From one magazine slave to another…

At first glance, it appeared to be just one of our usual type of payday Friday rendezvous in Makati. But tonight, everything was different. 


No customary movie screening. No binge eating. No sizzling gossips. No impulsive shopping.  Only few happy chitchats. More on profound, dauntless tête-à-tête on a subject we both consider paramount in our lives as of the moment --- career path.


Tonight is probably the most humble night Pao and I had in our two-year friendship-cum-love/hate amour. Quite a far cry from most of the squandering moments we so ungrudgingly enjoyed months back. Over a P150 or less meal from our favorite fast food, with our stomachs filled and our spirits uplifted, we shared our doleful woes on the much-stereotyped yet actually misconceived publishing industry. 


Pao was my former associate editor in UNO, my former editor-in-chief in Statement, my partner-in-crime, my shopping buddy; and more importantly, my friend who has gone through a lot lately. From losing his job because a bunch of dupable professionals decided to pull the plug from the magazine that which he fervently managed single-handedly, to unfortunately being robbed inside a bus with all his important belongings taken, to predictably being confounded, lost and confused to a quarter-life career crisis. 


Note to some: If you think your career is giving you quite a headache, consider Pao’s case and you’ll realize that what you have on your plate is just a speck of what he’s trying hard to chew as of the moment. 


Pao, like you said, you’re giving this year to the undermining nature of Cosmos. However, allow me to say this, from one magazine slave to another, a little introspection and re-assessment helps. Ask yourself more than a hundred times over: What do I see myself doing five, ten or maybe fifteen years from now?


If deep down in your heart you sense that being on press works, photo shoots, and taking in all the stress that comes with running a print magazine is something that you cannot easily forego, then you are most definitely on the right track. Whereas, if you discover that you want to dive into another ocean and get a feel of other waters, say PR or events, I know very well you will succeed on it as well. 


Because you are one dedicated person, Pao. You perform not only to get a handsome compensation or a remarkable recognition; you work because you believe in your venture and whenever you do, you pour your heart and strength on it. And for that, I know you will eventually go places.


I’m with you whichever direction you decide to go. Just do remember to heed your famous line: follow your heart.


For the record, I couldn’t be any gladder to have chanced upon someone like you, who share the same perspective and dedication as I do when it comes to our vocation and to being part of the workforce. More than the presumed glitzy and glamorous life offered by the industry, as portrayed in several films, we both are total magazine freaks because we see it more as a craft than a mere route to rub elbows with the so-called “stars”