Back On The Track: Energizer Fun Run 2014

Last September 6, Saturday, I was back on the running track. It's been a while since I joined a running event (I think if my memory serves me right, the last one was Run Rio United 1 last March) because of personal issues I have to deal with.

The Public Relations Department (#wordsIlearnedtoadapt. Thanks, Star Magic) organized the running event on evening time. Because, really, what's the most efficient time to justify the reliability of their batteries? Evening! Evening where Mr. Sunshine took a long break and only their lifesaver products can help you distinguish if you are still running on the track or on the woods already. Hahaha. By the way, the event was held at Filinvest Alabang. For us 10k  runners, the gunshot started at 7:30 pm. 

Here are some of the pictures I took from Ate Pam. Credits to Tara Trip Tayo on Facebook for taking every incessant pose we did as if we were the main subject of the event. Hahaha.

My time was 1 hour and 42 minutes. Not bad for someone who never did a warm up. Hahaha. No, I didn't mean to steal attention with my headlight that I forgot to turn off. But at least, I was able to unconsciously attested to what their product claims. Lmao.

And photobooth picture

How many socially acceptable peace signs can you see in the picture? Hahaha.

I missed running. I missed wearing my running shoes where I have to actually use it in moving my feet with vigor, not just for the sake of getting likes on instagram with the hashtag #ootd. I missed the endurance I feel on my insides that drives me to keep moving forward whenever I see the signs where it dictates how many kilometer I have already run. I missed the competition between my complaining feet, famishing stomach and unbreakable motivation. Of course, we already know who among them always wins first, the one who led me to the finish line, the one who convinces me to still join and join running marathons. :)

Star Magic Internship Experience Part 1

*removes cobwebs and blows off dust*

Hi blog! Wow.. it’s been an awful long time since I went on here. For the nth time, I was preoccupied with schoolworks and other #graduatingproblems. It was hard to manage my time. Actually, I’m currently typing this in an MS Word file because I just finished doing the chapter 1 of our thesis and I wanted to grab the opportunity when my mind is active and hyper so I can blog this when I get access on the internet. Mwahaha. Yea, you heard me right. I am now staying at the dorm during weekdays which left me internet-deprived. It seems like I’m living on the mountainous part of the Philippines because I can only get a decent internet access when I’m at home on weekends. Thanks to Chatime and Arellano University for being my another source of wifi. Lol! Anyway, as  I said on the last post, I will be documenting here my internship experience at ABS-CBN, Star Magic. Ha-ha silly me for thinking that I could post my weekly experience. Well at least, I’m somewhat fulfilling my promise now. Besides, I think a half-baked promise is better than broken promises, right? #hugot Hahaha kidding.

Before anything else, let’s talk about my basic internship profile. I belonged to the Promotions and Publicity department of Star Magic. My tasks included media monitoring, doing write-ups for promotions, endorsements and any other events of our Star Magic artists and the most fun part, attending concerts, presscons, blogcons, photoshoot of Star Magic artists—and if you are thick-faced enough, have a selfie with your favorite artists. *shower of confettis*. My department manager is Ms. Thess and my immedaite head is Ms. Lyka—which later I got to called Ate Lyks. I also got to work with fellow interns named Garen and Judy which became instant friends.

Hahaha sorry for the long introduction. Now, where moving on to Chapter 5. Hahaha kidding.

Week 1: It was just my first week but Star Magic has welcomed me with a great internship experience. On the first few days of my internship, I was assigned doing simple tasks like going to different departments to get memos signed. I also remember Ms. Kate, one of the handlers of Star Magic talents there, asked me to record expenses that are related to work. I also got to assist Ms. Dana, road manager, in preparation for Maja’s upcoming concert. After doing the task, I was surprised that Ate Lyks had included my name on the guest list of Maja’s concert. Yay!!! Perks of being an intern.

Last July 9, I was able to watch Maja’s sold out concert. Task were given before the performance started but in all, it felt more like an enjoyment for me.

Tasks included checkiing the attendance of the media people who are invited and helping kuya, the promoter, in shouting "bili na po kayong cd!!!" hahahha.

Concert

My reward:

Dahan-dahan lang, dahan-dahan lang, dahan-dahan lang. Hahaha I was LSSed for weeks!

Week 2: I got assigned to do media monitoring. Media monitoring is keeping an eye on the issues about the Star Magic Artists written on tabloids and broadsheets. Ate Lyks told me that I’d be the first one to use the digital media monitoring. Before, those summer interns were painstakingly cut out articles from the broadsheets and tabloids and paste it on a paper and label the name of the newspaper, writer and the date. But in the digital monitoring, the computer will sort it out for me those things alphabetically. Hahaha I don’t expect you readers to get it but there you go. :p Often, talent handlers and road managers also asked me to do some work for them when my department did not have any assigned task. But the highlight of the week was... *drum rolls* YAHOO! OMG! AWARDS!!!!!!! Yes, Yahoo. I clearly know how it feels because my initial reaction are also YAHOO!!!!!!!!! And OMG!!!!!!!!!! Does it mean I got a chance to brush elbows with the celebrities? Yes. Yes!!!!!!!!

