7 RULES OF LIFE

I came across with this post of Mr. Harvey Ong from LinkedIn and would like to share this to everyone.
We should all be reminded of these 7 Rules of Life to be able to live a better life. Yes, it's easy to say but it's difficult to do, am I right?
Admittedly, I'm guilty with not just one but all of these rules. There's hatred, jealousy, worrying and all the negativity in the universe.
But overall, as what Mr. Harvey said, if he would add one more rule to this list, it should be KINDNESS. Yes, I agree to that because as to the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". If you show kindness to everyone then all of these rules will follow. And all of us will be a better version of ourselves.

Spread love and learn to listen. Be positive always.

About my poem "Borrowed Love"

So it was 4 years ago when I wrote my poem "Borrowed Love". I got my inspiration from one of Lang Leav's poem "Borrowed Love". (Inspired lang ha but not copied)

I published my poem in my tumbler account on February 8, 2018 but forgot to publish it here in my blog. (Kaya ngayon ko lang napublish dito, oh diba may tawag dun!) Actually 2018 is the year when I got inspired by Lang Leav and Michael Faudet to go back in making poems. (It was in highschool, nung una kong gawa ng poem, dun pa ako sa gradeschool playground nun kasi medyo tahimik, speaking of which, asan na kaya yung mga gawa ko nun?) 

Anyway, since it was long time ago, I hope I will be inspired again to do more compositions. (malay nyo maging kanta na siya sa susunod, hehehe, char lang!)

And since, I have access again here (sana hindi ko na makalimutan), I can publish all my poems here and share with you. 

I hope you will also like my poems. 😉

Anyway, here is my version of "Borrowed Love". See my previous post.... 

Borrowed Love

I knew from the start 

I was never yours 

And you were never mine

But what can I do 

I’ve fallen in love with you. 

It was never my intention

I just need your attention

Look at me once

And I will look at you twice

I know this is too much to ask 

But I beg you just for tonight

See me as your love

Treat me as if I’m yours 

Love me 

Even if it is just a borrowed love. 

- Tata

Kuya Germs, That's Entertainment and Me

I started to write this entry I think April of last year. I did not publish it yet because, it is not yet finished. I got so busy and totally forgot to finish it. This year, I got a chance to open my blog again so I decided to finish this entry. I hope it is not too late. This is supposed to be a tribute post to Kuya Germs...

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"I am very grateful and honored to be discovered by the one and only Star Builder and Master Showman, German "Kuya Germs" Moreno. You believed that I have THE talent, that I can make a name in showbiz one day. Thank you for the support and for all the lessons you have shared to me, to us. I will forever cherish everything you have taught me. Thank you very, very much. I love you and I'm gonna miss you."

That's Entertainment Audition

If my memory got it right, sequence by sequence, here's the story goes...

It was February 1995 when I auditioned for "That's Entertainment" at Broadway Centrum. My talent then was singing. Kuya Germs is the one who facilitated the audition, together with her secretaries. When it was my turn, I introduced myself and was asked what is my talent. I told him that I can sing. So I sang (I think my audition piece was "Awit Para Sa'yo by Jamie Rivera"). Anyway, after my audition, he told one of his secretaries (I think it was Tita Carms) that I made it to the first screening. She got my contact details and told me that she'll call for the second screening.

Second screening came. Audition was held at Sampaguita Pictures office, Kuya Germs office as well. I think we are a thousand who auditioned. There were some press who are invited to witness the audition. There were two rounds of audition, if you passed the first round you'll be asked to stay for the next round. After each round, from a thousand, we are down to a smaller number, don't know exactly but I think around 70. 

And that's the Final number of new members of That's Entertainment.

First write-up 

(Oh diba Neneng-Nene pa ako dito)

Welcome New Members

I will never forget the date "February 25, 1995". This is when I was introduced as one of the newest members of That's Entertainment Friday Group. It was also the Anniversary of the show. Every year, new members come and some old members go since they already made it to be known in the industry. 

This was the first time I'll be in front of thousands of people. I was so nervous and at the same time overwhelmed. 

