Why Should You Get Into Tennis

I have been receiving a lot of compliments lately about my improved physique (thanks, guys!). And while I am still a long way towards my fitness goal (because fitness is a journey, it doesn't happen overnight), I did lose considerable weight over the past few months. :)

Now, many of you, my dear readers have been sending me questions on how I achieved this significant change in my physique. Well, guess what? It's none other than TENNIS. :D

Yup, I have long been a tennis enthusiast but never have I actually considered tennis as a fitness regimen. 

I mean, I love watching tennis matches, but me playing tennis? Who would have thought! :D
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Lately,  however, after the International Premiere Tennis League Manila leg, I have found myself to be more inclined in the sport, and little did I know that I have already been playing it a lot that it has become my regular exercise! Whoah! :D

Ready for an ace, :D (Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Now, my daily routine always consists of an hour or two at the Manila Polo Club where I play a set with other club members.

If you are thinking of trying out this sport and using it as your means of regular exercise, then go for it! Tennis is a good sport for maintaining health, fitness, strength, and agility. PLUS, it has social and psychological benefits as well. But if you are still not convinced that you should get yourself into tennis, let me break down to you the TOP REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PLAY TENNIS. :)

1. Tennis helps you live longer.
Scientists and doctors around the world point to tennis as one of the most healthful activities in which you can participate, delivering overall physical, mental, and emotional gains. Simply put, it will add years to your life and life to your years.  (lifetimefitness,com)

2. Tennis makes for a happier life.
Tennis engages your mind and body at the same time, unlike a typical workout at a gym. Because tennis players are more confident, healthier, less stressed, and more socially interactive, we are just plain happier. :)

3. Tennis is social. 
On and off the court, you are guaranteed to make friends through tennis (shoutout to my friends from Manila Polo Club! :) ). This is because tennis encourages interaction, communication, and just plain FUN. :D

4. Tennis teacher life lessons. 
By playing tennis, participants, especially teenagers like me, develop work ethics. learn sportsmanship, accept responsibility, manages mistakes, enhance discipline, learn to cope with pressure and adversity, and develop over-all healthy habits.

5. Tennis can be anything you want it to be. 
If you are looking for competition, social play, team camaraderie, a good workout, time with family or friends, YOU CAN HAVE ALL OF THAT IN TENNIS because it can be anything you want it to be and more! :)

Tennis, for many of us, is a huge part of our lives. The sport broadens our network of friends. It helps us burn calories and stay in shape. Families can enjoy playing together. And, of course, it's just plain fun. And if that doesn't get you sold, I don't know what will. Now, excuse me will I come out swinging and give Serena Williams a run for her money. :D

(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Reference: Benefits of Tennis https://www.lifetimefitness.com/en/content/details/articles/benefits_of_tennis.html

The Philippine General Hospital Psychiatric Hematlogy-Oncology Ward

If there is one person that I look up to, it's none other than my mom, Alice Eduardo :). An icon of class and business savvy, she has been a favorite of both high-end society pages and cheapskate tabloids where many has been said about her--- some good, some bad. Yes, she heads one of the biggest construction companies in the Philippines, and she does so with a strong determination to succeed in any endeavor and transcend over life's challenges. But if there is one thing that no feature or press release can ever do justice, it is to describe how gracious and selfless she is as a person.

My mom, my hero. :)
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

One testament of my mom's golden heart is her unfailing support for different advocacies and humanitarian projects that aim to give back to the society. One of this is the founding and construction of the Philippine General Hospital Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Isolation Ward for the diagnosis and treatment of young cancer patients.

My mom with the people behind the Miss World Organization.
The project is supported by Miss World Philippines as part of its “Beauty With A Purpose’’ program.
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

The Inauguration of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Ward, January 2015
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Inaugurated in January 2015, the ward provides medical care to some 300-terminally ill children who are sick with illnesses which include severe pneumonia, chronic diarrhea, meningitis, liver cirrhosis, end-stage kidney disease, and complex cardiac conditions, among others.

