Social Encore: Looking to 2013

BY JERMEL-LYNN QUILLOPO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

The first sunrise of 2013. (Photo by Jermel Quilopo)

Last week, I blogged talked about the top five blogs I enjoyed writing in 2012.

On a personal level, I know many of us reflect by reminiscing about the lessons we’ve learned over the past year — along with memories we wouldn’t trade for the world.

Now that it’s 2013, many of us are looking at a fresh new start. So I called up some friends of mine to wish them a happy new year, but to also get an insight of what they were grateful for in 2012 and what they look forward to in 2013.

Here’s what they had to say:

Camilla Crescenzo

Diamond Head resident

“2012 seemed to be the year of love and special moments for me. I got to be part of weddings for amazing friends, traveled and spent time with family, celebrated my little brothers engagement and found out that my husband and I were expecting our first child — so many special moments and firsts!

My new years resolution is to embrace change and new challenges and always strive to turn them in to opportunities!”

Rachel Aubrey

Hawaii Pacific University professor

“In 2012 I’m grateful that I made some really great friendships and lasting relationships. I also am really grateful that my husband and I were able to pay off both our cars and all of our credit cards.

In 2013 my resolution is to adopt a baby panda, or get a puppy (probably the latter). I would really like to fulfill a long-time goal of taking Latin ballroom dance classes!

(And) of course you can’t have new year’s resolutions without mentioning wanting to be more physically fit.”

Makana McClellan

Ma’ili resident

“My word/theme for 2012 was ‘love.’ So much growth in love occurred over the past year with family & friends; the highlights … being our wedding day & the journey of pregnancy.

In 2013, as we look forward to becoming new parents and growing further in our personal & professional lives, I believe the best suited word/theme is ‘courage.’ Cheers to new experiences & opportunities!”

Ethel Viloria

Queen’s Medical Center registered nurse

“The highlights of 2012 has to be transferring to a new nursing unit, being proposed to by my high school sweetheart in New York, being able to travel and buying my first house.

My new year’s resolution is to make time for me and my family because everyone knows that I’m a workaholic.”

Dhyana Leung

FaceArtBeauty operations manager

“What I loved about 2012 was that I was able to met new friends that are now near and dear to me. Our company also had a successful first art event at Fresh Cafe/Loft in Space. It was also a great accomplishment that our company won Hawaii makeup & hairstylist of the year at the 2012 RAWards.

For myself, I hope to look and feel amazing from head to toe everyday! I am a makeup artist & stylist, but sometimes when it’s your job to make someone else beautiful, you can often neglect yourself.

Another goal is to volunteer some time to non-profit organizations. I’d also like to go to fashion week to do makeup this year.”

Donovan Coloma

Cutter Ford parts sales representative

“For 2012, I was able to live the single life. I had the time to find myself while spending time with family and friends. I was able to focus what was important in my life.

My 2013 resolution is to try not drunk call, text, post pics and update social media status’ while I’m out.”

Jarrold Sumibcay

Audiozonedj

“What I loved about 2012 was spending time with family and friends. It feels good to be sitting down and talking stories with familiar faces.

No matter how long it has been since the last time I’ve seen them, it seems like we always have an exciting story to tell. There is just a never a dull moment. I’m just glad I got to spend time with family members who have departed from us. I always tell myself that other including myself should spend time with family and friends before it’s too late.

My new years resolution is to get fit before my wedding next year. I’ll try to me more active by going to the gym and by running whenever I have the chance. If I can keep this up for at least four to five days a weeks, I’ll be looking fresh and tone just in time for wedding day.”

Mark Trinidad

Nuuanu resident

“A couple things I loved about 2012: they finally came out with a live action ‘Avengers’ movie, which has always been a childhood favorite of mine. Also witnessing a man skydive from the stratosphere and breaking the speed of sound in the process.

For 2013, the main thing I’m anticipating is all the new technology and gadgets coming out llike the next generation of gaming devices from Sony and Microsoft, as well as new performance cars coming out by BMW.”

Geoff Mau

Photographer

“2012 has taught me that life is a beautiful disaster and so you might as well enjoy it. There is not enough tie, act upon your dreams and don’t live in your comfort zone.

For 2013, I am happy to start my adventure living for the first time away from Hawaii in San Francisco. It is the first milestone in making my dream as a successful, well-traveled photographer come true.”

Mike Yang

Honolulu resident

“What I liked about 2012 were the new friends that I ‘ve made and old friends that I have reconnected with.

For 2013, stop getting in my own way and having greater appreciation in all aspects of my life.”

As for me, I personally can’t wait to own it this year. I personally want to do some cleansing: spiritually, physically and mentally. I would also love to travel more! There is so much of this world that I still want to see. I’d also like to bring some brainstormed projects to life. This year is just full of infinite possibilities; it’s hard to just have one thing to look forward to.

I know that 2013 has more things to bestow upon me and I’m looking forward to every second of it. Although many of us take this moment to start new, it should never take us a new year to realize that we need to change something to better ourselves and our lives. I’ve learned that life waits for no one so don’t second guess yourself, if things are meant to be-they will happen.

So this year, take a risk and seize every moment that comes your way because I promise you, you won’t regret it. Without risk, life has no romance.
———
Jermel-Lynn Quillopo is a multi-faceted, energetic individual with experience in both print and broadcast journalism. “Social Encore” aims to tell diverse stories about Hawaii’s food, events and people; share your tips with Jermel via email or follow her on Twitter.