Overtime Work: The Need of Man

It's past midnight and i'm cramming an important presentation.
I'm working from home.
I’m experiencing the first symptoms of an advertising pitch that will surely progress into a tiring, sleepless and chaotic typhoon that will suck in everything in its path. Daunting? Yes, but also very, very exhilirating.

It’s been months since my last pitch, since I last feared for my job and thanked the gods that I have tenure. However, I think that to a certain degree, we all enjoy the work-life balance upheaval, albeit in a weird, masochistic kind of way.

In today’s hypoallergenic world of health insurance, hypermarts and organic free range poultry, our primal urges to hunt, and its accompanying perils of possible death or decapitations have been channeled to capitalistic pursuits that are of equally great consequence. And I guess we’re all hungry for our next catch—a mammoth of an account!

20 is the new 30

Before, people lied about their age when they hit 40, then 30, and now its not uncommon for 23 year olds claiming to be 18. Heck, i even dreaded the thought of being part of the "late 20s" club.

It seems like people's concept of antiquity is getting younger. Youth's shelf life is getting shorter. This really isnt surprising when you see 6 year olds learning about mathematical cardinals, teenagers getting boob jobs and tweens smoking and going to all night parties when they used to be having slumber parties and playing patintero.

Sure it's great. We are progressing as a race, because kids become smarter, stronger, more mature and more attractive earlier, thus becoming more productive members of society faster. But all this comes at the expense of stunted childhoods, just like Michael Jackson's. And we all know how he turned out. So do we really have more to gain?

Happy Ordinary Day

It was one of the most ordinary birthdays i can remember. I went to work, had meetings, ate at Max's (of all places!) for dinner yet i couldn;t be happier. Well, maybe that's an overstatement but the truth still remains that it was a very happy occasion. I delighted in the warm greetings, the jovial office banter, the good normal food and even the chance to get an early night's sleep.

Happiness is really a state of mind and i was glad i was in its territorial waters last Thursday. Ü

Smells like school spirit

It's been a very Blue day today. Firstly because I got a birthday letter (it wasn't a card) from Fr. Nebres/Ateneo alumni office and second, well, it was game day for Ateneo vs. DLSU part 3. Well as many people know, Ateneo did lose. By 1 measly point. It was disappointing at the very least, even for a relatively moderate fan like me. But after all the heartache and awwws, the jeers and taunts, i just can't help but feel proud of my school. And it's not because they played their hearts out or any of those empty self-comforting rationalizations. PLEASE.

I just realized that it's easy to love your alma mater after a win. Even the most disloyal subject adores a king returning from a triumphant campaign. But deeper school pride transcends momentary victories. It actually reveals itself more brightly when things are in the pits. When you can honestly say that you'd take on ridicule and defeat any day, when you're proud to represent even when you're still bludgeoned and licking your wounds, THAT is real pride. After 13 years of watching the game It took this particular defeat to realize i had this in me. I guess i'm not much of a 'moderate' Atenean after all. Ü

On friends

A friend of mine gave a great insight about me regarding friendship. It has something to do with our other friend whose presence in gimmicks i absolutely love and hate at the same time. I love it that she's so bubbly that she's opinionated, that she's witty and you need to constantly catch up with the banter. But these are the same things i hate about her at times--that her opinions are sometimes so disagreeable, or negative, that conversations are exhausting, its like a mental 100 meter dash but taken to marathon proportions.

But deny and complain as i may, I really do like her presence. She has the ability to bring out the best in me--i feel like i am at my wittiest, my bubbliest when i'm with her. I like the me that she brings out. She never crosses the line (for she values her privacy even more than i do) yet im less of everything that i hate about myself--less shy, tongue-tied or uneloquent. Though i believe that we shouldnt rely on others to complete us, friends really do help in revealing the great persons we already are.

On getting older...

When you were in college with limited allowances, you were happy with an order of 3 piece siomai and 2 cups of rice and McDonald's was a treat. Dencio's was regular gimmick fare and you'd go to a Greenbelt retaurant for extra special occasions like Christmas celebrations.

When you start working, you realize how hard it is to make money and though you can afford to eat in swankier places, you opt not to because your computations reveal that a dinner can cost you a day's wages.

But after several years of working and several wage hikes down the road, no resto is too expensive and no luxury is too great because you've been working so hard, you deserve to enjoy every peso you make. And sometimes, you end up with less money than you did when you started. When life was less complicated and your joys less sophisticated (or expensive!). Don't you miss the old days?

