So This Is How "Suicidal" Feels Like!

I've always been blessed.  I know this because I've kept a diary of my happy moments and thankful moments--and there have been so many instances of giggles, tearful laughter, secret smiles and guffaws.

I've been hard working, out of the house at the crack of dawn only to return past midnight.  This has been my Repeat Cycle since I graduated from college back in 1994--thanks to my mom, who never made me think life was one free ride!

I've been up front with (almost) everybody to the point of rudeness -- if you did not know me enough to differentiate bullshitless talk from sarcasm from deadpan answers because otherwise you'd hear "OMG, you're one wasted sperm that got through that choosy egg barrier!" in my voice.  Note that I plan (I hope you read "plan") to become sweeter in 2014--I'll meditate on this some more over the holidays.

This may be lengthy and long winded, but I'll get to the feeling suicidal part soon enough.

I've been a planner and someone with standards.  I work a lot with contracts which state Client's and my responsibilities because it is my belief that if you manage people's expectations, you are able to avoid disappointments and unreasonable demands.

An example of my puzzlement with a client is found below.  The picture (sorry I couldn't rotate it properly) with the "8" Candle is CLIENT's SAMPLE PICTURE of what she wanted as a cake.  We met on a Tuesday and the party was that Friday.  As a party coordinator, my job was to find a supplier who could do justice to her sample picture, and at the same time who could agree to the rush deadline.  As a party coordinator, I of course, added my usual profit.  To fit client's budget and request to have an edible portion of cake, I informed her that same afternoon that one of four buildings, the bigger one, will be edible, while the three smaller ones will be made of styro but "iced" the same way.

BTW, I was just to supply the buildings and trees and client would take care of the cars, Godzilla, etc.


This second picture on the left, is the CAKE I SUPPLIED the Client.

I was incredulous that she was incredulous!  She put up a big fuss, "This...this is what I get for the [x-amount] I paid?"

Admittedly, thanks to her toys, the diorama turned more appealing.  I was there when a latecomer parent gushed over the cake.  She shot that down, with me within earshot.  "Yeah, thanks to my toys!  But can you believe that I had to pay [x-amount] for this?  My son's school cake was just P900 and it was better than this!"  My instant though bubble read: "Haaaaaay sus, then you should have just done it yourself!"

After I used the "You gave me a peg.  I just followed it." defense, she retorts, "But you know this," pointing to the cake pic she supplied "is home-made!  I expected that you'd improve on it and not give me this, this, this simple design!"

How do you explain to client that she is unreasonable?  And stupid?

If you show a picture, then wouldn't one expect that THAT IS THE STANDARD to be followed/copied? IF YOU DON'T SAY, "Improve on this idea," the party coordinator, who wants to be paid by a satisfied client, will stick to the sample found in the client-given picture!

The feeling I was left here was one of tired helplessness.  How can you fight with stupid people?  An internet quote I'm reminded of is "Never argue with stupid people.  They will drag you down to their level then beat you with experience."

The next incident happened with a teacher I have in one of the preschools I co-own.  Let's just call her: Teacher.  In getting to know her more, she stated that she took up fashion design and maybe one day, I could consider her when I'd need clothes made.  I'd asked if she could sew my next dancesport costume.  She agreed to do it. I figured, she had more than a month to do it so even somebody untried would have enough time to correct any mistakes.

As an employee and a fashion design graduate, I would think Teacher would put her best foot forward for the task at hand.  Naive me.

As I recall the events unfolded thusly:

Start of September - I'd asked her if she could do just the dress and I'd stick the stones myself in time for the          
          Sept 14 Sugbu Dancesport Competition in Cebu.
Early September - Then Typhoons Labuyo and Maring hit us and her sewer got flooded in.  Of course,
         Understanding Me decided to use the old costume for Sugbu and just unveil Teacher's costume during
         the (Oct 12) National Competition.
Start of October - Teacher's sewer dies.  Dutiful daughter of the sewer takes up the gauntlet and will sew the        
         costume.
October 7 - I forewarned Teacher that I'd need to fit the costume by Oct. 8, enough time to readjust
         anything before I take it home to add Swarovski's to it.  In all this time, I followed up on a weekly
         basis and Teacher would respond that it was being done. How hard or long does it take to sew a
         black knee length spandex dress with a thigh slit?!
October 8 - That Tuesday, I arrived early to catch her before class.  She was teaching the class already and
         so when I signaled to her, she said something like, "My lola [grandmother] is finishing the dress as we
         speak." Why wasn't the dress in her possession yet?!  She texts, assuring me that her lola is a good
         sewer and will deliver within the day.  Why was it now her lola sewing and not the dead sewer's
         daughter?!  She responds that the latter didn't do a good job so lola is trying to fix the dress.  Come
         four PM, when I asked if lola was on her way, Teacher replies that she would deliver it to my home in
         QC.  Then that night, she informs me that lola wants a WEEK to redo the whole dress.  WHAT THE
         FUUUUUUCK?!

