He Can See Clearly Now

 He has made all things beautiful in His time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11

His world crumbled when he had to give up the condo by the bay. After all, it was his dream to have one overlooking Manila Bay. A substantial chunk of his hard earned money went to the amortization of the property. Therefore, when he couldn’t afford anymore to pay the monthly amortization due to some unexpected family obligations, it was as if his dream was crushed before his very eyes.

He had to asked God why does it have to happen. "Did i do you any wrong? What have i done to deserve this?" he lamented. But his questions seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. No answer… or so he thought.

It was very painful. The flat, for him, was perfect. (He dreamed of having a condo with a balcony and an ocean view. He got it. Not really a full view of the ocean but at least he can see it still since having a full front view will be very expensive. He settled for a unit in the 8th floor. That’s all he can afford. Not bad. In fung shui, 8 is a good number.) 

He had to make a personal appeal to the president of the  real estate company just to salvage some of the money he invested. The president was gracious enough. As a compromise, he will transfer to a new condo project of the company somewhere in Makati;  the expenses from the bay condo incurred by the company- i.e. taxes paid, registration, agent’s commission, etc.– will have to be deducted from the amount he has already paid. Still a huge amount but better than nothing. So with a heavy hard, he agreed.

His agent gave him a good location- a 1BR loft on the 32nd floor and a corner unit. It also has a balcony and the Manila Bay is still very visible. He will have a full front view of the sea. Ok na rin. He may have to wait a while since expected turn over is still in late 2009 or early 2010.

And so, for almost a year now, he has been paying the Makati unit diligently. But whenever he sees his previous unit now standing tall in the bay area, the hurt returns. Forever, it will remind him of a major disaster in his life. The Manila Bay condo is very visible from the 27F of the building where his office station is.

In late May, his real estate agent called.

Agent: Hey, ahmm, there’s a problem with regards to your flat. The developer will have to convert all the units in the 32nd floor into a 1BR flat. No longer a loft.

Guy: Huh? how can that be? I want a loft. That’s what the contract said.

Agent: Yea, i know. Will try to do something,

Guy: Ok. But please let’s make it clear to the developer, much as i appreciated the kindness of the president, I want the loft. That’s what the contract that i signed said. If they can’t give it, i will have to withdraw all the investment i have and look for another unit. I cant bear another disappointment.

Fast forward. Mid-June:

Agent: I have great news for you!

Guy: Really? tell me about it

Agent:  You will have your loft. And since the loft will only be available at the Penthouse, there you will be! This will be at no extra charge. You’ll have the same payment terms… and what’s more, since there will be just several units in the 37th, all loft owners will have a private viewing deck and a garden.

He was speechless.

He then realized, GOD gave all the wishes of his heart… and more. He dreamed of a full Manila bay view- check. A balcony- check. Bonus: the location is very near his workplace, it’s a loft with a garden, and more importantly, in two years time, he will live at the penthouse.

Finally, his question was answered and he can see clearly now. He must have done somothing good to deserve all these

Image provided by http://www.flickr.com/photos/traces/895338560/

Getting Personal

 In the company magazine that I am handling, there is a section where we feature employees via Q&A of sort. Hence, the section is called "Getting Personal." 

Several featured employees told me they had a hard time answering most of the questions. I decided to try it myself. Totoo nga… I thought it was that simple. The questions made me think. More than thinking, it put me in a reflective mode.

Here it goes:

Before PMPMI, I used to work at … Hemisphere Leo Burnett for three years as a senior PR Manager. Prior to that, I was in Malacanang for 10 years starting as a junior presidential writer to head of the Malacanang Press Office’s Substantive Group when I left in 2001.

In PMPMI, my job is to…mainly oversee the internal communications functions of the Corporate Affairs department. I am also into External comm– doing media relations and writing speeches, organizing events, etc.

Working in PMPMI is…very challenging. One is always in the fast lane. The issues never end!  

The thing I love most about the job is…I still get to do what I love most—writing. There are also perks that go with my post J

In 10 years time, I see myself …hmmm… I’ll be 48 by then… so it’s like I am counting the days towards retirement. I said I want to retire at 50 to pursue other things that have to be set aside for now due to some obligations.

People might be surprised to know that I…still long for a quiet and contemplative life, away from the crowd. Entering a monastery is still a very strong option for me. And until now, I still wonder why I am into public relations, meaning always meeting with people, socializing, partying.

The most important lesson in life that I learned is …goodness does not beget goodness all the time. Me mga assholes talaga na kahit gawan mo nang mabuti, sasaksakin ka pa din sa likod.

The best thing that ever happened to me was…when I became the close-in writer of President Fidel Ramos. I got to travel the world, shook hands with world leaders, lived in palaces—all for FREE J

The biggest risk that I ever took was …leaving Malacanang, my playground for 10 years; and accepting a job offer from Leo Burnett to be a PR consultant for PMPMI.

And what this taught me was…big risk means big return. 

The secret to happiness is…living simply. I am now simplifying my life, discarding unnecessary luggages. I want to travel light.

The formula to success is… prayers, lots of it… and of course, hard work and excellence in what ever you do.

The soundtrack of my life would include…right now, it’s Diana Ross’/Mariah Carey’s “Do You Know Where You’re Going To.”

The thing that I cannot tolerate is…mediocrity.

If I were the most powerful person on earth…I will eradicate poverty and everybody will live in comfort. I will also instill compassion in the heart of every human being so there will be no injustice. Only love.

If money is not an option, I … will resign from work right away, pack my things and explore the world. Of course, while globetrotting, there will be someone in-charge of giving money to all the poor families so they can start their own business hehe.

The best thing about family is that…I know I will always have a home.

When I’m gone, they would probably say…honestly, I really don’t know. I just hope that it will be something positive. I believe I am trying my very best to be a good person.

My hero is…a lot actually. At different points in my life, there were always someone who came along to save and help me. More than heroes, they were angels.

The thing that makes my life worth living is…knowing that you are existing because you have a mission—and that is to be God’s instrument for the fulfillment of HIS will.

My greatest hope for the future is… that I will be able to fulfill all the goals that I have set so that when the time is up, I will not have any regrets and will slip away peacefully.

My favorite moments are when…I’m exercising, especially the cool down part that includes meditation. That’s when I am most at peace—body and soul.

My best ever outfit consisted of… t-shirt,  ¾ shorts and rubber shoes. I go for comfort. I am not really a fashionista.

I’m saving up for…a condo. Actually, I am not saving for it. I am paying for it since 2005.

My biggest indulgence is… my weekly spa sessions. It used to be designer shoes and branded watches. Well, not anymore.

My current state of mind is… wondering whether or not I am on the path that is meant for me. Yes, I am happy. But fulfillment is something else. I feel I haven’t reached it. At least not yet.

My guiding principle in life is… What you sow is what you reap. Sooner or later, what you did will catch up on you.

I aspire to be…a good person.