Seasons of Life

I just learned that one of the nicest and friendliest security guards in Burnett passed away due to a heart attack. He was just 40 something. The father-in-law of our officemate just passed also. So did my uncle. All in a span of a few weeks. I dunno if its just coincidence but it seems like we are in the middle of a season of death. It's weird how life events such as weddings or births, hook-ups (and break-ups!) can be totally be absent for most of the year then suddenly occur consecutively, almost as if a higher power is really orchestrating life.

On traveling

Just got back from a 6 day Indochina pseudo-adventure. Despite the numerous air transfers, language barriers and wet weather, i can't wait to do it all over again. Like a chance meeting, a first date, I think those 6 days were enough to make me want to get to know the place more, although a second date could be years away. That isn't so bad either because by then, the land would have changed enough for it to be both familiar and new.

Walking along the backpacker areas and seeing so many Caucasians who seem to have taken months off to go around the world have done nothing but fuel my inner wanderlust. And though i'm a stickler for good personal hygiene, I can't help but envy them, their reused clothing and sweaty looks notwithstanding. There's something so exhilarating about an unfamiliar city, where every turn leads to unexpected surprises and every stop is a new experience. Nothing can make me feel more infinite than turning the world into one big road trip. Nothing is boring. There are no routines. Everything is seen with new eyes.

Love conquers all

After a night of experimental theater, hole-in-the-wall eats and coffee amidst the mist, i came across a dog and cat (an askal and pusakal?) near our street in a very Lady and the Tramp moment. There couldn't have been a cuter yet uniquely dysfunctional couple--a pale-colored dog and a jet black cat in a loving embrace. There was bloody conflict or lusty butt-smelling action. They have nothing in common except for their kalye-living ways. They're just two natural enemies enjoying each other's company. Too bad i wasn't able to take pictures. I'm just happy i didn't run them over.

Nothing can restore your faith in the possibility of a happier, more peaceful world than a strangely romantic dog and cat relationship.

Happiness Index

In a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you? It's a great topic when you're buzzed but when you're asked this during your midday procrastinations, it can get be very disconcerting.

I met up with buddies in Moksha and because we were pretty tipsy this time, the conversation naturally gravitated towards happiness or the lack of it. I was surprised that quite a few shared their feelings of unhappiness, inadequacy or brokenness though in varying degrees and forms. I wasn't surprised that a lot of my friends felt this way. I think i was taken aback more by the admission than by its reality. I think i've always felt that even the most successful and blessed person isn't really completely happy. I guess it's human nature. And though we may take comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone in our sadness, in reality, we really are. Every individual's grief is unique. It is personal. And no one can deal with it other than yourself.

The good old days

I came from the Creative Guild Awards held at the Metropolitan Museum a few days ago. It's been a while since i've been to a museum. They had a particularly interesting collection of works by Hidalgo amongst the many modern art pieces. It was a stark contrast with its classic beauty--its beautiful portrayal of ordinary colonial activities and sullen portraits could almost bring you back to a totally different era. The history geek in me was thrilled.

But of course these were mere props for the awards show. Its highlight (apart from the awards) as far as our Agency was concerned was the Lifetime achievement award given to my boss.

"I was given 4 minutes to deliver a speech but please forgive me if I speak longer, for this only happens once in a lifetime." -- To crudely paraphrase his introduction. And extend he did, for almost a whole lifetime if we take into consideration the ADHD-like attention spans of advertising people. His very formal speech was languid yet obviously hearfelt, honest and insightful. The type of speech you don't hear anymore because it isn't cool, not particularly funny, doesn't try to impress and requires intentioned attention.

As expected, the crowd grew restless and perhaps only those in the front row and maybe half of our Agency were really paying attention as the speech was winding down. Like the Hidalgo amidst modern art pieces, the difference couldn't be more apparent. As with everything, a new generation is slowly taking over. One that is edgy, irreverent and open-minded. We are less structured, more pragmatic, more inclusive, more spiritual rather than religious. Feel good sitcoms and cartoons grounded on family values and moral lessons have been replaced by dazzling special effects, dysfunctional personalities and gripping storylines. It cannot be denied that some of the progressive ideas and technologies are a step ahead for the human race. But for someone like me who has great respect for the past, I am still unsure if we're ultimately heading towards the right direction.

