The onion and thick skin around ourselves

It has often been said that there are two types of people in this world; the good and the bad. Going further , there are the onion skin and the thick skin type.

The term onion skin has been used for defining people who are emotional and easily break down in peer pressure. Thick skin on the other hand is describe by those who just shrug off the negative issue and go on with their lives despite the harsh criticism they get.

Emotional means onion skin. Photo courtesy of pbase.com

Between the two, I believe I'm in the middle of both although 55 percent would be onion skin simply because I get pissed or cry easily. But the past months have also taught me to increase the thick skin that of an alligator or crocodile to survive life. It's been a roller coaster ride as I saw myself fall down flat facing the endless possibilities of not having a job that I will love. But months after that dark moment, here I am, a senior writer for a magazine and heading a publication I have lack of knowledge.

Nevertheless, I took on the challenge and decided to focus and redeem myself of what I lost. While I can never go back, the work I now have is opening lots of doors for me to learn the world of medicine and health. It just gave me the chance to finally join the publishing industry full-time unlike before when I was just contributing.

In this world you have to develop thick like that of an alligator. Photo courtesy of animalprintwalls.com

So whenever you feel like an onion skin, just think on the positive side. From there you build the onion until it becomes thick without you knowing it.    

Approaching 30...

How time flies.

It just dawn on me that in a week's time, I'll be a year older, 30 to be exact.

I won't lie that I still have much growing up to do. I was always the baby among my siblings. I have a younger brother but I guess his experience in a Science High School taught him to be mature beyond his years.

The past few months have been a rollercoaster ride. Left a company, gain a job left again until I found a company which I believe can help me grow further. As much as I love the publishing industry, working behind the scenes was daunting task but I took on the challenge and foremost that of being a headwriter of a niche magazine regarding diabetes. Despite the fear, I accepted it even if I was hesitant. But fear has always been my enemy and the only way to conquer was to accept. After all, there are the possibilities I would regret if I did not do it.

The saying when a door closes, another one opens can probably be applicable to the situation I have. I am now doing one of the things I love which is magazine writing. I am fortunate that my experience in the newspaper was a big help and I am applying what I can to the magazines I'm working with. But in any company, there will always be the ups and downs and challenging the status quo.

Now that I'm turning 30, the situation presents itself. I must challenge the status quo. I must get out of my comfort zones and risk it. While it may work in both ways, I should not regret it. For all the happiness and tears one thing is for sure right now; I'm ready to bounce back.

I saw a link from Project Runway's Nina Garcia about the 10 essential habits of positive people and reposting the tips here:

Going with the flow. photo from flickr.com

1. Positive people don’t confuse quitting with letting go.
Instead of hanging on to ideas, beliefs, and even people that are no longer healthy for them, they trust their judgement to let go of negative forces in their lives.  Especially in terms of relationships, they subscribe to The Relationship Prayer which goes:

 I will grant myself the ability to trust the healthy people in my life … 

To set limits with, or let go of, the negative ones … 

And to have the wisdom to know the DIFFERENCE!

 2.  Positive people don’t just have a good day – they make a good day.

Waiting, hoping and wishing seldom have a place in the vocabulary of positive individuals. Rather, they use strong words that are pro-active and not reactive. Passivity leads to a lack of involvement, while positive people get very involved in constructing their lives. They work to make changes to feel better in tough times rather than wish their feelings away.

3. For the positive person, the past stays in the past.

Good and bad memories alike stay where they belong – in the past where they happened. They don’t spend much time pining for the good ol’ days because they are too busy making new memories now. The negative pulls from the past are used not for self-flagellation or unproductive regret, but rather productive regret where they use lessons learned as stepping stones towards a better future.

4. Show me a positive person and I can show you a grateful person.

The most positive people are the most grateful people.  They do not focus on the potholes of their lives.  They focus on the pot of gold that awaits them every day, with new smells, sights, feelings and experiences.  They see life as a treasure chest full of wonder.

5. Rather than being stuck in their limitations, positive people are energized by their possibilities.

Optimistic people focus on what they can do, not what they can’t do.  They are not fooled to think that there is a perfect solution to every problem, and are confident that there are many solutions and possibilities.  They are not afraid to attempt new solutions to old problems, rather than spin their wheels expecting things to be different this time.  They refuse to be like Charlie Brown expecting that this time Lucy will not pull the football from him!

6. Positive people do not let their fears interfere with their lives!

Positive people have observed that those who are defined and pulled back by their fears never really truly live a full life. While proceeding with appropriate caution, they do not let fear keep them from trying new things. They realize that even failures are necessary steps for a successful life. They have confidence that they can get back up when they are knocked down by life events or their own mistakes, due to a strong belief in their personal resilience.

