“A Mirage into the Future”

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

- Albert Schweitzer

 

Ten to 15 years from now what would it be? I’m no clairvoyant to foresee the future. Neither am I a fortune teller that peers into the crystal ball or reads tarot cards to take a look on what’s going to happen.

A month from now, me and my colleagues will be marching on our graduation day. As I walked on with my journey, JO8A of the University of the East, Batch 2009 will always have a special place in my heart. I treat them not only as my friends but also as my family. They’ve been there to make me smile and give me lessons in life.

"The Bipolar Awardees"

I’ll always be thankful for having all of you become a part of my life.

This goes for all of you.

I’ll begin with Fitz Teretit. Fitz will be one of the most prominent creative directors in the country. Her passion for arts is truly remarkable as she was given the “Philippine Arts Awards” by the Philip Morris Group of Companies. Since then, her artworks were slowly recognized throughout Asia which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam. Eventually, a graphic designer from Walt Disney pictures visits Philippines and makes an offer to her to work as part of the graphic design team. Before long, she accepted the proposal and flies all the way to the United States.

The oh-so jolly guy in the class, Henry (Pike) Revita will become a pilot. He operates an aircraft and works in one of the finest airlines in the world which is Singapore Airlines. After pursuing his studies, her sister in US finally gets him a green card. He went to US and from there he decided to study Aeronautics. He was an outstanding student in his class that is why when he applied for the position of becoming a pilot, he was hired immediately. Pike finally meets his match and he’s happily married with four kids to an American flight stewardess who also works in that airlines.

"We're the future journalists..."

Next will be Nicko Wangag. Nicko works as the editor-in-chief of an international magazine, National Geographic. Because of his tremendous writings, he won an award given by the Construction Writers Association (CWA) Journalism Awards on its Annual Conference. It only proved that Filipinos are indeed brilliant and very competitive.

Subsequently on the list is Neil Javier. After so many years, Neil finally becomes a “real” man. Not to mention, a “tough” one. Imagine a skinny lad transforms into a body-builder. It took him years to develop and maintain an appealing pleasing body and balanced built. Afterwards, he joined several body-building competitions. Neil holds the title of Mr. Olympia as the world’s top body-builder. He owns a world-wide gym that provides fitness training and nutrition programs.

"I'll always cherish these wonderful moments..."

After that is Miguel (Migz) Velasco. Migz is part of the Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for the supervision of the company’s local financial and information technology operations. Later on, Migz marries Marge Briones and they live at an executive subdivision at Hillsborough, Alabang together with their kids.

Moving ahead is one of the smart ladies in class, Luisa H. del Pilar. From Philippines to US and from US to Netherlands, Luisa and his husband Lam finally settles there with their children. Luisa is one of the successful leading exporters of Philippine goods to abroad. Often times, she’s on a business trip to do some commercial negotiations on other foreign countries.

The next roll is for the ever persevering Christine (Kit) Perez. Kit is one of the good writers in class. Because of her great dedication for it, she becomes one of the renowned international journalists for her inspirational novels. She was able to touch thousands of lives all over the world. At long last, she found her true love. Up to the very moment, he’s also one of the reasons why Kit continues to write and motivate other people.

"Now that's what I called spirit! Keep on smiling Kit"

Let’s get going into the grooves of Julian Miguel (JM) Javier. With so much love for anime (Japanese animation), JM creates an anime channel here in the Philippines. He also organized a cosplay (short for “costume play”) group in the country and surprisingly it became a hit fashion trend for the teens.

Following on the list is Camille (Cams) Makayan. Cams works as an international correspondent for Balitang Australia, a weekly news and feature program catering particularly to Filipino Australians. She was employed by the ABS-CBN Global, an international multi-platform media company of Filipino media giant ABS-CBN. Cams and her family decided to migrate in Australia and stay there for good.

Going along is Grace Palpalatoc. Grace fulfills her dreams as she and her husband inhabits in Italy. She and her spouse is a professor in the oldest operating degree-granting institution of higher education in the world, which is the University of Bologna. There, she teaches Philosophy. Grace earns her Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) at the Dela Salle University (DLSU).

After that is the jovial young lady, Jessica (Jeka) dela Rosa. Jeka is an eminent full-time Filipino fashion designer in Chanel, a Parisian fashion house. She’s based in New York. Jeka makes garment designs specifically for women’s fashion. She’s often seen and interviewed for her splendid designs at the Fashion TV channel.

