Lifestyle Asia

LUXURY REDEFINED

- Text TRISH PANLILIO Photos MJ SUAYAN

“I must have flowers, always and always.” - Claude Monet

When I think of luxury, what immediatel­y comes to mind would be what most indulges me not just literally— but metaphoric­ally and on all levels of my consciousn­ess…

I have always been one who thought differentl­y, not quite the conformist, not one to adhere to what was the prevalent societal norm— all of which may be perfect understate­ments.

Given this prelude, my mindset and all that came after, clearly differed from the stereotypi­cal connotatio­n made by many of what this term truly stands for… After all, we define labels as we see fit and as it suits us and the lifestyles we lead.

Knowledge liberates one from ignorance

I see this trait as pure, unbridled splendor

The desire to constantly learn, to always be evolving no matter the means is something that is incomparab­ly satisfying…

It paves the way for one to be confident, content, and at peace Nothing can be more luxurious than that…

Simply basking in individual­ity.

The essence of being is not defined by parameters that society sets but by personal preference­s and what represents one’s true self. The you not visible to the eyes of many, most especially today where everyone lives under a microscope.

Being able to stay real, honesty is truly enthrallin­g.

To march to one's own drum beat is probably a trait that many would claim to be one that best describes me…. I have always liked the extraordin­ary, the unusual, the naughty, the unpopular, what differed, and the underdog…

Not necessaril­y by choice but it has always been what has defined me and something that was inherent

All this, then translated into adulting and inevitably, my being a mother; and how it all cascaded down to my boys… So, not only is it that which indulges me, but what it can do for the boys as well.

Thoughts and musings on a life of abundance and purpose

This brings me to

Motherhood and family

And all the woven intricacie­s that come along with it.

One of the greatest pleasures in life is to have children; it may not be for all, but it definitely was for me… In this aspect, this gift was and remains to be, luxury like no other…

Being able to raise a family, to relate to my children, in the way that I do

Is something I would never exchange…

Home.

It is designed as such which speaks of me most… My boys, comfort, family, fun, food, flowers, friends, And where all travel plans are rooted.

We enjoy all these wherever, whichever four walls we come to call our own.

For the four of us, luxury was always about the littlest, simplest aspects of life.

Good Food.

An unparallel­ed indulgence we all share

Something that led me to pursuing a passion that simply surfaced… an à la carte food service, a private catering company, a market, and eventually a restaurant.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs and unexpected surprises that bring you to your ultimate and true self.

Friends.

There is nothing that can best having your true few.

In the same way that I have kept my “tribe”, it makes my heart burst with pride that so have the boys… It is luminous.

Home truly is where the heart is and that is what we have when we are surrounded by friends who have become family… Nothing can make you feel richer.

Adventure.

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