MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

and a Happy New Year :D

The Big Christmas Break: A Retrospect

My last semester in college is definitely the most exiting one I have ever had. Within a few months I changed from a marketing noob to a noob with a Mark Prof hat. Yes, still a noob. :)

I quit my organization, even though I LOVE advertising and still do, because of reasons both personal and technical. I am still accepting ad jobs though. Will be posting my portfolio soon.

My internet shop's doing well and I can increase my daily income quota next year.

I'm applying for big companies and am hoping to get into P&G or Nestle. Come to think of it, I'm still not done with my revised resume. Dear Rona, please wait for me to send my CV. :D

Travelled from Manila to Mindoro today and experienced the most stomach wrenching trips of my life. We really thought the boat was going to overturn as the waves were HUMONGOUS! People were already crying and the emergency alarm was already screaming. I was too busy vomitting (first time I ever vomitted on a boat trip) and being nauseated to panic. The usually 45 minute boat ride was prolonged to a total of two hours because of the HUMONGOUS waves. My tummy's still hurting. But at least we're alive.

I have to finish my OJT folder before January and have to find an instrument for my thesis. And I am on the verge of procrastinating once again. But no, I will graduate on time, one year late. :D

Happy Christmas to everyone and may you all have a bountiful new year ahead of you.

Naintriga sa Colorgenics Chorva

You don't need anxiety and problems. All you really seek is a conflict free environment which can offer peace and mental security. You don't like the idea of being alone and, whatever the reason, at this time of your life you feel as if you are being 'left out'. What you really need is perhaps some 'tender loving care'.

Comment: Ayoko talaga ng conflict. Sino bang may gusto nun? Pero I don't feel "left out" kasi ako yung lumalayo. So, why would I feel left out? And I have all the tender loving care i need.

You are a true extrovert, frivolous and outgoing. You need to feel in control of any situation. If matters are not proceeding according to plan you tend to get extremely irritable and perhaps become difficult to live with.

Comment: Yes, I am an extrovert, frivolous (baliw, bangag, sabaw), and outgoing. BUT I don't need to feel control of ANY situation. Controlling ako sa mga bagay na alam kong kaya kong i-control, otherwise I let other people who know better control the situation.

You feel that you deserve far more than is being attributed to you, but there is no-one to whom you can turn to for sympathy and understanding. Your pent-up emotions and inherent egocentricity make you quick to take offense, but as matters stand you realize that you will have to make the best of things as they are.

Comment: OO, brat ako. Kaya don't disappoint me. hahaha!

You are being unduly influenced by the situation that is all around you. You do not like the feeling of loneliness and whatever it is that seems to separate you from others. You know that life can be wonderful and you are anxious to experience life in all its aspects, to live it to the full. You therefore resent any restriction or limitations that are being imposed on you and you insist on going it alone.

Comment: Comment on first three sentences is the same as my first comment. And refer to my precious blogs regarding working alone. :D

You wish to be left in peace... no more conflict and no more differences of opinion. In fact you just don't want to be involved in arguments of any shape or form. All you want is for 'them' to get on with it - and to leave you alone.

As I have said, nobody wants to be in conflict. I do not want any more arguments and I wish everybody (including myself) would just grow up and be mature enough to not be overly sensitive. I don't want to be left alone, I want people with issues to leave me alone though. :D

Sembreak na!!

Yan ang sigaw ng karamihan ng kaklase ko. Pero ako.. wala. Wala na talaga akong sembreak. Alam kong hinanda ko na ang sarili ko pero kahapon ko lang narealize na walang wala na talaga akong sembreak.

"S-leepful nights
E-xam free days
M-orning smiles
B-atugan mode
R-estful afternoons
E-xcessive eating
A-blazing energy
K-ahirapan: walang allowance"

Natanggap ko to nung isang araw, galing kay JP. Parang gusto ko magreply, "sige JP, rub it in :("

Kahapon ang unang araw ng MarkProf meeting. Nakakastress. Oo, masaya. Pero nakakastress. Mararamdaman mo talaga ang competetiveness ng mga tao. May mga tao rin namang magtataas lang ng kamay para may masabi pero wala namang sense. Pero karamihan, over-achievers talaga.

Natouch ako sa sinabi nung founder, si Ding Salvador. Isa kasi ya kasi sa nag-interview sa group namin nung 2nd screening. Sabi nya, "who here was from the group I interviewed during the 2nd screening?", nagtaas kami ng kamay. Tapos sabi nya "who's the girl from UP Manila?", e di nagtaas ako ng kamay. Sabi nya, "I fought hard for you."