After the production number of the group, one by one we were called to come up at the stage to take a bow. 

  

FRIDAY GROUP

Being a member of That's Entertainment was always a dream come true to me. When I was still young, I watched the show and wished someday I'll be a part of it. I never expected that it'll happen until I started taping, rehearsing and all. The show improved my talents and made me realize that I can do more out of it. We were given spot numbers every other week to showcase our talent. It's like living a dream. Press started to notice me, write ups everywhere (believe me I still have them). I had fans (can you believe it???) and most of all, more opportunities/projects came (TVC's, movies, guestings, road shows etc.). I felt really really blessed. With my ates and kuyas in the group, we helped each other to grow as person and as a group. I'm also thankful for them.

KUYA GERMS

Kuya Germs... When I was young, I have this mindset that if you want to be an "artista", you have to see Kuya Germs. Why? Because he is known to be a star builder. If you want to be like Manilyn Reynes, Sheryl Cruz, Tina Paner, and the likes, you need to see Kuya Germs. So, I thought of auditioning in That's Entertainment with the help of my friend "Ana Marie Falcon aka Francine Prieto" (we were classmates in PETA Theater Summer workshop). At first, I thought he is a strict person (well, yes technically he is strict when it comes to work) but after work he is a total different person (mabait din pala siya).

Kuya Germs taught me or should I say "us" a lot of things. Let me share you the first five on my list. First, he taught us to be professional. He always reminds us to be on time on tapings, shootings or meetings. Second, he taught us to save. All our allowances/talent fee are deposited directly to our bank account which is a passbook account. Third, he taught us camaraderie. Since, we are in show business, we should know how to deal with people, respect our co-workers. Fourth, he taught us to keep our feet on the ground no matter how famous we may become. Fifth, he taught us to never forget where we came from. We are nothing if not for them. 

That's why I am truly thankful to Kuya Germs. You are my TATAY in the industry. You open doors to me, to everybody. I will never ever forget that there is a Kuya Germs who made me who I am today. I may not be a famous artist today but I believe that once in my lifetime, "Marita Villarama" of That's Entertainment Friday group was born. I will never ever forget you.

THANK YOU KUYA GERMS!!!

(MY FRIEND) SHE USED TO BE

Back in high school

We were in the same class

Same likes, same dislikes

All of the things, we are alike.

We share our dreams

Our hopes and our wishes

We laugh, we cry 

We do things together.

Then one day, you left

You need to go far away

Far away with your family

Left alone, I cry.

Years have passed,

I've waited for you

Longing for the friend

I truly missed.

Then, you came back

We catch things up

We updated each other

On the things we did apart

We spent time together

Did double dates and all

Your love life is a success

When mine is always a failure.

In everything you do

You do it perfectly

Business, love life, family

I somehow felt envy.

Then one day,

You had heartbreak

I felt your pain

I never left you.

Believe me, I never left you.

I maybe busy at times

But I was there for you.

After a year or so,

After years of friendship

Our first out of town plotted

A memory I’ll never forget.

Adventures we had,

Laguna, falls, batis,

Inihaw, Caramel cake,

and lots of picture

We are so happy indeed.

It never came to me that 

It will be the last

From the last note you wrote

We'll do that again you said.

But what happened my dear?

Why you left? Have I done something?

Am I the one who left? 

I was full of questions,

Questions with no answers

I was left hanging.

Eight years have passed

But I'm still questioning myself

What had happened to us my dear friend?

Everything has changed between you and me.

From the posts you wrote

I felt sadness, loneliness and pain

I was also hurting

Just so you know.

I wanted to see you...

Talk to you...

Hug you... Cry with you...

Comfort you... 

I just wanted to be with you...

All we have before,

Is it all gone?

Are you now someone I used to know

Or my friend, she used to be.

"I may not be your best friend for keeps

Or the best friend you never had

All I know is that I'm the friend you used to have."

For a very dear friend that I truly miss. 

