A friend forwarded this beautiful prayer and I would like to share it with you, too. In times of disappointment and frustration, I close my eyes, say this prayer, and I feel better.

"Lord, when I lose hope because my plans have come to nothing, help me remember that your love is greater than my disappointments and your plans for my life are bigger than my dreams. AMEN."

You are enough, Lord. You are enough.

 

Some nice thoughts from Olive’s blog. Finally got permission to repost it here.

The blogging technology is such an amazing gift–it’s a wonderful tool that allows people to learn, inspire and be inspired by one another’s stories.

‘Nuff said. Read on, y’all.

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Moving On…With Gratitude in My Heart

Today July 30, 2006 I want to thank the Lord for giving me the grace and building in me a strong and unshakeable faith that enabled me to cultivate my sense of self so that I will be able to remember to go back to it when I feel lost, overwhelmed or simply confused. 

Sometimes, when we encounter a situation that we don’t know how to handle we get disoriented and we feel that we’re drowning, grasping for clues. It’s important to remember that even though you may think you’re weak, you are actually strong because you have acknowledged that you are weak, temporarily.

This is I think the most important lesson I’ve learned so far: that your feelings and your happiness is your own responsibility.  Other people cannot make you feel happy if you don’t allow them to, and that goes the same for anger or loneliness or sadness. It may be hard to understand sometimes but other people are just mirrors.

Whatever we feel at the moment is happening outside of us, and our reactions to them are based on how we perceive and interpret them.  So, it only means that the situations that we are put into will just show us whether we are emotionally healthy or not, our inner state of health.  If you’re feeling insecure, inadequate and empty then whatever your partner does will just be perceived as an affront or a manifestation of his insensitivity to your needs, or worse an insult or another pinch of salt to an already gaping wound. (emphasis supplied)

But if you already feel secure, adequate and capable; if you think that you are whole and that in fact, you have so much love in you to the point where it’s overflowing then you will see the people around you with more kindness and compassion, that they are trying their best but sometimes they’re also striving from daily worries just like we all are. Then, you will see that everything indeed is a miracle, every blessing, every pain, every seemingly trivial situation because you are operating from an attitude of awe and gratefulness towards the universe.

There are no accidents, and the people we meet and the situations we encounter are meant to teach us to be kinder, more generous and compassionate towards all sentient beings.  If you let yourself become hardened instead of being softened by the blows then you will consciously build walls around you, making life more miserable and feeling more and more isolated.  Whereas if you see that every encounter is an opportunity to polish you in order to become the gem that you are meant to be, you will continue to sparkle and perhaps someday you will realize that you’ve become so luminous and radiant; that you’ are indeed a prism – something that lets light shine through to illuminate everyone in your midst.

So, the least we can do is to remember not stand against one another’s light.

Reminder to self:

Just because I have a right to be angry, it doesn’t give me the right to be rude.

Anger is no excuse for rudeness. 

Bow.

An officemate told me this hilarious story.

His pal was looking for scented panties to give to his girlfriend. He headed straight to a lingerie shop to scour for some. Pagdating nya don, na-mental block si loko at nakalimutan nya na ang tawag sa mga ganong panties ay, well, scented panties.

Sabi niya sa saleslady, "Miss, meron ba kayong panty na may smell?"

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the saleslady answered nonchalantly, "Ay sir, wala po. Medium at large na lang ang meron."

HAHAHA!

Hala, sige, bili na kayo ng mga panty na may smell! Hahaha.

ANG GALING-GALING!

Nawa’y ako ay maging ganito kagaling.

Ang ganda ng pagkasulat. Kulang na lang eh pumalakpak ako habang nagbabasa.

Saludo ako sa inyo, Sir! Mabuhay po kayo at ang mga tulad niyong walang sawang nakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng iba.

Below is the full reply of MANUEL L. QUEZON III to Mr. Isagani Cruz’s hate article.