"The gentlemen"

On the other hand, Heidy (Heidz) Landrito ventures into the food industry. She puts her own restaurant in Manila. It was a huge success since it became one of the leading restaurants that serve finest Filipino cuisines in town.  Heidz continued to open several branches domestically. And she also plans on expanding her food business all over Asia.

Next in line is Precious (Cious) Francisco-Atanacio. Cious is really a committed mother to her daughter and her family. She was inspired by her daughter Francine to do a clothing line for babies and children. She’s the one who designed all clothing categories for unique and fun baby outfits. The fabric she uses comes exclusively from the US and is 100% cotton-made. While Ian, her husband manages there imported fabrics store located at Makati City. There store is the number one supplier of fabrics to some of famous boutiques here in the country which includes Gingersnaps, Osh Kosh, Cinderella and etc.

"Those were still the days..."

The diligent girl in class is none other than Girlie Daliva. After finishing Journalism, Girlie also practiced Interior Design. On the following years, she was commended as one of the superb interior designers not only in the country but also in Asia and Europe. She’s in Paris to design the rooms of the best and most prestigious hotel in France, Ritz Hotel Paris. Girlie has been staying there for already three months together with her fiancé.

Miss independent Joevie Guerrero explores the beauty of nature around the world as she becomes part of the Discovery Channel. She works in the Discover Networks – International Division that is based in Switzerland. Joevie has already been to 14 countries for the past years. Some of her trips include Vietnam, Spain, Finland, China, Hungary, Iceland, Sweden and etc. After so many years, Joevie will visit her hometown soon. She’ll be going back to promote new Discovery Channel TV programs in the country.

Make way for this intelligent fellow Gilbert Monge as he becomes the Hong Kong bureau chief of CNN International. He followed the footsteps of the notable Filipina journalist, Maria Ressa. He has traveled and reported comprehensively in Asia. And on 2020, he became a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for recognizing his excellent writings devoted for the public good.

Let’s move on to Emylyn (Em) Castalla. Em is also an outstanding writer in class. She’s not only admired for being a good student but also for being a generous sister to everyone. Em was named General Manager of the TIME (Magazine) Group in September 2018.  Her main responsibilities include management of the group’s financial and administrative operations, TIME.com and New Business Development.

"We'll continue what we've began..."

After her is Kathleen (Kath) Velasco. Kath is a successful businesswoman in the country. She together with his husband handled a business in intensive pig and cattle farming. Their company is the country’s largest hog and cattle operation. Kath also owns several resorts in Laguna, Cebu, Tagaytay and Bulacan.

My dear friend Yannie Pascual-Sangguyo is an acclaimed film director and screenwriter not only in the Philippine media industry but also in some parts of Asia. She won numerous best director awards for her dazzling movie direction. An Academy-award winning Taiwanese American Film Director Ang Lee watched some of her movies and invited her to direct a movie with him. Without any hesitation, Yannie took the offer and goes to Taiwan.

"The ladies"

Our Professor Alex Maaliw retires from teaching. He decided to go to France and stay there for good with his family. With the help of his son and daughter, Prof. Maaliw’s business café in France became a coffee sensation.

Did I miss anyone?…

Oh yes! Me… I almost forgot…

As for Marinel Joy (Emjhey) Lacson, she’s happily married to Jan Claude (Cloud) Bonares with twins (a boy and a girl). Emjhey engaged into culinary arts as she loves to cook that much. She took her cooking lessons in Italy. She studied Italian cooking and later specialized in American and Japanese cuisine. She began her career working at The Fat Duck in London which is one of the best restaurants in the world. Now, Emjhey is one of the few distinguished Filipino chefs in and out of the country.

"Fun-filled love for us"

Cloud on the other hand is one of the most powerful business tycoons in Asia. He established the JCB (stands for Jan Claude Bonares) Group of Companies. His companies deal with coffee, banking and real estate. He was able to conquer Asia by his growing multinational business. Cloud and his wife reside at Forbes Park Makati. They own quite a few mansions and rest house at Tagaytay, Cebu and Palawan.

Whew! I hope you enjoyed reading my prophecy. I had fun writing this article as I was inspired by all of you. This is just a new beginning for all of us, a new beginning of a more challenging life. I hope that all of you will continue to reach for your dreams and never stop believing. Always keep the faith in you.

