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Of Pebbles and Diamonds
July 23, 2008
I have always loved writing. It is my life I should say. And I couldn’t imagine myself in any other professions that do not have love affairs with the written words.
I took up journalism at the University of Santo Tomas because it was the only course that I was attracted to. I longed to be a journalist. But it was a dream seen through the eyes of a probinsyano, who was fresh out of high school.
My Lola and my Mom were Vilmanians and therefore, it was not surprising when I became an admirer of Vilma Santos too. Seeing her on TV interviewed by movie reporters, it became a goal to someday meet her in person… and perhaps, do the interview myself! (Well, I’ve met Gov. Vi numerous times since then and in fact “ambush” interviewed her for an assignment in my feature writing class back in the late 80s at the Metropolitan Museum/MET where her weekly musical variety show was staged.)
Yes, the movie reporters— Inday Badiday, Joe Quirino, Ike Lozada, Babette Villaruel (May they all rest in peace! Wow, am I that old now?) became my inspiration to pursue journalism. I remember cutting classes just to go to the MET to watch Ate Vi and mingle with the reporters backstage.
All I wanted then was to be a showbiz writer. So when I graduated, I applied in one of the movie magazines and oh, how my heart broke when my application was rejected! Bruised, I decided to just go back to my hometown to practice my profession. “Perhaps, that’s where I belong. I am a promdi and I must have aimed too high,” I told myself.
But the universe had a different game plan. A week before I was about to go back to the province, a classmate asked me to accompany him to a job fair in Malacanang organized by the Presidential Action Center (PACE) under then Executive Secretary Oscar Orbos. To make the long story short, I was hired. My friend was not.
Thus began my writing career—not in showbiz, but in politics. I was devastated when I got rejected by the showbiz mag, only to find out in the end that the alternative the universe offered was better than what I originally wanted.
For three months, I was part of Orbos’s media handlers. When he resigned, then Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco needed a junior in-house reporter for President Cory Aquino. I was at the right place, at the right time so to speak. My adventure was further heightened (it was as if I was soaring!) when I became President Fidel Ramos’s close-in reporter. At 21, I was the “baby” in FVR’s coverage team. From then on, the adventure never stopped.
When I left the palace in mid-2001, I was the head of the Office of the Press Secretary’s Substantive Group. For close to eight years now, I am enjoying the corporate world (exploring corporate communications). And as a bonus, I am moonlighting as a columnist! Ah, life is good!
I have my love affair with the written words to thank for. My passion for writing has led me to places literally (40 countries most of which I traveled with FVR) and figuratively—far beyond what I originally dreamed of.
To fight stress, I’ve been maintaining an online journal for over a year now to freely express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings in words. It feels good to write about anything simply because I just love to write about it. Never have I imagined that this blogging thing would lead me to the fulfillment of one of my “To Do” lists before I die—write a column in a national newspaper.
That’s why when I got words from sir Cecil Arillo, the editor-in chief, that they would like me to be part of the roster of columnists for Philippine Gazette, I got very excited! Though I am a journalist, I was never part of any media institution. I was a presidential reporter. Hence, the thought of being associated with a media outlet thrills me.
I’ve toyed with several titles for this column and ended up with Looking Glass, which simply means mirror. Hence, my column hopes to give my readers a glimpse of my being. Looking Glass will be all about the adventure, the musings, the hopes, the joys, the travails, and dreams of a thirty-something singleton trying to survive in this urban jungle that is mega Manila.
But since this is a mirror, what the readers may actually find here will be reflections of their own selves. Exciting, isn’t it?
I was asked once to describe my life so far and I replied, “I asked God for pebbles… instead, He gave me diamonds.” This column, certainly, is another diamond that God has generously given. For that, I am grateful.
He Can See Clearly Now
June 25, 2008
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/
The mid-life bug: Is time a friend or a foe?
May 12, 2008
Is time a friend or a foe?
I used to say time is on my side… That I have a lifetime to accomplish all my goals.
But recently, I have this feeling that time is running out. There are so many things to do. So many dreams to fulfill. So many goals to achieve. And yet SO LITTLE TIME. In the average lifespan of Filipinos at 70, i have already crossed the mid-point.
Must be the mid-life bug again. And i hate this feeling. Thought I’m over and done with it. Grrrr….
The bug started when a couple of weeks ago, a US-based friend and her husband came for a short break. We were six barkadas way back in college and while in her previous visits (or on occasions when i was the one visiting her in the states), the discussions would be the latest chismis in Manila and other mundane things, I was actually amused that our topics lately have shifted to a new level of sort.
Oh boy, we were talking about children (theirs, not mine), growing families, careers,… and retirement. Yes, retirement! Gosh, i never gave it a serious thought until that fateful dinner.
That’s when I realized, "Oo nga ano… I am already into my late 30s. I guess it’s high time I should plan my future and prepare for old age…" When I started to think about that, it became clear that i have so many things in my "TO DO" list and wondered whether or not i will be able to achieve all in a lifetime… *sigh* So many things to do, so little time.
I have to step back a little and may be, one of these days, I will get a clearer perspective and i will be able to chart my directions smoothly.
But as early as now, there are top three "TO DO" in my list which are non-negotiable. These are:
1.) I will retire at age 50 (that’s 12 years from now). I cant imagine myself working full time in a company when i reach that age. I want to own my time by then… (If I am still with my present company by that time, eligible na ko to retire coz that will be my 16th year there)
2.) I want to write a book. I also intend to pursue my other passions/ hobbies which had to take a back seat at this time. I want to pursue painting, fashion designing, and teaching even. I won’t mind studying again to take related courses.
3.) Travel. A psychic friend told me once that in my previous life, I was a gypsy. Well, Gypsy or not, I want to travel the world. If only money is not a problem, I would love to revisit again the 40 or so countries (and really explore these places) that I was fortunate to visit while i was in my 20s.
Only time can tell if I will be able to do all these. It is my hope that in the end, time will prove to be a friend…