My GNC Stint (April to May 1, June 17-19, July 3 2016)

This post is so overdue already... This should have been published last July pa... Anyway this post is about my short GNC stint this second quarter of 2016... Here it goes... Ahem...

My Nestle Wellness stint is about to end and I need another "raket" as a weekender Nutrition Consultant. So I opened my Facebook and browse some posts of my colleagues.  

March 6. I saw a post of my co-RND (Ms. Faith Nacional, ayan special mention ka tuloy) in one of our page that she is looking for a Nutrition Consultant counterpart in the South as a weekender Nutrition Consultant, so I immediately PMed her that I am interested (wala ng patumpik-tumpik pa). Then she replied and gave me the details and it all started from there. 

March 17. Team GNC RND meet up.

Since all of us (except Faith) are not available on the time that was supposed to be the product training, Faith meet us up at SM Megamall after. She did the product training for us and she also gave an overview on how the project/counseling will flow. She also told us that the team is composed of a Doctor, a RND and a Fitness Trainer. Main job was interpreting body fat results and provide a diet plan, refer to a doctor for medical concerns or to a fitness trainer for an exercise plan and recommend what product is best for their needs. 

April 1. GNC Glorietta. 
It was my first day at GNC Glorietta and arrived just in time. I was introduced by Ms. Myla (Area Supervisor of GNC) in the team, Dr. Victor Vesuna (Medical Consultant of GNC) and  Mr. Rhenz Lerpido (Fitness Trainer) and to all employees of GNC Glorietta. Though I am not new in this kind of field (Nutrition Consultant for Athletes, Body Builders and Fitness buff), I felt really excited and nervous at the same time. Excited... because new ambiance and new co-workers. Nervous... because my last stint with the same setting (different company) was I think a decade ago (tanda ko na!!!). But all this nervousness went away because the team and the staff were all kind and friendly to me.    

April 8. GNC MOA

It was my second day duty at GNC MOA (second day because every Friday pa lang ako nagduduty, nag explain talaga... lol). I arrived very early so I took an early lunch at Jollibee near the store. Since, I'll be working with a different GNC staff, random "what if" questions entered my mind while eating. Then I realized that GNC will not hire employees who are not customer friendly and nice. So, after eating I went to the store and boom, I was wrong (charot lang), they are far more friendlier and accommodating (hindi ko ineexpect, hahaha). Since the store is not that big as in Glorietta, you'll feel the closeness of the staff and you'll be able to discuss the product with the customer thoroughly. Eto ang catch, one of our customers is a video blogger and also a fitness enthusiast (wala lang sinabi ko lang, charot ulit). Anyway, he made a video blog regarding the fitness consultation program and his experience with the program (post ko ba yung link?Hanapin nyo na lang, nasa youtube). His name is Amir Encarnacion, by the way. Here's a picture of us after the counseling.

April 15. GNC ATC

Third day duty, I was assigned in GNC ATC. Again, same old feeling (na naman!!!) pag bagong salta sa isang store. ATC staff??? Ma'am She??? Wala lang, masyado na redundant pag sinabi ko ulit na friendly and accommodating. Hmmm... Ganito na lang... Parang matagal ko na sila nakatrabaho.... (Pak! Ganern! Ganern!) Anyway, when we were doing our thing, Rhenz told me that Mr. Nonito "The Flash" Donaire is in the store, so we asked his staff if we could have a picture with him. After buying all the stuffs he needed for his pre-training workout, we had the chance to have a photo-op with him and his wife. After this incident, I was looking forward to see more celebrities who are loyal customers of GNC (especially Ian Veneracion in person). Sa ngayon sa standee muna ako nakapag picture.

 

The following weekend, I was assigned again in GNC Glorietta (full weekend na hindi Friday lang). Then on the last weekend of the project, GNC MOA naman. Same same routine but different customers and concerns. This time more "kulitan" and "asaran" syempre when there are no customers. Selfies din kapag may time...

Every duty in GNC is like on the job training to me because I was able to share my knowledge to all of the people I encountered and vice versa (special mention to Dr. Vic Vesuna, marami talaga akong natutunan, promise!). This was really a learning experience for me.