7. Positive people smile a lot!

When you feel positive on the inside it is like you are smiling from within, and these smiles are contagious. Furthermore, the more others are with positive people, the more they tend to smile too! They see the lightness in life, and have a sense of humor even when it is about themselves. Positive people have a high degree of self-respect, but refuse to take themselves too seriously!

8. People who are positive are great communicators.

They realize that assertive, confident communication is the only way to connect with others in everyday life.  They avoid judgmental, angry interchanges, and do not let someone else’s blow up give them a reason to react in kind. Rather, they express themselves with tact and finesse.  They also refuse to be non-assertive and let people push them around. They refuse to own problems that belong to someone else.

9. Positive people realize that if you live long enough, there are times for great pain and sadness.

One of the most common misperceptions about positive people is that to be positive, you must always be happy. This can not be further from the truth. Anyone who has any depth at all is certainly not happy all the time.  Being sad, angry, disappointed are all essential emotions in life. How else would you ever develop empathy for others if you lived a life of denial and shallow emotions? Positive people do not run from the gamut of emotions, and accept that part of the healing process is to allow themselves to experience all types of feelings, not only the happy ones. A positive person always holds the hope that there is light at the end of the darkness.  

10. Positive person are empowered people – they refuse to blame others and are not victims in life.

Positive people seek the help and support of others who are supportive and safe.They limit interactions with those who are toxic in any manner, even if it comes to legal action and physical estrangement such as in the case of abuse. They have identified their own basic human rights, and they respect themselves too much to play the part of a victim. There is no place for holding grudges with a positive mindset. Forgiveness helps positive people become better, not bitter.

(http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-10-essential-habits-of-positive-people.html)

The spirit of Bayanihan never dies...

Never count out the Filipino in time of crisis.

Following the massive rains brought by the habagat last Tuesday, Filipinos united and did their own ways of helping those who were devastated by the floods in Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Pampanga up to Bataan. As mentioned in my last post, Divine and Victor rallied up their group that was formed during typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) and immediately went to work in packing and distributing goods.

Goods bought through the Fierces cash donation.

The Fierces also gathered together to lend help. Using Facebook and Twitter, our leaders Jasmin and Jencee sought for goods and cash to buy the additions to bring to Divine's house which became the base for the relief operations. I met up with fellow Fierce member John Rufo and was fortunate enough to scout and give five bottles of drinking water, can goods and biscuits to add to the relief.  I was also able to ransack for hotel toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste and shampoo that were just lying in the house. My older brother also donated toiletries and my youngest brother and I couldn't help but laugh when we saw the collection of toothbrushes, soap and toothpaste that he gave. Talk about hoarding but I know it will go to those in need. Mom brought them with her to Miriam this morning where the student council and volunteers were busy repacking.

Jasmin, Jencee, John and Divine Carmelo helping at Victor and  Divine's house to repack goods.

Aside from the goods and toiletries, cooked food was also donated to the evacuees and volunteers via Binalot. By pledging a bulk starting at P250, those who pledge can help feed 5-50 persons. I was really glad that the restaurant thought of this and I was able to share it via FB and twitter to international base Filipinos and groups wanting to help.

Politicians and celebrities did their own relief operations and despite animosity and tensions, they set aside their differences and helped the people who needed the attention. President Noynoy Aquino also went around to examine the damages brought by the floods and also distributed goods together with his staff and sister Kris.

Our leaders Jasmin and Jencee repacking goods. :)

So many stories of heroic deeds with photos showing members of the AFP, PNP, Navy and even ordinary civilians uniting to help rescue those trapped in flooded areas. PAWS also lend a hand by rescuing pets abandoned or neglected by owners.

We may have a chaotic country but if there is one thing that you can never take out in a Filipino is that the bayanihan spirit lives on.

Alexa

PS: For those who want to donate, please get in touch with Jasmin through @iheartjasmin, Jencee @jeenceepay, Divine @divinemlee, Victor @victorbasa  or you may drop them at Tony Galvez Salon in Cubao, House of Laurel in Makati, Aracama Restaurant at the Fort, SM Megamall and other relief operations in your nearby areas. 

Food pledges are also accepted through Binalot. Tweet @binalot or you may go to their website binalot.com on instructions how to pledge.  

The longgowncompetition by Shahani Gania is scheduled this Monday, August 13 at Prive where all  forms of donation will  be accepted for the victims of the Luzon flood. Tweet @shahanigania, @xstinasuperstar or@vincearie for details.

