Just got home hours ago after attending to the scheduled lunch-slash-interview with a Program Officer at MMLDC for my pending article for this quarter's issue. The officer is charming and bubbly; maybe she was a bit nervous for she might have thought the questions will be hard to answer.
Sometimes I wonder, why do people get scared at the thought of being interviewed? The thing is when I actually conduct interviews, I make sure that it's relaxed actually like just a fun session.
So after a lot of stopovers, traffic jam in Cainta and the whole flood and heavy rains, I got home at about 7 pm, and my headaches are a bit pissing me off. I know I'm bone tired just by that. But anyway, a lot of things are happening pretty good nowadays.
I suppose, I was not wrong with my chosen field. My life is both in writing and in magazines. I love both reading and writing. And being in the written profession for a training center, I guess part of the perks of my job is meeting different people--either by appointment or by accident. Even way back in high school and college, I've been fascinated with the lives of powerful people. Some of them I got lucky to meet in person.
Today's probably no exception. Off to go home from dropping by the marketing department, I got a bit intrigued seeing this man in the lobby talking to someone over the phone. It took me some minutes and two turns in the lobby to recognize that it was actually Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN. The network happened to be having their business-related event in the center. Sometimes, these executives know how to keep their famous status from the commoner's eye--like what happened to me today. Starstrucked? Just a bit actually. I suppose, it's that I've been used to the thing. He was not the first person I met. In highschool I first encountered President Gloria Arroyo and again during college. I've seen sportsmen like Rommel Adducul, Alex Compton and James Yap before college graduation and with the experience, I found out it doesn't change a thing. My dad even thought that I probably am a starstrucked girl who'd run after these famous people asking for their autographs but unfortunately, that's just not my style.
I'm no paparazzi after all.
On the other side still, people compliment my new look. One of the program officers actually told me, I looked more sophisticated now compared back then that I looked like a nerdy lass. Some of teacher friends are actually telling me I look like an artista now.
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The world could still be in shock with the death of Michael Jackson. Anywhere one goes, there's the song of the legendary King of Pop. Just yesterday, I was out doing some errands at the nearby mall, I came across and exhibit Remembering Michael Jackson; and as I check out video and music stores, they also have their share of remembering. And no one could be blamed for that; after all he's indeed a legend and for someone who remained out of the limelight for so long and would appear only to be pronounced dead at the age of 50, it is indeed a shocking truth. I have my own view about death--and I'm now being reminded of it. Back in college, when a colleague, Cyril passed away untimely at the age of 20 (I was then 18), aside from fear and shock, I was questioning the whole thing at the back of my head. I had this thought and angst that people at a young age don't deserve to die early. Of course, in the long run, I came to accept it as it is without anyone having to tell me that it is part of reality. I felt the resentment and then went on with the whole life cycle thing. And even now, although there's no resentment, whenever I hear people die at a young age (and I still consider 50 as young ) I feel dismayed; for they could still do a lot of things. The way Michael could still be if only he wasn't called home early. Reflecting (as how my former sociology professor said) normally happens when one leaves and dies. It's a sad truth that no one remembers you not unless you are famous, you did something good or you're dead. More than just a childhood taken away from him, his song Gone Too Soon could be a reflection of his life. Probably without him knowing it. Like a comet Blazing 'cross the evening sky Gone too soon Like a rainbow Fading in the twinkling of an eye Gone too soon Shiny and sparkly And splendidly bright Here one day Gone one night Like the loss of sunlight On a cloudy afternoon Gone too soon Like a castle Built upon a sandy beach Gone too soon Like a perfect flower That is just beyond your reach Gone too soon Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight Here one day Gone one night Like a sunset Dying with the rising of the moon Gone too soon (Michael Jackson photo above courtesy of Getty Images)
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Just got home checking out my emails and the whole Michael Jackson thing. Just this morning in the office Ms. Bot, our Events Officer told me of the news as she was browsing Philippine Star. Of course, I was surprised too. To think that I grew up listening to his songs; most of my mp3 music files are that of MJ's including Thriller and lately I've been hooked listening to Man in the Mirror. He was once known as Lisa Marie Presley's estranged husband; got into a publicized case of child abuse, even got into retokado (plastic surgery) blurbs (how come he became so mestizo when he was so, so dark back then with Jackson 5?-- which turned out to be a case of vitiligo )
He was supposed to enjoy the golden years at his age of 50 but that's not going to happen. As I watch the news tonight, I found out that the country's pride, Charice Pempengco was supposed to have a showdown concert with him (Jackson chose Charice after seeing her doing the Moonwalk while singing Billie Jean) and the rehearsals were scheduled for next week.
But with his untimely death that's going to be a bubble burst. His death is clearly a huge loss especially to music enthusiasts yet, he had left a legacy for other generations to look up to.
Back at the office, I asked the help of Ms. Paz and Ms. Sheryl for the price list of wedding packages at MMLDC. They all thought I was the one to get hitched. Unfortunately, that's not the case. They need to get me a groom first. I got that for my friend Mikaela who plans to marry her beau of 8 years, Alfred (I was talking to her through Skype last night and she told me about it) just for her to have an idea of the expenses and if that's gonna be a deal in the near future.
