LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
We accept change as inevitable, but the story doesn’t end there. What role did we play to incite change? No society has ever remained the same. Societies evolve, institutions change, and the same can be said about industries and the human race as a whole. Change is something we should fully understand and not take for granted. We can all be an agent of positive change.
While we accept that change is constant, we should yearn to be part of it and in turn, influence others to do the same. Our collective power to influence change is a role that we all have to play. Doing so evokes a particular power to create and transform almost everything in this world according to our needs.
So what change do we want to see in the world? Have we done enough to generate change for the better? Or have we been too individualistic and narcissistic all this time?
The year is almost ending and we look back at our accomplishments from 2019. What have we achieved? What have we done? Do we feel fulfilled? And as we enter the year 2020, we look forward to what is going to happen and what we need to achieve for the year ahead. But before doing so, let us take a look at the last 12 months and find inspiration from the stories of several individuals that have instigated positive change in our society in one way or another. We want to highlight their successes in helping change mindsets, shape our society, and create a positive impact in the lives of people.
Our cover girl, Ms. Universe 2019, Catriona Gray, is our centerfold for our December-January issue. As she ends her reign this December, it would be wonderful to look back at what she has accomplished. Often, they are featured and interviewed weeks after they bag the crown, but we, and I personally, would like to know how her year was and share how she was able to influence change and ultimately become a global agent of change. Beautiful inside and out as she is, it was her authenticity that became her greatest asset. Having a stand and staying true to her self, with regards to what she believes in allows her to define her own success and show people how they themselves can be agents of change in their own communities.
Other featured agents of change are Grace Barbers-Baja who encourages women and empowers them to speak and pursue their passions in life. Another very inspiring individual is KC Concepcion. Coming from showbiz royalty, she is currently an ambassador of the World Food Program. By giving her time and effort, she has made it her purpose to help communities in Mindanao. Her being an ambassador of this program is really something very admirable. George Reyoca started Angkas--a movement not only to decongest the traffic in the metro but also to provide a sustainable livelihood for Filipino motorcycle owners and drivers—a remarkable and relevant undertaking. Angkas has proven itself to be empowering many lives and creating a much-needed change in the lives of people. Rocio Olbes-Ressano talks about how there are limitless ways to help others. Rocio has many advocacies, from The ‘Teh Talks, Bars to Bears, and musical fundraisers to help different charities. It is her genuine life purpose to give back. Last but not the least, is Congresswoman Geraldine Roman. A staunch advocate of the LGBTQ community and a principal author of the SOGIE Bill. The first transgendered woman to be elected in congress is not only espousing gender equality but moreover, champions agrarian reform, education, and healthcare as well.
In this issue, we let you in on the stories and highlights of the first ever “RSVP Travels” held in Bangkok, Thailand. A first of its kind, it is but a taste of new and big things to come in
2020 for Lifestyle Asia. I invite you to take a look at the fun and wonderful experiences of our guests as they wine, dine, and shop luxuriously in Bangkok.
As it is also the season to shop, we are featuring the pop-ups of illustrious Filipino designers Rhett Eala and Randy Ortiz.
Also, enjoy the different and exciting travel stories in the United States, Morocco, Denmark, Estonia, Turkey, and Russia in our Globetrotter section.
Happy Holidays!