"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me"

Respect is something I value deeply.

Growing up, my parents did a really good job in teaching me and my brother the concept and value of respect. They made sure that we know it well enough to practice it all the time.

Sadly, not everyone is familiar with the concept of respect and common courtesy which is, by the way, not really so common anymore.

I can not, for the life of me, comprehend why some people would actually treat people like dirt thru their words and actions,  when they are being treated and talked to decently? Is it really that big of a challenge for them to actually be pleasant and treat everyone with respect?

In my line of work, I encounter and deal with different people who have, needless to say, different personalities. As challenging as it may sometimes be, I make sure I practice and show respect to each and everyone I interact with. I really admire leaders and peers who are well-bred to show this kind of treatment.

But then again, there are those who value power over respect that the word 'respect' does not seem to exist in their vocabulary. Will yelling at people after being asked one simple question make you a better person, nay, a leader than anyone else in the company? Will it actually make them the owner of the company? In fact, a good and professional leader wouldn't act such especially when around peers, subordinates and team members, because they're supposed to be setting a good example for them. If these leaders can face clients and talk to them properly, then why the hell can't they do the same for the people they actually work with?

You see, respect is non-negotiable to me. It is something I really value and hold dear. I always make it a point to practice respect and common courtesy which is why it will never be justifiable to me  if I will be treated and talked to with such a disgustingly rude attitude. I believe that no one deserves this treatment. No matter how stressed you are with work, it is NEVER an excuse to mistreat people by being painfully arrogant.

It's really simple, it's common sense, everyone must be treated properly and equally.  Hence, common courtesy. But then again, as mentioned above, it is not common anymore.

To quote my good friend, Angela Thakur,  "Respect is like trust. You freely give it until the person proves they are worth it. Always give people the benefit of doubt"...and to add to that, i think respect is like trust in such a way that if it's destroyed, it is something you most probably will never ever be getting back.

The Pseudo Twins: Your Job and Your Relationship

I have always thought that my career or anyone's career for that matter is synonymous to a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. Here's what I think...

Your job is just like your boyfriend or girlfriend. It's something you love doing (no pun intended) and something you are really passionate about. Sure it can be incredibly busy at times but at the end of the day, you should come home fulfilled that you were productive and that you're doing something you're really happy about.

Of course, it's not always smooth-sailing. Duh. Just like in any relationship where there are occasional bumps in the road, you encounter different challenges in your job from time to time. In both instances, you get through it and learn from the mistakes and move on.

Sometimes, though, when you get too comfortable in a relationship, you tend to set it aside thinking that you'll just solve it later. Same with your job, you get too comfortable or dependent and you put things off for later, and when it gets really really bad, it'll end up consuming you leaving you stressed, frustrated and depressed.

It could also be that you've been working too hard and have shown way too much effort but none of these efforts have been recognized nor appreciated.

In other cases, you can find yourself doing way more than you should because you simply do not have a choice. True it's inevitable that you sometimes you have to work beyond the scope of your work but there are times when it gets way too much already. To add insult to injury, aside from the fact that this extra effort has not been acknowledged, you don't even get a raise or promotion for it.

And the list goes on....

I believe the above scenarios are completely relatable to a relationship wherein one exhibits more effort than the other, and because the latter gets so used to the showering of attention and lovey dovey efforts, it becomes all to normal and fails to show gratitude and appreciate the efforts of the former.

However, in both scenarios for work and relationship, both parties have to work equally hard for a happy and harmonious run. That, of course, is common knowledge already. I believe that the scenarios mentioned above have to be dealt with right away and must not be put off for another day or later. If it keeps getting set aside, it will get worse and consume you leaving you stressed, frustrated and depressed. These can go on and on and before you know it, you're unhappy. You'll find yourself looking for other options while bargaining at the same time. You'll also come to a point wherein you'll ask yourself if it's still worth it and start asking your friends about it whether you should stay or leave.

In the end, it's either you settle and hoping everything will get better or leave for a job or relationship you deserve.

The Last Sunset of 2011

So my family and I are having a pretty low-key New Year's Eve tonight, just the way I like it. I am celebrating it with my cousin and her boyfriend here at Hotel H20. They are are in town for the holidays and we have been pretty much out and about these past few days, just showing them around.

I told them about the Manila Bay sunset and how they should see it because I heard it's one of the best (if not the best) sunset views in the world. So today, since we were just staying in, we decided to wait for the sunset. My cousin and her boyfriend had an amazing view from their room. It was facing the bay so it was absolutely perfect

This was how it looked like before the sunset.

The last sunset of 2012

Okay so pardon me for the low-res photos. I took these photos using my Blackberry since I still haven't purchased a new camera after I lost my old one in Bohol. These photos do not give the view ANY justice AT ALL! The sunset was absolutely beautiful. It was perfect! I am so glad I was able to witness the last sunset of 2012. Now I know why the Manila Bay sunset is the best (i'm pretty sure it's the best now after seeing the whole thing) in the world. 

4 more hours before we welcome 2012! Wishing you guys a wonderful new year ahead! 

