Politician Chiz Escudero, journalist Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. and lawyer Karen Jimeno may be leading different lives and thriving in contrasting fields, but they all share one thing in common: they have found balance between their personal and professional lives.
Finding that elusive “balance,” in which one excels in his career as he maintains a healthy life outside of work, can be a challenge even for the most passionate individual. But these successful personalities make it work.
In an exclusive photo shoot for American polo shirt brand Original Penguin by Munsingwear, Escudero, Locsin and Jimeno share how they work hard and play hard equally well.
The cooking Senator
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has a couple more stressful months ahead of him. This is not to say that Escudero had a walk in the park since at 28, he was already immersed in the political scene. But after his announcement in September last year that he was joining the vice presidential race, he now has to work double time fulfilling his current responsibilities and encouraging the public to support him this May.
Escudero has a rational and simple approach in achieving work-life balance, and that is by not eating politics for breakfast, lunch or dinner. He makes it a point to work when he needs to work and reserves weekends to spend quality time with his family.
In a field where almost nothing is within control, Escudero takes refuge in cooking. “There are no variables. Everything is within your control. If I make a mistake I know the exact outcome. Sometimes in life and love, even if I do not commit a mistake, the outcome is still different,” he says.
“Unlike life or politics or love, where almost everything is a variable, cooking somehow preserves my sanity,” he says, adding that preparing meals keeps him grounded and makes him feel that something is still within his control and reach.
The fearless journalist
Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. has been in public service since the late ‘60s, both in media and politics. He was an editorial writer for the Philippines Free Press, practiced law at the Angara law office, founded The Daily Globe, Philippines Free Press (re-opening) and Today newspaper, and became the speechwriter and legal counsel of the late President Corazon Aquino.
From 2001 to 2010, he served as congressman for the 1st district of Makati. “My public service was a great experience. As a young writer before, I looked down at politicians. But when I entered politics, I realized how hard it was to be a politician and it was a good lesson,” shares Locsin
At 66, Locsin is the host of TEDitorial, an editorial segment on a late night newscast. His daily routine includes writing his script in the morning, hosting his program in the evening, and swimming and exercising in between. He also spends time organizing his house and reading in his own library.
The pretty, car-loving lawyer
She might be known to many as the court trial beauty, but Atty. Karen Jimeno is more than just a pretty face. A practicing lawyer both in the Philippines and New York, a Law professor, an advocate of enlightening voters about automated election, and a TV host, it would seem impossible to believe that she is also a loving wife who still has time left for her interests and hobbies.
“Having a partner who enjoys simple things and respects your work boundaries is a good relationship to treasure,” she shares.
When not doing legal work, Jimeno writes about cars. “Ever since I was a child, I have developed a love for cars as an art with its aesthetics and engineering. For me, it’s a fun type of work. I get to write creatively as well, which is different from legal writing.”
Senator Chiz Escudero, Teddy Boy Locsin and Atty. Karen Jimeno have different personalities, inclinations, and professions – but they all know how to balance priorities and live life to the fullest.