________________________________________________________________________

THE LONG VIEW
The Long View : The grand inquisitor

First posted 02:39am (Mla time) Aug 14, 2006
By Manuel L. Quezon III
Inquirer

Editor’s Note: Published on page A15 of the August 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

KURT VONNEGUT ONCE OBSERVED, “FOR SOME reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that’s Moses, not Jesus. I haven’t heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.” Vonnegut was pointing out the basic immorality of society’s self-proclaimed moral custodians. Hate the sin but love the sinner? But that opens to a possible debate on what is sin.

How much easier, more certain and eminently satisfying to decree, “Kill them all. God will know His own.” The result is the perversion of the finer instincts of religion into a false trinity—faith, hope and bigotry, setting aside charity which represents an inconvenient truth: Christ was friend to prostitutes and tax collectors, and He debated even with the devil. Must Christianity end with Christ?

Retired Supreme Court Justice Isagani Cruz says that his vigorous and vicious condemnation of gays, lesbians and transgendered people is not supposed to incite hatred and intolerance—or to be precise, that he is not invoking a blanket condemnation of all gay people. He only objects to some, not all. For example, he has nothing but the most generous and respectful thoughts for those who conform to what he finds tasteful and tolerable behavior. And what is tasteful and tolerable as far as his wounded sensibilities are concerned? A minority meekly and absolutely surrendering to the tyranny of the majority, a sub-culture reduced to the subhuman, in which the individual is instructed to live out, every day, a total repudiation of the self. Cruz demands the elimination of a diverse and rich culture—one that is as much a mirror of society’s larger complexities as it is an alternative to some of the worst instincts and features of the broader culture for which he has stepped forward as spokesman—because the minority displeases and disgusts him.

He would have me, and everyone else like me be a slave, a fugitive, a hypocrite and, most of all, a coward. And I find that disgusting. I find it neither reasonable nor acceptable. I do not even find it understandable. Cruz does not understand us, does not want to, would be unwilling to. Yet he says he hates only some, not all, of us, and expects “some of us” to embrace and thank him?

For what? That he reserves his scorn only for hairdressers and fashion designers? That he respects me, the writer, but heaps abuse on someone else because that someone uses slang I don’t use, speaks louder than I do, wears what I don’t wear—and those superficial differences are the things that guarantee me (and those who behave otherwise) Cruz’s respect?

I will not embrace him, not for that, much less shake his hand or offer him the opportunity for civilized disagreement. For he is blind to the civilization to which I belong, and to the fundamental identity I share with those he despises. Whether we have a little learning or not, whether we speak in the same manner or not, regardless of what we wear and what mannerisms we choose to exhibit, we are the same, for in the fundamental things—those we choose to love, to have relationships with and with whom we aspire to share a life marked by a measure of domestic bliss and emotional contentment—there is no difference. To permit Cruz to make such distinctions is to grant him and all those like him an intolerable—because it is fundamentally unjust—power to define myself and those like me.

When he casts the law as an instrument for prosecution, persecution and discrimination, he must be fought. That he discredits polite behavior by portraying civilized discourse as a fancy disguise for his uncritical obedience and intolerant enforcement of uniformity; that he defames religion by turning it into an ideology of hate; that he makes a mockery of filial piety by insisting that tyrannical instincts should be cultivated among the elderly and enforced upon their direction—these should inspire not pity for his moral dementia; these must provoke anger. And condemnation.

To be different is to be held in suspicion. The nonconformist is a subversive. Subversion and rebellion make societies become more generous, more diverse, more compassionate—and an individual more free. For the inability—or unwillingness—to see rebellion as a virtue and not a flaw is what provokes the uncomprehending hostility that makes the anxious herd stifle dissent and stamp out anything different. But humanity is not a herd, and being human demands a vigilance against the kind of provocations that start stampedes.