For many years, young patients with these diseases are mixed with other patients. With this ward, more lives can be saved by preventing infection from spreading and for providing intensive care and treatment to patients who need it most.

Pediatric patients of PGH performing a danee number as a way of showing their appreciation to the
newly constructed PGH Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Ward. (Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

From the words of my mom, "Charity cannot wait. I saw with my own eyes the challenge to provide healthcare for poor children. Sta. Elena is giving back to the community what it has achieved in sustained growth from partnership with the business sector in various infrastructure, property development, and energy projects over the years." 

(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

I can only be proud of my mom for what she has accomplished and done for the benefit of our countrymen and hope that someday, I can follow in her footsteps and equally become relevant to the continual aid of our less-fortunate brothers and sisters. :)

Here's a video featurette of the ground-breaking event that took place a year prior to the inauguration of the PGH Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Isolation Ward in Cory Quirino's show, Thumbs Up To The Good News. :)

Empowered Women, Empowered Nation

March 8 is the celebration of International Women's Day and EVERYONE--- men and women, young and old--- can take a concrete step to help achieve gender equality more quickly. Whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, or root out workplace bias, each of us can COMMIT TO TAKE ACTION TO STEP UP GENDER EQUALITY. :)

#PledgeForParity: Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of
influence and commit to taking action to accelerate gender parity.
(Image source: internationalwomensday.com) 

And since International Women's Day is celebrate all over the world, I thought of posting an article I wrote a few weeks back that talks about about WOMEN EMPOWERMENT which is a timely and relevant issue in our country, the Philippines, these days:

Political Empowerment Will Make Our Nation Stronger

         In a political context, empowerment is understood as the process of developing a sense of autonomy and self-confidence, and acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude certain groups of people, and help them to leader a prosperous and a successful life (Madugalle, 2014). The empowerment and autonomy of marginalized groups such as women, children, etc. and the improvement of their political, social, economic, and health status is a highly important end in itself essential for the achievement of a nation’s sustainable development.

Women empowerment in the Philippines throughout the centuries. (Image source: businessmirror.com.ph)

            To begin with, democracy is not possible without political empowerment which requires that citizens shape political life by voting, standing for office, and initiating and participating as equals in informal public discourse (Wilhelm, 2014). For instance, the electoral process in the Philippines determines important propositions such as the redirection funds to schools, reforms sentencing of low level crimes, and the election of many important offices. But while elections allow voter participation and strengthen political empowerment, this participation is distorted by lack of education among the voter and the voted. In the Philippines, the voter chooses the candidate who will serve the voter’s ends.  But, unfortunately, the ends sought by the uneducated voter are usually: money in exchange for his vote; and an appointment in the civil service, so that he can have a job.  The uneducated majority are merely seeking their selfish individual interest, particularly in economic terms (Defensor-Santiago, 2012). Therefore, political empowerment entails that all people can participate in local decision making processes and hold others to account given that they understand their the implications of their aspirations, responsibilities, and actions in relation to other social and economic actors and to the state.

            Second, when governments, businesses work to eliminate inequalities and promote political empowerment, developing countries are less likely to be plagued by poverty. For example, a research conducted by the European Journal of Business and Management suggested that by providing equal employment opportunities between men and women, female economic power also enhances the "wealth and well-being of nations" (2014). Women who control their own income tend to have fewer children, and fertility rates have shown to be inversely related to national income growth (Karim, 2014). However, while boosting female employment rate could mean large economic gains, it could also cause a backlash on the country’s birthrate, such as the baby strike in Korea and in Japan where the age at which women are having their first child are rising, resulting in fewer women having a second child (Abe, 2015). This only suggests that efforts on political empowerment, especially among women, must also include a wide range of policies such as continuation of child-care support, reduction of long work hours, and a jobs creation program.

