Train Lesson

On the MRT ride earlier, I got to thinking about my early days in New York when I had my restaurant hostessing job. I usually got off work around 10pm, and on the 7 train, found employees looking as tired (or even more than) as I was, heading home from their respective jobs. I still remember how their faces looked, the palpable exhaustion, with the common denominator among people boarding the train nightly seemingly was that we were all either restaurant employees or blue-collar workers—definitely no spiffy nine to fivers with disheveled neckties. (Throwing in a little racial profiling, I've been told in the past that the 7 train that runs from Times Square midtown to way out in Flushing, Queens has been dubbed the "Orient Express.")

The experience from those early days had taught me to be more thankful and respectful of the jobs that have come my way, especially those that didn't require me to be on my feet for hours, seating people or even handing out flyers. I have learned to not take work for granted, and when faced with procrastination, I only have to think about people who have no choice but to work laboriously to make ends meet, or even to simply feed their families. True, I get lazy, even lethargic, sometimes, and continuously struggle with deadlines, but I have regular reminders of why I should be more diligent. After all, these days, I am able to command premium compensation for the work that I do, and it is only appropriate and fair to deliver beyond the minimum; and I hope to always go the distance.

It's a Date!

This has got to be the best and cutest datebook I've seen in a long time. And I'm not just saying that because I'm currently doing an advertising project with Cosmo, or because I'm apparently a "brand ambassador" for Pond's (quite fun, let me tell you!). I say this as a general and avid fan of paper, good stationery, and well thought-out pieces of merchandise. I absolutely love how the people behind this planner seemed to have poured their hearts into it: from the witty, well-written copy peppered throughout the meticulously art-directed calendar pages, to the eye-popping illustrations and useful coupons and stickers at the end of the book. I could go on and on gushing, but it's best to see for yourself; this planner retails for Php 250 at newstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide. But don't take my word for it because it's already April and they're probably sold out.

On the bright side, I'm giving away not one, not two, but FIVE of these lovely works of magazine editorial art. All you have to do is of course, mention and link NyMinuteNow.com in a blog post, and while you're at it, plug the upcoming makeover promo posted at Cosmo.ph. Go to http://www.cosmo.ph/cosmo-community/promos/be-part-of-cosmo-makeovers-2010/ to find out how you can be one of SEVEN lucky readers who'll win a free fashion and beauty makeover.

Leave a comment with your blog link and I shall draw lots from the first 10 blog posts. Thanks in advance for your entries and enjoy the week ahead!

UPDATE 05/08/10 I changed my mind about the mechanics. I'll just give the five planners to the first five people who link up and leave a comment. So far, I have two entries. (Thanks, Ann and NeuroChiq!)

Sample calendar pages with useful tips on the side.

Fun and colorful illustrations worth keeping 'til after year-end.

Art direction by Red De Leon. Illustrations by Leo Alvarado.

In the Loop

My new project, a la Running in Heels!

It's nice to kind of be back at my old job where I'm currently running the internship program until classes start in this part of the world. Three lucky girls were chosen from almost a hundred,[correction, more than 100; 151 actually from when I last counted] and in terms of talent, personality, and work ethic, they are quite a cute bunch. Cute is a word I've chosen for now because we all just started and we're still in the getting-to-know-you stage.

I met the girls for the first time on Monday and while I can't really talk about specifics, one girl gets to fly out to New York City at the end of the program. As the director I am more or less responsible for choosing who that would be, but I have the help of other 'heads of state,' so to speak.

Anyway, after working freelance—as in no office building—I find it both refreshing and amusing to be in the presence of cubicles, and of course, old friends and colleagues! Earlier I realized how being at the office felt like one big living room where so many people who helped shaped my work and personal life were simply footsteps away; it's amazing!

A few cubicles down is my dear friend Frances, who, at six months pregnant has a cute bump and a waddle to her walk [Oh dear Neighbor I actually haven't noticed the waddle; I only took your word for it from your blog :)]. The heels are gone but she still looks fab, as how editors-in-chief look and carry themselves. It's so nice to easily get to catch up with her in the pantry, or pop by her desk to chat...or in the case of this afternoon, check out her beauty product stash. I'm one mascara rich today :)

Directly behind me is Preview Magazine's EIC, Pauline Juan, who always looks effortlessly fashionable. Also close by is editorial director, Myrza Sison, former Marie Claire EIC who recently relaunched the new Femalenetwork.com. And the desk next to me belongs to my good friend, former Seventeen associate editor Tata Mapa, who now helms Martha Stewart Weddings. So cool. It's exactly like how my dad described how one should work: that it shouldn't feel like it.

Out!

Today's 'closet call' brought to you by me and my big mouth!
(By the way, this probably is TV's most famous New York closet!)

I think I may have accidentally outed a person I'd just met earlier at lunch. Talk about embarrassing, and I am so sorry!

In the "fashion world" where I'd like to think I come from (but not really; I'm mostly just on the sidelines), it's quite normal to talk about who's out, who's in the closet, with someone who probably has just come out himself, something strange like that, although that has never happened to me. I did out a friend who happened to not be gay, and he anyway kind of agreed to email me in the event he did come out in the near or distant future—which really goes to show that these kinds of conversations exist in my world.

These day-to-day stories among friends are interspersed with fashion trends, beauty news, or celebrity tidbits. And anything and everything about beauty and lifestyle are shared over sumptuous lunches capped by cups of tea and slices of cake. At least that's how I remember my old life, way before I moved to New York. These days, I'm more likely to be checking what Martha Stewart or Ina Garten have to say about a kitchen project I'm trying out, which probably goes to show why my social and mingling skills are kind of rusty (or amiss) at this point.

Image courtesy of Stylecaster.com.

Fitness, First

I've resigned myself to the fact that dieting isn't for me, and in order to sustain my love for delightful desserts, savory cuisine, and all other delicious concoctions, I have to maintain an active lifestyle that also includes regular trips to the health club.

Before the wedding, my husband and I signed up for a gym membership, after all, it's cheaper than actually buying a our own equipment. We are not ready to invest in our own Tunturi treadmills, bikes, or elliptical trainers (check out Efitology.com if you're looking to shop online for these) so regular sessions at Fitness First are our best bet at staying fit and healthy.

I must admit, Alvs is more conscientious when it comes to regular workouts. I get lazy sometimes. All the more I admire people like Women's Health editor Lara Parpan, who writes the blog post, "Belly Be Gone!" in the newly revamped FemaleNetwork.com. (They featured NyMinuteNow.com in their favorite blogs! Thanks!) In the post, Lara also mentions model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez, who has remained slender, fit, and fab—with four kids!

Anyway, I'm off to the airports for now. Hopefully I could get right back on the fitness track at the soonest possible time after deplaning! Until my next post!