I will respect anyone’s convictions, but only to the extent you will respect mine. Goodwill inspires the same; tolerance results in cooperation. But I will not be told whom to love, whom to be friends with, what culture to represent, what mannerisms and interests to adopt and, much less, discard. I will not modify my behavior or limit my pleasures merely to please Cruz or bigots like him. The respect gays, lesbians and transgendered people experience is a brittle kind, but hard-won. Far more has to be won, in terms of actual legislation or in every sphere of our lives where discrimination virtually takes place every day.

The behavior Cruz finds so obnoxious is the price he and everyone else must pay for the pink triangles of the German concentration camps, the labor camps and prison cells of Soviet Russia and Communist China and Cuba, the merciless beatings and taunts endured by so many over so long a time. It is his punishment for representing a society whose instincts remain fundamentally murderous toward anyone different. If he weren’t such a hate-monger, he might realize it’s no punishment at all, and that society is all the better for the increased prominence of gays.

"Is our population getting to be predominantly pansy? Must we allow homosexuality to march unobstructed until we are converted into a nation of sexless persons without the virility of males and the grace of females but only an insipid mix of these diluted virtues? Let us be warned against the gay population, which is per se a compromise between the strong and the weak and therefore only somewhat and not the absolute of either of the two qualities. Be alert lest the Philippine flag be made of delicate lace and adorned with embroidered frills."

- Isagani Cruz, PDI Columnist

I felt really offended after reading Isagani Cruz’s article which came out in PDI’s August 12 issue (view the full text here). I am not part of the gay community, but many of my dearest friends are homosexuals/ bisexuals. I witnessed how plenty of them struggled with identity crises, self-acceptance issues, parents (especially fathers!) who just couldn’t understand them, unfair judgment, jeers, snide comments, sexual harrassment…

A lot of them, however, are naturally gifted with so many talents and inherent drive to succeed. Such rude treatment never really got in the way of their dreams. Most of my gay friends are now enjoying different levels of success in their chosen endeavors. And I am mighty proud for every one of them. Mr. Cruz’s description of the gay community as "sexless persons…an insipid mix of diluted virtues" is way off and uncalled for. It is utterly disrespectful. How can he comment so harshly on something he does not, and can never, completely understand?

Freedom of Expression is a right that have been fought for by countless people in different parts of the world. I admit I am no fan of cross-dressers or screaming fags, but then again, I tell myself, "To each his/her own." Whatever kick they get out of dressing, acting or speaking the way they do is something I will never completely be in on because I am not them. In the same way I do not want to be judged as crass or unladylike simply because my voice is deep and I prefer going to work in frayed jeans and rubbershoes.

"And, of course, there are lady-like directors who are probably the reason why every movie and TV drama must have the off-color “bading” [gay] or two to cheapen the proceedings."

Tsk, tsk, tsk… yari ka talaga sa mga pinagsasabi mo.

I wonder if Mr. Cruz’s inbox has enough space for the flurry of emails that he will most likely be receiving in the coming days. 

Bigotry is alive and kicking, folks.

I’m going through a major transformation. I’m going through a complete system overhaul: I’ve discovered Christ in my life and decided to become a Christian.

Friends who have known me for long will probably throw their heads back and laugh. Others might raise their eyebrows and say, “Sus, wala yan! Sa umpisa lang yan!”And you know what? I wouldn’t blame them. Non-believing, tactless, bad-mannered, bitchy, selfish Che—a Christian?! Come on!

I’ve never told anyone this, but it all started when I went to Japan last March. I was alone most of the time then, shooting and interviewing for the documentary I was working on. Our office was based in Tokyo but I was rarely there, except during mornings to attend the daily assemblies. One day, my schedule was not as hectic and I found myself staying in the office longer than usual. I got to chat with Ate Laura, a Filipina employee who has being living in Japan for years. She invited me to have lunch and hear mass with her and her family the coming Sunday. I welcomed the chance to finally be able to go on a short tour and attend Mass, so I told her I’d go.