The Filipino Connection

It ranges from the interesting:
Kenneth Cobonpue designed the crib of Brangelina's newborn
Monique Lhuillier is the new hot fashion designer for the Oscars
Cristeta Comerford is the new head chef for the White House

to the absurd:
Oscar Best Actor Winner Forest Whitaker lived in a house in Tondo
Prince (or T.A.F.K.A.P.) is 1/8 Filipino or something
And the clincher...Virginia Tech Pinoys cooked Adobo where killer Cho Seung-Hui lived

To think that all of these news have become front page fodder is really disturbing, or at the very least embarassing. Are we totally devoid of a national identity that we end up trying too hard to find our Global connection?

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On hindsight, i think we got things backward. Though it's great trivia to discover the travails of the great Pinoy worker (or Pinoy immigrant), we shouldn't be looking outwards to the world for what makes us Pinoy. It isn't there. Our true Filipino identity lies within.

American Idol

It is finished. Jordin is the new American Idol. Star World no longer controls my Wednesday and Thursday nights...well at least till next year. It's really funny how people all over the world are going gaga over a rehashed version of Tanghalan ng Kampeon or Star Search. Aside from the disruption known as Simon Cowell, I think the integral factor to the show is that we watch the same contestants every week, we develop a relationship with them and see them grow as singers and possibly as individuals. It's a drama as much as it is a talent search. Add to this the interactive voting component and you've got yourself a sure hit.

It was just funny how the finale turned out to be similar to Valentines weekend in thePhilippines, where all the has-beens perform their most famous songs. If we have our Patti Austins and David Pomeranzes, Kodak Theater has the Bette Midlers and Tony Bennets. There were duets, themed medleys and mock awards given; something we Pinoys normally see every Sunday at noon. That's probably the next big thing for Americans which Asians have been enjoying (or suffering from?) for years--Variety Shows.

The European Dream

As i write this, my friend Enrico is on his way back to Germany. He vacationed here for about a month as he hasnt been home in the 2 years he's been studying. We weren't surprised when we learned he's trying it out there. He's been taking German lessons ever since we were Grade 4 and has been self studying Spanish, Dutch and Danish among others. He's always had big dreams about traveling the world and prior to his scholarship, he took a job that allowed him to do just that. I've known him for years and conversations about his new adventures, no matter how exotic, no longer surprised me.

What struck me, however, was his confession that what he has accomplished isn't that extraordinary. I don't need to take up German even before reaching the age of 12. I don't need to be a MENSA member to get a good school nor own a huge estate to fund my travels. Europe is a land of opportunity. It's a continent where its youth can fund their travels by randomly performing in the sidewalks of the cities their visiting. It's where taking on a part time job as a sales clerk or bartender gives you enough money to pay for schooling and living expenses. Enrico himself works just 3 hours a day in a clothes store and the money he earns is enough for his everyday needs as well as his occasional side trips to different European landmarks (and a trip back to the Philippines).

However, my friend is the first to admit that he doesn't have a fat bank account but this doesn't bother him at all. He observes that many people work so hard, stress themselves out and endure numerous hardships in the hopes that they'd be able to spend a few weeks of their lifetime on packaged tours. What most people don't know is that it doesn't really take that much to do what he's done. In fact, many people already have more than enough means to see the world. All we need is a little common sense, a passion to learn and the determination to jump towards the unknown.

We're almost the same age yet there's this palpable feeling that his travels, his exposure to many cultures and his resolve to take great risks has made him wiser than any of my peers. People travel not only to relax but to learn and for Enrico, every day is a new adventure, another chance to grow and learn.

the dark ages

Pinoys are a forgiving lot. We elect mutinous politicians and idolize "actresses" who confess to getting STD through adulterous relationships. Heck, we're also one of the few countries who still think highly of America even if they have arguably made things worse for the world. And of course, we've all but exonerated the supposed root of all our troubles--the Marcoses.

I understand the hate some people have towards them but i was never really old enough to experience it. I think people are also looking at the Marcos clan with new eyes, acquitting the rest of the family from the sins of their patriarch. With their articulate speech and high profile stature, i even find Gov. Bongbong and Imee a bit likeable. That was until i read this article in the Inquirer about Imee quitting politics for love. It started out OK, the article was an interview of Bongbong's wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos and tells of how Imee "made a promise that when her boyfriend reached 60, she would stop already, quit politics and live happily ever after." But then she had to prove her point by saying "If you think about it, Imee doesn't need the money to be in politics. My husband doesn't need the money. It is more of a legacy of doing good for the people."