Wow. Naalala nya ko. Hindi lang yun, pinaglaban nya na makapasok ako. Hindi lang yun, naniwala sya na may potential ako. Saya.

Unang meeting pa lang, dapat orientation lang ang mangyayari pero hindi. May konting lectures na kami saka assignment na hindi ko maintindihan kung anong gagawin. Kelangan daw icompare yung market-driving strategy nung company/brand na nakaasign sa akin sa traditional chorva nung chorvang brand. Pramis, ang alam ko lang na marketing e yung nakita ko sa sari sari store ng lola ko. Nasabaw ako. Nahiya akong magtanong kung ano yung traditional pero ngayon narealize ko dapat nagtanong ako kasi four pages yung kelangan namin ipasa sa sabado. Sabaw. Unang una, ano yung traditional? Pangalawa, ano yung Metro International na kumpanya? Pwede namang Nintendo Wii yung mapunta sa akin, o kaya Ikea, o kaya Cebu Pacific, bakit Metro International? :( Tapos hindi lang yun. May second assignment na rin kami due sa November 3.

Pero masaya. Masaya talaga. Pinagpapasa na kami ng resume (wow, buti naalala ko, sa 25 na rin nga pala to ipapasa) kasi naghahanap na ang Johnson & Johnson at Unilever ng applicants. Tapos ang saya ng incentive. Kapag nanalo kami sa case study, may 20,000 php! Tapos pag valedictorian ka pa ng batch, another 10,000php! Woohoo! Kung may ganitong motivation lang ang UP, shet, Suma Cum Laude ako! Hahaha!

May Markprof bag, notebook and jacket rin na kasama. Tapos para kaming laging mag ooffice. Hindi naman business formal ang attire pero business casual. Libre ang AM snack, lunch saka PM snack. Yung canteen ng Asia Pacific College, yung college na pagmamayari ni Henry Sy, parang food court ng SM! Nakakatuwa! Pati yung mga CR nila.

Pero ang ganda ng room namin. Auditorium style na 40 person capacity lang. Ang lamig lamig! Next week si Emily Abrera ng McCann ang lecturer namin. Hah! Exciting!

Nga pala, sa mga 3rd year OrCom na may leadership capabilities at gustong magtry ng marketing: Humihingi ang MarkProf ng referrals para sa "sure" slots for MarkProf next year. Tapos pwede rin kayo mag sit-in sa isa sa mga lectures namin. Free food, free seminar from the business industry's biggest names. Kung interested kayo, text nyo ko sa 0927-3069599 or PM nyo ko dito. Pramis, once in a life time thing to. At sobrang fulfilling ng pakiramdam.

Questions on How I Work

Maybe this is a sequel of my previous post Reasons Why I'd Rather Work Alone or Else Work With Just Alex.

Having to work with different groups now makes me think on two things. First, I'm really better off alone, and second is there something wrong with the way I lead or is there something wrong with how other people lead? I have posted a rather harsh entry on the former thought so I'm not going into the details of that.

"....if the group sleeps tight and sound tonight and tomorrow night I WILL KILL myself and YOU." was one of the frustrated messages I received today. I know, we are all in shock and in so much disappointment over what happened, how he reacted. I understand that you spent more time on this project basically because you said it was "your passion". I know, I understand when you seem to have all the workload in the world and your group mates seem to be slacking off. As much as I would like to defend myself and the other group members over the slacking off thing, I'd rather not. Not because that statement is true but because that's not the whole point of this blog (note: re read the title to get the flow of thought again).

As I have said, I know the frustration and the head/heartache caused by such incidents. But now, as I look back, I wonder if I was ever that forward about my feelings towards my (past, present, and future) group mates. And then I realize, I am still too passive. Bitchy, yes, but passive.

I am the type of person that (as I have reiterated over and over again) would rather work alone. Not because I can't work well with groups (in fact, I work super good with groups), but because I tend to get disappointed easily with mediocre work.

I am not that forward with how I feel about my group mates, unless provoked or unless I'm really close with those I work with. If I didn't like something, I'd inform the person he/she did a good job but the work needs to me modified so I'll change it. It usually ends up great. And now, I ask myself "Am I too passive?". For one, I could never ever send messages of negativity more so death threats to my group mates. I tend to be over optimistic at times for my group mates to feel more positive about the work, but sulk in a corner and get eaten up with pessimism when I'm alone. At times I want to scream, "Hey, I did that all by myself" but would dismiss the feeling when the group gets praised for it. Now I don't know if what I have been doing all along, of encouraging the group and sulking by myself or voicing my concerns on other people, is a really good thing. I know it isn't.