Year-Ender Obligatory Post: 2011, The Year That Was

So it's New Year's Eve and both my Facebook and Twitter feeds are all about how great 2011 was and how people are looking forward to an even better 2012. I'm mostly non-conformist but I feel as though I have to give credit where it's due. 2011, was after all, am awesome year for me. 

I'm not about to give a blow by blow account of how my 2011 has been. If I can just describe the year that was in one word, it's AWESOME.

2011 was definitely not a walk in the park. Things did not always go as planned nor end up the way I wanted and hoped it to be. I lost a bunch of people who are very dear to me. Sure, it was tough but it can't be forever raining now, can it? Towards the end of the year, I realized that despite how things turned out, i gained more than what I lost. Truly, things always work out for the best. :)

The Big Guy up there has been gracing me generously with blessings I seriously think I do not deserve. I have nothing but overflowing gratitude towards Him. Never has He left me with nothing. He's always, always, and i mean ALWAYS provided something for me all the time.

Help Calm Your Stressed and Scared Dogs on New Year's Eve

It's New Year's Eve in two days and it's something our dear pets do not look forward to.

For four years, I have seen how scared and stressed my dog Lily bun was because of the fireworks every New Year's Eve. I would always feel so helpless and think that if only I could sound-proof the room for just one night, i definitely would!

So this year, I wanted to make sure I do something about it. I went to Bow and Wow in Greenbelt 5 and found this

Calming Chews by Pet Naturals

What I really like about these calming chews is that it's made of high-potency natural ingredients so that gives me all the relief that it will be good for my Lily Bun. It also helps manage dogs who have separation anxiety. A pack costs Php 368.

I gave Lily one of these bone-shaped chews earlier and she was really relaxed. I just wish I had known about this sooner though. It would have been perfect if I had started feeding Lily with this a week ago so she'd be all calm during the New Year's Eve but oh well it's not too late anyway.

Here are some reminders to keep your pets safe and comfortable during the New Year festivities: (Source: PAWS Facebook Page)

1. Don't bring your pets to the fireworks and firecracker displays
2. Keep their collars and dogtags on at all times - make sure your contact details are visible on the tag and the collar is secure.
3. Give your dog lots of exercise so it would rather sleep through the festivities than stress over it. SPECIFICALLY, exercise, water, and potty your dog an hour or so before the festivities start. 
4. On New Year's Eve, keep your pets in a safe and secure room where it cant get out and people are to go into. Give them a bed and blanket to burrow into. Close the windows so the noise is muggled and they cant get out. Just leave enough ventilation. Play relaxing music. Turn on air conditioner if that is an option. KEEP THAT DOOR CLOSED.
5. Check your fence and make sure it is secure and keep your gate and front door closed. Many dogs escape run away in fear and get lost on New Year's Eve.
6. NO WATUSI IN THE HOUSE. The pers might lick them off the floor and the explosive material in it is fatal if ingested. In fact, keep all those explosives inaccessible to your pets.
7. Anti-sress aids that work:
• Thundershirts available at BetterDog (very snug body wraps for pets)
• Pet Naturals Calming Chews, Back Flowers Remedy, Homepet Anxiety Relief available at Bow and WowDog Appeasing Pheromone
8. Don't cuddle or baby your pet when it is stressing out. Give it a safe and comfortable place to settle and burrow into.
9. Keep dangerous food away from your pets. Read the dangerous food list on the WebMD post at http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

Sleep is a Good Thing

Siesta with Lily Bun

My mom took this photo of me and Lily Bun earlier during siesta. Aside from time, sleep is definitely something I am in poverty of. I am glad and grateful that  I get to have a 10-day holiday break to spend time with my loved ones and of course, to catch up on sleep.

Now if only I can sleep for twelve straight hours. I dislike how I would automatically wake up before 9 in the morning no matter how late I hit the sack the night before.

When you are sleep deprived, you would definitely want to make up for it by getting a good deal of shuteye as soon as time permits.  I'm sure I can pretty much speak for everyone by saying I want to be able to get as much sleep as I can so I can be fully energized come 2012, right?

So for all you guys who are on holiday break like I am, hope you are getting all the R&R you can get.  Sleep is good. Go get tons of it. =)

GMCI Hollywood Red Carpet Christmas Party

GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI) held its annual Christmas Party last December 22 at the Robort Bar and Lounge in Makati. This year's theme was Hollywood Red Carpet Glam. Everyone dressed to the nines and looked absolutely fabulous! Check out the photos below.

I chose Gwyneth Paltrow during the 71st annual Academy Awards in 1999 as my peg. She wore a pink Ralph Lauren gown. It is said to be one of the most iconic and "one of the most greatest dresses in the history of red carpet of the Oscars"

 

Here's what I wore to the party. It's not made by Ralph Lauren but i thought it was pretty close to what Gwyneth Paltrow wore. This gown was made by Jun Perez. Accessories by Cuy Legazpi. More photos after the jump to see who else dressed up as Hollywood stars.