Is Teacher a pathological liar?  Is she shy of commitments?  Does she know how to budget her time?  Can she say "NO"?  Does she have something against me (she just started this school year)?  Does she have too many issues in her life that she can't prioritize properly?

So there.  Just like that, she left me hanging.  She screwed me--and I didn't even enjoy it!  I told her that part of being a dancesport athlete is being able to get into that winning frame of mind.  Thanks to Teacher, I felt uncomfortable being in the same, somewhat faded, obviously well-loved costume again.  Remember that in the world of ballroom, appearances count!  I was also approached twice by dancepsort officials who were worried about my decolletage--why now, after so many appearances in the same costume, would they make my boobs an issue?!

In the category I'd finished as "Champion" last year, I didn't even get into the finals. People were aghast. Even I! WHAT THE FUUUUUUUCK?!  Since last year, I'd always gotten into the finals!  On a better note, in a higher/more difficult category, we finished 6th (go figure!).

The 17th DSCPI National Dancesport Competition was last Oct 12.  That same day, in between heats, I found another sewer/supplier and by October 14, I had my new costume (see right) complete with stones.  It was very costly, given the rush situation, (x12 of what Teacher would have charged) and it was not the most flamboyant outfit but I was ready for the October 19 competition in Bacolod. We placed 3rd in 2 categories.  Not bad but my wallet naman got screwed this time.

See, Teacher?   It can be done, IF YOU WANT IT DONE.

It really sucks when someone raises your hopes then doesn't deliver.

BTW, good luck with your career in my preschool.  I hear you don't even need me to fire you.  You're doing a good job of it on your own with your less than average performance. OK, Enough bitchiness.

Incident #3 comping up! Let's call client: Tina.  Meeting her in her house in Dasmarinas, I was made aware of the fact that her family speaks loudly.  You know how the Italians shout because it's well, normal?  This was Tina and her five year old daughter during meeting #1, only they weren't Italian.  She'd asked for three arts crafts projects, balloon decor, a face painter and a games host.

Mind you, I've been hosting and teaching preschoolers since 1995.  Short of a thesis in Family Life and Child Development, I could've finished my Masters degree from UP, Diliman.  When she accused me of being "ineffective" because I was not "engaging" I wanted to hit her eyeballs with pointy heeled shoes repeatedly!  When you have a party with so many things going on, plus a trampoline (the party was held in their garden), shouldn't Tina have realized that the kids' attention will naturally be divided and therefor the party will be a busy one?

The worst part of Tina's accusation was that "I took her for a ride" in terms of an amount I charged her!  The Thursday before her Sunday event, she requested to change the Glitter Tattoo supplier to a Face Painter.  Having cancelled one for the other entails cost.  Having gotten the latter at short notice comes at a higher rate.  Ever since I started offering Face Painting in 1999, my rate had always been P3000.  Admittedly, not all of P3000 will go to the Face Painter.  I get a booking commission, right?  And having gone to Tina's house to plan her party more than once, costs money too, right?  I need to make money too, right?

It is sad that many people try to milk these foreigners because, possibly, they don't understand Tagalog, they don't know the best sources of items.  But, lady, I'm actually rich!

[REMEMBER: THIS IS MY BLOG.  I CAN BOAST IF I WANT TO!]

I do what I do because I like doing it.  It gives me a thrill getting paid for something I love doing anyway.  I already have a condo, a pension, diamonds, multiple businesses and a car from my own blood, sweat and tears.  The money I make goes to Zumba wear!  Methinks I am just using my Earthly time productively.

BOTTOMLINE:  Lady, I WAS REFERRED BY YOUR EXPAT FRIEND, which should count for something, such as a past job well done!

With mis-perceived superiority, she stated that the expat community is small (really?  I didn't know this, for I am but a mere Indio peasant) and that she will make a point to let all the expats know about me. I was horrified!  A dent in my reputation after almost two decades of service in the party industry by a miserly righteous expat?!  I will not detail what else I think of her.  She had more complaints but they were too petty and surprisingly stupid, as arguments go, so I will expound on this another day.  Let's just say it could have been her way of trying to get a discount after she had already paid.

She claimed that her friend was able to get a Glitter Tattoo artist at P1500.  Well and good....why didn't she contact that supplier in the first place?  Why go through a Party Planner who also has bills to pay?  And please, a Glitter Tattoo at P1500??  Are you kidding me?!  What cheap materials would this person be using to be able to charge and be happy with P1500?!

