A Day to Remember

I was awakened by the sound of my alarm clock. It was already 6 am in the morning so I hurriedly went to the shower and prepared myself for work.

On my way to Times Square, I turned on the built-in TV inside my car and switched the channel to CNN Asia. When I saw the newscaster, her name appeared to be familiar – Grace Palpalatoc. She was my group mate in thesis back in college.

CNN televised the upcoming senatorial election in the Philippines. One of the candidates of KAISA KA caught my eyes. It was Gilbert Monge another batch mate of mine in UE. A certain reporter interviewed him about his plans and I could say that he didn’t change. He’s still the eloquent Gilbert I once knew.

After his interview, I decided to turn off the TV and listened to the radio instead. I was entertained by a band named Dylan. They’re the hottest band in the US. “There you have it, the song write it down by Dylan from their debut album Journ.” The DJ said.

The DJ who happens to be Pike Revita introduced Migz Velasco, the drummer of Dylan. Migz announced that they would be having a concert in Madison Square Garden on October.

By 8 am, I arrived at MTV’s Time Square Studios where TRL (Total Request Live) airs. Every afternoon, fans gather there to catch a glimpse of the latest pop culture superstars in town. Britney Spears would be at the studio by Friday to promote her world tour. Since I am her publicist, I had to make sure that everything would run smoothly and my client would receive positive acclaim from the media. In fact, I already finished writing the press releases about her said tour.

I went to Jive Records after to get the press packets I made. I was about to leave when I saw Chris Brown entered the building with his publicist Jovie Guerrero. We greeted each other and agreed to have coffee some other time since we’re both busy generating publicity for our high-profile clients.

When I was in the car, I scoured my bag and reached for my Black Berry PDA phone to know the other things I had to do. I called Britney to inform her that she would be having a lunch meeting tomorrow with the executives of Toyota Motors at the New York Palace Hotel. Toyota decided to renew her contract as an endorser of Soluna Vios because her first ad with them was a huge success. One of the executives she would be meeting was Claude Bonares.

It was lunchtime and I’m craving for burgers so I went to “Little Owl” in the west village. I sat on the stool in the tiny packed bar and ordered a burger, a glass of syrage and a refreshingly tart cherry sorbet for dessert. “Man this was good.” I thought.

While I was munching the burger, I saw a familiar couple heading towards my destination. The girl said hi to me and I smiled in return. It was Precious Francisco. She was with her husband Ian and their daughter Francine. Precious told me that they now reside in Brooklyn and that she was pregnant with twins. Upon hearing the good news, I congratulated them and they said thank you. It’s time for them to leave so they bid goodbye.

I was still in the restaurant. I brought out my Mac laptop and began sending press releases in New York Times Newsroom. Speaking of New York Times, Nico Wangag was now the senior vice president of corporate communications while Cams Makayan was the executive director of community affairs. Yes, they already reached that far. I remember back in college, they were among the best writers in class now they’re big time.

After I finished sending those press releases, I preferred to Google search and found out that the novel “On Eagle’s Nest” written by Kit Perez was a New York Times Best Seller. On the other hand, her first novel “The Black Box” has gained immense popularity and commercial success worldwide since its first release. “That’s my girl.” I happily said to myself.

I went out from the restaurant and decided to walk for a while. While walking, I saw a huge billboard of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 19 Winner Lien Javier. At first glance, I thought it was Megan Fox but it was actually Neil, one of my friends in college. Yes, his real name was Neil Darius, he’s the first transsexual top model, and he admitted it. He’s booked many jobs and appeared on quite a few covers after he won. Tyra Banks even commented on her talk show that Lien was by far her favorite winner.

I reached the parking lot and drove back to Jive Records to meet Britney. When I arrived there, I saw MJ Lacson recording her second studio album under Jive. MJ was one of the fastest rising stars in the US. Her first single, “Living the Dream” won a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. MJ would be touring with Britney next month.

While I was in the studio waiting for Britney, I received a call from New Orleans. The call was from Em Castalla editor-in-chief of Chicago Sun Times. I actually worked there as a sports writer for two years until Britney took me in as her publicist. Ate Em told me that she’s now engaged with Elmer Espiritu, Captain Ball of Chicago Bulls. “Wow that was great. I’m so happy for you.” I told her.

Britney finally arrived. I discussed to her some business matters and after that, she went on to her dance studio for rehearsals. Since all my works were done, I decided to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of “Kitkatgirls.” It was a clothing brand established in the Philippines by Kath Velasco and Heidz Landrito. Kath also works in Admerasia Inc. an advertising agency in New York City while Heidz owned a restaurant in Manila as well.

Fitz Teretit was also there. She told me that she’s part of Pixar’s Creative Team and was the chief animator of “Ratatouille with friends” and “101 cars”. Fitz said that she would be in Tokyo next month to work with some popular animators in Japan like JM Javier.

