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Filipino enterprising philanthropists share life realizations amid pandemic

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ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Premium postpaid brand Smart Infinity has tapped four Filipino enterprising philanthropists as its newest ambassadors for making a positive impact in the Philippines and beyond. </p><p>The four new &quot;changemakers&quot; are Kenneth Cobonpue, furniture designer and advocate of design entrepreneurship; Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Philux Inc. managing director and advocate of WWF and Habitat for Humanity; Bea Valdes, accessory designer and advocate of slow design and conscious craft; and Len Cabili, Filip + Inna creative director and advocate of local artisans. </p><p>In a recent virtual media conference hosted by former ABS-CBN anchor Pinky Webb, they opened up about the life lessons they have learned amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>Below are their answers to the question: &quot;What is the most significant change you&#x27;ve made in your own lives over the last year and a half which you think impacted you for the better?&quot;</p><div><strong>KENNETH COBONPUE</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/07/01/infinity_kenneth-cobonpue.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Handout</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>&quot;For me, just hitting that pause button I got that much-needed break in my life. Everything was just so fast-paced and this break allowed me to recalibrate, strategize, think about the company, about everything -- the meaning of everything that I was doing. </p><p>&quot;And it also allowed me to appreciate all the things that I took for granted, like family, our friends, our loved ones.</p><p>&quot;It also made me realize how important connectivity was because without it, I don&#x27;t know how we would ever get things done.&quot;</p><div><strong>BEA VALDES</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/07/01/infinity_bea-valdes.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Handout</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>&quot;The real change that I&#x27;ve made in my life is simplification and deeper connection. I think it has really distilled what is most valuable in our lives.&quot;</p><div><strong>STEPHANIE KIENLE-GONZALEZ</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/07/01/infinity_stephanie-kienle-gonzalez.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Handout</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>&quot;I would have to say being kinder to myself. That&#x27;s something I really learned throughout the year.</p><p>&quot;And taking things a little slower, and savoring every minute, and practicing gratitude. This has really allowed me to take a different perspective despite all of these challenges around us. And I feel much better for it.&quot;</p><div><strong>LEN CABILI</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/07/01/infinity_len-cabili.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Handout</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>&quot;You know, a few years ago I was traveling and stumbled upon this artwork that had the words, &#x27;What is enough?&#x27; It took years for me and a pandemic to force me to answer that big question and it was life-changing.</p><p>&quot;I tend to be obsessive about my work because I really enjoy it at the expense of my health. I get sick every now and then because of that. And when I started asking that question all throughout the pandemic, I realized that it was enough that I would work from 8 to 5, and then I get to do other things.</p><p>&quot;When I was praying all throughout the pandemic in relation to the brand I was praying that, &#x27;God, just give us enough sales to keep the artisans working.&#x27; And God granted that answer. And when he gave more than enough, it was an opportunity to share.</p><p>&quot;And I think that question, having answered it on a personal level and on a professional level, has changed me and it has made me look at life in a different way. I had cancer a few years ago -- what it taught me was only a fraction. I think [I learned more from] this one, in the context of the pandemic, and I think everyone was affected. I think it was a very important question that I had to answer for myself, and I&#x27;m thankful for the change it has made to my life.&quot;</p><div><strong>Related video:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OdTwTJ5wCeQ?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Kenneth Cobonpue, Bea Valdes, Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, and Len Cabili were asked to share the most significant change they've made in their own lives during the pandemic. </p>

Kenneth Cobonpue, Bea Valdes, Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, and Len Cabili were asked to share the most significant change they've made in their own lives during the pandemic.