Ugh!

And I bumped my new car.  Enough said there.

Incident # 5 was that I went to my weekly Thursday Zumba Class way before (1.5 hours before) that freak October 3 (or October 10?) bout of rain that totally wet the Merville Park Gym floor.  That short rain spell was enough to clog all possible roads leading home that it took me four hours to reach QC.  Also, it made it impossible for my usual students to cross the road from their houses to attend my class.  No one came and I didn't get paid.

These incidents happened within a week and a half this September.  I'm not used to feeling dumb, short changed, duped, looked down upon/on, insulted, accused and belittled all in a span of days. I have safeguards, like contracts, like being upfront, like my credentials, like my 18 years of experience so that I don't encounter these problems. Tears of helplessness and frustration kept appearing.

As I established earlier, I've been continually blessed until September 2013.  I was at a loss on how to react since these were new to me.  Having no one (boyfriend, husband, dog, child) to hug and lean on, to vent my feelings to/on, the depression and anger grew.  I was eating heavily, snapping at good-natured employees. I refused to deal with Teacher in any way at school and could not sleep past 2 am.

I was trying to calm myself with mottos like "There is no way but up" and "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and spiritual anecdotes like "Footprints in the Sand" but I ended up being more moody and anti-social.

I wondered if ending it all would prove any point.  Upon more reflection, I realized that:
1. I'm too too vain to disfigure myself.
2. I'm too squeamish to swallow anything that's distasteful.
3. I'm too afraid of pain and
4. I'm too curious about my potential to end it because of a miserly expat, an ineffective Teacher, a fixable vehicle dent in the grill and bumper and Godzilla.

Good thing I still had to teach my almost daily Zumba Fitness classes.  I think, the bouts of exercise helped replenish the usual amounts of endorphins in my system and I was sooner than later happier about my lot in life.  Lots of Zumba Parties and classes later... I had a great time looking like this:

Weeks later (see Halloween picture above), I've bounced back and can only, but sadly, think of September as a blip in my road, called "Life".  I have to laugh at Tina's husband because he chose her and is stuck with her FOR LIFE.  At least, I'm done with her.  She's an expat and can be deported.  Bwahaha.   Naaa.  That's just my sick humor rearing its head.  I won't waste my time thinking more of her after this blog is published.  That's why I'm committing it to "paper" or better yet, to "cyberspace" so that I can expel the feeling finally from my mind and body.

Of course I am publishing this after Tacloban, Leyte and Ormoc have been leveled by the recent Signal No. 4 called "Yolanda".  What are these small complaints made from a dry place compared to the deaths in the thousands, the need for looting to survive, the intense silence days after the storm when you don't want to know but need to know if your loved ones made it out in time?  I even know of someone named Fritz, who walked 110kms in two days without sleep nor food, just to get to a phone.  Well, that should be another blog all together.

Now, I must revisit my Happy Moments Diary, remember, relive and reaffirm how blessed I still am.  I am alive.  I am happy.  I still have a car.  I'm overeating.  I have loads of clothes I can donate.  I've ALWAYS been surrounded by friends.  I have enough.  And for those who do not, my prayers are with you all!

Sari Santiago, My Diva Catholic Movie Mate Bitch of a Friend

I miss Sari Santiago!  She was my very good friend who passed away due to Leukemia last July 25, 2012.

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HERE'S SOMETHING I WROTE LAST AUGUST 2, 2012, TO GIVE MOMMY NORA (Sari's Mom) AN IDEA OF HOW WE KNEW AND APPRECIATED HER DAUGHTER.

You know what, I really don’t recall how I met Sari! She was just there nalang, in the ZNXS group. Then again, I also don’t recall
when I officially became a part of them! I remember literally (through writing essays) dueling with Veca as to which group was better: Duran Duran or Menudo (I’m cringing now!) on a bulletin board. This feud of sorts got me to notice (and respect) Veca’s talent with words. My best friend at that time was Mari Brias. We’d been close since 5th grade but she was transferred to Section B on our Freshman
Year (Povedans since Nursery). Later than sooner, I started hanging around more with Veca and Sari (because they were always together).

I do remember that Sari sat to my right, right next to me in class. She was the new, quiet girl with a slight accent from a country I didn’t know. When Sari and Veca were busy talking or quietly making wise cracks about the teacher (and there were many with substandard grammar and diction), I remember shushing them (Sari and Veca, not the teachers) complete with pointed stare (I tried to listen as much as I could, as well as, read the teacher’s lips, because on hind sight, I was already a little deaf then). I do remember that Sari was a little miffed at me for the katarayan, but true to form, Sari let me be, accepting that I needed their cooperation to pass high school.