Come Sunday, I rode a train from Ginza to Shinjuku and met up with Ate Laura, her husband and two kids at the mall. After a hearty lunch, they led me to a building where the mass was to be held. I was a little surprised to find out that it wasn’t a Catholic mass. It was a Shalom fellowship, a charismatic Christian community gathering.

Let’s just say the celebration was very, very different from what I was accustomed to. The praises were expressed mostly through songs. There was an atmosphere of liberation, of free expression of faith, of complete submission and surrender …there was a kind of calm and serenity that penetrated my soul in a way I couldn’t explain. Never before did I feel so at peace and inexplicably joyful, it was almost magical.

When the mass was over, I approached the Pastor and sincerely congratulated him for the wonderful talk. I told him I wanted to attend again, but I was leaving the next Sunday and my flight was scheduled at 7 PM. Sadly, this meant I had to be at the Narita Airport (which is about an hour away from Tokyo) at 4, so I couldn’t attend the 3 PM service in Shinjuku. After the celebration, I hung out some more and had coffee with Ate Laura and her family. In the coffee shop, she and her husband told me about how their lives drastically changed after they found Christ in their lives and joined their church. I was so touched and inspired by their stories, I couldn’t wait to get back to the Philippines to find a church of my own! The Pastor also gave me a book which he authored. Every night for the rest of my stay, I’d read his book before I sleep. Another officemate in the Philippines requested me to bring home her Bible which she left in the Japan office. I read this Bible each night, too.

After I returned, though, I did not know where to start. Who do I ask to help me?

I was also swamped with so much work and often got home really stressed and tired that I no longer had the energy to read the Bible or pray. In addition to that, I regularly attended Catholic Sunday mass with a friend and I thought that would be enough to satisfy my spiritual needs and obligations. However, the general feeling of discontent didn’t leave me; I still felt like there was something lacking, there was something wrong, that some of my life’s pieces just aren’t in the right places.

I constantly thought about Hannah and Lea, my two dear friends from college who are devout Christians. I’d tell myself, “I’d text them one of these days,” but because of my schedule and other things that kept me distracted and preoccupied, I never got around to actually doing it. But the thirst and the longing remained.

One night in July, I was resting in the hotel room we used for a grueling two-day shoot. My highschool barkada came to sleepover. After we watched Lala’s wedding video, Joy gave each of us different Christian books. I was surprised because, not having seen her for months, I did not even know she converted. Before we slept, Joy and I had a heartwarming talk about her experience. Somehow, I took that as another sign from God. “What are you trying to tell me?” I asked as I prayed.

When I woke up the next day, I was delightfully surprised to find a text message from Hannah! She said, “Batch, I’ve been thinking about you lately. Would you like to join our artists’ Bible study tomorrow?” Why was Hannah thinking about me? How did she know what I needed? Why did she text me at the most opportune time—just when I was thinking I am ready for, and that I want to, embark on this journey, that I was yearning for a kind of spiritual transformation?

“Sure! But I am no artist,” I texted back.

“Are you kidding?! Of course you are!” she replied. Then we discussed the details on how we were to meet the next day.

Come Monday morning, I was filled with doubt and hesitation again. Am I really ready? I knew that if I got on this thing, there was no turning back. What if I don’t like it? But I already told Hannah I’d meet her at Shangri-La and I had to keep my promise. Besides, I missed her a lot too and wanted to bond with her again anyway. So I told myself, “Here goes…”

Hannah is my batchmate in Broad Ass, and we went through so many wonderful experiences together as friends and classmates. I remember how I used to run to her during times of utter loneliness, whenever I was in a downcast mood or when I felt discouraged. Several times before, I asked her to pray for me because I longed to have a faith as strong as hers, but I just couldn’t overcome my doubts. I remember one instance when we prayed together at the Masscomm skywalk. She always encouraged me to trust in Jesus Christ but, while I’ve always believed in the existence of a supreme Creator, I was never completely convinced of His role in my life. Perhaps, it just wasn’t time for me to find Christ then.

