When everyone has fanatically been talking about Carrie and her friends for the past days,
I remain glued in my room this way.
All because of a fantasy TV series named Aqua Bendita which airs over at the Kapamilya network from Mondays-Fridays, 7:45pm-8:45pm. Really! The beading happens before and after. But never during :)
After two years of mourning, Mom packed her bags and moved to New York. A couple of months later, I found myself, with 3 younger siblings, in a plane en route to a New Life. The age range, 7-14 years old.
That day marked the beginning of a new chapter.
I flew back to Manila to finish high school. Though summer breaks were spent in New York, the rest of the year was all about teenage life in Manila. I have grown so accustomed to this jet setter lifestyle that I eventually gave up the opportunity to take a collegiate degree in New York, and more so the opportunity of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Looking back, I still stand firm with the decision I made years ago. Living my story in a foreign land was never part of the plot. All I know, up to this day, is I AM HOME.
Yet, a different story is heard from the many Filipinos who dream of a better life. It remains a fact that the Pharmacy has provided employment opportunities to frustrated job-seekers in the Philippines. A fulfillment my husband and I share with a beaming sense of pride and honor. In this blog, I only speak of what we have personally encountered in the Pharmacy's one year of existence. Though a tiny part of a massive spectrum, this, I believe, is a reflection of a disheartening dark reality that has long loomed in the land I call home.
Early this year, one of our staff, with nursing background, volunteered to do work for a hospital located at the south. A 12-hour duty was required of her, with extended hours on peak days. This volunteer work eventually caused conflict in our store schedule, and thus culminated with a resignation. More than words, actions spoke decisiveness to walk this new path. A courageous act towards what I believe is exploitation. The volunteer act lives to its name. VOLUNTEER, work for 12 hours, at least 4 days a week, with no pay, not even a minimal allowance to pay for meals, transportation and uniform. All these accepted with a firm mind and a whole heart to gain experience. For it is in this experience that the chance (with zero assurance) to work and live the dream in a foreign land lies.
Nursing in the Philippines is indeed an in-demand course primarily blinded by the hypothesis of a lucrative career overseas. Here's the grim reality -- nursing graduates pay a high price to gain experience. But, not all have the means to pay. With dreams down the grave, they take on different fields. Yet, even those with a bag-load of experience are most often faced with frustration. Many years ago, nursing opportunities overseas was lucrative. Today, it is a gamble.
In an interview, I make sure to ask these two questions towards the end. A barometer I use to gauge the applicant's passion for his chosen career.
Why did you take up nursing? The answer, It is my parents wish that I take nursing. Nursing equates to employment opportunities overseas and it will help support my parents and my siblings.
If not nursing, what course would you have taken instead? The top 3 answers, Architecture, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Business Management.
Passion does not breath life in this case. But the dream for a better life does.
On June 21, our Store Supervisor flies to Baker's Field, California. A promising career awaits her at a Nursing Home. She leaves behind her parents, a younger brother and a tearful boyfriend. I asked a few days ago the question she faced during her first interview. WHY? All she said, For greener pastures.
I am frustrated ....
... how the Pharmacy has evolved into a stopover for nurses who await for overseas opportunities
... of the lack of employment opportunities for nurses in this country
... of how reputable hospitals and establishments lure nurses to work for free
... of how nursing students live the dream of their parents, sacrificing their own dreams
Yet, I understand the dream of a better life.
Today, the Filipinos celebrate Independence Day, looking forward to a better future with the coming of a new president. Many have aired their sentiments and suggestions. A sense of "Dear God" letter, hoping that someday prayers will be answered.
I look back to the decision I made years ago at this very moment. I still stand firm.
But I pray and dream of a richer land that every Filipino will someday be proud of and call HOME.
I fall in love with photo moments like this. A dramatic mood of fairy tale romance and enchantment stir my imagination aglow. Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother (not prince charming!) danced in my thoughts when I snapped this photo.
However, I was faced with disappointment a second after my one and only snap. The photo came out dark, grainy and blurred. The flash refused to work on such heartwarming moment. Sell the camera and get a better one was what I firmly thought.
Now that I have uploaded the photo, I think otherwise. Fairy Godmother had deliberately turned the flash off from her wand to make me remember ........
...That once I was 18... and had a Grandfather who I looked up to as Prince Charming.
Happy 18, J! Glad to hear that you love the mood of this photo with your Grandpa S.
I often go back to this one same place found in Greenhills or Festival Mall for three reasons:
1st, to shop for affordable pearls.
2nd, to satisfy the never-ending pearl craving of my New York-based family.
3rd, to carry out special requests of visiting relatives and friends residing abroad.
My 2 months ago visit was a mix of 2 and 3. Sister # 4's fiance came over to Manila for a quick vacation and brought back to New York a few long strands for my sister (white and pink) and my mother (brown). Every opportunity that comes my family's way surely equates to a visit to the pearl stalls found only in the Philippines.
Yesterday's visit, on the other hand, was to fulfill a request by a visiting relative. An aunt from J. Bond's maternal side of the family.
Scanning the rows of stalls engulfed by layers of stringed pearls, one could immediately assume that the products carried by each stall are one and the same. Probably true for the untrained eye like mine. A meticulous scrutiny and patience are plus points to survive the scavenge and discover unique designs. Strings of pearls, semi-precious stones and other accessories are literally displayed within all possible areas in a 4-6 square meter stall. In my frequent visits, I usually cap the hunt with a confused mood. Most especially on peak shopping days when everyone else seems to crave and hunt for pearls at the same time. Thus, I have addressed this confusion by applying these pearl-shopping styles:
1. Shop early. The 1st customer gets the best discount.
2. Establish a friendly relationship with 1-2 stall owners. It has worked wonders.
- 1st crack on new designs and good-looking pearls.