Veca, Sari and I started a tradition of posing as a threesome, with the same positioning, back in Anna de Vera’s house. I was in the center (the Leo in me dictates that I be the center of attention), I was wearing my black half shirt and I’d curled my hair using my Vidal Sasoon electric curlers. Ever since then, we always made a point of doing this at every possible occasion! This tradition was done for about 20 years. I MUST find all our threesome shots! These will be sent to you on the occasion that I find the most number of pictures. Surely 20 pieces for the 20 years, could be unearthed?!

Sari did complain and mourn the fact that being the bunso (sorry to Gladys!), you (her parents) got tired of taking pictures of her for posterity. She remembers so few shots of herself growing up. Maybe and most likely THAT WAS WHY she was a picture-hungry monster with a camera! She must’ve wanted to make up for a “lost” childhood, and while she could, she seemed to want to record a lot of HERstory!

It was so SUDDEN for us to lose Sari. It NEVER OCCURRED TO ME that leukemia could take her life. I was maybe both too busy to think the worst for her and too dense to believe how dangerous any cancer could be. And then, when I heard Noel say that the leukemia just took nine months to do this to US, I was taken aback by its lethal fierceness!


 She never gave us any reason to fear or stress. She did mention (July 21) on Facebook that the doctor advised you all that alternative medicine was something you could look into for the moment since her liver was not strong enough to take the chemo medicine. This entry was her gentle way to let us know her plight. I was just too dense to understand how critical her system must have been at that time. Then again, she was the type to take it all in, for as long as she could. She must have not wanted to burden us with her burden. I think she knew God would help her through it all. Her God was enough. I liked that about Sari. She had a strong, solid faith in the Lord. I remember that she did say the Rosary very often with you.

I am a slightly-practicing Catholic but still afraid for my soul, aware of the commandments and I do know I am a constantly thankful person with a personal relationship with Him. God and I do talk a lot! Now, Sari and I can continue to talk a lot, without the assistance of Globe Telecoms. The only upside to her passing I’ve recognized so far is that I’ll save on calls! Bad joke, I know, but she would have snickered at this one!

Her death is yet another wake-up call to speed up and do something more and memorable during this lifetime. Had I the long legs of Liza Berroya-Salud, I would’ve joined all the beauty pageants that would take me and would’ve found a way to insert this motto, which I surprisingly got from a teeny-bopper movie, into the answer of the Q & A Portion:

“The ultimate secret of life is the true knowledge of death. For without this knowledge, man would not strive to leave his mark upon the Earth”.

I have as yet no children with my superior genetic imprint as a legacy to mankind, but I have my word and my body as a body of inspiration for all fat women out there.  And speaking of my body, her passing is also reminding me to slow down, to remember my health. Without this machine I live in, I cannot spread light and magic! I’ve been living a life of work and more work. I am only home to sleep and shower. I have scheduled a complete health check-up before I turn 40 (August 7) and I have bought (yet another) book entitled “How To Deal With Stress” by Stephen Palmer, PhD. I’m hoping that these will point me towards a healthier direction and lengthen my life so that I can continue to be a blessing to and for others.

BTW, Did my “beauty queen motto” make you think?! Will it become a measure of your success on Earth? Will it define how fast you want to run this “race”? Will it heighten your standards to live and die, with passion in your heart? Will it inspire you to be the best friend, child, teacher, confidante, citizen and parent you can be? It had. Now, Sari has replaced this motto. Her gentle voice (at times, haha!), her steadfast faith, her patience…these are what I now strive to acquire. And when I do.... PERFECTION! Bwahahaha!

By Rosanne Araneta Pitt
(Until he is married to Angelina Jolie, I live in hope!)

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It is days before her first death anniversary.  Our group, ZNXS, has not watched a movie together since she passed.  We may have gotten together around five to six times for dinner.  It is so different without her calling the group for a "G" or gimmick.

On a lighter note, I DID get my full physical on my 40th Birthday.  Gallstones, fatty liver and possible lumps in my humps were sighted.  I was given Crestor, advised to take Liverine (?).  After my wrist was fractured, I was prescribed Calcium Aid.  Yes, we are hitting midlife (since I plan to live at least until I'm 90) and we are starting to feel and hear the aches and creaks (sp?) in the machine.

But I continue on.  For me, for Sari, for all those I've yet to inspire and well, piss off.

I've yet to encounter the bucket that I am to kick.  Haha.

So I Believe In The Saying "Ask And You Shall Receive"

A relative thrice asked God for the things he wanted in life.  He got them too!