But God really does find a way to reach you when you seek Him. As I sat in Hannah’s car that night we were supposed to go to the Bible study (the silver Honda I almost always rode in back in college), I thought to myself, “Okay, Lord, you got me. There’s really no escaping you now!”

Then the Bible study. We watched a documentary about the transformation of Fiji, a country that used to suffer from Civil war, and the great changes that happened after their President, the rest of his Cabinet, and majority of the population became Christians. We all wished the same for the Philippines. A discussion and much prayer followed.

After the Bible study, we headed to Hannah’s house (Do you know we’re neighbors now?! Our houses are in the same street!). We did a lot of catching up. I also told her about the service I attended in Japan, and how everything just seemed to snowball from there. She lent me a book about the experiences of some Christian women, and gave me a Bible. She taught me about “Quiet time” with God, which I am now practicing until it hopefully becomes a habit.

Lea also invited me to go to another Bible study group, this one is composed of media people like myself. Friday night after work, I rushed to ABS-CBN and met up with her. I was surprised that the group is big (it composed mostly of ABS-CBN people, while I am a pseudo-GMAer. Hehehe), but Lea said that there is a smaller prayer group that also meets every Friday night.

I found the Pastor’s talk that night striking. He asked, “Why do you fear about the future when you have a God who is a God of provision?” How true. There is no need for us to be scared, to feel uncertain about the future, to be afraid of where or what you’ll be many years from now–for there is a God who will provide you all that you need.

He discussed the concept of “Revelation and Response.” He said that in the right time, God reveals himself to us, and all we have to do is respond. It is marvelous to be in God’s caring. As we are truly blessed, we should likewise be a blessing to others. Joy, Hannah, and Lea were God’s blessings to me as they led me to this path. When I am ready, there will come a time for me to be a blessing to others.

I attended my first Church service last Sunday. It was so amazing, I find it hard to pick words to describe the experience. As I sang, and listened, and prayed, the main thought running through my head was, “This is what I’ve long been searching for. I belong here.”

It’s been less than two weeks, yet I feel so peaceful. I feel so blessed. Not only because a lot of things are in order in my life (plenty still aren’t, believe me!), but because I have discovered the beauty of total, unreserved trust. Whatever happens, it is Your call, Lord. Thy Will be done na lang ang lagi kong dasal.

We lurk in sadness and negativity, we often throw our hands up in frustration and exclaim, “What a terrible world this is!” But now I realize that one reason we find our lives terrible is because we choose to focus on our imperfections, when there is an abundance of greatness within ourselves, in the people around us, and the world we live in that we fail to see.

I thought twice before writing this entry. I felt scared about being judged or doubted or laughed at. But then again, this newfound faith has liberated me. Why do I fear? Who do I intend to please?

There are still plenty of things in my life that need fixing. There are relationships that
I need to mend and work on. I realize that as I searched for myself, there are people that I hurt along the way. Now, I am praying for guidance so that I will not cause any more hurt than I already have and so that I could be understood and, hopefully, forgiven. When you and I are ready…

Now, let this be is an official announcement of the beautiful transformation that I am happily going through.

Thank you, God.

Sometimes, it is in the company of many people that loneliness can be even more acutely felt.

Bow.

The past month was beset with dizzying preparations for the shoot of TVCs for three of our beauty products. It is not only GMA Pinoy TV, international prepaid call cards, and door-to-door delivery service that we bring to the Filipino residents in Japan–we are also in the business of selling various health and beauty products to them.

