Tatler Philippines and beautypreneur Nikki Tang gathered ten dynamic individuals to talk about all things wellness
Surprisingly, the cacophony of opinions darting from left, right and centre in this lively lunch forum on Wellness settled down to an agreement: that Wellness involves focusing on yourself to find your way to happiness. But this is where paths digressed. For while the ten dynamic panellists generously shared how they achieved Wellness, they likewise drew a list so varied it ran the gamut of emotional, mental and physical needs.
Organised by Tatler Philippines and hosted by beautypreneur Nikki Tang, CEO of beauty and wellness brands DMark Beauty and DermAsia, the forum gathered ladies and gentlemen who are confident in their own skin and who know exactly what’s good and what’s not for their individual selves.
The panellists came from all walks of life. Stephanie Zubiri has a podcast and writes a regular column, both titled Soulful Feast. Franco Laurel is an actor and Ida Paras Cruz is the co-founder of The Movement Studio. Sharyn Wong is the country general manager of The Estèe Lauder Companies, Inc while Michelle Pastelero leads the educational transformation initiatives for Microsoft Philippines. Fit-as-a-fiddle Joanna Preysler-Francisco is a fashion and art entrepreneur; Monique Madsen is a style and fashion brand consultant; and Ram Lopez Vito Bucoy is an interior designer.
Representing Tatler were Deputy Editorial Director Isabel Francisco and Managing Editor Chit Lijauco.
The delicious light lunch prepared by Shangri-La at the Fort whetted not only the panellists’ appetite but their openness to share as well. For what ensued was an exchange so vibrant with nary a space for a single pregnant pause nor an uncomfortable lull, yielding loads of useful information about Wellness.
Let us bring you back to the conversation.
NIKKI TANG: Welcome, everybody! I am glad to host this Wellness Forum so we can have a sharing of anything and everything new in looking good and feeling good.
ISABEL FRANCISCO: Wellness is a topic that we all believe in. To start things up, we can ask Steph! Can you tell us how Wellness is now such a big part of your life?
STEPHANIE ZUBIRI: Wellness has always been a big deal in my life because I was always in food. Food is so powerful. It's one of the few things that really nourishes the body and gives pleasure; but it also has so much power to heal.
My big pivotal point was when I left my marriage. I reached such a low point, enough to entertain suicidal thoughts. I really just had to take control of my life because I had to be there for my kids. I started with some psychology work, which I really recommend.
My brand Soulful Feast says nourish your body, mind and spirit. A lot of people leave the mind behind. They just work on their body. They work on energetic healing. They work on fitness; but a big part of healing is understanding yourself and not being afraid to look at yourself in the mirror and think of all the dirty stuff and then unpack it all and then release it.
RAM LOPEZ-VITO BUCOY: For the past 18 years, I was practicing corporate pr. But seven years ago, I realised I wasn’t really happy and began asking myself: Is this really the calling for me? When I decided to do my transition [to interior design], my family was not really supportive. I also broke up with a close friend, which really crushed me to pieces.
But I took that leap of faith. I didn't listen to anyone. I said this is for my personal journey, and healing. I just had to get out of my old life. And when I got out of it, I was pretty much better than where I was before. All I did was just really practice a lot of healthy habits. And I injected a lot of prayer, ‘cuz I really believe in prayer. Fast forward to seven years today, I'm so much happy. People see the glow in me; they say I look lighter. I don't have all those negative energies surrounding me.