1)  He wanted a job or a business opportunity that would give him, in his own words, "limpak, limpak, limpak, limpak, limpak, limpak, limpak, limpak na salapi."  Loosely translated, "ooooooooooodles of money" or maybe "serious wads of dough".  Sooner than later, he had a billiard hall that was situated outside a university and so the students came in droves, to shoot some pool.  At the end of the day, he did have his wads of money OF 20 PhP BILLS.

2) After months of hard work, same relative wanted a break.  He prayed for an opportunity to go on vacation for say, about two months, where all he needed to do was laze about the whole day.  Sooner than later, he needed an operation to remove either his gall bladder or a gall stone because he had suddenly turned yellow.  Long story short, what was supposed to be at most a 6-inch cut turned out to be double that.   He proceeded to recuperate from such a wide cut for a month.  Having lain for so long, he developed fat deposits in his back.  Those needed surgical attention too.  So he spent the 2nd month on his stomach.

3) He'd always said he liked Tagaytay.  He wanted to live there.  In fact, he became a licensed real estate agent just so he could broker his own land deal in Tagaytay, and save himself some serious money.  As fate would have it, he turned to drugs and his family found him a rehab center.  In Tagaytay.  With a nice view of the Taal Volcano.

What is the lesson in all these instances?  What were this relative's short comings?  One must ask for what one wants in life.  When asking, make sure you ask for the moon, and include the most specific details!

I myself made a huge mistake in my request.  I made a list of what I wanted in a man (as you know I am unattached).  I had a liiiiiiist!  It was specific!  I mentioned "drug free", "great lover", "someone who likes to dance" among at least 20 other attributes that my man had to have.  On hindsight, I did get everything on that list cramped into one person!  What broke my heart was that I forgot to ask that he be single.

It was a painful lesson to learn.  But it was a lesson truly learned.  It has passed and I'm back to my happy, positive, if not bitchy, witty, sarcastic self!

I had a Multiply.com (now defunct) site entitled "Rosanne The Busy".  I called myself that for years.  While I was truly busy, with rackets here and there for theater, parties, commercials and seminars, I realized that being busy was NOT NECESSARILY PRODUCTIVE.  Busy could mean "running around in circles", "having no time for oneself" aside from the fact that one is working non-stop.  I was out of the house.  I was everywhere with a full calendar.

I changed that title to "Rosanne the Productive" and then I started seeing the products of my work hours.  Since I NAMED or CALLED "IT", I turned my reality around.  Why not go a step farther?!  I then decided to use the title "Rosanne The Productive, Rich and Happy".  If I'm asking, I'll go ASK!  Right?

I've been using "When you say you can, you can.  When you say you can't, you're right!"as a motivational thought.  I've been choosing words that will help me PROPERLY FILE memories and data into my brain, such as "Please remember to...." instead of "Don't forget to...." and "Not yet" instead of "No."  I've become LITERAL in my words.  I try not to generalize and use "everyday" when I mean Monday to Friday only.  I will try to refrain from using negative words such as "Traffic" (since there is never a pleasant or good traffic to be had), and "broken", "late", "ugly", "problem"....

What WORDS you use or think, YOU CALL FORTH. You attach an energy or an awareness to them that becomes a reality.

One may say I'm into the New Age stuff.  I must admit I've found "The Secret" and "The Law of Attraction" to be very appealing.  The bottom line is that you ASK (through thought, prayer, letter, pleas, orders, etc.) and that you THINK (through lists, judgments, pictures, dreams, etc.).  The more you do these, the more you want these, the more these come into your reality.

What's wrong with asking God for the moon?  He never said we couldn't!  We've always thought we couldn't.  He loves us.  He wants us to be happy.  Why couldn't and wouldn't He give us our heart's desires?

It is up to man to decode, to decipher, to discern, to discover what would really make us happy and what would make others happy.  We have the power of thought and prayer.  We have HOPE.

Remind me to post my VISION BOARDS here.  I'd pasted my face on top of thin bodies in bikinis, dancesport champions on that 1st Place Stand and seminar speakers whose audience looked enthralled.  I'd cut up cars, trips, rings, houses, dresses that I wanted to own, wear, etc.  It is truly amazing what I've acquired and achieved over time.  We can focus on goals and make things happen.

So Im a Party Planner....

The idea of hosting events started back in 1995 when I first became a preschool teacher.  Having come from a musical theater background, I was (and still am!) what they call, "biba" or full of life/character, when in front of a crowd.  A pregnant mommy of a student must have appreciated that fact which led her to ask me to host the games, because she could not.  Mind you, in the mid-90's, kid's parties were held at home and were very simple affairs.

Then it happened again...only this time, the mommy of the student was not pregnant.  She asked for a "pabitin" (toys suspended from a bamboo frame) which seemed an easy enough request!  This scenario happened repeatedly with a few changes here and there.  It didn't take long before I realized that since I was doing these mommies an extra service that I should get paid for offering them in the first place.

