“Energy, like the biblical grain of mustard seed, will move mountains.” —Hosea Ballou
What’s your Big Picture for 2023? As we welcome the last month of 2022, it is time to reflect on the year that has been filled with both challenges and fulfillment. The end of the pandemic seems to be more of a reality.
The Big Picture of our life should be a fulfillment of our intentions and desires, as well as an achievement of the future legacy that we want to leave behind. Reframing our life’s intentions should be tackled to increase growth in all aspects of our lives. Tiny decisions could create a ripple effect, positive or negative, and the right little things done daily increase positive energy.
Spending 30 minutes a day on building a dream could greatly enhance the possibility of that intention becoming a reality. Whether it is through meditation, therapy or counseling, self-reflection done daily could help refocus the purpose of our lives.
Louie Y’s literary manifesto
Last month, I bumped into the “King of Manila Nightlife” himself, Louie Ysmael, while I was in Cebu for the opening of Belo Clinic Cebu. He told me about the launch of his new coffee-table book. It had been his dream to create his literary manifesto and highlight the energetic nightlife of Manila through so many years.
On Nov. 22, the country’s premier nightclub, Xylo at the Palace Manila, appropriately hosted this book launch in time for Louie’s 74th birthday.
His manifesto, coproduced and cowritten by business mogul and friend GP Reyes (tel. 0917-8534747; email [email protected]) alongside lead writer Enzo Teodoro, art director Olivia Repotente of Studio O, project manager Carmina Sanchez-Jacob and talent manager Chere Gioskos—is titled “Good Morning, Time to Sleep: The Adventures and Misadventures of Manila’s Nightlife Legend.” It’s a hotly anticipated read by over five generations of clubbers, nightlife aficionados and high society.
This is a sensational piece of hardbound history, so beautifully put together with a treasure trove of priceless photographs and visuals from Louie’s earliest days, expanding to all the eras of the bar and club scene that he has lorded over since 1979. It is accompanied with magnificent storytelling, as well as testimonials from Louie’s nearest and dearest.
The limited-edition run is a tactile trip down memory lane showcasing some of the Philippines’ most celebrated nightspots, both past and present.
The guest list was stellar. The room was filled with business tycoons like Andrew Tan with son Kevin; Hans Sy; Iñigo Zobel. Politicians such as Sen. Ralph Recto and JV Ejercito, Mayor Bonito Singson, Pagcor chair Al Tengco, DILG assistant secretary Donnie Puno and former congressman Gilbert Remulla all shared the dance floor with celebrities like Fabio Ide, Tim Yap, JM Rodriguez, Mika Lagdameo and Bubbles Paraiso.
After the main program, the party shifted into a higher gear as Arnel Genterone and Jon Monreal, two DJs who had been playing in Louie’s clubs since Euphoria and Venezia, took over the decks to keep the guests dancing all night. The evening was a fitting tribute to the man.
Back in Cebu
A week after my encounter with Louie Y, I was back in Cebu for the opening of the Cebu branch of Phomi MCM Philippines, a revolutionary company that offers the most varied collection of natural, durable and aesthetically designed materials—their clay technology resembles stone, wood, brick, weaving and leather.
Phomi MCM products are suitable for any architectural needs, as their modified clay materials are best suited for external and internal cladding, furniture covering, and many more. Additionally, Phomi MCM is proud to play a key role in contributing to reducing the carbon footprint, being an efficient and effective thermal insulation solution.
The showroom opening had Cebu Mayor Mike Rama as guest of honor. I was delighted to cut the ribbon with the mayor, who stayed for dinner and even sang a few songs. Cebu is always a wonderful place to visit because I enjoy staying at Fili Hotel at the Nustar Resort and Casino.
Japan in Manila
Cebu is also home to some of my favorite fashion designers. I wore one of Ronald Enrico’s spectacular designs for the opening of Philippine Wacoal’s 12th store in the country, at the first ever modern Japanese-inspired mall in the Philippines—Mitsukoshi Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
“The Japanese culture is a big part of our brand, and we are very glad that the first Japanese-inspired mall is already here in the Philippines,” says Ann Christine Palisoc, president of Philippine Wacoal Corp.
Wacoal proudly shares its wide variety of nonwired bras, which has been the go-to-bra of every Filipina. These bras offer maximum comfort without sacrificing support. Customers will be happy to see exclusive styles of underwear, lingerie and lounge wear at Mitsukoshi Mall.
Together with me and Ann Christine, the ribbon-cutting was graced by Philippine Wacoal business development manager Yusuke Takasawa.
The opening day was also attended by celebrities, influencers, beauty queens, and actresses—Alice Dixson, Yasmien Kurdi, Say Alonzo and Miss Supranational Philippines Alison Black.
“Japan Wacoal is very glad to be hand-in-hand with Philippine Wacoal in opening more stores here in the Philippines,” said Takasawa, who is also Japan Wacoal’s representative in the Philippines. “It is also our pleasure to open a boutique in the first ever Japanese concept mall in the country.”
Wacoal is inviting everyone to come and visit their new boutique located on the ground floor of the Mitsukoshi Mall, and get your perfect fit.
I’ll surely be stopping by to shop their wide selection of stylish clothes. I would argue that looking the part for your new life is just as important as working toward it daily. Of course, we must stay focused on our dreams and aspirations and push ourselves towards them a little bit every day. Though sometimes, simply dressing for your goals gets you halfway there. Or at least that’s what I tell myself before I check out at the counter! INQ
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