Hello, midlife...

31 today. Forever 28. :)

Of famous people and people who should be famous

Through my work, non-work activities, passion and interests, I feel blessed to have met several wonderful people who have made a dent in my life, in one way or another.

I’m not really talking about friends, but people you don't know when you will see again, or if you will ever see them again.

You just happened to be right there at that moment that they are there too. Some are planned, some are unplanned. But whichever the case, I'm really grateful for having had the opportunity to cross paths with them.

While reviewing in my head who the interesting people I've met are, I'm amused and happy to realize that they come from really diverse backgrounds - grassroots, academe, showbiz, publishing, corporate, arts, sports, health, fashion.

On my way to work this morning, I'm trying to see who has had the most impact on me - people who have had an influence on the way I think, the principles I live by today.

I don’t know if I should name names. Maybe just ask me when we see each other. Hehe!

Among the famous people, the ones who have somehow really struck me include a (should-be) national artist because of her works, a model-turned-photographer/stylist because she really is beauty and brains, a power society figure who taught me a lot about taking photos.

As for the people who should be famous, the list would include a community doctor who helped me reconcile my thoughts on volunteerism with one aspect of my life, a priest working with a community in Mindoro who helped me understand what immersion really is, a group of academicians who never failed to ignite the passion for volunteerism among the people in the room, and then there are the LGBT rights advocates we featured in the Power Issue of Icon - a teacher/poet who shared with me how life was like for gays and lesbians way, way back, a socio-civic who opened her home to young lesbians who needed a "home," a faculty from a Catholic university who introduced me to LGBT fiction.

These are the few I can remember.

Famous in the larger society, famous in their own circles, should-be famous, what was common among them is that they are passionate about the field they are in, they stand by what they believe in, and they carry this flame which just ignites the dying embers within you.

If good vibes, passion, zest for something, and enthusiasm were a virus, they are the perfect carriers.

And I’m more than happy because at one point in my life, I met them and got “infected.”

"We are led to those who help us most to grow..."

So goes a line from one of my favorite showtunes. Hehe!

I have to agree.

Of careers and work I love...

After getting my diploma from Peyups, I thought I would instantly embark on a career in the corporate world.

Months of searching for a career in the corporate world and nothing. Instead, job hunting led me to... surprise, surprise... my own university.

My first job was with the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, the volunteer group of the University of the Philippines. October 2000 - December 2003. Some people say things happen for a reason, and that you are brought to a certain place because you have to learn something from it.

It didn't take me long for me to understand why I landed the Pahinungod job. Though I was already familiar with the organization even before I came to UP (my Mom provided catering services to the group), it was only when I became part of it did I fully understand what it meant to be there, what it meant to be a Pahinungod.

Simply put, volunteerism in the midst of daily life. To not just be another face in the crowd. To make a difference even in the smallest way.

So in the three years I was with Pahinungod, the seeds of volunteerism were not just planted in me. I'd like to think that the seeds grew, and its branches made me reach out to others to tell them about volunteerism. Until now, I still carry with me the ideals taught by the numerous Pahinungods I have met in that short span of time.

From the university, I moved to an outsourcing company. I lasted six months. It wasn't for me. After that, I was involved in a business/advocacy project with friends for two years. We were dreamers. We wanted something that the local situation couldn't give. What do we do? We give it to ourselves and to others. I will write about this in another entry.

The next job was with a shipping company. Corporate Communications. I was lucky enough to be under very smart and strong women who taught me much about CorpComm and other things.

And then in the middle of 2007, I was blessed to bag a job in one of the country's top companies. My official title is Public Affairs officer. But my roles have included writer/graphic artist/exhibit curator/photographer/stylist/art director/proofreader/editor/food service attendant/production assistant/interior decorator/events organizer/team mascot... and so on. Haha!

I'm very happy to have performed all roles because I believe all of these have contributed to my development as a professional in this industry.

Specifically, I handle the publicity/communications for a number of Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

In a way, it's similar to what I did for Pahinungod and I'm really, really glad to be where I am right now. I get to do something that I like, and I get paid to do it. How often do you get that? Corporate social responsibility is different.

I've been with the company for over three years now and things are going great. I'm handling a project right now that I'm really excited about, on top of the other things. I've got a full plate, but hey, I'm doing okay. Hehe!

So this is it for today.

Tomorrow, I will write about people I've met along the way - famous people and people who should be famous...

Here comes midlife...

In a few days, I will be entering the dawn of midlife.

I’m turning 31.

And yes, I said midlife in the first sentence.

My apologies, I don't mean to sound morbid. All I'm saying is that if it were up to me, I'm perfectly fine with leaving this world at 70. (Or even, 65.)

It's not because I'm afraid of growing old. Nor is it because I'm afraid of growing old alone. Nope. The reasons are more of vanity and pride. Vanity. Gawd. Sagging skin, more stubborn fat, false teeth. Uhm, no thanks. Pride. The truth is I don't want either of my brothers worrying about how they (or who) will take care of Kuya Angelo. If they are to have families and kids, then that's what I want them to be busy with. And unless I have a hired personal nurse, I don't want anyone (even if he or she is a relative) have to worry about changing my adult diapers, or giving me a bath, or having to worry about being late for something because this old fart can't move at a faster pace. Haha!

On the other hand, I would love to see grandkids. Maybe my brothers'? Or if I'm to have a kid of my own, my kid's kids maybe?

We'll see. We'll see.

As usual, I'm thinking way ahead again. Jeez, I have really got to stop doing that. Hehe! Let's focus on the now.

Because, and I'm sure you'll agree with me on this one, what really matters is the now. Why live in the past and worry about the future when the now is happening, right?

As I turn 31 though, I'd like to write about some of the things from the past. There's a difference between living in the past and taking a glimpse of it every now and then. After all, it is these life experiences and decisions that have brought me to where I am now. It is these life experiences that will help me chart my future, in a way.

So, from today until my big day, I'll write about the things that matter beginning with work and "work."

I do know that these are just what's on top of my head right now, and most of them are from my life after UP. I do recall important memories prior to that, but it is really in UP and after that when I began figuring out things and started to really live and love...