By 1998, I partnered with Dana Cosio-Mercado and we did a few parties together.  She took care of the "fru-fru's" while I hosted.  She needed to leave the country very suddenly so I went solo by August of 2000.  I registered PartyPartyParty Enterprises with DTI.





I've had parties for big corporations with as many as 900 kids/600 Adults (Citibank's 100th Anniversary Family Day) and small events with as little as three who showed up (think first Al Qaida bombing incident in the early 2000's).  I've had events where I was Winnie, Minnie, Spongebob, Elmo, Dora, Blue, Batgirl, The Mad Hatter, Strawberry Shortcake, Barney, Snow White, The Last Airbender and yes, Belle, for the afternoon.

I've been to all of Century Park Hotel's Easter parties since they hired me back in 1999 to plan their events.  I've had events where yayas had neck lacerations due to a violent "pabitin" game (go figure)!  I've been to Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Baguio, New York and my home, The Roxy, for all kinds of events.  I've been to events that just got called/ closed/ booked the hour before it started.  I've done events both where the caterer was my and not my contact and they came two hours late (It's "confeermed": NEVER schedule your party on Dec. 15 for this is the busiest day of December for events.  The traffic comes to a stand still at this time!).  I've done two events in one day where one was for a family day for 1,500 people and the other required just 1,000 servings of all food carts possible.  There are lots of funny, tearful stories, as well as horror stories but methinks I will regale you with those in another blog post.  


So I stumbled into this lucrative business by chance (yes, lucrative!).  How did I stay on?  I fattened my "black book" of contacts.  I lurked and read the mommy blogs and forums/fora (?) to see what they were looking for and to see what they thought of different suppliers, including me.  I went to parties and took note of those who sucked and those who would make me look good.  The best advice I can give those who want to get into the same, is to learn everything there is to know about planning AND EXECUTION.  

Before I forget, I, of course, must give thanks to my assistants--my peeps--over the years!  Glen Regalado, Randy Fernandez, Gilbert Amio, Bujon Pantaleon.... they have made my life sooo much easier.  They were told or shown just once and they consistently did what needed doing.  They climbed the ladders, they cleaned the mess, they front lined for me.  Thank you again!

After 15 years of nomadic party experiences, I have a permanent venue from which I('d rather) do my events (The Roxy Events and Party Venue is on 185 Tomas Tomato Ave., QC).  I can breathe better because I can stay put and because people now can come to me.  Here, I offer all kinds of services apart from the venue rental.  The running joke is, "Any event.  Any time.  Except Lamays."

Because I hire a lot of suppliers, I must be able to spot the bullshit from the truth behind their explanations and deadlines.  In order to do this, I've enrolled myself in all kinds of workshops:  styro crafting, balloon twisting, cake decoration (both for kid's cakes and wedding cakes), henna tattoo mixing, Zumbatomic (Zumba for Kids 4-12 years old) and I even joined the 1st International Face Painting Convention in Orlando, Florida last 2002!  The rest of my skills are self-studied and done from pure guts or genius.

Of all my qualities that is pure genius (naks!), I know that it is my attention to detail that has helped me most.  I have a tried and tested master plan and I stick to it.  I have lists of lists.  I cross check this with a timeline.  

Since I'm frank enough, I'm upfront with clients and I CHOOSE my clients.  Yes, yes, it seems very arrogant of me but I can afford to be.  If from the get-go they seem very iffy or flaky, I'd rather pass and save on salon costs from having to dye my hair back to black.  If they're too demanding or ditzy at the start, I bite my tongue but will pass the event to some other planner who can stomach stupidity or rudeness.  

This is me, simply put.  I choose my battles and challenges.  Of those problems I'm faced with, I'm able to create opportunities because I have foresight, a strong sense of perseverance and faith in God.  I strongly believe that He sends me all these opportunities so that I'm prepared for bigger and better things in life.  I also know because I'm still kicking, that all my experiences can serve as a learning moment for others.  

So I Fractured My Left Wrist....

I was teaching a Zumba Fitness class at Merville Park Homeowners Assoc (MPHA) last 052713 when I fractured my left wrist.  As I was dancing, I stepped on their office mat which was actually several strips looking like one.  There was no traction when the strips separated and so I fell backwards.  I tried catching my fall by extending my hands out so I could save my spine from any damage.

There was of course a loud gasp from the class, but since I was paid in full upon my arrival, I felt it my obligation to finish the class.  The class was about 20 minutes in when I fell.  I was able to use my left arm for a few minutes to lead the dances but about 10 minutes later, it became unbearable to lift it.  The last 10 minutes were done with just my right arm moving.