After the ceremony, I bid goodbye to my friends and drove back home. I opened the fridge to get some water, jadedly went upstairs, changed into my Pajamas and turned on the TV. As I switched the channel, I saw Emmanuel Timajo in American Idol. Em made it to the top two. After the show, I switched the channel to ETC and watched Project Runway. Jeka Dela Rosa was one of the show’s resident judges. She’s currently the fashion editor of Elle Magazine. I turned off the TV after the show ended.

I made it a habit to read reader’s digest Asia before I go to sleep. As I looked at the cover, the couple seemed to be familiar. It was Luisa with her husband Lam. They were featured, as inspiring couple of the year. Luisa and Lam owned a cozy hotel in Boracay Islands.

It’s been a while since we parted ways and now we’re all successful. It was indeed a day to remember. I’m really happy for all of us. Glad we’ve made it.

We just can’t have it all at once

Whenever people asked me why I opted for Journalism as my course, I often gave them a smile and said, “Well, it just happened.” In fact, back in high school, I was totally clueless of what course should I take. All my best friends were certain to try Nursing since it’s the easiest passage abroad. Yes, that would earn me lots of money. However, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to realize my full potential if I would jump into that bandwagon. So, where would I be now? I asked.

Still clueless of what would I do with my life, I decided to take Business Administration instead. During my stint as a BA student, I got a chance to examine what I wanted and which skills of mine I enjoyed using the most. Since I don’t memorize and I can’t do math, I realized that BA was not the right course for me. The learning process circled around the four corners of our room. I didn’t like it. I got bored at it. Everything was just a routine.

I have lots of ideas that I wanted to put into writing; I desired to be heard. Though, it took me a while before I realized all these, still I didn’t have regrets.

I willingly shifted to Journalism in second semester of 2005. Much to my dismay, some of my manipulative relatives didn’t approve my decision. Some of them even commented that Journalism was a low-key profession and that it would get me nowhere. “What made you so sure that you’re going to work in the media when you graduate? A lot of communication students usually end up in call centers and you know that. Competition would be tough for you my dear. You’re not a Lasalista unlike your cousin Wilma.” These words, it hit me where it hurts. Yes, maybe they’re right. COMPETITION WOULD BE HARD and I wouldn’t be rich through writing but I just don’t care. It’s time for me to do what I wanted so shut up and back off. (Wooh, I wish I said that).

Just a thought, is finding a career, doing what your heart’s desire and earning money has to be mutually exclusive? Does it really have to be that way? I mean, a person could have the most wonderful job in the world, a good reputation and heaps of salary to possess a luxurious life, but he’s not happy. On the contrary, he could be perfectly happy doing what he wants but his salary is still not enough to support a family.

I don’t know what will happen to me when I graduate. I might start as a freelance writer, a production assistant in a television network, an English tutor, a “tambay” for months because of a job mismatch or perhaps end up in a call center in order to get sufficient income. No matter what happens, wherever life takes me, I’ll make sure that I will never stop learning and I will never forget the ideals that were instilled in me as a would-be Journalist. Besides, I still believe that I can have it all. I just can’t have it all at once. Oprah is that you? Haha.

Algun dia, voy a ser un periodista profesional

(Someday, I’m going to be a professional journalist)

Under the Blooming Tree

Sakura Tree

Let me just share to you something before I proceed to our topic. Back in high school, I had a classmate who was very fanatical of Japanese culture. Her name was April. April was so infatuated to it that she would actually prefer to sing “Kimigayo” (Japan’s national anthem) than “Lupang Hinirang” during flag ceremony.

I didn’t like her at first for she was so loud and mean but we eventually became friends. I think it’s inevitable because we were also seatmates. Being a passionate “feeling Japanese girl” that she was, April was fond of discussing Animès, Mangas, Japanese artists, pop stars and everything about Japan with me. Our conversation revolved around it so I was amazed about how she described Japan which according to her, was rich and indeed beautiful.

April used to sing Dimensions of Love, a soundtrack from the hit animè “Tenchi Muyo.” I think it was originally sung by Kuroda Kayoko. This song was about a girl who was patiently waiting for her one true love on springtime – a season, when Sakura trees (Cherry Blossoms) bloom.

When the cherry blossom starts to bloom
Meet me here in my lonely room
We’ll find a passion filled fantasy
And this time you will stay with me

When our class decided to choose date sketch as our topic for midterm, I was actually worried that I might not be able to write anything since I haven’t found him. I mean, being a certified member of NBSB (No Boyfriend since Birth), I honestly don’t have an idea of how a romantic date was like. I’m not really a mushy person and you know that.

“Your name is Girlie but you’re acting like a dude.” This statement, which I’ve heard from people, hundreds of times now, could perfectly explain why I considered this activity as a challenge. And yes, now is the time for me to unleash my romantic side. Oh, come on.

After chewing on a bone on what my dream date would be like, I’ve finally decided which place to go (Much thanks to April). So, if I would be on a date with my special someone, I would probably take him to Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino) in Yoshino Town, Japan, which is famous for “Hanami” (Cherry Blossom Viewing).

