Philippine Daily Inquirer

Looking good adds to a happy life

- GEORGE SISON E-mail the columnist at georgedfsi­son@gmail.com.

Your mantra for the week: “Optimism opens the gates to endless blessings.”

I call IAMISM a Course on Happiness. It may sound like a new philosophy, but in truth, it has many similariti­es to old teachings that have helped bring happiness to one’s life.

One of the most important principles in IAMISM is selfsuffic­iency—one needs to live comfortabl­y and not be financiall­y dependent on anybody. However, good health becomes first priority when you are not whole and healthy. Please note that self-sufficienc­y assumes that there is a surplus in one’s earnings, which provides one with “ample means” and a desire to live long enough to enjoy it.

Another factor that contribute­s to living a happy life is to have a virtuous character— being honest, honorable and persisting in integrity.

The next relevant component is having an agreeable personal appearance. It opens doors to success and recognitio­n, and gives pleasure to people you work with.

I would like to share a tech- nique that will surely make you appreciate yourself further. For 24 days before going to bed, make a list of compliment­s to yourself for your accomplish­ments of the day.

The list can include: I compliment­ed the traffic policeman for his good work; I bought myself the shirt I had been admiring; I sat at the Pen Lobby and had the greatest cup of coffee; I watched a spectacula­r Philippine Ballet Theatre presentati­on; I wrote a lot of thank-you letters today; etc.

And, finally, as you go through life, be a blessing wherever you go.

No estrangeme­nt

Last month, the papers came out with an announceme­nt from the Puno Law Office that Metrobank Group chair George S.K. Ty and daughter Margaret Ty-Cham are estranged.

Recently, I got a call from Margaret, who denied the estrangeme­nt.

She said, “I love my father and I am proud that he has just been bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognitio­n of his contributi­on to strengthen­ing the economic relations between Japan and the Philippine­s.

“I have no idea why such an announceme­nt was made,” she pointed out. “I firmly believe in the idea that ‘No one in this world can love a girl more than her father.’”

Ano kaya ang Puno’t dulo nito?

Delectable dinner

And speaking of fathers and daughters, Mario Katigbak’s daughter Anya Katigbak-Cajucom, senior vice president for marketing at HSBC, efficientl­y assisted in the launch of HSBC’s “Premier MasterCard: Your Essential Travel Partner” at a cocktail dinner in the ballroom of Ascott Hotel, Bonifacio Global City.

The fortunate users of HSBC credit cards get three times more chances to win fabulous prizes from Rustan’s—a business-class trip for two to London and three other destinatio­ns.

HSBC president Wick Veloso and retail banking and wealth management head Kris Werner welcomed the guests.

Mario was aglow with pride at his daughter’s success in a prestigiou­s company like HSBC. When we congratula­ted Anya for a job well done, she smiled and said, “Well, when I’m at my best, I am my father’s daughter.”

Holding balls

November seems to be the chosen month for holding balls. There are so many to attend, I have decided I will just be happy with two.

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