To someone's credit, a young girl named Mitzi, came forward and offered to bring me to MPHA's clinic.  Too bad...the doctor was out.  I just bought two Ponstans from the open convenience store nearby and drove my automatic car to Cardinal Santos on Wilson Ave., San Juan.

Once in the Emergency Room, I had a short interview by the front desk, then got wheeled into the XRay Room.  Note to the very insensitive male med tech they had:  if someone is having their wrist XRayed, it must mean the wrist is painful and shouldn't be roughly handled and twisted about!

Then I was deposited into a bed and waited with an ice pack until Dr. Acosta placed a bottom Plaster of Paris splint, bandaged it then gave me a blue sling. Two hours later, "Immediately see an Ortho" he said.

For all these, I was billed P4,956. 

Good thing, I had scheduled Gilbert Amio to do a Zumba class in Maude, San Juan.  He was able to follow after class, then take over the driving responsibilities! Thanks to him, I was also able to go to Divisoria the next day to do some needed shopping for my new preschool (The Little Apprentice branch in EVIA) and my upcoming events at The Roxy.

The day after (Thursday), I drove myself to Cardinal and saw a (randomly chosen by the lobby consierge) Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Jose Bayani Aliling. He placed a green fiberglass cast on me (I was in tears when he handled my arm) and charged me P3000 plus materials P2000 (he made me buy my own, saying I could use the exercise). He warns me, because of my age, that it will take 8 weeks for my bone to "regenerate" and heal.  Shit!  

I don't think Ill be going back to him.

That night, Gilbert took over the MPHA class.

By the next Tuesday, I was back to dancing (Gilbert still led the MPHA group). I'd decided that one week of inactivity and sorry-for-myself eating was deadlier than if I'd just moved again, SWEAT in my cast and be smelly for the remaining seven weeks.  By Wednesday, I taught a class at Athlete's Lab (Shaw Blvd.) and Thursday, I led the rapidly growing MPHA group to a hearty applause at the end of the session!

After the first day in this cast, I learned a few things:

1. Leave chopsticks everywhere in case the itches suddenly attack.
2. Wear clothes without clasps and buttons.
3. Pee when you don't feel like because when you already do, pulling down your pants and panties in time with one hand will be futile.
4. Regularly clean your fingers with alcohol, alcogel and wet wipes.
5. A nice manicure can lift your spirits!
6. Write an explanation of the "fracture event" so you don't repeat yourself to well- meaning acquaintances, guests, friends, family and elevator riders.
7. Moisturize the left elbow often since meets so many resting surfaces.
8. No sleeping position is good enough.
9. I finally can use the Handicap Parking slot! 
10. I cant tie my hair up all by myself.
11. I can blame my PMS bitchiness to the cast. Haha!

Really, I just have to laugh--quietly enough/on the inside so its not misconstrued as "there she goes, she's finally, officially crazy!" Life is still good.  Yes, I won't be able to compete this June 1 (Phil. Natl Games), June 15 (Lillian's Cup) and June 22 (DSCPI Midyear Ranking) but at least I still have three limbs to do Zumba Fitness with! I don't have a yaya but I've been living alone all these years, so what's new?!

After a week, I discovered that I could wet the cast, the battings, the whole arm--for the fiberglass wil keep its shape!  It took half a day to dry but Im still alive :)

Yes, clap for me, Universe!  I will do things with a smile--Zumba Fitness included!

So I Competed in the 1st Lion's Cup this 052413....

Today, is May 26, 2013.  Forty eight hours ago, I stood on that 3-2-1 platform thingy (WTF is it really called ba?!) once more to receive a Trophy as CHAMPION in the 1st Lion's Cup held in Makati Sports Club (May 24, 2013).  For those who would like to comment, ngayon palang, remember that this is my blog and short of a breach in national security and rumor mongering, I can say WHATEVER (including boasts) I want ABOUT ME.

The night before comps, I'd threatened not to compete but let's just attribute that to our oh so "normal" and oh so usual pre-competition stress.  Partner and I more or less ironed things out before we reached the venue.

The day started late for Gilbert Amio and I.  We got to the venue at close to 10AM and were able to park inside Makati Sports Club (a lessened hassle from having to mind the time for parking in Makati on a Friday).  We bought enough food from the street kiosks and KFC, knowing that once inside the venue, all made up looking like a trannie, it would be hard to step outside na.

Moi and Gilbert - First Place, Marisse and Charlie - 2nd Place, Joy and Jong - 3rd Place

The heat was unbearable for some, but having gotten used to the steamy conditions during Zumba Fitness classes, I was able to overlook it during the pre-comp practice period.  We practiced for about two rounds on the floor (it was slippery) with shoes I hadn't worn for more than a year then we had lunch at the dressing room.  