Yoshinoyama

Besides an estimated 30,000 Sakura trees, the area also offers a rich history and several temples and shrines. Cherry trees can be found all along the slope of the mountain, but the upper area is most appropriate for a rest or a picnic under the blooming trees.  So, If I would be there with him, I would love to have a stroll in the park and set a picnic after. For me it would be great for we would have time to know each other better. We would just talk about stuffs,  eat great food, laugh and goof around. You know,  I really want this date to happen. Since I haven’t met him,this date remains a dream. If this will become a reality, I might as well sing “Dimensions of Love” with my  special someone, under the cherry trees full of pink blossoms.

Soon, with the start of spring
We’ll know our hearts are changing
Leave the hurt behind
I’ll be true and kind
Be the best you’ll ever find

Not one, not two but three

I love kids. I really do. Actually, I have two little friends whom I considered angels; Emine, the smart, beautiful brown-eyed girl and Ali, the ever energetic three-year-old boy.

I love spending time with them. It makes me forget about my problems in school. You know, those load of assignments such as press releases, brochures etc… Well, what can I say? That’s part of being a student right?

When my brother told us that he got his girlfriend pregnant, my family and I were in a state of shock. We never expected anything like that from him. To make it worst, he even failed to formally introduce his girl to us. That’s why we’re really surprised and at the same time disappointed of what he did. However, the damage has been done and we can’t do anything about it. Besides, my brother is already in a right age and is capable of supporting his own family.

The disappointment that we once felt towards my brother was like grains of sand that has drifted away into lost tides, when his girl finally gave birth to a healthy baby boy on December 23.

The birth of my nephew, Rafael Ivan was the happiest event for me and my family last year. He’s the first offspring among my siblings, and I was overwhelmed by seeing this newborn that I just knew, that in my heart belonged to us and was a small piece of me.   

I’m already excited to see him grow up just like my two little friends. Rafael is really a blessing to us. He’s like an angel that brings joy to our family. His birth becomes a way for us to reunite with my brother and build a good relationship with his girl at the same time.

Now I could say that I have indeed three angels whom I could lean on to whenever I’m down. Angels, who will teach me not to worry too much, learn how to forgive, take everything in and just enjoy life.

 

 

From Merry to Gloomy

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a season for gift giving.  The spirit of Christmas drives people to midnight mass, family gatherings and to the mall.  We inflict ‘Yuletide Suicide’ on ourselves by overspending and over shopping.  We splurge on food, new fancy outfits and engage ourselves in wrapping gifts during mad holiday rush.  We try to brighten each other’s lives, which makes this season special.

My Christmas was always merry and special until year 2002.  It was my worst Holidays ever.  My family and I observed the season in a strange way and welcomed New Year with tears on our eyes.  If I were to consider this experience as a gift, probably it was the worst that I received.

I was 15 then when my grandmother died of ‘Emphysema’, a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are enlarged.  She was confined in the hospital for almost the entire month of December and died on the 29^th. We were in the hospital the whole time she was there, and even had our Noche Buena in her gloomy cold room.

I was a witness of my grandmother’s suffering.  Days before she passed away, my Lola went through a lot of test.  On the afternoon of December 29, she had a seizure.  She was crying from the pain and was gasping for air.  I was there, stuck on my seat and had no idea what was going on.  She uttered breathlessly, as if her soul wanted to depart from her body.  I was horrified! The next thing I knew, Lola was dead.

It’s been six years since the death of my grandmother.  I miss those holidays when she was still with us, but I do believe that she’s happier now.  She doesn’t need feasting,  she doesn’t need choir to sing those carols, nor gifts to open this Christmas for she is with the presence of the Great Unknown – God.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

who loves to gossip?

And who am I? That’s one secret I’ll never tell.  You know you love me.  XOXO, boom! We’re not in Gossip Girl here.  But taking from the popularity of that series, you might want to ask this question; Do you love to gossip? Well, I do and I think everyone does.

People love gossip and I believe that it is something innate.  No wonder why showbiz-oriented talk shows such as the buzz and star talk thrives.

For some people, gossip is trivial, hurtful and idle.  For others, it is a light way of transmitting information.  As for myself, I see it as a way of engaging socially with my peers.  Harmless as it seems, I know that gossiping is a much deeper problem but still I find it entertaining.

I’m not the one who spread rumors but I’m guilty of being inquisitive whenever someone tells me a juicy story.  As if, I’m a kid in a candy store craving for more sweets.  I tend to go nuts especially when the persons that are being talked about are individuals whom I find disgusting. Like those, silly creatures who know nothing but to brag about themselves and discourage the people around them.  I know it’s childish for me to think this way but in my arrogant opinion; those people deserve to be bashed.

It’s tempting to hook up with a group who sit around talking blissfully if you know what I mean.  I want to ignore them as much as I want to but it’s so hard.  I think my nosiness is the one to blame here.

As I write this, I find myself marveling on how to overcome this inhumane attitude.  Perhaps, my inability to put right my own shortcomings is the very basis why I love to hear gossips.  I know it’s impossible for me to cut out gossip completely, but the effort that I will be exerting is fair enough to make damage control.  Now you know the dark side of me.  Hope this bag of revelation will double as a parachute.