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...

Mrs. Monsod's threat...

I came across this video through the Facebook page of my friend, Bernice.

I watched it and what can I say? It sort of inspired me. Hehehe!

I loved it that she does not mince her words. Hehe!

Professors like Mrs. Monsod are the reason why I love Peyups.

New magnets thanks to tomodachi Alster...

Check out the new additions to my growing magnet collection.

These are pasalubongs from Multiply friend Alonzo who's back in the country. Alonzo, whom I fondly call Alster, spent the last couple of years in Japan taking up his doctorate degree.

I'm envious.

Of the Japan part. Not the doctorate degree. Hehe! Don't kill me, Alster.

Anyway, during our unplanned get-together, he surprised me with these gifts - a sushi magnet set from Japan (duh, Angelo!) and awesome magnets from Roma. I love, love both.

Ohayo gozaimasu, Alster-san!

Jeez, I have over 30 magnets from all over the world now. Some were from my own trips. More than half are gifts from friends who've traveled abroad - Bernice, Roy, Alster, Tey, Monet, Grace, Xochi. I really love. The magnets. (Just to be clear. Hehe!)

So if you're going abroad and you're a friend, you know what to get me. Hehe!

From partying to running...

One of the things that I love about Twitter is that I've met people - first, online and then eventually, in the real world.

When I tell other friends that I've made friends from the online world, some of them seem amused. Hehe!

Anyway, the past weekend was spent seeing/hanging out with/bumping into Twitter and Multiply friends.

It started last Thursday. Multiply friend Alster said he's back in town. He texted last Thursday and we agreed to meet up soon. I didn't expect "soon" to mean the following night, but it's all good. Alster is a kaladkarin person. On the same night, I read that Twitter buddy MkSurf8 is flying in for work and that he'll be partying Friday night together with john_stan and _mikepogi_.

The good thing about this is that I-vanchy, Edsel, Tauf and I agreed earlier during the week to party on a Friday night.

Fast forward to a very late Friday night until the wee hours of Saturday, Alster, MkSurf8, _mikepogi_ were in the same happy place that I was together with I-vanchy and Tauf. Edsel finished late at work. john_stan was a no show. Hehehe!

At 4:30AM of Sunday, I was in a cab on the way to Diliman with Twitter friend fraktak. We were heading to UP Naming Mahal to go running with more Twitter friends - jamiedavinci, marcorenza, NYChase (whose SO I've met before), and fraktak's SO.

We did 5 round of the academic oval, followed by a fantab bfast at Chocolate Kiss. I wonder why outednarnian, jcfontsize, jaybeecc, Misterhubs, alponchi were MIA.

Afterwards, we dropped off marcorenza at Del Monte. jamiedavinci and NYChase headed to Makati after bringing me and fraktak to MOA. fraktak needed to go to his derma, and I willingly agreed to be dragged along. Hehe!

From MOA, we headed to Makati for a late lunch followed by dessert (gelato!) and a movie (The Town!).

fraktak and I live near each other (relatively) so we shared a cab going home.

It was a fantab weekend. I just realized how lucky I am to have met all these nice guys through Twitter, Multiply and so on. They keep me connected to that side of me. Hehehe!

Nag-t-Tagalog ka naman pala,eh...

Something funny happened on a recent night out with a colleague.

It was probably 2 in the morning. The place was packed. The music was blaring. My world was spinning. I made the huge mistake of downing Strong Ice, one after the other even if I know it makes me tipsy faster than usual.

But it was okay. I knew what was happening. I could still text (well, Tey and Monet would disagree). I saw Tauf from where I was. And I knew the guy in front of me sort of welcomed the chest that rubbed against his back. Haha!

I went out to go dancing and hung out with Tauf, so this was definitely a bonus. I was taller than the guy so I can see the screen of his phone when he was texting. I didn't understand a thing because what I saw were Chinese (?) characters. I'm pretty sure he wasn't Pinoy. Maybe Korean or Chinese. His friends don't look Pinoy either. And they talked in a language I didn't understand not because I was close to drunk but because it was really some foreign language. LOL!

Tauf was calling me, and I said, "Okay na ko dito." Hehe! I think I said it a little out loud.

So we danced, and minutes later, Strong Ice gave me the guts to brush my hand against his. And we ended up holding hands every so often. Hehe!

I had a nice surprise when he looked at me and said, "Sandali, ah. Lalabas lang muna ako. Mainit, eh." In perfect Filipino despite the accent. Hehe!

Okay, lesson learned. Wag kang assumptionista. Hehe!

You can never can tell when someone understands what the fudge you're saying. Haha!

Souvenirs kayo diyan...

If you're planning to go to Cebu and you want to get some nice souvenirs, you may want to check out the Islands Souvenir store just outside the Mactan airport.

It's right across this supermarket, the name of which escapes me right now. Hehe!

Anyway, during a recent day trip to the province (for work), I got to visit the store. I was quite early for my meeting so I decided to grab some stuff first at the grocery.

With a little more time to kill, I saw the store when I exited the grocery. I was drawn to the I heart Cebu shirts. Yeah, I'm a sucker for stuff that boasts of one's heritage. Hehe!

I went into the store, and I like the clean interiors. I was looking around and a sales guy approaches me and talks to me in Bisaya.

All I could say was, "Dili ko kasabot." or something like that. Hehe! Ugh! I'm a frustrated Bisaya learner/speaker.

Anyway, going back to the store, you can order these custom I heart Cebu shirts. If you order it before the cutoff time, you can get it on the same day. Galing, yeah?!

So the next time you fly to the Queen City of the South, check out this store.

And no, I wasn't paid to write about this store. Hehe!

Gimik Saturdays na naman...

The photos above pretty much show how the past two Saturday nights have been spent.

Well, technically speaking, the correct day would be very early Sunday morning.

Three weeks ago, I got a text from colleague/friend Tauffer asking about Malate. The message was sent past midnight of a Friday. I don't remember the last time I hung out with Tauffer so I wasn't sure if it was just a prank text.

Turns out it wasn't. Haha!

When we saw each other at the Tower come Monday, I asked him about it and he said he did go to Malate. O Bar.

I told him we should check out the one in Ortigas, since the crowd there is waaaay better. Sorry, I don't mean to be discriminating, but you get what I mean.

So, yes, the past two Saturday nights have been spent with San Miguel, Kelly Rowland, Usher, Ne-yo, a number of drag queens, and more than a hundred dancing, sweaty men. Hehe!

Good, clean fun. And I have to say I missed going out. So far Home Depot Ortigas is turning out to be a really good alternative to Malate, especially now that Bed is indefinitely closed. Plus, It's the only time I get to connect with my "bros" since I am in a very straight world five days of the week. Hehe!

Nalulurkey lang ako sa pechay na dancer. Anong nangyayari dun?

Hehe!

-ER queens would love this...

Spotted along Valero. Hehe! San ka pa? P35 lang. No service charge pa. Hahaha!