About a month ago, our team was tasked to produce TVCs for our anti-aging, whitening, and hair straightening products. June and July passed by in a whirl as we struggled to prepare for shoots for 3 goddamn commercials with a very limited budget and production experience to work with. For over a month, I was filled with anxiety and worry because, while I know my strengths, I am well aware of my limitations, too. Besides, we are the Marketing Department, not a production house! I know I could handle writing assignments, but I do not know how I fare as a Director.

However scared I was, I really did welcome the opportunity. Besides, the stress came with new experiences and learning that I know I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere. I never imagined I’d get the chance to direct TV commercials. I’m no professional, but I wouldn’t deny the fact that it gave me such high! 3 araw ng ubod ng hirap na shooting, pero sobrang saya ko. Dami kong natutunan, dami kong nakilala, dami kong nagawa…Hiyang-hiya lang ako pag tinatawag ng crew na, “Direk” kasi feeling ko I still don’t deserve to be called one. I feel like I’m such a faker. Not that I was totally clueless about what I was doing, pero iba pa rin yung confidence that years of experience and proper training could give. And I possess neither of these

Still, I am not complaining! With every attempt, I feel like I’m getting better. Practice na lang ng practice siguro. Pero talagang hindi ko pa naiintindihan yang lighting na yan. Sasabihin ko lang sa DOP na may shadow dito, may shadow doon, pero hindi ko alam kung pano nila nagagawang alisin yun. Manghang-mangha pa rin ako kung pano tinitimpla ang ilaw–kung paano napagmukukang day time ang eksenang kinukuhanan sa gabi at vice versa…kung paano nase-set ng lighting ang mood at feel ng buong atmosphere…Nawa’y balang araw ay mapag-aralan ko din tricky production aspect na yan.

On another note, let me just share some of my reflections brought about by the latest work challenge that I just hurdled.

1. VTR

Ito ang pinaka-ayaw kong phase sa paggawa ng commercial. Ako ay isang Marketing Officer na dumo-doble bilang Camerawoman, kaya ako rin mismo ang nagi-interview sa mga nagpupuntang (wannabe) models. Close-up dito, close-up don, tilt up and down ng camera, kinukuhanan lahat ng anggulo. Nagtatanong din ng kung ano-anong ka-ewan-an at nagpapabasa ng script. Ang hindi ko lang maintindihan kung baket di ma-gets ng karamihan ang “quarter turn to your right” o kaya “turn around, face the wall behind you.” Talagang titingin pa sila sa akin para tanungin kung san sila haharap. Goodlak. Saka ewan ko rin kung bakit pag pinapabasa ko ang line na “ For skin that’s nice to look at…” ang sinasabi nila ay “Skin that’s nice to Lyoook!” sabay radiant smile.

Sa totoo lang, ang sama ng feeling ko pag nagpapa-VTR. Naaawa ako don sa mga naga-apply na mag-talent. “Putting themselves out there,” kung baga. Iniisip ko pa lang kung gaano ka-harsh ang comments na nasasambit namin tuwing nanonood ng mga VTRs, naaawa na naman ako sa kanila. Syempre, bilang advertiser, ang main concern mo ay ang magandang portrayal ng produkto. Kelangan busisiin ang bawat detalye. Ayaw mo man mamintas, hindi rin naman pwedeng hindi mo punahin ang bawat bagay na mali sa mukha, katawan, o pananalita ng gustong maging talent sa commercial mo.

“Hindi pwede yan, kulot!”

“Ano ba yan, ang laki ng ngipin!”

“Daming pimples!” 

“Maitim!” (or “Maitim ang siko/ tuhod/ kili-kili”)

“Ang lapad ng mukha!” / “Kuwadrado ang mukha!” 

“Masyadong payat!”/ “Masyadong mataba!”

“Mukhang bata!” / “Mukhang matanda!”

“May puson! Malaki ang tyan!”

“Matigas ang dila! Ang sagwa ng diction!”

“Parang bading!”