Maybe I'm trying too hard to be a charismatic type of leader that I end up not being the ideal transformational one (wear your OrCom Hat - Barrientos, 2008). I didn't take the lead this time because I know I couldn't commit as much as the other people with passion for the job can. However, the "what if I took over?" "what if I commented on this?" "what if I committed more?" phrases crossed my mind.

Yes, I've been delinquent this semester. But I still have until Saturday to make up for it.

By the way, I hate you Barry. You say things I want to but cannot say. :)

Frozen Yogurt is Love!

I have definitely found a new comfort food, White Hat frozen yogurt! It's really so yummy and the fruit toppings are just superb!

Here's a pic that the White Hat crew of MOA took and uploaded in their website. Imagine, instant endorser!

You should definitely try it. A cup costs 85 pesos though, if you're saving up, that's a lot. But I tell you, it's so worth it.

Photo from: http://www.thewhitehat.com.ph/gallery/a1/p9

Damn, where could I get a White Hat frozen yogurt at this time? I'm craving for one.

PRSP, Thesis, Ad Campaign, Burn's Final Paper, Barry's Special Project

The PRSP grand prix ended last Sunday. Finally! One major event down. Congrats to the Sportan's for bagging the bronze, will post pictures as soon as my internet connection becomes faster. :D Libre!

I can now focus on three other things:
Ad Campaign (due on Oct 6, Monday at 8.30am)
Thesis Proposal (due on Oct 10, Friday at 12nn)
Burn's Final Paper (due on Oct 18, Sat at 9am)
Barry's Special Project (due on Oct 18, Sat at 9am)

Fun, isn't it?

I don't want to put these as a calendar entry because I'll have a visual representation of my toxicity.. which until now I am trying to deny. I think of all the things I have to do, I cringe at the fact that all these things make such a "heavy" load, then I drown the panic and tension with big doses of Heroes, Bleach, Fringe, House, ANTM cycle 11 and Project Runway season 5.

I am in BIG denial that I have lots of things to do. My thesis topic isn't that ready yet and I have to pass a proposal next week. *roll on the floor dying*

I need to focus. First things first. Ad Campaign. Hey groupmates! What happened to you? Where's our NGO? So because I haven't heard from them yet, might as well start on my thesis.. or Heroes? or House? or Fringe? or Bleach? or ANTM cycle 11? or Project Runway season 5?

I am dead. So this is what graduating feels like.

Things I Can't Blog About

So many emotions and frustrations are coming at my face right now. Possibly because of the amount of work that's waiting to be done. Well anyway, anyway.. I can't be strong for us always.

Personal things I can't but want to blog about. But then again here I am ranting my angst away. But again to no avail because.. just because.

The hell! Who will do my write up for my yearbook?! Dammit!

Boohoohoo.. I'm out of my wits right now thinking what to do first. PRSP definitely, then thesis proposal? or advertising campaign? or Barry special project? or speech plan? damn!

Burn all the cell phones of the DAC faculty who don't reply. :((

Okay. Back to reality.

Reasons Why I'd Rather Work Alone or Else Work With Just Alex

I hate groupworks especially if those groupworks call for artsy-techy stuff. I hate groupworks especially if your groupmates can not work on their own, meaning you have to think for them as well. I hate groupworks, period (except if it calls for major gastos then I would gladly have you in my group - HAH! USER!)

Here are some of the reasons why I'd rather work alone.

1. Loud internal monologues
I can critique myself, loud enough, angrily enough, yet not get hurt or have anyone else hurt in the process. Unlike when working with someone, I have to be cautious of the things you say otherwise, I end up having personal issues with that person. I hate confrontations and I'd rather just confront with myself. Working with Alex is like working with myself but having a man's perspective on my work. We think almost ergo less quarrels yet we still get to criticize eash other's work - minus the frustration of not getting understood or getting mediocre results.

2. Independence
Without anybody to work with, I can do my work at my own pace without having to depend on anybody. I have to take into consideration my groupmates, the "equal amount of work" (as if that exists!), the frustration of that somebody not reaching my expectations, damn, I end up working until the wee hours of the morning just so this piece of groupwork will not end up like crap. And believe me, I hate crappy artsy works.

