IF LIFE were a box of chocolates, my variety would have sugar-free truffles. I want to enjoy the goodness life offers without the guilt of gaining weight. It?s all a matter of proper balance and wellness.

My longtime yoga friend, Berta Feliciano, exemplifies this best in the August issue of Town & Country, whose cover she beautifully graces. She says that it is crucial to achieve balance in life in order to find your passion and be all you can be. The genuine joy in her eyes clearly shows she has the right formula.

Speaking of the right formulas, the ever-creative sisters, Katty Qua and Sheree Gotuaco of Freeway Shops have been making waves in the hip fashion scene with their fresh ideas and dynamic designs. The sisters? act was to have a different fashion campaign while paying tribute to deserving recipients of the National Artist Award.

Freeway?s National Artist Collector?s Series was the answer, starting with literary master Nick Joaquin. His beautiful words are interpreted in limited-edition dresses, a gift clutch, and for the first time, a graphic tee for men. Each item includes a Nick Joaquin stamp of authenticity. Truly a collector?s edition!

At the collection?s launch, Freeway held a poetry reading at The Row in Glorietta 5, hosted by gabmeister Mo Twister. Readers included Freeway girl G Toengi, QTV?s host Jocas de Leon, Joey de Leon?s stunning daughter, and Nick Joaquin?s nephew-in-law Bing Villegas, representing the Joaquin family, who read an excerpt from ?A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.?

To coincide with Freeway?s launch, the family of Nick Joaquin is bringing back an exhibit on his life. ?The World of Nick Joaquin? is on display through September 15 at the Cubao Expo. The event features the Memorabilia Exhibit of the National Artist at the Heritage Art Gallery. Visit www.freeway.net.ph for cool photos.

Our Home

When life was much simpler, I was merely an interior designer working on various interesting projects. Then life handed me other ventures, which seem to have blossomed. Today I feel I have come full circle with my interior design show on QTV, ?House Life.?

In upcoming episodes, ?House Life? will be featuring Our Home, a one-stop, extensive, home furnishings shop. We covered the launch of the Our Home Prestige Card at the SM Megamall Atrium. At the event, all the interior designers and architects who attended were given the special cards that earn bonus points. To all designers out there, check out www.ourhome.ph for details.

Jointly launched was Our Home?s 2009 Leather Collection. Three stylish displays were presented to the design audience. In my living room vignette, I used Monzani three-seater and two-seater cream leather sofas, while my ?House Life? co-host Marilen Montenegro did a dining room setup using a very modern Pendleton dining set with sophisticated decor from Our Home.

Joy Ejercito of Philippine Institute of Interior Designers created a luxe living room vignette using black Aldo sofas and colorful accents. The launch was wonderfully filled with creative energy, from such guests as Daphne Oseña Paez of Linens Direct and ?House Life? cast members Tristan Jovellana and Aissa Gonzales.

One of our recently most watched episodes was our home makeover for Katrina Halili, with her new bed linens sponsored by Linens Direct owner Diana Dy. Diana is also the distributor of the hippest camcorder called Flip. It records up to 30 minutes and can be directly connected to a computer for instant sharing. The amazing gadget is handy, fun and easy to use even for techie-challenged adults! Flip is available in photo shops and SM Appliance.

Father and son

If there is a celebrity figure that has transcended time and conquered so many challenges, that would be Gary Valenciano. Together with his son Gab, the energetic team now captures the true spirit of Real Leaf Green Tea, the latest addition of the refreshing beverages of Coca-Cola Company.

It was so poetic that Real Leaf was launched at the Blue Leaf. TV host Iya Villania hosted the show, entitled ?The Real Leaf Switch to 100%.? Tea expert Hongguan Xu gave an enlightening discussion about the benefits of tea.

Brewed from high-quality, 100-percent whole green tea leaves, and naturally rich in theanine, Real Leaf Green Tea is surprisingly delicious and healthy. Coca-Cola?s Chinky Alcedo and Sean Cunial are so excited about Real Leaf, which has real honey to perk up its taste and health benefits. My favorite flavors are Honey Apple and Honey Lychee.

Health drink

Drinking more tea might just be what we need to stave off diseases like pneumonia. I just learned that this dread disease is the number one killer of children. According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children?s Fund, about 9,000 Filipino children die of pneumonia each year, which is sad because with early detection and appropriate medical care, these deaths can be avoided.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), University of the Philippines-Manila and Pharex Health Corporation recently launched the StoPneumonia Campaign, which looks like it lacks a letter until one remembers that the P in pneumonia is silent anyway. Seriously though, StoPneumonia is a health awareness program to teach health workers and mothers about early detection and prevention of the disease.

At the launch, NIH and Pharex HealthCorp shared simple steps that could be lifesaving, such as monitoring breathing patterns in children. The campaign will also involve public workshops and distribution of informative literature.

Above being a TV host, interior designer, and now an Ironman finisher, I am firstly a wife and mother. So I am always concerned with the health and wellbeing of my children. I guess there?s no better way to do that than to take advantage of holiday economics, so we are visiting breathtaking Misibis Bay Raintree Resort this long weekend. It will be great to be breathing the fresh air in the beach, although we will be sad to miss shopping at the Rockwell Urban Bazaar today. Life can truly be a box of chocolates, with no easy choices.

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph