Style and Soul

The first day of the year is like an ordinary day to me– special. I've come to learn to see everyday as a significant part of my life. Granted that there are no fireworks or feast every single day, just knowing that I am alive while others breathe their last, is already a blessing. I'm not exactly an optimistic person because I don't keep my hopes up or my expectations too high, rather, I'm realistic enough to appreciate life as it is and whatever it may bring– both good and bad. 

2012 was a year of changing perspectives. I've grown to be a more positive person, in a sense that, there's always something I'm thankful for– no matter how petty it is. This major shift in the way I look at life helped me to stop focusing on the things that I lack and instead, notice the abundance of simple pleasures that I've been blessed with.

The moment I stopped feeling sorry for myself was the time I found myself in high spirits and free of stress. There are a lot of things in this world that I cannot change. And so, I chose to change what I can– myself. Just to make it clear, the last thing I want to do is claim to be good person or someone better than anyone else. I'm not. I'm merely celebrating myself as it is– raw and imperfect but happy and contented.

A huge part of this process has something to do with me, detaching myself from this blog. I haven't updated much this year. Cecile of Chuvaness.com and I share the same dilemma, we've lost our mojo to blog. Although I've been past this phase while she has just started (read her entry here), I understand the need for her to step back and think about what's important for her. I know so because I've been there. 

While I wait in excitement for more awesome experiences 2013 has to offer, let's catch up on a few of the wonderful things I failed to share with you.    

It's two days before Christmas and I would like to extend all my holiday greetings to my readers in advance!

Unlike most kids I grew up with, I never collected Hello Kitty products when I was a young. Although I'm not a big fan, I can say I still do have the utmost admiration for the most popular bobtail cat as a children's icon around the world.

This fashionable feline has become a global superstar, and her face adorns over 50,000 products - from  dolls, apparels, stationery, bags, accessories, home decor and many more, sold in over 60 countries. Because Hello Kitty has become such a brand phenomenon, all I can feel is just this overwhelming gratefulness that I was one of the hosts of the "Hello Kitty Christmas at the North" event last December 8, 2012, a whole day affair which included a Hello Kitty meet-and-greet and fashion show, a collaboration between SM Department Store and Sanrio.

Being a freelance events host is one of the things I never thought I'd be right now. It would probably be so difficult to believe that I never hosted any significant college event in the past. One of the things I wish I did in college was to try out for a freshman orientation program (one of the biggest gatherings in UP during my time) or any event that my organizations would set up.

Hosting was something I only did for my classes and the reason why it has become one of the many jobs that I juggle is because it started when my relatives and close friends would ask me to do it as a favor and I just couldn't say no; with all of them assuming I'd pull it off since I took up Broadcast Communication.

And you know what? I'm so glad I was once forced to do it because deep inside I really wanted to. My fear of failure in front of an audience and my own personal insecurities just held me back. Thank God someone gave me one hard push and made me see how stupid it was to second guess myself.
A few days ago, as I was checking out which photos to blog about and found pictures of my hosting stints. I thought to myself, how can I blog about these and my work without sounding like either such a show-off or such a one-note blogger - "Today I did this and that..." "Today I hosted an event and it went like this..." "Today I had a shoot for... and it was so awesome..." Boring right? (no offense meant so don't take anything personally) So we will skip all of that.

A lot of people are afraid to put themselves up a platform - whether its a stage, in front of the camera or a social media account. By exposing one's self to an "audience," people are susceptible to humiliation and judgment; two of the things that a lot of them cannot take. The thing is, all people are gifted. Talents vary from hosting, singing, acting, writing, to several other mind-blowing skills. But of all the talented people in the world, a huge portion of them are really scared to put themselves "out there."

It's the same old problem most of us have. A lot of us are either too shy or too insecure. But believe me, you can and will get past that - the way I managed to.

It's the last hurrah of the summer as SM Kids Fashion releases a new collection of vibrant and colorful apparels for children. Tagged as the Crazy for Colors collection, SM Kids Fashion encourages all parents to make their sons and daughters stand out from the crowd through a fun mix-and-match of its latest clothing selection. 

And to further promote the Crazy for Colors summer collection, SM Kids Fashion also launched a theme song and dance music video especially choreographed by renowned dancer/host/mom Ms. Regine Tolentino, a new dance craze that kids will surely love.

Moreover, SM Kids Fashion has an ongoing Crazy for Colors summer caravan happening (some already done) in SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, SM Baguio, SM Cebu, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Pampanga, SM Marilao, SM Dasmarinas, SM Davao and SM Taytay. 

This is the part I'm most excited about... I'm one of those hosting the series of mall shows! 

The month of May is my lucky month, I guess. On second thought, I'd rather not think of it as luck but as a combination of hard work, patience and most of all, God's providence. Of all the many things that I do as a freelancer (production management for film and events, social media work, online PR, writing, hosting, styling, entrepreneurship etc.), one of the things I love most and would really want a career in is hosting.

Finally, I'm fully booked with hosting projects this month. Thank you Lord!!!