3. Unwanted Groupmates
As much as I want to be unbiased with my groupmates, there are just some people I'd rather not work with. I hate to label people but there is this certain type of personality that I do not want to work with. Just when I need these people most (that's why I want to work alone in the first place to avoid "needing" them) they are busy with some divine work. I too have the same beliefs as you do but I guess its in the matter of priority. I do not want to flunk this subject but I guess it doesn't matter to you since "all things work together for good". I am so sorry for using that text against your type, but come on!

HOWEVER I love working with people given that they're not pasaway and will be of great help to the overall output. I love working with people who do not depend on me to do everything (even their part) for them.

Do not get me wrong, I'd love to work with you as long as you won't frustrate or disappoint me.

When God Sends Blessings, He Sends It in Hoards

This is probably one of my most blessed moments in the entire history of my life. The week didn't start of that well, but it sure did end with a BANG!

To start off, I got into the MarkProf Top 25 Marketing Management Trainees for 2008, which was not that expected as I have explained in my previous entry.

Then today, the day of the dreaded Barry exam. I wasn't able to sleep that much last night since I had to read a ton of Barry readings for the exam. I don't even know if I remembered the important details, all I was concerned with was at least familiarizing myself with the concepts and what not.

Before I left for school I received a text message from Jan that our PRSP (Public Relations Society of the Philippines) entry was part of the Top 7. I really felt SO happy because I mentioned in my previous entry that if we did not get any call from PRSP by yesterday, I would not hope anymore. But then again, we got in. Not just that, I learned from Barry (our OC 142 teacher and a member of the committee) that our entry was 2nd with Diliman being the 1st. He told me that if we do well in the presentation we could really beat Diliman. So much joy, so much blessings.

Take note, the PRSP sent the contest guidelines to the universities last July 3. The deadline for the entries was on August 29. We received our copy August 27. But I guess God really had a better plan for us, the deadline was moved to September 5. So little time to prepare yet we are still in the top 3.

We are now going to present our proposal on the 28th, and we will be there to win. This is for all the sleepless nights, the tears, the quarrels, the money we spent. This is for Jaymie's grandpa and grandma who let us stay in their house for the initial planning stage, for Pesky's mommy, sister, househelp, househelp's baby for the second and semi final overnight. This is for Alex and Tong who despite them being not part of the team spent hours of no sleep just to help us with our collaterals. This is for my mom and dad who does not know what I'm getting myself into.

To everyone, WE WILL WIN THIS.

Congratulations to Pam's group as well, they are also in the Top 7. Two entries from UPM. This is definitely a first.

Top 25 Marketing Management Trainees

"Good a.m. Congrats! You passed the final screening for MarkProf's Top 25 Marketing Management Trainees"

This is probably one of the best good morning messages I have ever received.

Yesterday I was thinking of two things, the PRSP Junior Anvil Competition and MarkProf. But since PRSP's information dissemination system is not that good, I have accepted the fact that if we don't get a call by today, we are not in (hopefully we are but I'm already prepared if we're not). I also thought that if I don't get into MarkProf, I'd just assume it was not for me and not appeal even if I wanted to get in.

But hey, there's no need to appeal anyway because I'm in. :)

This opportunity for me just reaffirms my self confidence. I may not be able to present my parents with a medal that at the very least says "Cum Laude" but I'm happy that at least somehow, I have this training for them to take pride on. At the same time it reaffirms me that I could do well in other fields and not pursue with medicine if I don't want to.

I never really intended to apply in the first place because what MarkProf did was send a letter to the school asking for the list of the Top 25 students in our batch. Since I wasn't in the list, I didn't think of applying. On the last few hours of application, I decided to fill out the form just because I was curious why I was being asked over and over and over again how to conver a point grading system to percentile.

When I passed my application, I wasn't even confident that I'd get in because of their minimun GWA of 85%. Yes, I don't have that grade. So I was surprised when I passed the paper screening that they made.

August 9 was the date for the second screening. It was really very tough because really, what do i know about marketing. I don't even know the Four P's of Marketing everyone was talking about! (Now I know it was just Price, Place, Product, Promotion). The whole screening procedure was composed of a group case study and an individual case study they call "The Big Idea" test. It was all about marketing and OrCom did not prepare me for that so I was again surprised when I got the message telling me I passed the second screening.

Aug 30: The Final Screening
Since I knew the odds for me of getting in was not high because still, I don't have the proper training in marketing, I gave myself a crash course in marketing. I studied templates of Marketing Plans that might help me in this final screening. We once again had our Big Idea test, a group case study with three judges observing us as we do our plan and an individual case study where we can showcase ourselves to this seemingly cold panel. After the whole thing, all I could do was pray for the best.