- Again, appealing discounts.
- And, free add-ons like pouches, gift boxes and earrings.
The so-called experts have shared a way of testing the authenticity of a pearl --- specifically those sold in stalls. Rub two exact same pearls against each other. If rough and texture is uneven, the pearl is authentic. If smooth, it is man-made. Truly a unique and mind-boggling way to test. Majority of buyers and loyal patrons know this technique by heart. But my own personal belief says, as long as it's inexpensive (way too low compared to price of pearls sold at jewelry shops), then there may be(?) a huge probability of a hocus pocus way of manufacturing these pearls.
In these stalls, I have been educated of the different type of pearls aside from South Sea Pearls --- Fresh Water pearl, Rice pearl, Mother of pearl, Black pearl, and so forth and so on.All natural. The majestic pearl, in particular, lives to its name. Shiny. Round. Perfect. In other words, made by man. There's too much to see and choose from that my way of pearl shopping have eventually evolved into design-based rather than a scrutiny of authenticity.
I happily tagged along yesterday without having any plans of making a purchase. True enough, I went home with nothing! A first in history. I give myself a pat on the back. Yet, I must confess that self-control can truly be tiring. Energy down the drain! But with this came a realization after having observed the scrutiny of my aunt (and mother-in-law). The Philippines is blessed for having such an abundance of pearls (and other semi-precious stones). Pearl stalls found in Greenhills, Festival Mall and Market Market have become popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
In our New York trip last year, my Mother toured J. Bond and I around her United Nations office. A first for J. Bond and an "nth" time around for me. But definitely a tour with better appreciation perhaps due to "maturity". I faced boredom in my younger years. The last stop was a souvenir gift shop. In that shop, I slowly scrutinized each and every module that highlighted the crafts found from different countries.
Then, there came the Philippines ...."an archipelago popularly known as the Pearl of Oriental Beauty and Enchantment". The different pearls found in stalls, and that of which I have doubted the authenticity, were ALL on display ... in a glass case ... at the United Nations ... and tagged with a high price.
My learning from the Pharmacy's one year of existence -- NOT ALL DAYS ARE GOOD. A thrilling game of HIT or MISS. On days we HIT, we pat each one's back, give a high five and flash a thumbs up. But on days we MISS, the 911 emergency alarm surely blasts off. Spirits are dampened and efforts gone to waste. Nothing else to do but analyze and understand the reason behind the miss. Then, we start all over again and hope with ten fingers crossed that we HIT the Moon and the Stars the next time around.
On the other hand, this theory is not at all applicable to my beads. I bead when I am inspired and do retail when in the mood. As J. Bond claims, I see beading as a form of art.
Summer 2010 was way too hot. People preferred to stay within the confines of their shady abode rather than take the risk of coming back home with burnt skin. Umbrellas nor air conditioned vehicles were too weak to give protection. If they do go out, they travel to a nearby beach and hydrate their heated bodies with salty water all day long.
Ergo, a winter cold weather amidst the angry summer heat was what the Pharmacy recently went through. Now that summer is over, we are hoping (wishing, praying, meditating) for a much better "weather-performance". Spirits are still a bit dampened. But as they say, UP goes DOWN ... and DOWN goes UP.
March 2010 Entrepreneur Magazine
On disheartening times like this, I am grateful for inspirational stories found in Entrepreneur.
Entrepreneur's March 2010 issue features the story and re-invention of Collezione, now better known as Collezione C2. A local fashion brand that originated 38 years ago. My mom and dad 2 are loyal fans up to this very day. A big hit amongst College students in the 70s ..... Later on lost its mark due to the entry of new and hip brands ..... and has now risen from the grave with its superb innovation and introduction of a revolutionized integrated style of fashion, art and nationalism. I was glued to the story and ended with more hope.
A stronger positive outlook is what needs to be instilled at this moment. The Pharmacy's one year of existence ain't enough time to know by heart the intricacies of the business. It will take time, I know.
"Learn from old-timers like Collezione" is what I keep telling myself. What is one year compared to their 38 years, right?
"TOO MANY OBSTACLES!" ... says J. Bond's twin named "wisecrack".
Pappy's Trail
Huh? What obstacle??? The cleaning aids and a few small beads were what he called obstacles for the reason that these blocked his way. I was cleaning .... as in obsessively cleaning! I stopped mid-air and tried with might to put some sense into this wisecrack.
I get it. To someone who prefers bumpy trails, a high jump over hurdles and spider-web obstacle courses, cleaning aids and beads are two power tools that will surely glue Mr. Wisecrack's feet flat on the ground.
In my 3-day visit, days were filled with food, food ... and food. Night and Day. A weekend of sumptuous indulgence which I tremendously enjoyed despite the unwanted pounds I brought back home to Manila. Veered away from usual malls, and instead explored for hole-in-the wall spots in every nook and cranny. I quickly transformed into a bottomless pit with having tried the long list of dining recommendations thrown my way prior to the trip.
Now, I affirm what was said. Bacolod is all about GREAT food. A superb delight to the palate, coupled with good service and appealing dining rates (cheaper than Manila).
Yet, there is more. An addition I share aside from what has been said .... A feast to the sense of sight this time.
Should you have the chance to visit Bacolod one day, I recommend that you walk along the streets (instead of ride). Go slow and savour the sights. Then you'll see ... Bacolod is a PLAY OF COLOR.