So there I was able to see celebrities like Xian Lim, Kim Chui, Jake Cuenca and even those non-Star Magic artists like Karylle, Vhong Navarro and Vice Ganda. Teng brothers were also at the event and I grabbed my chance to take a picture with them. But the real prize that I got to have was seeing COCO MARTIN!!! Oh for Pete’s sake, only my hormones know how clearly I am attracted to COCO MARTIN!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I spent the evening just admiring him from a far because I got no one to ride with my obsession (Ate Lyks is busy doing her duties). Since Coco and Vice Ganda are the ones in their area, I can’t just approach Vice Ganda to do me a favor of taking the photo of me and Coco  using my SLR. Haha. Nope, a selfie just ain’t possible. So there, I missed my chance. L

Coco.... *plays So Close*

And I'm reminded again of the pain that I felt during those precious moment so I'm gonna end this post now. Hahaha. Actually, I just need to get some zzz's.

Isn’t it amazing? Isn’t it surprising? Lmao. There’s a whole lot moooore! I have  total of 8 weeks rendered in ABS-CBN. Though I want to detail all of these in just one post, I can’t remember the next 4 weeks because my Daily Time Record (DTR) where my daily tasks are recorded and evaluation sheet are still with Ms. Lyks. I just provided you what my photographic memory has told me. Lol. I’ll continue the Part II of this post.

OJT: ABS-CBN Internship Orientation

Last May, ABS-CBN called me up for an interview. After the interview, the next step was to pass all the requirements needed so my internship will be processed. I submitted the requirements on time but it seemed like a had a little luck in rolling the dice because it took one month for my application to be completed. Why? because I did not receive texts from them on the said date regarding the schedule of orientation. I don't know if it was my cellphone signal's fault (lol) but I clearly won't let my efforts to be put into waste so I did not hesitate to talk to them about this.

Finally, after all the postponement my internship application had gone through, I am now starting my internship at ABS-CBN by tomorrow. I don't know why I did not get any updates from ABS-CBN for my supposed-to-be-orientation schedule on the last week of May but good thing Ms. Chie, HR, assisted me through all of these #ojtproblems and the receptionists were always considerable in letting me in although every time I come there, the conversation always go like:

Me: Kay Ms. Chie po.

Receptionist: May text message po kayo?

Me: Ay ate, di po kasi ako nakareceive ng message.........

(Tip for aspiring interns: If anyone will experience this (I hope I am the last one though), don't hesitate to discuss with them your concern. Initiative is the key, okay?)

The orientation schedule was 8:30 am at Conference Hall by Ms. Chie herself. Since I have a class that time--and God only knows how I don't want to miss even a minute of that class--I had to sacrifice it in order to attend the said orientation. I've been waiting so long for this so taking the big step was the only choice left for me. 

At first, I thought we were all Mass Communication major but it was an orientation for all the departments of ABS-CBN--Communication, HR, Engineering, Information Technology etc. During the orientation, Ms. Chie explained to us the do's and don'ts on the course of our internship hours. Aside from that, she also showed us the history of ABS-CBN and what the network faced before they reached their zenith of success. The orientation ended with giving out the Daily Time Record (DTR) and contract signing.

For those of us who have already completed the requirements, we can start by tomorrow. I was assigned to the Star Magic Department so probably while staying there, I might take my luck to be discovered as the next Kathryn Bernardo. Hahaha kidding! It is one of the don'ts in the internship guidelines. 

This will be pretty challenging for me since I have to balance my time between classes, ojt, thesis, and pleasure (lol). From Tuesday to Friday, I have to attend classes in the morning then proceed to ABS-CBN in the afternoon. Aside from that, this also means that my endurance level will be put into test on the rush hour of MRT. Not to mention the emotional breakdown I have from time to time (lol). Nevertheless, I hope my internship experience will outweigh these "challenges". :)

Product Review: Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Because sometimes, a cleanser is not enough. 

We all have different types of skin: normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination (oily t-zone area and dry on cheeks and chin part) skin. To those with normal skin, just a gentle cleanser is enough to attain your skin needs. But for those ladies like me who have a combination type of skin, who wear make up, and are always on the quest to achieve that flawless look, toner is a must-have for me because it traces all the make-up residue and excess dirt and oil that's still left on my face.

I noticed that most of over-the-counter toners have an alcohol content. This alarmed me because alcohol is too drying and it can strip off the natural oil of the skin. Now, how can I push through my quest of achieving that perfect skin if I can't find the toner that will not make my face too dry? Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, that is.