Adei asked me to gauge my performance during the last screening. I told him I know I did well, BUT EVERYBODY ELSE ALSO DID WELL. The last screening was the culmination of all the assertive bright students of the universities not only in Metro Manila but also from other regions. The playing field was really even, the only choice was to speak up or be gobbled by the assertiveness of others. If you speak up, that's good because everyone else will surely be speaking their minds. If not, do not expect that they will give you a chance to raise your point.

It was a competition for 25 slots. A competition of hundreds, trimmed down to 250, trimmed down to 75 and now, I am officially part of the Top 25.

Isang Malaking Katanungan.. HELP :)

Okay, ganito..

Hanggang boobs na yung buhok ko.. Ngayon lang ako ulit nakapagpahaba ng buhok.. Grade 6 yung huli. Anyway, nasasawa na ko pero nanghihinayang sa buhok ko.

TANONG:

Magpapagupit ba ako? Kung oo, anong style. Kung hindi, sabihin kung bakit.

Sige, GAME! v^_^

PRSP, Barry, MarkProf, AdHere, Sir Chong

Yep. Things that made me busy not only tonight but for the past week(s?). All of them fun, all of them challenging, tiring, etc, etc.

I don't know if I am still coherent more so if I still should post this. Maybe I should, I dunno. For the first time in all my years in college the PRSP event last Thursday was the first time I spent a whole night at a friend's house for extra-curricular-acdemic stuff. The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) has this yearly PR contest to all interested college students. The contest guidelines, case study, letter, app forms, was sent to the UPM chancelor last July 3. Amazingly enough we received it only last Wednesday. What's more amazing was that it was due the day after that Wednesday which was Friday! Wow! Only one night to prepare for national contest! But being UP OrCom students, we split our batch into 3 groups. At least we'd have 3 chances to get to the finals. However, at 2:30 that Friday we received a call that the deadline was postponed. HAHA. We didn't get any sleep. Sheesh.

The Saturday after that Friday I went to my MarkProf Final screening. There was another Big Idea Test then an interview then a group case study then I went home to sleep. Wee!

We had another overnight Tuesday this week. Still for PRSP. I'm sleepy. Didn't get much rest yet and I'm still up for the advertising assignment...GROUP assignment.

Oh, and I heard a rumor why Ely Buendia had a heart attack during the reunion concert. :)

Lets sleep!

I Made It!

Woohoo!

I made it through the second screening of the MarkProf search for the top 25 marketing management trainees. Well now, I am part of the top 100.. er.. 76 for that matter out of hundreds of applicants.

Final screening date on August 30. Sir Barry, pa-absent ulit.. *insert big sad pleading puppy dog eyes here*

And to those who are asking why I haven't posted anything lately, guys, may thesis din ako.. :)

Congrats to Nikki Valdez as well.

Happy happy joy joy.

When I Started to Doubt

One word is enough for a wise man.

Yes your grades will qualify you for a cum laude honor, maybe even a magna. You may belong to the best of the batch. But you don't have a clue as to what is happening in the world today. You won't believe something even though it slaps you on the face unless it has statistical support. You laugh last at jokes which are even explained to you. You can't even follow simple instructions and expect to be dictated as to what to do.

You are flawless with your theoreticals. But are you ready to step out of the classroom and into the world of spontainity, harsh realities and time constraints that require you to think on your own.

I am not doubting your capabilities to memorize theories. What I'm not sure of is how you will apply those in the real world.

Wake up honey, it's show time.

Of Frank, Alumni Homecoming, and HotSpot

"UPM. wala raw pasok sabi ni Robert. dahil sa alumni homecoming"

Wala akong pakialam kung anong dahilan nang pagkakansela ng klase bukas, bastas ang idinalangin ko wala talagang klase. Sobrang anxious ako kung totoo ba ang balita kaya nag PM ako kay Stella, nagtext kay sir Barry at humingi ng tulong kay God na sana nga walang klase bukas.

Sir Barry: "HI. DAC confirmed that the rumor is not true. So there are classes tom. See you all. Pls pass to the confusd! :) tnx."

Lintek. Parang gusto ko nang umiyak.