Good luck to everyone!

 

Changing Careers For Tomorrow’s Journalists?

I’ve often wonder what would be my job when I’m already out into the real world? (I’m referring to work careers) There are many job offerings right now especially in call centers. But the problem is there are only few jobs that suit to my course AB Journalism.

"Global Crisis Attacks!"

Journalism graduates are supposed to be working in the field of news publication, public relations firm or maybe in an advertising agency, etc. However, with the global economic crisis present at this point of time, it’s difficult to find a job that has a good pay and is linked with your course.

Many graduates (not only journalism graduates) face also this dilemma. My sister often asks me, where are you planning to work after you graduate? The only answer that pops into my mind is in the call center industry.

Call centers do have a good starting salary. If I work in a newspaper publication, how much do I get? It won’t be as big compared to the money I’m going to earn if I work as a call center agent. And besides, if I also work in a newspaper publication, that won’t be enough to support my family’s needs.

"Subject: Call Center 101"

I’m planning to work in a call center and maybe apply for the position of a Customer Service Representative (CSR). Though, I have to admit that working in a different field you’re not into, is somehow frustrating. I didn’t pursue my course to end in this job. As you see, even those who at least completed two years of college can already be hired in this kind of occupation.

"This is what I'm supposed to be... A Journalist"

Life gets harder everyday. And in times like this, I have to think of another way of how am I going to earn enough money for my future and my family.

It’s annoying for my part because I dreamt of becoming a journalist someday. And now my dreams are slowly breaking into pieces as I change my path on becoming a call center agent now.

Almost Paradise

“I swear that I can see forever in your eyes…

Paradise… Paradise… Paradise…”

- Taken from the song Almost Paradise by Ann Wilson & Mike Reno

“Let’s go, shall we? Just you and me, together…,” I whispered softly on his ears. Then, I saw a smile on his face. He reached out for my hand and put a gentle kiss on it. I smiled and touched his face with a soft caress. I looked deeply into his eyes and said, “Close your eyes… In a matter of few minutes, we’ll about to fly…,” I said.

With that, our journey has begun…

“Where are we going?,” he asked eagerly. “To Paradise…,” I answered. “Paradise? I can’t wait…,” he replied with a smile on the corner of his lips.

“Where are we going?,” he asked eagerly. “To Paradise…,” I answered.

It was around 7:36 in the morning when we’ve arrived on the place, I called Paradise. As I lay my feet on the ground, I can feel the warmth and the soft breeze that surrounded us. It seems that the island has welcomed us for coming here.

There’s no doubt that this place is of real beauty and not to mention totally breathtaking. It’s like heaven came down to earth.

What more can I ask for? It’s perfect. The astounding seashore, its crystal-green water and its white sand…The crimson sun and the blue skies above us… Everything about this place, I love it!

Just when I was about to turn around, in that instant, he held me in his arms. I can feel my heart beat’s racing. I can’t breathe. “Thank you… I just wish we could stay here forever in this heavenly place. Live life like there’s nothing to worry, only the two of us…,” he said.

I turn to face him. I can feel my face hot and red, blushing I guess. I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. For all I know, I’m happy with him. I hugged him so tight and suddenly tears started to run down on my cheeks.

“What’s the matter? Did I say something wrong to upset you? Why are you crying?,” he worriedly asked. “No. No. Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine. It’s just that… What you said to me… were… were… just so wonderful…,” I replied. These tears are tears of joy, I thought.

He wiped away my tears and cupped my face with his hands. His face was so near to mine that I can almost feel his warm breath on me. “This is a special day for us, so let’s not spoil it.,” he said. Then, he planted a soft kiss on my lips which left me breathless for a moment.

This is perfect, I thought. I’m in a special place with the person I love the most.

He held his hands for me and we walked towards the shore. Both of us were silent as we stroll along the coast. We can’t help but gaze into each other’s eyes and smile all the time. We enjoy everything. We enjoy each other’s company.

"He held his hands for me and we walked towards the shore."

We spend most of that day, laughing and talking with each together. How I wish this day never ends. If I could just freeze the time…

A slight tap on my shoulder made me back to my senses again. He spoke, “When I grow old, I want to come back here… with you…” With that I smiled and just lean my head on his shoulders.

