“When you say no to someone else, you’re saying yes to yourself.” —Mel Robbins

Our incredible life is a continuous journey of vibrant experiences, discoveries and personal growth. Embracing new beginnings at any stage in life, we can all break free from routines and embark on exciting escapades. Casting aside preconceived notions, we can enjoy the thrills of unseen horizons and new adventures. When we fill our days with what makes us happy, we begin to feel the true essence of being alive.

With renewed energy and passion, I started the holiday season with a Pinoy shopping tradition—a Christmas bazaar. Noel Bazaar 2023 began its five-week long series at Okada Manila. The shoppers’ haven bazaar enlivened the halls of Okada Manila’s Crystal Pavilion with Christmas cheer and holiday treats as it opened its 48-day run last weekend.

Attended by a glittering array of stars, including GMA Kapuso Foundation ambassador Mel Tiangco and GMA Kapuso celebrity Julie Anne San Jose, the event featured key personalities during the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

The celebration transitioned into the luminous Okada Manila’s “Home of Wonder: A Christmas Wonderland” event with the breathtaking Christmas tree lighting ceremony, officially opening the doors of the Christmas Village and the mesmerizing Christmas light show.

Visit the Noel Bazaar series at Okada Manila until Dec. 17, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Catch its next stop at the World Trade Center from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and at the Filinvest Tent Alabang on Dec. 8 to 10. Noel Bazaar also supports Inquirer Foundation and Gifts & Graces Foundation, among others.

Sparkle and skin care

Continuing with my shopping fever, I checked out the Tessera Jewelry pop-up store at Greenbelt 5. Just for the holidays, Tessera Jewelry recently launched a pop-up to showcase their latest diamond collection that comes with a certification by the International Gemological Institute (IGI). IGI was founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, to provide independent and unbiased certification for diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.

From there, I headed to Clé de Peau Beauté shop to get its highly anticipated holiday collection, Toward the Horizon (Available at the shop counter). To celebrate this enchanting range, Clé de Peau Beauté recently hosted an intimate lunch at Sala Restaurant in Makati for guests to discover the magic within the collection.

A perfect Christmas gift, Toward the Horizon comprises limited editions of The Luminizing Face Enhancer, two lipsticks and the new Eye Color Quad, plus The Serum, Cleansing Oil, Softening Cleansing Foam and the icon of regeneration, La Crème.

The collection tells a chapter of our heroine’s journey through the pastels and paintbrushes of American artist Katie Rodgers. Her artwork of a mystical underwater world adds an enchanting touch to the packaging.

With an exquisite highlighter formulation of opal powder and premium argan oil, the Luminizing Face Enhancer delivers and retains a multidimensional, luminous finish for 12 hours. This really complements the two lipsticks in pink and coral tones and the New Eye Color Quad in orange, pink and copper-brown hues.

The radiant journey continues with Clé de Peau Beauté’s beloved skin care. The brand’s bestselling product, The Serum, unlocks the power of skin intelligence. The Cleansing Oil dissolves impurities and even waterproof makeup. This is best paired with the Softening Cleansing Form to purify skin and promote skin resilience.

Last is the collection’s gem, La Crème. With a skin-empowering illuminator and powerful CeraFerment extract, this night cream is rejuvenating and targets skin regeneration.

Redefining the seafood experience

For Christmas gifts for all with healthy appetites, head to Cold Storage for a wide selection of seafood choices. A trusted name in the Philippine seafood industry, Cold Storage recently unveiled Lokal, a new product line poised to redefine the Filipino seafood experience.

Lokal reflects Cold Storage’s commitment to deliver premium-quality seafood sourced locally. The recent launch was well-attended by guests of honor Janice de Belen, Metro Retail Group senior category manager Gwendolynn Yu, Metro Retail Group chief merchandising officer Chit Lazaro, Kristoffer Lim of RBL Fishing, Tony Chua and Vicky Chua of Star Paper Corp., Janel Gaisano of Gaisano Mall Cebu, Peter Gaisano of Gaisano Malls, Karen Evangelista and Cristina Dy of Robinson Supermarket Corp., and Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech Corp. The event was hosted by veteran host and writer Spanky Enriquez.

With sourcing locations in Bacolod, Cebu and Manila, Cold Storage collaborates directly with local communities to ensure each catch is processed and frozen on the same day it is harvested. Lokal aims to ensure price stability by providing a steady supply of premium local seafood all year round, not just during peak season. For the grocery partners, part of Lokal’s mission is to provide a wide assortment of locally caught seafood throughout the year.

At this stage in life, we understand the value of authenticity and precious time. We seek genuine experiences that resonate with our souls. We celebrate all milestones, big and small. It was wonderful to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Leo and Linda de Ocampo, parents of my classmate, Mimie de Ocampo Huang, and close friends of my parents, Alex and Marixi Prieto.

As we step into this new chapter of our lives, the world becomes our playground, a place where we can explore, learn and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. INQ

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