MANILA, Philippines - Every new year gives us the opportunity to improve our lives. Whether it’s our relationships, our businesses, our goals, for as long as its main purpose is to create something good, such changes should not be difficult to achieve!
Let’s move forward with positive plans and goals not only for us but for our loved ones and our country as well!
Pauline Goriceta Banusing, chef
One thing that I want to improve in 2012 is myself. This year is the start of my journey to self-improvement, thus I’ll start by waking up early, taking up a new hobby, having an exercise routine, avoiding negative people, acknowledging and learning from my mistakes and increasing the level of my patience. Only by improving one’s self can we live life to the fullest.
Vince Aldanese, owner, Villa Del Conte Chocolates
I need to work on handling stress better. My father has this gift of letting stress and problems roll off his back; I, unfortunately, have not inherited or learned this wonderful concept as of now. I tend to keep things inside and let it fester and this is truly very unhealthy on many levels. Let’s see what 2012 brings.
Mia Borromeo, editor-at-large, Philippine Tatler
This year I seek to add more balance to my life. I hope to improve my well-being by eating more wisely, exercising more regularly and fitting in more quiet and prayer time. In 2012 I want to focus more on the things that really matter, learn to say no, and try to be my productive best.
Luchi Cruz Valdes, head, News & Public Affairs, TV5
This year, I want to improve my punctuality record. I want to be on time for all my appointments, even my replies to e-mail and text messages. (But not social media, please! That would be going in over my head!)
Michael Carandang, America's Next Top Model producer
I want to explore the Philippines. It's unfortunate that I've never been to Cebu, Bohol, Vigan and Palawan. That needs to change in 2012!
Jun Lozada, IT engineer/good governance advocate
The thing I plan to improve in 2012 is the full implementation of the e-book/Personal Learning Device that we piloted last year in La Salle Greenhills. I am looking forward to sharing the technology we developed in lessening the weight of children's school bags compared with other schools, particularly with the children at public schools.
Louie Ocampo, composer and arranger
I've always worked best under pressure. Hopefully this year I’ll get to kick the habit and be as productive even without any pressure. I'll start by sending this a day before the deadline. Ha!
Noel Manapat, stylist
This year, I want to connect more with people through technology — from replying to SMS messages more promptly, to improving my “zero tweet” status to loading my first Facebook album — if I can finish my spring cleaning and stop my styling closet from looking like a warehouse.
Marina Benipayo, model, image enhancement speaker and SOFA instructor
One of the things I plan to improve in 2012 is taking care of my health. I admit I feel some of the so-called age-related aches and pains, and had dismissed them as temporary — especially since 2011 was a busy year and I had more than my usual fill of delicious goodies the last holiday season. I'm not getting any younger, so I'm going back to doing my regular fitness and diet routine.