Ever since I found out about this on femalenetwork forum, I've been loving this toner since 2010. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner is perfect for all types of skin. It claims that it gently cleanses and conditions pores to maintain clear, smooth, and balanced skin.


Wait, so what is Witch Hazel and what does it do?

Witch Hazel, also known as winterbloom or spotted alder, is actually a flowering shrub common in North America. The leaves, bark, and twigs of witch hazel are high in tannins. Tannins are found in any natural astringent because of their ability to tighten, dry and harden tissues.

To know more about the benefits, read more here: http://www.moneycrashers.com/what-is-witch-hazel-uses-benefits/

When I started using this product, the first thing I noticed was the scent. The scent reminds me of liquor but I don't find it disturbing at all. Although, some girls from  femalenetwork claim that they don't like the scent of it. But for me, in the long run, you'll get used to it anyway. Besides, why bother with its weird scent when you're after the promising benefits it offers, right? And even if it smells like alcohol, at least it doesn't make you tipsy. Hahaha.

True enough, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner has proven what it claims. In less than a few weeks, my t-zone are is not as oily as it was before. I also feel like my pores are less noticeable with using this.

(photo from Amazon)


By the way, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner has two variants: the blue one and the yellow one. I got the yellow one because it has the highest raves on femalenetwork and I've read reviews from beauty bloggers who swear by this product too. Although the blue one, which has antiseptic properties, can also be used to the face.



The only time that I don't use it is when my breakouts flare up because I need a more effective toner to combat them. But when my skin is on smooth sailing state, I always see to it that I have my Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner with me because it keeps my skin refreshed and toned.

How much? 79 pesos (This is the smallest size/travel size. I think the biggest size costs around 200+)
Where did I buy? Healthy Options - Greenbelt 5 branch
Rating: 




Pros:

• An all natural ingredient
• Keeps your skin refreshed
• It has a travel size which only costs 79 pesos. I think it depends on where you bought it though. The last time I went to HO SM Manila branch, they sell at at 85 bucks but in HO Greenbelt 5, it's only 75 bucks. Nevertheless, still cheap, right?

Cons:

• Might take a long duration to work for those with moderate acne.

I  want to share with you my journey in skin care! To keep you updated, follow my blog on Bloglovin or on Google+.

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My Internship Experience (Corporate Hours)

"Warning lang ha, dito sa Comm & Sense, di ka namin bababyhin. We would treat you just like one of our regular employees" - Ms. Charlotte, Creative Director, on my internship interview

As part of our Mass Communication program, we have to render 300 hours of internship to media companies--150 hours for corporate and 150 hours for production.

While dealing with our research, I started sending my resume to media companies that I know via email. It went on for two weeks. I know that walk in would be the most practical way to get you noticed but I was juggling school works and clearance requirements so I did not have any time for that.

Middle of April came and I was losing hope already because I still haven't started my internship yet. I should have faced this internship needs even before the start of the school vacation no matter how busy I was during that time because companies replied to my email saying that summer internship slots have already been filled. Some just said they need to evaluate my resume first and will just contact me if I'm in. After getting numerous heartbreaking silent treatment, I did some revisions on my resume, making sure that it speaks for my potential, so at least one of the next batch of companies will finally hire me. It went on and on and on..

until I walked in to Comm & Sense.

150 Hours of Internship Experience


Comm & Sense is an advertising agency located in Makati which is one of the first advertising firms that uses inbound marketing to attend the client's marketing needs. Inbound Marketing involves creating the quality content for your client's profile so they could attract more audience. According to my research, this is the newest trend in the field of Marketing. Old marketing methods like buyings ads are not that much of effective anymore because survey resulted that people prefer relying information online than on magazines and newspapers.

I started my internship on April 28 and was assigned to the marketing communication department. I was supervised by Sir/Kuya Jomel, Editor Head, and Sir Toteng, Communication Director. During my internship there, my tasks included revising company profiles, writing product description, and making up catchy phrases and taglines for the client. There, I learned the art of copywriting. Copywriting is writing copies for advertising and marketing. In copywriting, your words should sell to convince people to buy your products. This is quite new to me although I've always been interested in putting my writing skills into the field of advertising. Unlike in doing my school write-ups where I don't need a specific target audience, in copywriting, you have to be exact. You have to be specific. Like in one project, I was given the task to do a copy for a specific Health and Wellness company. Who are my target audience? Sir Toteng said, healthy living freak moms who want to make sure that the .1% stubborn germ will be killed before it causes bad effects to their children. "Have a strong immune system with using this!"? No. "Turn your food healthy and organic!"? Nooooooo. "You might not be aware that you are feeding hormones to your kid's packed lunch. Here's the.."? That's better. It was fun and challenging at the same time.