Photos taken from Jasmin and John Rufo's twitter and FB accounts.

Non-stop rain and mobilization of operation drives

For the last 14 days, rains continue in Manila and this is by far the longest in the past few years. As everyone knows, three years ago, Manila was under state of calamity following the havoc caused by Ondoy.  As of 3:05pm, many areas are already submerge in water and Malacanang has already instructed  the suspension of classes (since last night), government work and private offices although according to Sec. Abigail Valte, if offices force workers to come in, they must ensure the safety and give double pay. As of last report, President Aquino has already instructed private offices to suspend work due to the heavy rains.

Divine and Victor have already mobilized their team which was organized during Ondoy so I encourage all of you to visit Divine's blog on how to help. The Fierces led by Jasmin and Jencee have also called upon the group to help so please tweet or message us for the donations which include food, blankets and water and they will bring it to Divine or Aracama Restaurant to drop it.

ABS-CBN, Rescue 5 and GMA 7 are also accepting relief operations as well as Ateneo de Manila, La Salle and La Salle Benilde. SM Megamall and Ayala have also tweeted that they are open for drop points of donations and shelter for stranded passengers.

As of this writing, places in QC, Valenzuela, Makati and Manila are now in floods with some up to the roofs. Commonwealth, Roxas, QC, West Fairview and Araneta Avenue are also submerge. Marikina River is beyond the 20 feet warning and people have been already asked to evacuate. Dams are also being monitored as well as affected provinces.

Stay safe everyone.

Alexa

Get together with @mszenzest, magazine work and @iheartjasmin 's b-day

Hello fierces!!!

A huge apology for not updating due to lots of work in the office. This post is quite very late but nevertheless kuwento akesh!

Last July 4, ZenZest founder and President Michelle Fontelera invited the fierces to come to Glorietta to visit the ZenZest store. I knew Michelle way back when I interviewed her for an Ever Bilena story (see the link to Living the Zen Life below)  and how coincidence that her younger sister Carla was a former classmate of mine back in Miriam Grade School. :)

When I arrived, the Fierces were already having photos of Divine outside of the store. I gave my greetings to Michelle and was asked to choose a bottle of perfume (I chose Thistle) which was distributed with a ZenZest gift pack during the dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I also catch up some conversation with the group most notably Fifi as I have been seeking alot of fashion styling questions for my articles in the magazine. As much as I love fashion, it is a huge comfort to seek one who is really knowledgeable about the trends. I also met Sal who I really became fond of since we were discussing alot of things from fashion to relationships to personal advice.

Going back to ZenZest, Michelle shared her story how she started the business. She was always into colognes and perfumes way back when she was young and after graduating from La Salle University, she decided to make her own concoctions starting at the family's kitchen. She told everyone that she was doing it all from the cooking to packaging with help from her family and do the delivery and join bazaars. ZenZest formally started in a small stall in MegaMall and today is one of the most affordable and booming businesses with stalls and stores all over the country. As with her personal life, Michelle is a mother of two and happily married to Sunday Fontelera. I encourage the Fierces to buy the Go Negosyo book on Women entrepreneurs where you can read more about Michelle and ZenZest's story. :)

It was also during the get together that we also celebrated Jasmin's birthday. Unknown to our Fierce organizer, we were secretly talking to one another (led by Jencee) to chip in for a birthday cake. Imagine Jas's surprise when John came in with the cake followed by another cake from Michelle. We were like paparrazi taking photos of the event hehehe. ;)

The ZenZest store in Glorietta

Divine arriving in a white Grecian dress and yes from a taping.

Surprise!!! John Rufo hands Jasmin the birthday cake we all chipped in for her.

Jas with her two birthday cakes. One from the Fierces and the other from Ms. ZenZest herself. :)

Strike a pose ang apat L-R: Fifi, Sal, Lavern and Yanyan ;)

Parang artista si Jas that day hahaha :D

Yours truly with Divine. I'm glad I really met this girl :)

Me, Mel and Divine Carrmelo :)

Sal and Ms ZenZest Michelle Fontelera

The group with Divine and Michelle. We were given gift packs that day.

On another note, I am busy closing the pages of the magazine I am in charge with as senior writer. I have never been excited so much. The opportunity that I have now has opened alot of doors and as I mentioned before, I will take it one day at a time learning everything and absorbing it like a sponge.  I really can't wait to share the magazine with everyone once it comes out.

Special mention to Sal Fife-Garcia for the photos.

For Michelle's story from the Philippine Star --http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=512956&publicationSubCategoryId=89

Bye for now!!

Alexa