“You don’t know it yet, but you have the ability to reinvent yourself endlessly. That’s your beauty.” —Lidia Yuknavitch

Goals matter! The start of the year also brings about the promise of new beginnings. By structuring our lives with consistent and purposeful action, we are able to set our course and be focused on achieving our goals. With clarity and vision, every new day becomes exciting to wake up to, and when we eventually achieve our goals and earn our innermost desires, it can bring grand happiness and contentment into our lives.

Goals make life easier to navigate. To help set up my goals this year, I looked into the Birkman method that reveals four key perspectives of every person: motivation, self-perception, social perception and mindset. In understanding these perceptions and how they influence each other, individuals can better understand the emotions and actions that drive their life.

As you set your goals, put these four perspectives into place, and you will find that the framework of your actions are easier to conceptualize. Motivation is a critical factor in finding a fulfilling career path or life direction. If you find your passion, you can set a goal that gets you closer to what makes you happy and fulfilled.

Self-perception reveals how we see ourselves, and it drives how much we show up in the world around us. It is driven largely by how we have learned to use certain attributes or techniques to get positive results in past situations. When we are focused on personal growth, we can attain more control of tasks, manage closer relationships and even contribute to the community.

Social perception is an individual’s underlying context or filter used to determine if a current situation or environment feels comfortable. We are all social beings, but the pandemic has promoted a sense of isolation that still negatively affects our emotions. By keeping the family or inner circle as part of one’s goal setting, they can help achieve these goals of improving social perception, by the end of the year.

The Birkman mindset data provides insights into an individual’s belief system concerning themselves and others. This system helps individuals see new ways of thinking. When the mindset is aligned with other perspectives, it is easier to set the right goals and manage them throughout the year.

Relevance and purpose

One of my goals for 2023 is to restart Red Charity Gala with my ever-generous partner, Kaye Tiñga.

I was so inspired after attending the Tatler Ball, another charity event, last November. The by-invitation only ball for the benefit of U-Go Philippines of John Wood and Mariana Zobel de Ayala was a night of relevance and purpose. All of these would not be possible without the trust and support of their valued partners. In the lead partner role were the iconic Tiffany & Co. and the top residence to have, The Estate. Belo Beauty, HSBC Premier and Mercedes Benz were supporting partners.

The program started with welcome remarks from Tatler Philippines’ managing director Irene Martel Francisco. She shared vital facts about the business and introduced U-Go Philippines. Their aim is to help young talented Filipino women go through a year of college. A donation of P50,000 helps one young woman complete a year of college.

The Tatler Awards were hosted by Tatler Philippines editor in chief Anton San Diego and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. The three awards are carefully chosen and only revealed on the night of the ball.

Visionary, businessman and philanthropist Ramon S. Ang received the Diamond Award, also known as the highest recognition during the Tatler Ball. Ronald Ventura, a Filipino artist paving the way for many within the country and around Southeast Asia, was rightfully awarded the title of Cultural Icon. The final awardee was broadcaster, journalist and ICanServe Foundation founder Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, who was given the Impact Award.

To date, they are happy to have raised P40,550,000! This is way beyond their goal of P8,000,000. They are most grateful to Ramon S. Ang and the RSA Foundation for his donation of P25,000,000, as well as all the auction donors and those who won the auction lots.

As early as now, Kaye and I are already brainstorming to see how we can continue giving back as well as promote Philippine fashion, an industry that has been so badly affected by the pandemic.

Mutual trade and investment

To show support for other upcoming industries, I did some much-needed shopping. Over the holidays, I was able to visit the newly opened Mitsukoshi Mall at Bonifacio Global City. Before the opening, I was invited to a special dinner that showcased the Japanese products. The event was organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), a “government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.” It was originally established in 1958 and has continuously adapted its approach to help out small to medium Japanese businesses around the world to “maximize their global export potential.”

Established in 2016, this program was designed to certify restaurants and retail stores around the world who actively use food products and alcoholic beverages made in Japan as “Japanese Food Supporters,” and also work to promote their appeal to a broad range of people.

Jetro hosted a two-weeklong Holiday Fair, showcasing some of the best exports from Japan—from premium sweets and traditional alcohol to gourmet cooking ingredients and even elevated ready-to-eat meals and snacks. It’s the perfect way to explore Japanese culture through food.

In the spirit of Japanese culture, I would like to reconnect to the teachings of their famous organizing consultant Marie Kondo, who taught us all to look at the things around us and ask if it “sparks joy.” A huge goal I wish to accomplish this 2023 is to declutter the things in my life that no longer serve me—whether they be belongings or toxic people! By taking a moment to ask myself the importance of what surrounds me, to see if they truly spark joy, I am able to have a clearer mindset and focus on my divine purpose. Happy New Year!

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