Sayang 1 month and a half project lang. I hope GNC will reconsider or somehow make it a quarterly activity (suggestion lang baka makalusot hehehe). This activity can be of help to their loyal and new customers. Especially on guiding them on living a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise).

I miss them already (charot!). Thank you GNC for being a part of your team even for a short time. You made me feel that I belong. I'm still looking forward to have a selfie with Mr. Ian Veneracion (hehehehe).

Thank you again... Hope to see all of you anytime soon... Good Luck!

But wait... There's more... 

I thought last ko na nung May 1... May pahabol pa na tatlong araw, yes! I got a call from Primary Plus Care that GNC is requesting for a Nutritionist for June 17-19. As explained to me and from what I understand, this is for their upcoming activity which is for their participants preparation for RUN GNC. So, I was assigned in Glorietta again for 3 days. I was about to register for the Run, (10k sana tatakbuhin ko) but Primary Care told me that GNC need a Nutritionist for the event kaya next run na lang... :(

Eto na... RUN GNC na...

July 3, 5:30-8am at MOA. I arrived just in time. Looked for our booth, but got a little lost, napunta muna ako sa booth ng mga fitness trainer.

When my partner Nutritionist (Ms. Cynthia) arrived that's the time we went to our booth. Our booth checks the memory of the runners. We gave them set of words for them to memorize in 60 seconds and be able to recite the words they remembered 60 seconds again. The more words they remembered the chance to get the prize (Honestly, I forgot the name of the prize, hehehehe).

Awarding time. All the winners from the run and from all the booths were asked to go near the stage. Since it's just awarding, I just stayed near the GNC products booth where all the staffs are there and took some photo-ops.

 

So while, we were taking photos... BOOM! Mr. Ian Veneracion was called. I was like, tatakbo ba ako sa may stage o kukunan ko na lang dito sa malayo i-zoom ko na lang. Tamang taranta lang ang peg ko... pero yung dapat Tamang Panahon ko na maka-selfie si Mr. Ian Veneracion, nawala pa... Taranta pa more... Kaya ito lang ang picture nya sa akin...

O diba mas malinaw pa yung selfie ko sa standee nya... Hehehehe...

Anyway, Thank you again GNC for this wonderful and fun experience. Indeed, it was SO GREAT! Next year ulit... (sana!)

Four Special Days

I have four special days in a year. 

My birthday, my husband's birthday and our wedding anniversary (counted as one) and the birthdays of our two daughters.

Each year the most celebrated event was my birthday.

Ever wondered why? 

It's New Year's Eve!!! Yey!! The whole world is celebrating with me.

Never in my entire 35 years did I not have a party.

My husband's birthday and our wedding anniversary fall on a same date, January 2.

Anyway, this year, I wanted our wedding anniversary and my husband's birthday be extra super special.

Why?

It's our 5th year wedding anniversary and my husband just turned 40.

Isn't great? Hitting two birds with one stone?

But something came up... 

Our out of town plan did not push thru. 
It's because, first, I was not allowed to take a leave even if I have filed it already.
Second, budget issues.
So, anniversary celebration is postponed to a different date. 
Not sure when.

Anyway,
the next special day for me is the birthday of my eldest.
Meg just turned 3 last October 21.
We just had a simple celebration then.
She just had a cake, spaghetti and ice cream.
That simple.

Big celebration will happen when she turns 7.
So... that's 4 years from now.
More time to prepare and to save. 
Hehehe!

Lastly,
 next special day is the birthday of Cait, my youngest.
She turned 1 last September 16. 
Her birthday falls on a Wednesday so we celebrated it on a Sunday.
A little late... 4 days late.

It's a big celebration, 
that's why we want our family and friends to be at the party.
 Her party theme was Barbie.
Her cake was customized from Red Ribbon 
(Barbie doll covered with icing)
Venue is at Shakey's Southmall branch.

So, there you have it.
My four special days in a year.
January 2, September 16, October 21 and December 31.