I never noticed how time flies so fast. It was near dusk and here we are sitting alongside the sea, waiting for the sun to set. I felt a bit sad as the sun bids farewell again to us. The day has come to an end and how I wish over and over again that this would never end.

Oh my! I almost forgot! “I’ll be back here, wait for me.”, I said. I kissed his cheeks and left him behind for a while.

I almost forgot the dinner that I’ve prepared. Good thing, it was not yet too late. So, I’ve arranged everything, the food and the place of where we are going to eat.

After fixing everything, I headed back to the place where I left him. “Where did you go?”, he asked curiously. “Close your eyes.”, I said. He obeyed me without asking any questions. Slowly, I lead him to the place. “Now open your eyes”, I commanded him.

"...a candlelit dinner at the beach."

He was stunned at what he saw, a candlelit dinner at the beach. “I should be the one who should have done this… It’s perfect…” he replied almost teary-eyed. I never had a chance to reply because he pulled me close to him and hugged me. “Thank you…,” he said. And all I can say in return was that, you’re welcome.

We ate our dinner and had our conversation continued. I’m glad to see him happy. The smile on his face never fades. Even though the night is  just starting to begin, I can still see the smile that glows on his face.

After we dined, he held out his hand for me. I can feel the cold breeze blew upon me, makes me shiver a little. He put his sweater on my shoulders to prevent me from catching a cold.

How sweet of him, I thought.

“Looks like all the stars are out tonight.”, he said while pointing his finger to the heavens. I stare at the stars that were like diamonds twinkling from above us. Stars serve as a guide for those who lost their way home. Just like him, he’s my star who never fails to guide me when I had my ups and downs.

“Looks like all the stars are out tonight.”

I was surprised when out of the blue, he gave me a white rose. How come? Where did it came from? I never saw him holding a rose a while ago. Suddenly when I was about to reach it from him…

“Hi!” A familiar voice awakens me. It was him. “Finally… You’ve slept too much. I know you’re tired that’s why. Did you sleep well?”, he said. But before I could answer back… I noticed…

I was holding a white rose on my hand. I looked at him and he just smiled at me. Could it be?…

Now I know it was real.

30

“My Euphoria”

There’s so much to tell from the previous year that had passed. I should say it’s a series of unfortunate and fortunate events. But, let’s not dwell on the hapless things that happened. I’m telling the greatest of my 2008 so it’s supposed to be the best.

"There's no letting go..."

I admit that I’m “not so lucky” when it comes to my love life. The past relationships I had, didn’t work so well. (Those guys are abnormal, that’s why. hahaha)  But 2008 definitely made a change because that year, love found its way for me.

God truly works in mysterious ways. It’s because I didn’t expect that the one I’m looking for, was just in front of me. I know for whatever reason He has, He made it on purpose to send a present unwrapped.

The present I’m talking about is my beau. We’re going steady for almost a year now. It was a long journey for us to come this far.

How did it all started? Well, I really don’t know. It was happening so fast that I didn’t notice I was already falling in love with him. Slowly, my feelings towards him were developed. I can’t stand the thought of being away from him and not seeing him everyday.

I was afraid to tell him about my feelings. The first reason, is that I’m afraid of losing our friendship. It is the most certain thing I’ve been trying to keep to be at his side always. If I opened what I truly felt for him, he might as well stay away from me and never talk to me again.

And second, he said that he already likes someone else. Though it was “an ouch!” on my part, I didn’t bother to ask who was that girl. I’m contented with what we have. I intended to keep my feelings just for myself and try to pretend that everything’s alright.

"Cloud's my happiness"

Luckily, things I wasn’t expecting to happen, happened. One day, he revealed something very important to me.  It turned out that the girl he keeps on mentioning was none other than me. He was also afraid that if he confides his feelings for me, I would run away from him. Since this was a confession (I’m not talking about the declaration of sins to a priest) time, (I was feeling nervous, I can feel butterflies in my stomach and my heart rate increases.) I admitted also of what I’ve felt for him.

He remains to be a gentleman. Even though he was aware of my feelings for him, he never took advantage to go direct in to a relationship. Instead, he courted me everyday and waited for me until I finally gave him my answer, yes.

"We're on the road of happiness"

“You know I love you… And I’ll do anything to prove you that… I want to be with you for the rest of my life…,” he said. That was the sweetest thing that I’ve heard from him. I know it’s more than just a promise when he said that. For all I know up to this very moment, it was a commitment he meant to fulfill someday.

