Hello 2018!

It’s the end of the year again, the time when we look back at events that happened in the past year. When we reflect on the experiences that defined 2017, how would we look back at them?
Life can be very busy. As reality bites, we get caught up with "adulting" responsibilities that take up much of our time. Time can go by very quickly during our never-ending pursuit to get things done. Being too focused on our goals along with the routines we put ourselves in, we tend to see things with a very narrow view and forget that there are important things that deserve our attention as well. Relationships, connections, and taking care of your own well-being sometimes take a backseat to other matters which we can decide is more important at the time.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the way we disregard our health. One thing that stuck with me growing up was when one of my teachers told me that as we got older, we would be juggling different aspects of our lives - career, family, social life, etc. Those things, although important to us, are like rubber balls. If you happen to drop one of them, they can always bounce back. But when it comes to juggling health, we must consider that as a glass ball. Once you drop that glass ball and it shatters completely, there’s no piecing that back together.
As we look back to the year that was, let’s try to see past the setbacks and failures we endured and take on the challenge of improving ourselves this coming 2018. A great blessing we are given is that every new day brings another opportunity to make ourselves better.
Let’s say goodbye to our old selves and say hello to 2018 with some brave choices, optimistic enthusiasm and a renewed spirit.
Happy New Year Everybody!
If you could do something you've always wanted to do this coming 2018?
What would it be?

Lorina Tan, 28
Baby CEO of Tiny Buds
At the start of every year, I have this little tradition of picking a word that would define it. 2018 is about JOY. It's the year that I create unforgettable moments & embrace the Joy of doing what I Love.
I'm going to follow 3 Simple Steps to get there:
Date myself - Book a fancy dinner for 1, Heck get myself flowers, coz I'm worth it!
Celebrate my wins - Big or Small, each win has a lesson to teach & a reason to celebrate.
Smile Generously - The world needs more smiles, you can never give too much.
IG https://www.instagram.com/tinybudsbaby/

Raul Las Pinas, 42
Architect/ AOW Diver
I always wanted to do cage diving in Australia with great white sharks or go diving in the Great Barrier Reef. With the increasing rate of corral bleaching, it would be awesome to see and experience this natural wonder before it’s gone.

Angelo Balili, 30
VP for Finance, Admin, HR of Questronix Corporation
I have a few things planned out for the coming year that I've never done before. The major one would have to be finally moving out of my parents' home and living on my own. This is something I've always thought of, but never actually got to doing for one reason or another (finances, reluctance to change, leaving my comfort zone, etc). Embarrassingly, I can say that at my not-so-ripe age, I'm finally willing (and able) to make the move. Connected with this would be a lot more firsts such as buying furniture, decorations, and pretty much everything you enjoy in the comforts of your parents' home. On a much lighter side, I'd like to take up new hobbies to help with my fitness such as wall/rock climbing and yoga since I'm starting to get tired of my usual routine. Also, I'd like to be able to travel to a place I've never been to before.
IG https://www.instagram.com/bruhlili/
W http://www.questronix.com.ph/

Janesca Laurito, 30
Businesswoman/ Co Founder of Suit Up Philippines
I’ve always wanted to partner with a youth organization or charity and be able to help them (through Suit Up sales as well).
I want to open another business. Something I really love. An on the go coffee truck.
I’ve always wanted to learn yoga and eventually teach if I’m already good at it. I want it to be a weekly routine already.
I am also excited to start a family, make babies by the end of the year!
IG https://www.instagram.com/suitup.ph/

Ayessa Pineda, 32
Health Coach
In the last 6 months, I have done a lot of the things that I’ve always wanted to do. I am now almost done with nutrition school (woot! 2 more months to go!), I was able to travel, I got to see my parents, I landed a job in my field and I’ve been more financially self-sufficient. Of course there are things I still want to do and that is to travel more. Hopefully I get to see Italy, Spain, Miami, New Orleans, Greece, the Philippines. Lastly, I want to overcome all my fears and take more “me” days.
IG https://www.instagram.com/ayehpineda/