Dumating kami kaninang madaling araw (4am) dito sa Mindoro para sa opening ng HotSpot (oo yun na na ang pangalan ng internet shop ko). Baon ko ang 44php worth ng photox ng readings ko kay Barry. Kahit alam kong hindi ko mababasa to, dinala ko lang just in case magkaroon ako ng time magbasa. Syempre, dahil opening ng shop, yun ang inasikaso ko.

Hindi ko nabasa ang five chapters, reporting bukas. Okay lang. Luluwas na lang ako ng maaga.

"Anong oras ang byahe ng barko bukas ng madaling araw?" "Ay ma'am, may signal po tayo ng bagyo dito sa Mindoro, baka i-cancell po ang byahe ng barko."

Lintek ulit. Pano ang readings ko? Pano ang klase ko? Pano ko aatend kay Barry??

Mangiyak-ngiyak kong kinulit si Yela na iconfirm ulit kay Barry (kahit kinonfirm ko na) kung may klase ba talaga. Wala akong means para makaluwas. Cancelled ang byahe ng barko. Hindi pa ko nakakapagbasa. Worse case scenario, October 2009 graduate ako dahil sa 142. O HINDE!!

Stella (6/20/2008 10:19:18 PM): wala na
Stella (6/20/2008 10:19:21 PM): bnawi na ni barry
Roan (6/20/2008 10:19:26 PM): ha?
Stella (6/20/2008 10:19:28 PM): teka
Stella (6/20/2008 10:19:31 PM): gagawa ulit ako gm
Stella (6/20/2008 10:19:35 PM): weyt lng
Stella (6/20/2008 10:20:27 PM): ganto... binawi na ni barry. wala na raw class sabi ng dac. nd na rin sila magkaklase. so, baka... wala na rin yung DS natin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yahoooooooooo!

Kinakabahan pa rin akong nagtext kay Barry para "magtanong" kung wala nga bang klase kahit na deep inside gusto ko nang magmakaawang i-cancell nya ang klase dahil hindi ako handa.

"To my 142 class: DAC finally decided to cancel class tom. I received txt just now. Pls tell your classmates that we will instead meet next week. Haay, ang gulo ng UP, masisiraan ako ng ulo. -barry"

Halos magkasabay bumuhos ang malakas na ulan at ang aking mga luha ng kagalakan. Pero dahil masyado akong natense bago ang magandang balita, hindi ko na nagawa pang umiyak.

Maraming salamat Alumni Homecoming, Frank, DAC, Yela, at sa Poong Maykapal. Kaninang hapon pa ko nagdarasal na sana walang klase bukas kahit alam kong imposible yun. Ngayon, sa gitna ng bagyo, wala palang imposible.

Nakanaks! Matutulog na ko! :D

While Everyone Else is Starting Their Own Families

I was shocked to hear that my gradeschool friend and rival for the salutatorian spot already has a two year old kid. Aside from that, a lot of my gradeschool friend from Pasay are already starting (started) their own families.

My blockmates (PolSci) graduated last April. Some are going to law school, others are pursuing different carreers, while others are either starting their own breed or bumming around. When everyone else is basking in the glory of their diplomas, kids, or the essence of "rest", here I am in Mindoro starting our (mommy's and my) very own internet shop.

We started the tedious work of renovating the place today. There isn't really much to fix except for the computer tables, counter, and networking of the place. I'm hoping to have this shop open by next week.

Can anyone please help me choose a name for the shop?

Anyway, I'll be posting pictures of the work progress very soon. But for now, Day 1 is over.

The Eve Of My Last Day at Focus

It's really so weird that my first entry about my OJT experience is written on the eve of my last day. A few days ago, I was counting the hours til the end of my internship, but now, I'm not feeling that excited anymore.

This day was filled with so much work, that it breaks my heart to depart from the events I've planned but will never get to attend, the suppliers I've known, the people I've worked with, the whole experience. As much as I want to extend my OJT, I cannot. I have promised my folks back in Mindoro to help out in the three day medical mission. We have a Bizu Post Mother's Day event on the 17th (this I get to attend), a SieMatic product launching on the 20th, a blocked screening of Indiana Jones at Rockwell Cinema 1 on the 23rd, and the Serendra Family Day on the 25th. These events are so dear to me since I had to do the booking, planning, almost everything about them, then I don't get to be there because the freakin medical mission is on the 23rd-25th of May.

If they ask me to go back on June, I'd be more than happy to. My experience as the stand in brand manager was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. Thank you to all my supervisors who treated me as an employee and made me do stuff that taught me a lot. Thank you to my "sorority mates" - fellow OJTs who kept me company during breaks, lunch hours, and those days that I was technically not doing anything.

