Energies are shifting as the stars and heavenly bodies realign for the coming of the Year of the Water Snake. It’s a time of tension during this time of transference.
Sometimes, misfortune strikes as a consequence of this energy transfer.
So, it is a time when we must all be careful. I always believe positive energy shortly follows with more blessings, so do remain optimistic. Further help is coming, as over the coming weeks, certified feng shui expert Marites Allen (www.maritesallen.com) will be giving the 2013 feng shui updates as well as cures and enhancers to make each animal sign harness the auspicious energies of the coming year.
The Year of the Water Snake does not officially start until Feb. 10, but preparing a home for Chinese New Year takes at least two weeks, so that time is now. Let’s see why the entire process takes so long.
First, we must think of feng shui fashion. Marites has introduced the first fashion brand that incorporates feng shui principles into clothing design—Frigga.
She designed fabrics with colors and textile patterns that would be auspicious for the New Year.
Frigga is taken from the name of a Norse goddess. The name is registered in London and in 27 European Union countries, as well as in several Asian countries (www.frigga.co.uk). Frigga is rooted in the concept of feng shui, which is living in harmony with the natural elements in the environment.
Marites worked closely with textile designers in conceptualizing and designing the line. Filipino designers determined the patterns, colors, cuts and silhouettes of Frigga. The collection of ready-to-wear pieces includes pieces for men and women.
There are soft and ultra-comfortable caftan blouses, flowy halterneck tops and slim-cut pullovers that are great for daily wear, especially in Manila’s heat. Crisp-looking, cotton, polo tops and V-neck shirts in bright colors can appeal to preppy dressers while for a dressier evening, there is a sari-style mid-length dress.
My own fave is a dress described as forgiving to a woman’s figure and therefore “handy for attracting wealth and prosperity.” I can see why a va-va-voom dress might attract the rich and famous; no need for feng shui lessons there.
Hip sports gear
These days, my fashion veers less toward flair and more toward sporty. My fave coach, Ani de Leon Brown, is back from her family holiday in Australia, and our Friday running group is growing strong. My sporty fashion also now incorporates a Saturday bike ride in Nuvali. Adidas takes care of my stylishly hip sports gear with their latest collection.
During the opening of the latest Adidas Shop at the Fort, models wearing the coolest basketball and football gear were ramped on a three-striped runway.
The first highlight shoe of the football collection was the lightweight adizero F50. Its hybrid leather does not absorb water, thus allowing for foot speed even on rain-soaked pitches.
But I don’t play footy, so I was more interested in the circuit trainer, the adipure trainer 360. This shoe can be bent a full 360 degrees. The most flexible shoe available today, it maximizes foot movements while providing an ample base for training.
As a runner, I also looked at the adizero F50 Runner 3 series. This shoe is so light, it just exudes speed. I can’t wait to try it. At the opening, I met George Youssef, Adidas country manager, and Jason Gervasio, brand marketing manager.
They seem to be the perfect pair to get pairs and pairs of Adidas sold. George has just arrived to take over the reins of Adidas.
Speaking of new heads, the new CEO of HSBC is Wick Veloso, the first Filipino appointed to head HSBC Philippines. The bank has been in the country for 137 years, so outgoing head Tony Cripps was only too happy to introduce Wick to an intimate gathering as he headed to home base, Australia.
I’ve known so many fantastic HSBC heads, from memorable Warner Manning, who was into running and charity, two of my own favorite endeavors.
Wick, I look forward to running and raising funds for charity with you!
Wick did give a short speech, noting how excited he was to work with his talented team in taking HSBC forward. My response would be, Wick, I’m excited to work with you, too. And let’s go running some time!
Product launches
This year is starting with a bang indeed. It seems that there are so many product launches already. StarWorld held a viewing party for the launch of “American Idol” Season 12 and P&G celebrated their new-generation Camay girl.
P&G Beauty celebrated the arrival of new Camay with a star-studded event last Jan. 17 at Sky Garden at the grand, new Zuellig Building. Party host and P&G Beauty ambassador Tim Yap introduced guests to a new kind of attraction—Camay Attraction. Birthday boy Tim also held his party with Cointreau signature drinks until the wee hours of the morning.
Atop a high-rise building in busy Makati, 10-foot, pink rose topiaries and an abundance of pink flowers greeted guests along with beats by beautiful DJ Deuce Manila. Joining co-hosts Bianca Gonzalez and Victor Basa, some of the attendees included Divine Lee, blogger Camille Co, Anthony and David Semerad, Gwen Ruais and Joey Mead.
Camay Attraction is possible with new scents that give girls soft, scented skin that leaves men wanting more. In a grand reveal, Camay welcomed the newest Camay girl, Angelica Panganiban. Joining the ranks of previous Camay girls, like beauty queens Sabrina Artadi and Cita Revilla, Angelica embodies the modern girl: beautiful, confident, fun, feminine and irresistibly attractive.
Like Angelica, Filipino women can now leave men wanting more. Best of all, there are three new scents to choose from: Romantique Rose, Crème Vanilla and Dynamique Grapefruit.
Let me end with a birthday shout-out to all the January celebrators out there—dynamic friends like Divine Lee, Tim Yap, Lara Parpan and Tina Ocampo are all born this month. Willie Revillame as well, but the one I love most is my daughter Annika! Happy birthday to all!
Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or e-mail her at [email protected].