Now about the unexpected stuff, I attest now that some things come when you don't expect it. Actually there are some questions running in my head that I often don't ask people about and one instance are some things about this person. Actually, I only knew him by facial feature and by name. That's it. I don't know where he actually lives (but he knows where I reside) or if his age is really his.
I'm a writer and I do interviews yet, I don't normally interrogate people (especially those belonging to the opposite sex)if I want to know things about them. So I just let things happen by itself. If there's gonna be an info, then good. It's either I'm afraid to take the initiative or not prepared to do it.
Then as I was about to go out of the office today, by the gate somebody called through the radio asking about this person mentioning his whole name which I heard loud and clear. My brain is that retentive that I even had an instant thought could that be the person's last name? (one thing which I also do not know)
I received something when I was least expecting it.
I'm wearing a smile on my face now. After that incident, I suppose God provides little surprises like that.
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Still, despite my busy schedule with my writing job, I get to find some time logging to my new love, Facebook. Yep, aside from this blog and the blogs that I follow, Facebook's the next best thing in cyberspace. Since I had internet connection here at home, I get to catch up with my friends including my favorite writer, witty editor Frances Amper-Sales (OK! Philippines' editor-in-chief)and her blog,Topaz Horizon. Speaking of her blog, she's got a beauty promorunning till the end of this week. I actually opted to join (and it's going to end in a few days, so readers, do join in now) after I guess being inspired with the responses of my colleagues, friends and even bosses with my current look. I'm actually not a fan of make-up kits back then. Not until my good for nothing ex boyfriend broke up with me and got this press-release of him having a one-year old son from a girl he impregnated while we were still together. I decided to venture into new hairstyles, lipstick, mascara and all those things that make a girl absolutely beautiful--or perhaps, fantabulous as Frances puts it. And revenge this way is absolutely sweet. It's not just me who loved my new look but others as well. And then came Frances' blog entry about these wonderful beauty goodies from Maybelline.I'm gaga over the lip collection! I find it so fab! Pink and sophisticated any girl will be seductive with pink, glossy lips. Nowadays, a lipstick is one of the handy things I can't leave home without--aside from my flash drive, mobile phone and pen. Because lipsticks not just give color. It shows sophistication to ladies. Oh, and like what my former co-teacher told me, even if you don't have the moolah, when you have your red lipstick on, people won't be able to tell the difference. And those actually are wise words. I know a lot of blog followers will join her contest. I'm just trying my luck. Who knows, right? For some weeks, I've been interchanging my roles in my writing stint. From doing articles of the anniversary issue of Highlights (out next month) to revising the PR/ client material for the Marketing Department (it's kinda giving me headaches before I finally got the whole thing right. :-p)
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Since the day I had finally gotten an internet connection at home, a bit of my routine has changed. Everyday, I've found myself checking my emails and catching up with my relatives in Toronto first thing in the morning when I wake up. But that's just one.
This is my brother's new baby. The PC where you'll find me with my coffee in the morning. Although I still have my own desktop PC working--though the screen's color is green, this is where the Internet connection is.
I also decided to sport a new haircut. A sign of my liberation from being a bastardized girlfriend, I decided to make myself look gorgeous--doing it for my self-esteem. And like what my best friend Appple said, masarap sa pakiramdam ang magpaganda (being beautiful makes you feel good), it is indeed putting my spirits up.
Still into writing for Highlights, we're coming out with a Special Anniversary issue next month. And I'm glad to be very busy with writing the articles. I have developed a wonderful and harmonious relationship in this industry--being here for three years. Honestly, it is my ardent prayer to work with MMLDC not just as a freelancer but I hope to work in the institution for good. I know more than ever, this is where my heart really is.
I'm also into Facebook. And it's actually quite addicting. More fun than Friendster. I found another way to catch up with friends.
These are just a few of the things that I love nowadays. I can say life's blissful for me now. I hope my heart's going to find its happiness soon. After all, bliss begins with two words--LOVE ACTUALLY.
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I have been out from writing in this blog for more than a month. For one, I've been so busy with the magazine articles (the same way is how it is going as I write this entry), applying to some job vacancies and healing myself).
I am happy to say that some things and part of me had been recovering pretty well. I know that I should also do so; for my own good and for the sake of the people and things that I love.
I am happy now. If there are things I feel uncertain of, my prayers rescue me. So ending this entry, I leave my readers with this 100 Ways to Feel Happy and Good emailed to me by one of my editors, Mr. Noel Adriano of MMLDC.