I'm going to miss a lot of things at Focus. I sure do not regret being an intern there.

Promises

Promises are made to be broken. I have to agree. Promises are most of the time made not intentionally to be broken but in the end, it still results to that.

I'm a girl who cries and laughs over the most mundane things. That decription has sticked to me for almost four years now, and for almost four years now, I'm desperately trying to learn how to hide the common disappointments that constantly bother me. Sometimes, I just console myself with the thought that "maybe he promised just so you would feel better" but then I ask "I am better now?"

Anyway, I'll have a five day vacation while waiting (desperately) for McCann to call. I won't be bringing my laptop as I have a LOT to bring. I shouldn't have bought the inflatable swimming pool, I'll have a hard time carrying it tomorrow.

I don't want to cry anymore. So maybe I'll just sleep. No more promises please, especially if you can't stick to it. I respect your word, I trust it so much, well maybe that's where I went wrong. I trust TOO MUCH.

Good night.

Sleep Deprived or Depriving Myself of Sleep?

It's 5:30 in the morning. I've been up all night watching reruns of Project Runway Season 1. I can't sleep because I slept all day yesterday. Am I killing myself? I really don't know.

I started watching clips on YouTube to, maybe, induce myself to sleep but it's been four hours since I started and I don't feel a tad bit sleepy! I'm so frustrated because I want to sleep because the longer I am awake, the hungrier I get and sleep is more possible than eating at this time. Maybe I should go buy a good book to help me sleep. I'm not used to not reading before hitting the sheets but I've read all the books I have at hand. So, yeah, maybe I should buy a new book.

I am so craving for Old Spaghetti House's Seafood Marinara or Sbarro's Baked Zitti and Spinach and Mushroom pizza. Just the thought of those food really whets my appetite. Damn! I shouldn't have mentioned it, I just have gone from a bad to worse craving for food. My tummy's growling too much. I have to sleep so as not to think of food that bad anymor

I have to get my biological clock re-regulated so that I would get the amount of rest that I need. How do you get a doctor to prescribe you sleeping pills? The sky's lightening up. I don't want Monday to come yet (except if its already April 7).

Almost Relaxing

Shooting for AV Comm definitely took the heartaches cause by the Stat exam. Yes, the stat exam was horrible!

I have finished shooting and editing two out of five commercials now. I just hope my groupmates would be able to give me their footages for editing on tuesday, latest. Im so giddy on editing that Im excited to work on their footages (come on groupmates! I want to edit your work :D).

I'll be posting all of our commercials as soon as we have already passed a copy to sir Beaver. Im so excited about it, really. :D

By the way guys, Lanie lost her phone last night. She called me up and she was like crying while wandering Ayala. I just pray that she was able to get to somewhere safe before the night ended. She really sounded scared. Anyway, her sun number is 0922-5496451. Please do contact her through that number and identify yourself.

Good luck to all of us. I hope I get a positive response from McCann.. 0_o

Almost Relaxing

Paano Ba Maglambing?

Hindi nga ba talaga ako malambing? Ano nga ba yung lambing at paano mo to ipapakita sa isang tao?

Siguro kung bata ka, masasabi mong malambing ako. Naguguluhan talaga ako. Dati iniisip ko sila ang may problema kung hindi nila nararamdaman. Lagi kasing nagrereklamo sila Daddy na wala raw akong kalambing lambing sa katawan. Okay lang yun sa kin dati. Isip ko, hindi ko na problema kung hindi n'yo maramdaman basta ako, mahal ko kayo, ipinapakita ko sa paraang kaya ko.

Hindi raw ako nagtetext. E hello! Magtetext ka nga, magrereply ba naman siya? E di wag na lang magtext, sayang lang sa load. Hindi raw ako nagkekwento. Nakikinig ka ba pag nagkekwento ako e wala man lang karea-reaksyon ang mukha mo. Naparaming reklamo pero lahat iisa ang dahilan, hindi raw ako malambing.

Ngayon ikaw naman ang nagrereklamo sa parehas na dahilan na isinusumbat ng tatay ko. Ngayon naiisip ko, siguro ako nga ang mali, ako nga ang dapat magbago. Pero paano ba kasi yung paglalambing na gusto nyo?

