“To love one's self is the beginning of a lifelong romance,” Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde once said. Psychologists often advise that selflove boosts confidence through humility, forgiveness, and inclusivity. As writer Jack Kornfield puts it, compassion that does not include the self is incomplete. Maya Angelou adds that as we grow older, we discover we have two hands, one for helping ourselves and the other for others.

Life is like walking a tightrope. It is a balancing act that involves various aspects from work to relationships, and personal wellbeing. In our everyday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists and responsibilities. We tend to forget that pampering ourselves is just as important as working hard and smart to contribute to society and live a rich and fulfilling life. At the end of the day, if there is no enjoyment in the single life we are given, what’s the point?

Imagine a quiet evening, bathed in the soft moonlight with the soothing melody of your favorite music filling the car you are driving on an open, trafficless road—the stress and tension of the day melt away. Whether it’s a luxurious spa day or a simple at-home ritual, pampering allows us to reconnect with ourselves and cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace.

There are several ways we can treat ourselves, from a relaxing massage and afternoon tea to something as simple as buying the things we appreciate like a beautiful house plant or the latest gadget. Many of us find solace in a good meal, whether fast food, tasting menu, or a buffet

I personally never liked the idea of eat-all-you-can. I found it wasteful and usually, not my money’s worth. This changed in my first year as a food writer for Manila Bulletin, since my editor back then would constantly send me to cover events by Sofitel, normally held at Spiral, famous as among Asia Pacific’s multi-awarded dining destinations.

It was at this point that I found the charm of unlimited dining. The dishes are made to order, you choose the portions, and you can try as much food as you want, especially with Sofitel Manila’s flagship restaurant proudly housing 21 dining ateliers.

In a single sitting, I could have lobster, or some fresh sashimi, savory Chinese wok, soft and hearty French bread, grano duro (hard wheat) Italian pasta, piquant Thai laksa, and the like. Spiral is one of the best buffets in Manila not only for the sheer variety you can get— with some 21 buffet stations and cuisines to choose from—but also for the first-rate quality of the feast and the posh ambiance.

Just as buffets grant us the utmost freedom in dining, driving too is often considered as the “ultimate pleasure,” encapsulating a unique blend of liberty, exhilaration, and control. Dramatic as it may sound, given the right conditions on the wheel, one can find liberation from the constraints of time and space. The open road stretches endlessly before us, inviting adventure. The symphony of the engine’s purr, the rush of wind against the windows, and the rhythmic hum of tires on pavement create a sensory experience like no other.

Whether cruising along scenic highways or maneuvering through the busiest city streets, driving offers a sanctuary of solitude and self-expression, where the journey itself becomes the destination and every mile traversed is a testament to the bliss of the road.

Whether exploring topics from food to travel or art, immersing oneself in these experiences reveals the depth of one’s knowledge and the vastness of what remains to be discovered. In the words of Einstein, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.”

For instance, driving isn’t just about the vehicle itself but the holistic experience it offers. Among the test drives I have been highly satisfied with is the Ford Territory Titanium X. It is a calming ride that also boosts the confidence of drivers.

As part of its commitment to enhancing the ownership journey, Ford Philippines has introduced the “Territory 5-Star Care Package,” an exclusive service offering available to all new customers of the five-seater SUV.

Available for patrons purchasing the Next-Generation Ford Territory Titanium in April 2024, the package offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to elevate the ownership experience. This bundle includes a five-year scheduled service plan (SSP), that guarantees customers are protected from future parts and labor price increases on their periodic maintenance service (PMS).

Owners also receive five-year emergency roadside assistance, providing 24/7 support, nationwide towing coverage, minor on-site repairs, and more. Customers can enjoy a ₱20,000 cash discount along with the standard five-year warranty. This special offer underscores Ford’s commitment to providing a complete service package, allowing drivers to fully immerse themselves in the driving experience that the Territory offers, knowing that they are supported by a comprehensive service protection plan.

The introduction of the Territory 5-Star Care Package coincides with the first launch anniversary of the unit, marking a significant milestone in its journey since its debut at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Since then, the Next-Generation model has garnered widespread acclaim, becoming one of the best-selling SUVs in the market, appealing to a diverse range of drivers including first-time car buyers, young professionals, millennials, and small families.

Built to the highest global standards, the Territory boasts a dynamic design and efficient engineering, undergoing extensive evaluation to ensure its performance across diverse markets worldwide. Equipped with advanced safety features tailored to local driving conditions, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Adaptive Cruise Control, the Territory offers drivers added confidence on the road, not to mention comfort and convenience, thanks to built-in amenities like Wireless Charging, Wireless Apple Carplay, and Android Auto capability, making every journey seamless and enjoyable.

Driving the Territory, with a powerful EcoBoost 1.5L engine housed under the hood to deliver impressive torque and power while maintaining fuel efficiency, coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission and Ford’s wettype Dual Clutch engagement system to ensure smooth acceleration and enhanced performance, is more than just a means of transportation but a voyage of comfort, safety, and innovation, offering drivers the freedom to explore with confidence and relaxation.

Whatever form it takes, pampering yourself is an essential practice for nurturing your overall wellbeing. Find rejuvenation amid life’s chaos and prioritize your happiness and fulfillment.