1. Never put yourself last. 2. When you extend a helping hand to one person, be careful not to kick someone else in the teeth. 3. Always own a pair of old, faded jeans. 4. Count your blessings everyday. 5. Acknowledge your successes along with your downfalls. 6. Burn the candle that has been in storage for the last two years. 7. Strive for progress, not perfection. 8. Remember, the voice telling you that you cannot do something is always lying. 9. At least once a day, sit and do nothing. 10. Don’t close your heart so tightly against life’s pain that you shut out life’s blessings. 11. Celebrate all your birthdays no matter how old you get. 12. Examine your life for limitations and ask yourself and why you put them there. 13. Plant a tree, pull weeds or get your hands dirty. 14. Diminish your wants instead of increasing your needs. 15. Cry when you feel like it. 16. Rejoice in other people’s triumphs. 17. Don’t wait for someone else to laugh or express joy. 18. Forgive yourself for any mistake you make no matter how big or small. 19. Keep good company. 20. Never take a pill for a pain you need to feel. 21. Use your enthusiasm to put yourself in forward gear and give yourself a spark to move ahead. 22. Look in the eyes of the ones you love when you are talking to them. 23. Remember that one is a whole number. 24. Walk in a summer rain shower without an umbrella. 25. Do a kind deed for someone else. 26. Keep your eyes and ears open to get the messages you need from people and events in your daily life. 27. Be patient. 28. Eat something green. 29. Change what you can and leave the rest alone. 30. Walk hand in hand with truth. 31. Make laughter and joy a greater part of your life than anger and grief. 32. Embrace solitude instead of running from it. 33. Be zealous not jealous. 34. Forgive anyone you’ve been holding a grudge against. 35. Slow down and enjoy the present. 36. Walk in others shoes before judging them. 37. Send yourself a kind message. 38. Remind yourself that the company you keep is a reflection of what you think of yourself. 39. Go on a picnic. 40. Accept your fears, no matter how crazy they may seem. 41. Don’t let other people’s opinions shape who you are. 42. Say a prayer. 43. Never attribute your accomplishments to luck or chance. 44. Know when to say no. 45. Look at the positive side of negative situation. 46. Remember that you are a spiritual being in a physical body. 47. Avoid seeking out other people for constant approval, because it makes them the master and you, the slave. 48. Go fly a kite. 49. Avoid fads and bandwagons. 50. Accept the things you cannot change. 51. Look inside instead of outside yourself for answers to life’s problems. 52. Remember that all feelings are okay. 53. Shield yourself from bad influences. 54. Stand up for what you believe in. 55. Respect the wishes of others when they say no. 56. Seize every moment and live it fully. 57. Give away or sell anything you haven’t used in the past five years. 58. Never downgrade yourself. 59. Take responsibility of what you think, feel and do. 60. Pamper yourself. 61. Never say or do anything abusive to a child. 62. Let yourself be God-powered instead of flying solo. 63. Volunteer to help someone in need. 64. Refrain from over indulging in food, drink and work. 65. Finish unfinished business. 66. Be spontaneous. 67. Find constructive outlet for your anger. 68. Think about abundance instead of lack because whatever you think about expands. 69. Think of yourself as a survivor, not a victim. 70. Cuddle an animal. 71. Be open to life. 72. See success as something you already have, not something you must attain. 73. Experience the splendor and awe of a sunset. 74. When you score a base hit, don’t wish it were a home run. 75. Learn to be in the present moment. 76. Instead of believing in miracles, depend on them. 77. Take a child to the circus. 78. Change your attitude and your whole life will change. 79. Never turn your power over to another person. 80. When your heart is at odds with your head, follow your heart. 81. Always remember that the past is gone forever and the future never comes. 82. Live your life according to what is right for you. 83. Acknowledge your imperfections. 84. Plant a tree and watch it grow. 85. See “friend” instead of “enemy” on the face of strangers. 86. Watch an army of ants build their houses and cities and carry food ten times their weight. 87. Believe in something bigger than yourself. 88. Let the playful child within you come out. 89. Make haste slowly. 90. Work through your problems step by step and one day at a time. 91. Accept compliments from others so you can see the truth about yourself. 92. Sit on the lawn without worrying about grass stains. 93. Don’t condemn yourself for your imperfections. 94. Do a humility check periodically by loving the truth about yourself. 95. Tell someone you appreciate them. 96. Never live your life according to what is right for someone else. 97. Talk less and listen more. 98. Admit your wrongdoing and forgive yourself for it. 99. Thrive on inner peace instead of on crises. 100. Affirm all the good things about yourself.
I'm a 30-something Millennial Tita from the Art Capital of the Philippines and I express what's on my mind (may it be a good experience or otherwise) through writing. Feel free to explore the fragments of my mind which you can find in this blog.
Oh and forget the formalities. You can call me Glaiza!
I suppose, I was not wrong with my chosen field. My life is both in writing and in magazines. I love both reading and writing. And being in the written profession for a training center, I guess part of the perks of my job is meeting different people--either by appointment or by accident. Even way back in high school and college, I've been fascinated with the lives of powerful people. Some of them I got lucky to meet in person.
I suppose, I was not wrong with my chosen field. My life is both in writing and in magazines. I love both reading and writing. And being in the written profession for a training center, I guess part of the perks of my job is meeting different people--either by appointment or by accident. Even way back in high school and college, I've been fascinated with the lives of powerful people. Some of them I got lucky to meet in person.