Here's my take on this. I'm all for the "Marcos legacy" or whatever you want to call it, but politics should never be about the money. It is all about doing good for the people. The position is inextricably linked to public service. Don't get me wrong. I am well aware that many people go to politics to enrich themselves but campaign in the guise of actual concern but I just find it disturbing that politicians can blatantly admit that they enter government service to enrich themselves. And the fact that this statement didn't even create a stir speaks volumes of how grim our situation has become. It's a situation wherein our people's boundless capacity to forgive is being abused by equally boundless personal greed. We are truly living in the dark ages of our nation's history.

Heaven on Earth

It’s holy week and we all know what that means. It’s the start of the much-awaited, annual seventh heaven marathon! A weekend-long saccharine extravaganza with the emotionally expressive and Brady-esque Camdens. As I was channel surfing, I saw a scene quite common to this show—where Mrs. Camden asked them to pause for a while as they were en route to Church and gave a heartfelt, impromptu speech of how much he wanted to savor that particular moment because even if it was an ordinary occasion, it was memorable because they were all together.

Now this show gets a lot of flack for its sappiness and I know more than a few people who would have puked on themselves after a speech like that. We’re predisposed to feel disgusted by such a blatant expression of sweetness because it just seems unreal. It’s too good to be true. I may be hanging out in more church pews than the regular Juan but my telenovela-loving self believes this is not entirely impossible. I’ve personally seen people give speeches like this and though it can get nauseating, it can actually be nice and toasty and sweet. The Camdens are goofy and made-for-TV but I’d rather live with them than with most dysfunctional households I know.

They try their best to remain open, to resolve misunderstandings and help each other during challenging times. Wow, that is disgusting.

I’m no 7th Heaven supporter, I don’t even watch the show but really, why do we instinctively cringe at the first sign of wholesome sweetness? Do we despise it or do we secretly long for it? By quickly dismissing it as too sweet for real life, are we just trying to convince ourselves that our grossly imperfect family unit is as good as real life can get?

Why do people blog?

Blogging has spawned a new culture. So much so that Time, in an unprecedented decision, named the individual "ME" as the Person of the Year for 2006. The Philippines even held a well-sponsored Philippine Blog Awards, elevating blogging into a veritable artform, attractive and financially lucrative.

But do people really blog for art's sake? Is it primarily a money-making venture? Many would say no. It is really a manifestation of people's quest for individuality in a highly globalizing world. That's the romantic image trendsetters and journalists would want us to believe. But i think it could be a combination of one or the other reasons.

1. Release. People can't express themselves fully in real life. The coldness of the medium allows them to say their piece without having to confront anyone, or being accountable to anyone.
2. Anonymity. While you are exposing yourself to others by telling your story, they never truly get a complete human picture of you. You have a degree of control on how others will perceive you and even then, you will always be a amalgam of disclosed fact and a person's imagination.
3. Vanity. The thought that people, both friends and strangers actually take the time to read about YOU is an exhillirating idea. Makes you feel that you're important enough to deserve this corner of cyberspace.
4. Boredom. Let's face it, some blogs are just not that good and some do it for lack of anything better to do, or to feed their delusions that they are making the next big project of their lives.
5. Growth. To prevent mental atrophy. To feed the inner writer until his next great project comes along.
6. Relevance. Like the innate human desire to leave kids, make a novel or a song, a blog is a person's attempt to make a contribution to the world albeit a digital one. It's their way of romanticizing or exagerating their life to make it seem bigger and grander than it really is.
7. Introspection. It's hipper than a diary with unlimited pages for sappy entries, tsismis and what have yous.
8. Passion. Simple hobbies aren't enough. Blogs allow hardcore enthusiasts to live, breathe and speak about their interests. It's a total immersion.
9. Change. The Power of One has never been greater than now. A single blog can reach a global audience that numbers in the millions. Personal opinion has never had the potential to institute change as it does now.

As for me, i don't know really. I think it's a combination of all these things and much more. But welcome to my blog anyways. I hope you will be slightly entertained while i satisfy my self-gratuitous and slightly anonymous needs of vanity, introspection and growth while relieving my boredom. :)