I think the hardest task that left me mentally flipping the table was doing a copy for a company whose nature are real estate and stock brokerage. I mean, I don't remember writing an article that intends to call the attention of brokers and real estate holders. But with the assistance of Sir Toteng and Kuya Jomel, I was kind of able to accomplish that task.

Of course, what's the fun in the internship if you don't have your co-interns to share the experience with? I met there my co-intern, Hannah. Hannah belonged to Graphic Design Department though. They do digital designs for logos, posters, layouts etc. There were also two interns there, Marianne and Roxanne, but they are college schoolmates so most of the time, it was just the two of them who mingle together. Haha. But I got a chance to befriend them on their last day. Together with the new employees, Anna, Keisha, and Carl, we decorated the room for Ate Ayesha's baby shower. We lacked in art and craft skills to make flowers out of crepe papers and watching a Youtube tutorial for that was time-consuming so we just kind of made our own version of  flowers that we teased each one's work like, "is that a flower or a crumpled paper?" and "please don't throw your used tissue papers here." Hahaha!

My 150 hours of internship there just ended this Monday, May 26. Comm & Sense has helped me gain new learning when it comes to communication. I've learned how to put into use my knowledge in Journalism to copywriting. Now I'm not only limited to writing articles, television show and film scripts, but I can  do copies for advertising and marketing too. Aside from that, at least I have a grasp of what a career life is like. As long as you love the nature of your job, you would consider it as more of a passion and less of a work. Maybe that's the reason why I feel like wanting to extend my stay there even just for a few days, especially knowing that this time, the marketing communication people are now writing articles for the clients.

Since I'm done with the 150 hours of internship, I need to submit the weekly reports, certificate of completion and such to school. After accomplishing this , I'll wait for the orientation schedule of ABS-CBN for my 150 hours of production internship. Meanwhile, I have all the time to organize my new room, catch up with friends who I forgot for a while,

..and of course, blog. :)

My First Runrio Run United (leg 1)

Hello, blog! It's been an awful long time since I laid my thoughts on here. First off, I was too occupied with school work, specifically, research case. Our research was about the perceived contribution of independent films in the development of the film industry (phew! that was long!). Last week, we were finally on the last step of the research paper which was defense. Did we trip over or went on progress with that step? Well, we did progress! Thankfully, we were able to pass our defense! The panelist liked our research so much that after the defense, one of them was like, "wow! I want to produce an independent film!" which we jokingly replied, "if you're looking for independent stars, our biodata are attached there." After that, the only thing that I want is my stress-free life back--which I'm trying to embrace fully right now since it's the start of vacation!!

Ugh. God knows how much stress that research has brought up to my life. I need to relax and go for a walk. But why would I settle going for a walk when I could even go for a run? So there, last Sunday, I was one of the 10k runners of Run Rio United leg 1!

The venue was held at the Mall of Asia Grounds. I was with Kuya Chan, Kuya Ron, Ate Gemma, Ate Pamm, their friends, and Kuya Chan's officemates. Most of them were 21k runners and only Ate Pam's friend, Dea, and Kuya's officemate, Justy, were going to run the 10k route. We were there at the grounds at 3am--the starting time of 21k runners. I had no choice but to be one hour early since Kuya Chan will be the one driving. I just fought off my sleep deprivation by grabbing a quick snack at 7-eleven and interviewing my two 10k running buddies. Hahaha.

After an hour, the 10k run had started. We were running in group when I felt the need to stop because I did not feel well and I wanted to fight the urge to lay on the ground. I'm telling you, it was really a bad idea to get only a 2 hours of sleep when you are planning to run 10 kilometers. So there, I let them lead the run. Boo! I was going okay for a while but due to circumstances which I invoked my right to reveal what that was (Hahaha!), I was left with no choice but to walk from the 4k-5km. I did not want to dwell on that "circumstance" that much so I chose to enjoy the views of the city lights and the bay instead (which later after the run was done, Ate Pam and her friend teased me, "nakita kita sa run, parang namamasyal lang.") Hahahaha. After I got a hold of myself, I gained back the time wasted from emoting or doing the "pasyal walk" by running like a Kenyan. Hahaha kidding.

Here are some of the pictures grabbed from Ate Pam and Dea:

Kenneth, Ate Pam, Kuya Ron, and Dea. Haha they made me wear my Kuya Ron's 21k medal.

  With Ate Pam and Dea.

With Ate Pam and Dea again.

Even though I was not able to beat my PR, at least I had released the post-school stress. Also, the lesson I learned was to make sure that I had enough rest on the night before the fun run so I'd be able to fully enjoy it--but I think having enough sleep is one of the rules that is meant to be violated. Hahaha. I can't wait til the leg 2 of Runrio. For the mean time, I will make the most out of this summer vacation. I'm looking forward to my ojt!! :)