Empowered women, empowered nation. (Image source: govolunteering,com)

            Last but not the least, political empowerment is an essential tool for achieving the goal of equality, development and peace in a nation. For example, equal access to education by taking measures to eliminate discrimination in education at all levels on the basis of gender, race, language, religion, national origin, age or disability, ultimately contributes to more equal relationships between women and men (UnWomen, 1995). Equality of access to and attainment of educational qualifications is necessary if more individuals are to become agents of change. Literacy among all people is an important key to improving health, nutrition and education in the family and to empowering every individual to participate in decision-making in society. However, access to education and promotion of literacy may lead to brain drain where a country loses its most educated and talented workers to other countries through migration due to negative characteristics of the home country that forms the impetus for intelligent people migrating from Lesser Developed Countries (LDC). In terms of labor force, the Philippines, for example, is faced with a brain drain issue, which is depriving the labor pool of much of its greatest talent. This has been a problem for a while now, with the country having lost an estimated ten percent of its population to work abroad, including many highly qualified professionals (Davis, 2015). For this reason, governments must ensure that more than being politically empowered, citizens feel safe and that economic activity is continually stimulated to provide better wages among workers and create better educational systems for a more affordable means so that citizens do not have to go overseas for higher education.

            A nation is not its land and buildings—it is its people. If a nation has to rise, the first thing that it must accomplish is to empower its people with the help of laws, education, and employment that will help them use their full potential.

Filipinas, WE CAN DO IT! (Image source: allposters.com)

The 2015 International Premiere Tennis League Manila Leg

Exciting tennis action happened in the Philippines once more as the Manila leg of the second season of the International Premier Tennis League or IPTL fired off from December 6 to 8, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The event was the second stop of the five-city tournament that fans like me are looking forward to the whole year round because more than the action, it gathered our favorite tennis players who happened to be among the best in the world (Yes, I am hyerventillating now!!! Ahhhh!!! XD).

The tournament featured five teams: Japan Warriors, Indian Aces, Singapore Slammers, United Arab Emirates Royals, and (drum roll, please...) THE PHILIPPINE MAVERICKS.

The five contenders in this year's' International Premiere Tennis League (Image Source: Business World)

Women's Tennis Association pro (and my personal role model), Serena Williams will head the newly-branded Philippine Mavericks, together with Richard Gasquet and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France, Mark Philippoussis and Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia, Sabine Lisicki of Germany, Milos Raonic of Canada, and Filipino-American Treat Huey. 

The Manila Mavericks (Image Source: IPTL World)

Before the action took place, a benefit dinner was held in a private village (*ehem* Dasma *ehem*) in Makati where US Ambassador Phillip Goldberg led the movers and shakers of the country in an auction for charity.  I was very lucky to be part of this wonderful gathering of sports and showbiz celebrities, heads of corporations, and tennis afficionados like me! :)

(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

The highlight of the evening was an auction where important tennis artifacts, such as autographed tennis equipment, photographs, and art were put up for bidding. I badly wanted to get a tennis ball with Serena Williams' signature but to my disappointment, it went to a different bidder. :(  I had a different ball signed by my tennis gods, anyway. :)

(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Proceeds of the benefit dinner will go to the IPTL scholars who consist of talented young Filipinos who are passionate about tennis but do not have the means to go through proper training. 

You can't sit with us. :p
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

The International Premiere Tennis League ended up its three-day Manila leg with superstars Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal keeping up their promise to deliver performances that we will surely remember! :)

If The Shoe Fits

I don't know about you, but I think that there’s a certain majesty to a beautifully-made pair of shoes. Just imagine the swoop and curve of butter-soft, nutmeg leather, the crisp slap of the sole on the pavement, and the gleam of the polished patina---Ahhh... I'm in love! <3 

Imagine yourself walking in these.
(Image Source: The Shoe Museum)

One mantra that I learned from my mom was that "a good pair of shoes would stand me in good stead for any life challenge". Not only that, my mom would always remind me that shoes make the man. See, the quality of your shoes reveals how much you respect yourself.  Indeed, being that the feet are the foundation of our body, it would be sensible to assume that the shoes are the the "foundation" to our outfit. 