Hindi ako kumportableng tratuhin kayong parang bata (paglambing para sa mga batang may edad 0-10 y/o ang kaya ko). Nahihirapan akong magbago dahil unang-una, hindi ko naman alam kung ano ang mali. Kelangan ko bang bigyan pa kayo ng maraming regalo? Kelangan ko bang sumulat pa ng love letter? Kelangan ko bang amu-amuin kayo? E HINDI AKO GANUN EH. Gawin ko man yun, isipin nyo na lang na hindi natural sa akin pag ginawa ko yun.

Hay. Sige.

Final Class Meetings Has Never Been This Happy-Sad

"Nothing makes me more sad than last days now already looking bak at fun learning times wid kids i hav grown to be accustomd to i wil miss all of u guys tel others my saturdays have been blessed by all of u n yes including d noise :)" - Sir Ron

Yes, he texted that without any punctuation whatsoever. I had a hard time reading it but nonetheless, it's still sweet.

This Saturday specifically my PR class has been the most memorable last class meeting I ever had. Sir Ron is definitely my favorite teacher. After four years in UP, this is the first time I can truly say that I enjoyed every minute of the class. This is his first and last (?) semester in UP and I just wish there are more teachers like him. He was able to connect with the class and even tolerate our nonstop noise. He NEVER walked out on us even though we were like a bunch of noisy brats.

UP really needs more teachers like him. Really, really, really needs a lot more teachers like him.

We'll miss you too sir Ron.

Barely Breathing

February didn't prove to be any easier than January. And now with March on its 2nd week, the tension is skyrocketing. Communications plan, two column script, final problem set, and a departmental exam are all due/happening on the 18th! That's seven days from now *looks at the time* no SIX days from today (or tonight). Aside from all the acad work we have to enslave ourselves in, we also have to find an organization that will employ us as interns for the summer.

I am really just so thankful that I can "abuse" my Dadei's internet connection as well as his writing and artistic skills. At least someone can help me.. :D

This is definitely the most nerve racking sem I ever had. Why in the world do we need to do all of those on the 18th? Thank goodness, Sir Villar has the heart to post pone the deadly journal manuscript to a much much later date. I'm loving sir Villar now.

To my batchmates who are graduating this April, congratulations! I truly am proud of you all and only wish I could graduate on time as you could.

The Search Is On!

Instead of studying for my first long exam in AV Comm tomorrow, here I am stuck in front of my laptop looking for an employer willing to "adopt" me for the summer and immerse me in that company. I have already sent out applications to those that I can find at Jobstreet. I'll be doing my walk in application next week.

I am just so thrilled! I hope somebody contacts me soon..

January Pa Lang Ah!

My acads certainly took the Happy out of "Happy New Year".

I was welcomed back to school from my Holliday vacation with:
* 2 long exams (Jan 4 & 8)
* a first major exam (Jan 11). R
* a "walk in the park" PR quiz (Jan 12)
* company profile and stationery set for my audiovisual comm class (Jan 22)
* report every Wednesday
* quiz every Monday and Thursday
* First Stat and PR exam (Jan 26)

Of course this is for January alone, February will be more crammed and March will be so much more! This is probably my bloodiest sem in UP so far.

I am trying to put all the information in my head. Why in the world do you, Mr. Javelosa have to reschedule our Stat exam to the same day as our PR exam?! We were already prepared to take the exam on the 31st!

Ah! Information overload! I'm not even sure if I will still remember all that I have studied for tomorrow.

I need a miracle such as one of my teachers tomorrow not being able to make it. I really, really need it so much.. :(

Happy Year of the Rat!

New year's celebration has always been for us more festive than Christmas. Probably because of my Chinese roots that give more importance to the start of the year.

Like the previous years, we showered early and put on our available red shirts/clothes/dresses. We lined five and ten peso coins and connected each door with coins. In each room, we scattered more coins and bills. Unlike many people who would wear polka dots or stripes during new year's eve, we would wear red as a sign of luck and festivity. Unlike many who wear only symbols of mony (polka dots for coins and stripes for bills) we actually scatter money on the floor. On the stroke of tweleve, all the kids in my family would be jumping and rattling their coin boxes to invite fortune. Of course there would always be fireworks, not those that only make loud noises but most especially those that produce great light displays. It is believed that the loud noises and bright lights would drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

However, unlike previous years this year's celebration was more quiet. Before, the fireworks display and loud noises would last until one in the morning. This year, the highlight of the display lasted only ten to fifteen minutes. To top that off, nobody got a major accident from the firecrackers. Too bad, I don't have any pictures to share.

Anyway, the year of the Rat is said to be a good year to start things because it is the first sign in the cycle. A good year to all of us and may all of those good things that we start be a lasting one!