The competition categories (and results) were:

Special Event 2 (for ages 40 and up), 3 Dance - Champion

2 Dance Open (for any age and skill) - 4th

3 Dance Open (for any age and skill) - 6th

I was happy with the results of all the categories.  Yet again, I proved to the world that my weight is not an issue.  I consistently am beating people HALF my weight and HALF my age!

Partner even "boasted"/"wish-thought" in between rounds that sana, we wouldn't go through to the next rounds (semis/finals) just so he could reserve his strength for the 3rd World categories.  You see, folks, he was joining as the male partner for a very strong, talented gay man we lovingly call Murat (see the dude in blue).  I was disappointed then because he was introducing negativity into my ever so positive paradigm and because he wasn't mindful that I was the paying guest who needed his support and skills to win whereas his categories with Murat were Dance Instructor to Dance Instructor, a seemingly easier feat.

I will make a note to remind him that he must be careful with what he wishes for.  If I lose, he loses a customer!

But it's been hours since our multiple wins (Gilbert and Murat placed first in both the 3Dance and 5Dance categories they joined in).  I've since forgiven him for his tired musings.

I was truly happy--for the first time--to receive MONEY AND A TROPHY for all my/our efforts!  P5,000 is enough for gas and a change-oil for my car but not comparable to the hundreds of thousands I've spent training, traveling and competing.  I was happy for what the prize money symbolized--a tangible ROI for all the blood, sweat, tears, white hair, disappointment, illnesses and pain I've had to undergo all these years.

Speaking of pain, I came prepared with breathable Mediplast for my toes since this pair of black heels were painful in so many spots.  I had not yet spray-tanned my toes and heels to hide its stark whiteness when I took this pic on the left.  I remember an earlier DSCPI competition in October of 2010 when I had to use a (CLEAN!) panty liner to cushion the blisters that were already forming all over my feet!  

No fake nails for me so no lacerations for Gilbert.  The floor was smooth so no bleeding big toes for me!  On the other hand, Gilbert, the day after comps, was of no use to anyone.  All his muscles were sore--so he says :)

The funnest part of the day was ending the NIGHT with a midnight 25-minute ZUMBA FITNESS impromptu class with our friends who stayed on.  Some danced in heels but I just went at it barefoot!!  To note, a decent looking DI was leading a very smooth and do-able line dance.  I was just sitting back eating peanuts and chocolate.  On his third song, I overheard him say "O, ito, Zumba move ito."  A ganun?!  I had Gilbert plug his IPod sa DJ's booth and we showed Mr. Line Dancing Leader what real Zumba Fitness moves by licensed instructors looked like.

SO I DECIDED TO BECOME A ZUMBA FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

I must start this blog entry off by stating that I have always been gutsy.  Growing up, entertaining mom's guests in the salas while she perfected her eyebrows upstairs, falling off stage mid-sentence but still finishing my lines during a college musical, auditioning for a TV commercial for a Marilyn Monroe role at 200 lbs. or competing AND winning at Dance Sport competitions here and abroad made it impossible for me to be anything but thick skinned! 

I was fat for most of my adult years.  I found that it gave me license to use humor and skill to get people to like me, if not fall in love with me.  If I could not lose the weight, I just made sure I got anything or any job done WELL and life would still be great.  Genius, right?!

Then I heard of Zumba Fitness.  I hadn't even tried it yet when I decided I wanted to hold classes at The Roxy.  I went straight into training and got my license for both Basic 1 and Basic 2.  One month later, I flew to Singapore to get a special license to teach Zumbatomic, the one geared towards kids between 4 and 12 years old. 

Hmmm, I thought, so much qualifications and I will pay others to do what I know I can do well myself?!  Four months later, I was teaching classes at The Roxy for experience.  Two months after that, I was accepting private and corporate classes!  

My strategy to avoid so much comparison with my thinner colleagues, was to use a different playlist, far from what everyone was using.  I made sure to choreograph my own dances (using the Zumba handbook/ guidelines, of course) so that I was unique but still effective.

At Merville Park, we started with 17 students.  We are now close to 50 regular attendees every TTH.

I've been telling people during my seminars (yes, Im a speaker for workshops), that there is no time but NOW, that shy people do not get rich, that people who believe they can, can and those who believe they cannot, are right.

I have decided that I will always dance with a smile.  It is my hope that my students get the feeling that Zumba Fitness is easy--that if  "fat me" can survive an hour of vigorous dancing, then "fat them" can do it too!

I write this, in the hope that I continue to inspire childless, over 40 years old, and/or heavy-set women to JUST FUCKING DO IT!