(Image Source: Pinterest)

Shoes ARE and WILL always be THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR OUTFIT because you cannot fake them. A cheap pair is noticeable from a mile away, yet substandard clothes are hard to distinguish. In fact, you can wear high-end, elegant shoes with a red-tagged H&M or Zara ensemble and still look good, but YOU CAN NEVER WEAR AN ARMANI with an H&M faux leather pair and try to look dapper (Nu-uh...). 

Crocs are very stylish...said no one ever! :D   (Image Source: The Daily Beast)

Now, in case you are wondering, which shoes must I invest on, you have to understand that no matter how hard you try, you will never find one style of shoe that can be used for all occasions. It just doesn't work that way. You need to have a selection of shoes of different styles to complement an entire wardrobe for different occasions.  So, you must invest in important pieces that will not jeopardize either style or comfort.

Before you know it, you would have amassed a shoe collection that will humble that of Imelda Marcos.
(Image Source: Drama Beans)

Clueless of which shoes to invest on? Here's a tip: when it comes to "investment" shoes, it is important to understand your goals and to take a realistic assessment of your lifestyle by figuring out what shoe will give you the most value, and then spend the money there. 

As for me, I invest mostly on designer shoes mainly because they are made with style and quality in mind. :)  My personal favorite are loafers.  These are shoes that are designed to easily slip into your foot. Loafers are less formal than most dress shoes and can be worn with almost anything. They are commonly made in leather, may feature tassels, hardware, and other embellishments, and can come in a range of stylish colors. 

I especially prefer the Irving Driving Moccasins. These are Hermes' ladies driving loafers in very supple calfskin with two "Clous Pyramides" hardware in palladium plated, orange lining, pyramidal rubber studs on the sole.  

My Hermes Irving in Capucine Orange
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

and in Black
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Ballerina Flats are also my go-to fashion staple, especially when I need to move al ot. Not only are they easy on the feet, they are also very portable, which makes it very convenient for me in case I would have to change into a different pair later in the day. 

Hermes ladies' ballerina flat shoe, the Intime, is in patent leather and nappa leather, rubber sole, and "Hermes Paris" palladium plated mini Clou de Selle. That's why they look very stylish despite the simple design. 

My Hermes Intime Ballerina Flats in Black
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

So, if you are planning on buying a new pair of shoes, remember that inexpensive footwear usually means you are investing in unjust labor conditions---most cheap shoes are not made in the best environments, let alone made with good materials (Boo!!!). 

Remember, never settle for anything less and invest in something that will give you bang for your bucks. :)

"H" is for Hermes Heure

Watches are one of the few items that when worn, display a person's true character. They can also make a person indulge in a little dose of extravagance without drawing much criticism, the way other jewelries do. 

Your watch says a lot about you. (Image Source: picjumbo.com)

As far as fashion and functionality are concerned, my choice of watch will always be Hermes, which began producing watches in Biel Switzerland in 1928 creating La Montre Hermès. The first Hermès watch was made for Jacqueline Hermès by her father. It was a pocket watch that transformed into a wristwatch, after he invented a leather strap in Paris workshop that enabled the pocket watch to be worn on the wrist (Perramong, L., 2011).

The first Hermes watch, made for Jacqueline Hermes by her father. (Image Source: pursebop.com)

Hermes watches are classic and elegant with a large choice of beautiful straps. Hermes began with the Arceau watch and then quickly expanded to include the Clipper and Cape Cod watches. In 1997 Hermes launched the H-Hour watch which features the famous Hermes H (usa.hermes. com, 2016).