I'm writing this entry as a sequel to my previous blog post, A few things I learned from Direk Joey Reyes. Last November 30, an intimate group of bloggers had the chance to meet one of the most bankable comedy actresses of today, someone who is chameleon enough to play either lead or support, for indie films or mainstream cinema,  none other than Eugene Domingo.

Spotted before the event: Director of My House Husband, Joey Reyes and host Shalala

Before Direk Joey leaves, the bloggers request both for a photo.

Before the bloggers con, comedy host Shalala got to interview Eugene for showbiz chika show Juicy!

Gluta Max giveaways were given to the bloggers.

The event was sponsored by Kenny Rogers, Katipunan

The bloggers conference was produced by OctoArts films (in cooperation with Bloggers United) as part of their social media promotions for My House Husband, a local movie entry to this year's upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival. It is a real-life and family oriented dramedy about Rod (Ryan Agoncillo), a man who lost his job and is forced by circumstances to do the household work while his wife Mia (Judy Ann Santos) has to be the one to take on the role of the provider. Together, they face the struggles of this dilemma brought about by the reversal of roles in the family and how they've accepted and dealt with the situation at hand.

Screen cap of the movie trailer

In this movie,  Eugene Domingo  will play the role of Aida, Rod's next-door neighbor, who will eventually become one of his close friends and from there we have the "other woman." The bond that they (Rod and Aida) have formed will stir up the couple's relationship as Mia turns green with envy and at the same time provide the film a hilarious touch.

Thank you Lord for my hosting stints and exposure! Thank you so much for the blessings :)

Going back to the bloggers conference, saying that "It was fun," is a mere understatement. We all had a blast as we laughed our asses off to Eugene's jokes and sarcastic but comical banats (remarks). I remember, the first time I saw her was during the premiere of Amigo, a fil-am indie film by John Sales. There I was photo covering the event and I bet, not in a million years would she ever remember that I once took her photo. Haha.

The event gave me the chance to interact with her and get up-close and personal. She was candid and natural. And so far, mukha talagang walang halong ka-plastikan. She was straight-forward in her answers and she spoke with eloquence and intelligence. I'm not the biggest Eugene Domingo fan but I always have the utmost respect for successful individuals like her who have achieved so much because of their hard work. 

It's not about being a so-called "fan" but giving respect and high admiration for people who have lived to set out a good example to those who want to accomplish so much in their lives. I look up to her not only because we are schoolmates (go UP! Haha), but also because she has risen above from the bottom of the food chain, from being an extra (e.g. playing roles of a house maid), to being a side kick, to now being a total star taking on lead roles, endorsements, hosting TV shows, magazine editorials, and so on and so forth. Indeed, she has come a long way and all I can say is "Wow, sana ako rin, one day."

Listening keenly to her answers, I absorbed as much (minsan lang to!) as I can and took note of every sensible statements she said. And just like our bloggerscon with Direk Joey, I also learned a lot of new things and pieces of advice that I'm happy to keep in mind as I live my young years, as I work my hardest to attain all my goals and dreams in life.

When I got home, I scribbled in my planner the what-I-call Steps on how to be the next Eugene Domingo "Ingredients of a Successful Career" from Ms. Eugene Domingo (Haha!)

1. Just be natural
What makes Eugene Domingo THE Eugene Domingo? Simple. What you see is what you get. She lets her true character and personality come out without any inhibitions. She's not image-oriented but more on doing her job and doing it well.

2. Be the master of yourself

She is one of the very few who can jump ship from one network to another with ease, without burning any bridges. It's quite amazing how she made it possible, to be a Kapamilya, Kapuso and Kapatid all at the same time, in short, "Kabakla" (Kabahagi Ka ng Lahat). How did she become a non-exclusive artist? She  said the key was being honest and sincere to her bosses when she asks permission to do work for other networks. She values her freedom as an artist and she believes that life is meant to be enjoyed and so, she decided to be a freelancer and be her own boss instead.

Eugene with her bosses Orly Ilacad and Cat Ilacad of OctoArts Films

3. There is no small role
Despite her current achieved status,  Eugene Domingo  is happy to take on any role as long as she has work and there is good material (script) for it. She said that the only time she would probably refuse is when she has played a certain type of character so many times that she gets sick of doing it and would want to experiment on other roles for a change.

4. Stay humble and grounded
Eugene and I are on the same team when she said she is against unfair treatment, inequality and discrimination in the work place. She doesn't have that star complex (like most celebrities have) and she wants everyone in the business to be treated with respect whatever position they are in.

5. Talent, passion, patience and hard work is the real deal
Let's face it, Eugene isn't the sexiest nor the most beautiful in our roster of local celebrities. However, what makes her stellar is her confidence in the God-given talent that she has. She doesn't stop with just having a gift. Eugene makes sure she still studies in order to master her craft. Her tenacity to do all her projects and manage her schedule well is something that I truly commend. And most of all, she has waited  patiently for her biggest breaks in God's time - making her one of the best that we have today.

Catch  Eugene Domingo  in  My House Husband movie with Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo. Movie will open in cinemas on December 25.

Like My Househusband, Ikaw Na! on Facebook

Like Eugene Domingo's Unofficial facebook account
Video Credit: Ruth Dela Cruz