with our featured designer Ivarluski Aseron. Ivar recently celebrated his birthday, too.

Retail therapy

With so much time at home, online shopping is a wonderful way to release anxiety!

As the world practices social distancing, Palacio de Memoria’s auction house, Casa de Memoria, will be offering a new online experience filled with art, celebration and goodwill as they hold two special auctions, “Primero” and “Segundo” at www.casadememoria.com, May 30 and 31, both at 2 p.m. “Segundo” also marks Casa’s fourth anniversary.

The Lhuillier-managed auction house will be donating part of the proceeds to charity. It will go toward the funding of an emergency quarantine facility, designed by WTA Architecture and Design Studio, at Sta. Ana Hospital Manila for new coronavirus disease patients and front-liners.

Valuable and rare artworks, antiquities and heirlooms of European-Filipino provenance will be up for sale at the auctions.

Wherever you are, I hope you and your family are safe and in good health. This May is certainly different from ones we have known in the past, but one thing that remains the same is that we celebrate family and Mother’s Day this month. Especially significant this year was the United Nations International Day of Families last May 15. While we may be unable to gather together physically this year, may the love we share bring us together in the spirit of family.

Just as our families can be the source of our greatest joy during good times, so too do they provide strength and comfort through challenging times. As Alex Haley, author of “Roots,” wrote so beautifully, “In every conceivable manner, our family is a link to our past, a bridge to our future.”