Eh paano kung long-time dream nya palang maging commercial model, tapos nag-contribute ako sa pag-shatter ng pangarap na yun. Wala lang, nakaka-depress medyo. Lalo pa’t naiintindihan ko naman kung gaano kasama ang pakiramdam ng hindi ka na tinawagan ng pinag-apply-an mo. Lahat naman ng klase ng rejection masakit—pero extra masakit yung rejection na dulot ng tao o institusyon/industriya na pinangarap mo ng mahabang panahon.

2. They’re not as perfect as they appear.

Most ads, especially those that sell beauty products, appeal to the aspirations of the target market. The products are presented as solutions/ answers to problems and issues one has about himself/herself: Her crush noticed her after her hair got straighter. This woman’s husband couldn’t wait to get home and smell her fragrant skin. She impressed her batchmates during their highschool reunion because of her young-looking face. He wants straight, white teeth so he can smile at girls better. She wants frizz-free hair so her date won’t get turned off. Advertisers commonly capitalize on people’s insecurities to sell.

Aspirational ang attack. “Gusto kong maging ganyan! Gusto ko mangyari yan sa akin!” Kahit kasing-itim ka ni Boy Tisoy, pinapaniwala ka ng mga taga-gawa ng commercial na magiging kasing  puti mo si Kris Aquino o Lucy Torres pag ginamit mo ang produkto nila (na isang napakalaking kalokohan dahil alam naman ng buong universe na sina Lucy at Kris ay likas na mapuputi).

   

Pero after we shot the whitening, anti-aging, and shampoo commercials, natuto ako ng iba’t-ibang tricks at daya para mag-mukhang extraordinarily beautiful ang isang subject. Na-realize ko na you shouldn’t feel bad that you are not as white, thin, young-looking—in short, not as beautiful and attractive–as the endorsers you see in print or TV ads. Some, if not most, of them are really not as perfect as they are made to appear.

Ang laking bagay na nagagawa ng makeup. Walang taong panget sa magaling na makeup at hair stylist. May body foundation para paputiin ang balat. Spots that are slightly darker than the rest of the skin are brushed with baby powder. Iniilawan pa para pumuti lalo! Isang katerbang lights din ang ginagamit para magmukhang makintab ang buhok na pag hinawakan mo naman sa totoong buhay ay talagang dry, coarse, at matigas. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na at least three days before the shoot pala, isa-subject na ang kawawang buhok sa kung ano-anong treatments—rebonding, dye, cellophane, etc. Suklay at retouch before each and every take. Kukuha ka ng 22-year old model na aarte bilang 30 years old para sabihin na “mukhang bata” kahit trenta na. 

Minsan, nanonood ako sa mga graphic artists pag tinitira ang mga print ads at beauty catalogs namin. Nakakamangha ang kayang gawin sa computer. Ang medyo malalaking bewang at hita ay natatapyas sa Photoshop. Pati balahibo sa singit, braso, binti, mukha ay nabubura. Naaalis ang eyebags, napapatangos ang ilong na pango. Lahat ng itim, napapaputi. Ilang mouse-clicks lang ang solusyon sa skin blemishes. Ang PhotoImpact software nga ng Ulead, may Beautify Skin Effect pa! Kaya uli-uli, wag ka masyado papa-lokosa beauty/ fashion magazines. Most likely, na-magic na ng graphic artists ang mga mukha at katawan na kinainggitan mo.

PASINGIT LANG NG ISANG MALABONG KOMENTO THAT IS TOTALLY UNRELATED TO THE REST OF THE ENTRY:

Ang paborito kong TV commercial ngayon ay ang sa Mekeni Picnic Hotdog (with matching dance steps na di ko maipaliwanag kung ano). Hahaha! Gusto kong makilala ang nagsulat ng copy nito. Pasasalamatan ko lang sya dahil pinatawa nya ako ng husto don sa tagline na: Mekeni–MAKE IT MANY! O di ba, kamusta naman ang pagpipilit ng rhyme!? Ayos sa recall!