My very own Hermes Heure H in my favorite color, orange! :)
(Image copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Originally designed by Hermes designer Philippe Mouquet and was launched in 1996, the iconic H logo is used on the watch face and features a square frame.

steel, 32.2 x 32.2 mm                              no-glare sapphire                        water-resistant up to 50m

(Image Source: hermes, com)

                          steel, 32.2 x 32.2 mm

                             no-glare sapphire

                       water-resistant up to 50m

It's all in the minute (pun intended) details.
(Image Source: hermes.com)

The cases of the Heure H are fitted with a system that makes it easy to change straps, whether they be single or double tour, in calfskin, alligator leather or goatskin, and in a wide range of colors. 

There's one for each of your changing moods. :)
\(Image Source: hermes.com) 

It is available in silver or gold hardware with sapphire scratch proof crystal glass and the leather straps also come in extra long so that they can be doubled on the wrist.  :)

Ain't that sweet!
(Image Source: hermes.com)

                           
The pleasure of owning a fine watch is immeasurable for those who, like me, love history, design, engineering, mechanics, and art. :) Watches aren’t always cheap, though, so carefully consider your purpose in buying one. The best advice I can give is to buy watches that you yourself want and like. At the end of the day you need to wear it. Don’t buy a watch just because you see it on other people’s wrists or because someone tells you it is popular. It’s a very personal decision so consider it an extension of your good taste, lifestyle, and maybe a sign of your success. :) 



References: 
Hermes Interview With Luc Perramond, CEO. Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie 
Hermes Paris, http://usa.hermes.com/watches/h-hour

Anita Magsaysay-Ho's "Fish Harvest at Dawn"

One of the most noticeable masterpieces in our living room, Anita Magsaysay-Ho's "Fish Harvest at Dawn, is also my mother's latest art acquisition.

Anita Magsaysay-Ho (May 25, 1914 - May 5, 2012 ) was a Filipino painter. She was the only female member of the Thirteen Moderns, a standing group of Filipino modernist artists and in 1958 was chosen by a panel of experts at the six major painters of the country (Geringer Art, Ltd., 2016). 

Anita Magsaysay-Ho (1914-2012)
(Image Source: pbase.com)

The most famous works of Magsaysay-Ho are subject to the beauty of Filipino women dealing with everyday issues. Looking at her paintings, like the one in our living room, the viewer will notice that Anita Magsaysay-Ho never paints her women singularly; they are always in groups while performing a particular rural task, like the women in Fish Harvest at Dawn.

Let me describe the masterpiece the best way I could.

In that rectangle of space that measures 48 by 70 inches, twelve women are choreographed across a seascape lifting nets in anticipation of a bountiful harvest, This is signified by the throng of fishes at the bottom of the painting. In three groups that range from three to five members, the women enact a variety of postures and attitudes. The diagonal lines of their bodies---arms bent by the elbow, upper torso folded by the waist---break the monotony of the horizontal sea and sky. No matter what direction they face, they are lit by an intractable glow or source of light. No one among them can escape the light of dawn. :)  

According to the Leon Gallery, from where my mom acquired this important piece of art history, his exquisite work belongs to Anita Magsaysay-Ho's ‘Green Period,’ a phase remarkable for the freshness of her verdant hues, complimenting a classic and favored Filipino theme (leon-gallery.com, 2015). 

Fish Harvest At Dawn, 1979
Oil on Canvas
122 x 152 (48 x 59.8 in.)
(Image coypright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s treatment of light is often compared with that of her teacher, Fernando Amorsolo. While Amorsolo’s light can be dramatic (with its shifting gradations and full-bodied luminosity), Magsaysay-Ho’s is more somber and diffused, as though emanating from an earthbound source, like an oil lamp. The brilliance sputters and confidently grows the more you look at her work, a glow which finally achieves a candle power that is soft and compassionate to the eye. Magsaysay-Ho’s light doesn’t burn (geringerart.com, 2016). 

indeed, it is wonderful to have a piece of beautiful art hanging on the walls of your living room, but what's even more interesting is having a piece made by one of the most important female artists of the Philippines---one whose work gave birth to modern Philippine Art as we know it today. :)