I am more than grateful to have someone like him. He has always been there to support me through the most difficult times of my life.

He is someone I intend to keep for each passing day of my life.

I know there are more events that lie ahead of us. I can’t predict what’s going to occur by then. But, as long as we have each other, with faith and trust, everything will work out in the end.

“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope. It can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen”. -From The Bible

30

“The Grinch Who Stole My Christmas”

Are you familiar about the movie of Jim Carrey “How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)”? Just to give you a short recap, remember the green, ugly and mean creature there (I’m referring to the Grinch)? He really hates Yuletide season that is why he stole everything from the town, including presents, decors and other stuffs related to Christmas.

I’ve mentioned this because somehow I can relate to the movie itself.

Two years ago, I met a guy. We’ve bump into each other through a common friend of mine. You know the usual things. We were introduced to each other. We started with the stage of getting to know. And as time passed by, we became close.

We started to hang-out and you know to cut the story short, we end up being together.

It was still fresh in my mind that at that time, when I came to answer back his love for me, it was almost Christmas. To be exact it was the 14^th of December.

That very moment, I thought that this would be one the nicest gifts I received that time.

But to my dismay, the word nicest was turned to worst. I have to admit but it was really a big, big mistake of knowing him. How I wish that it was a real nice guy that I’ve fall for and not some obnoxious, selfish and arrogant monster around.

"Merrrry Meeerrry Christmas! BWaHAHAHA!" You don't want a "scary Santa Grinch" for Christmas, right?

He’s the one and only Grinch I’ve encountered my whole life. Just like what the Grinch did in the movie, (I’m sorry to say) but that “bastard” stole away my happiness and betrayed my trust.

I imagine him, no, not just mere imagination, but I see him as the monster with yellow eyes, furry skin, green creature sneaking around playing tricks at his other victims.

The nastiest part of it, I gave away so much love but in return I got nothing. I didn’t imagine that someone would walk into my life and make mine miserable. I don’t know why there are some people like him exist.

I love Christmas season a lot. But for me, that Christmas was truly meant to be forgotten and thrown away. It brought me too much painful memories that I wish again it would just vanish in my mind.

Things already happened and I just have to accept it. I know it’s hard but I don’t want to live my life forever shedding tears for that green thing. Why should I? I don’t want to sound bitter but indeed, it would be a waste.

Somehow there are some important things I’ve learned from what happened. I grew stronger and became more matured young lady upon making decisions. If there’s one thing I would advise everybody, “NEVER GIVE UP.” No matter how big or small your challenges may be, take it as it is.

At some point in our lives, there are decisions we hardly regret. We think of so many “Ifs…” that should have prevent those mistakes from happening. We suffer in the end through the consequences it brings.

I don’t want any Grinch no more. It’s all in the past and I made a promise to myself that I won’t ever do the same errors I’ve committed before. I’m proud to say that where I am right now, I’m happier than ever.

“My Destructive Anger”

Anger reactions have been likened to a train running out of control and about to derail. Just the same way when I’m really mad it’s like I’m out of control. My tone begins to reach high pitch, my knuckles closes to the point that I want to hit something just to release my raged emotions. Often times, I fell like throwing things. I spoke in such a harsh manner that I never thought of those words would give such pain to someone else.

When it’s all gone, I felt like that I’ve just woke up from a nightmare. I realized all the bad things I’ve done after all what happened. My anger is a reaction to my inner emotions. But the sad part is I don’t know how to take hold of my intense emotions.

Yes, it’s definitely true. I really felt bad when I’ve done such wrong doings especially to my parents. I’ve hurt them that is why in the end I say sorry to my parents. No matter how angry you are, we should never set aside our respect for our loved ones. It should be respect over burst of raged emotions.

Maybe if there’s an angry meter, if it will rate my wrath, the rate would reach the highest peak or worst, it can burst up to the top. Being angry is comparable to losing yourself. There are times that when my mom scolds me, I would argue in return. I know being mad is not a reason to answer back our parents. That is why my mom would often remind me that being angry will bring you no where. It would only caused you trouble and it can never help you patch up things.

A little anger can motivate us to take action nin positive ways. A lot of anger will make us “red with rage“. The price for anger that is out of control will drive away those whom we love the most and it will only cause destruction in your life.

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