“Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity.”—Melinda Gates

With yet another version of quarantine looming over our city, it is very difficult to stay optimistic about the future and move in the right direction without fear and anxiety.

With more than a year to examine virtually every aspect of our lives, many of us realized that the pandemic exposed weak family links, health concerns and economic challenges.

But the pandemic also made us realize the value of time and what we can do with the precious, limited time we have on earth—it gave us time to improve ourselves and positively influence others, as well.

Women have been put under phenomenal pressure as a result of the pandemic, but have been able to cope in many ways because they are used to multitasking and managing both work and home.

The pandemic intensified the challenges that women already face—balancing childcare, school, household labor and full-time jobs. But this crisis is also an opportunity. We should not be afraid to switch gears, plan for every possibility and put strategies in place so we could leverage them into fantastic opportunities for growth during times of crisis.

Through a variety of life’s difficult experiences and evolving maturity, I have learned the enormous benefits of moving through change with positivity, instead of against it, with skepticism or fear.

As I face some personal issues, I have accepted these obstacles with a new perspective and have not let them stop me from living my best life.

So, in a New York minute, I immediately decided to fly to New York City (NYC) on the invitation of my soul sister Vina Francisco and continue on my path to positivity and being in the midst of good healing energies.

In a New York minute means immediately, quickly and without hesitation. It is a reflection of how people in other parts of the United States view NYC. Compared to many areas of the country, NYC life is extremely fast-paced. It also means to treasure the good things you have because they could be gone tomorrow. It is stopping to feel gratitude for the good things in life, and the realization that life can change in a “New York minute.”

Olympic gold

The Philippines received its first Olympic gold medal, thanks to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. My Swatch family and I are proud to welcome her back home as our newest brand ambassador.

The country, together with every Filipino worldwide, is celebrating with pride! After almost a century, the Philippines has finally brought home the much coveted Olympic gold.

Awarding Hidilyn her gold medal was none other than another Swatch family member, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski. Mikee is herself a celebrated world-class equestrienne who won the gold medal in the individual jumping event during the 2002 Asian Games in Busan. She is also the first Asian woman elected as a board member of the International Olympic Committee.

Quoting another Swatch ambassador Chris Tiu, “Still emotional and teary-eyed replaying again and again that historic winning moment! Oozing with pride and joy right now! Relentless work ethic, sacrifice, dedication, purity of heart, belief in yourself and your team, and above all, your unwavering faith in God during trials and triumph! You truly are an inspiration, idol Hidilyn. Maraming, maraming salamat and congratulations once again!”

Swatch keeps innovating by creating a new material, a mix of ceramic and bio-sourced materials called Bioceramic. It is two-thirds ceramic powder and one-third bio-sourced plastic and color pigments. It is uniquely Swatch. By doing so, Swatch has created another benchmark in the industry.

The brand keeps a fast pace of innovation, presenting another new material only six months after the launch of its bio-sourced materials.

The Big Bold product line is chosen for the introduction of the new material. With its 47-millimeter diameter case, Big Bold allows the enjoyment of the new material in five colors—black, white, grey, sky blue and pink. The construction is pure and detailed.

By the end of 2021, all key Swatch product lines will further explore the use of Bioceramic. Swatch stays true to its belief that “Time Is What You Make Of It!” (Follow @swatch_ph on Instagram. Swatch is available at the Swatch Shops in SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM City North Edsa, SM Southmall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Place Manila and SM City Cebu. Also available at the Swatch official store on Lazada.)Common humanity

I am also so delighted that Hidilyn is part of the Usana family, together with so many Philippine athletes that they support.

In my excitement for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we purchased official Olympic memorabilia in Tokyo during my official visit for Usana Philippines with Leeo Kim in February 2019. We witnessed the first production of one of the Usana Celavive skin products.

Even as this pandemic continues to rage around the world, we need to rediscover our common humanity and find the strength to reimagine a radically different future. Thankfully, the younger generation is already doing what is required: questioning the status quo, campaigning for change and refusing to neglect the health of our people and planet.

Finding hope is difficult. But with ambition, optimism and passion, humanity has a fighting chance. Life is full of setbacks, but those who look for opportunities in difficult situations will bounce back far more quickly and come back even stronger.

Because time passes by so quickly, we should truly appreciate what we have while we’ve got it. INQ

Follow @seaprincess888 on Instagram.