The Girl Behind the Pen

One of the biggest mistakes in life is to think that talent alone is enough to be great, successful, and become a high achiever. 

Sure talent can be a huge factor that could lead you to your dream—whether it's landing on your dream role, launching an album, or anything your heart desires—but when you start to believe that it is the most essential piece to the puzzle of victory, you have built up a wall all on your own that instead of success, will only lead to failure in life.

Everyone has a different journey. Let's say there are these two equally talented individuals—one achieved the things he has always imagined while the other one faced the greatest downfall he didn't expect at all. 

If they were "equally" talented, why did they end up on different sides of the world? The only difference between these two individuals is the effort they made.

The latter was only relying on talent alone. At first, it was going good but as time passed, everyone is also getting better until he couldn't catch up anymore. Why? Because he didn't make an effort to improve himself or to learn new things. He was so confident that his talent is enough to lead him to success.

But let me tell you this, from my personal experience and from what I've observed from other people, just because you are extremely talented at something doesn’t guarantee that you will have long-term success, and the moment you stop nurturing and developing your talent, someone else with less talent is working day and night to beat you. I know this because I saw some people who became like this.

When you work in the media, it allows you to meet different kinds of people from all walks of life. And some that I met were like the latter person. But most importantly, I know this because I experienced this myself.

I may not have the 10+ years of work experience to justify my claims nonetheless, I believe that claims are qualified when it's based on personal experience regardless of the amount of time you've spent working. 

When I was still studying, I dreamed of becoming a writer for a teen magazine. Honestly, I wasn't so confident that I can get a job in a prestigious company because there are so many people who write better than me. But you know what, it didn't stop me from getting what I want. And guess what? I stood out. Why? Because I had something great to offer that others didn't have, that's my blog. Back then, blogging was not a huge thing yet. I got in. And they didn't. Why? Because they got scared and followed the "rules". 

A few months later, I wanted to try something new. I applied for a job at a competitor TV Network, but this time, the job mainly focused on TV production which I have no idea or interest in at all. I told myself before graduating that I will never ever work for TV Productions, specifically in the news. That's my most weakness. But then, opportunity knocks, and I wouldn't let my weakness scares me off. So I applied and got in. A few months later, I got promoted, earlier than other people. It led me to meet new people from the average to high-rank officials that became good connections of mine that helped me expand my career.

This is not to brag but just to tell you that stepping out of your comfort zone can really make a huge difference. I wasn't the best writer or producer and every day, I get assigned more and more difficult tasks and projects that made me cry on some days (and nights). I thought if these people believe that I can do it, then why shouldn't I? 

In short years, I realized, you don't have to be too talented to make it. Like Master Pakku from the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender has said, "With fierce and determination, passion, and hard work, you can accomplish anything. Raw talent alone is not enough."

1. Do something every day to develop and nurture your talent. Even if it's just a little task or a new hobby, just do it. A little knowledge can go a long way.

2. If things get hard, don't be scared. Face it. Challenge yourself and take on difficult tasks. Look for opportunities to test yourself and keep pushing yourself to see how far you can go.

3. Work hard on the things that will make a difference. Work hard to learn. Work hard and accept the feedback. Work hard at getting better. Always.

4. Don't be shy to ask for help. It doesn't make you less of a person. Surround yourself with like-minded people and use their talents to help you grow and perform and vice versa. That's what teams are about. 

To end this article, I want to leave you with a quote from Tim Notke that sums up everything I have been trying to say: 

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Pants from Zaful | Choker from Dresslily

Oh my! It's so good to be back here. It's been a looooong time since I last posted. I was so busy this semester, especially this finals. I don't know but yeah, our schedule was so hectic due to packed-shoots we have to do for our major subject. Partida wala na kong written exams sa finals 'cause I'm exempted. Hooray for that. Hahahaha! But still, my schedule was so packed :( this shoot is so overdue. This was taken on my second year, second semester. Talk about that. Hahaha

As part of our course, we need to submit photography portfolios that serve as our exams. I was so excited when my professor said that, on our Finals, we will be the one who will choose what type or theme we want. Guess what first theme that came in my mind that day? FASHION! I immediately went to my group mates and told them what are my plans (of course, I need their approval too, as a group) so when they gladly said yes, LET'S PACK NOW. AS IN NOOOW :D

We came up with four themes: The Graffiti Theme, The Rockin' Style, Glamorous Theme, and of course, the Sweet Ecstasy Theme. The last one is my favorite because as I explained to them, we need to wear something cute, lively, and colorful (that obviously shows my personality). By the way, each theme depicts each members personality :)

Why Coral Pink Bubbly Girl? Because I'm wearing a coral colored skirt, which is my favorite, and because it's my former Tumblr Username. Follow me guys!

Every girl has her own flaws and one common thing is having a sexy body.

You don't need a sexy body to look good. All you need is confidence to look better and have it at your best. Confidence is something a girl needs to flaunt her style and beauty. Yes you're wearing the most beautiful and expensive designer pieces on Earth but it doesn't mean you'll look prettier than any other girls out there. It may be a plus but without confidence, all of it will be useless.

I thought this hairstyle was easy to do but heck I was wrong. If you would notice, I'm sweating in this picture. Hahaha! 

Thank you eFoxcity.com for sending me this very cute necklace! :) Visit their online shop. In case you need to attend a wedding or a party that needs a perfect dress, they also sell cheap clothing online and bridesmaid dresses.

Cheap bridesmaid dresses

Fashion Evening dresses

You can find anything that's at its best at this cheap clothing online! 

Dress from Greenhills | Necklace from eFoxcity.com | Shoes gifted

Just a quick post for today! Tehehe! ;)

I wore this last Wednesday to accompany my Mom for some errands. And because it's the first Wednesday of the month, we went to Baclaran Church in Pasay, City. It's our family tradition (actually, my mom's tradition) to attend a Novena Mass at Baclaran every first Wednesday of the month. I'm so banal na. Hahahaha

Yay. My summer escapade will start in a bit. We're off to Palawan later so I might not be able to post this week.

Enjoy your summer guys! :)

When they saw me wearing this cute dress, my friends said that I'm like gonna be married because of its color-- which is true, that's why I agreed to them. I am so glad that they all liked this dress and I got so many compliments about this. To be honest, I like this one, more than my gown :D

If you've been a reader of my blog, you would be familiarized to the story of my debut party. I guess I don't want to tell it again and again. Tired of dramas :/

Last January 26,2013, I attended the debut of my Childhood bestfriend. Hi Queen! :) I was really waiting for that day to come because she will turn into a real lady. By the way, her name is Lady Queen, cute right? And also the fact that I will be dressing up that night. Hahaha. I was expecting that I will be home on or before 8pm because  my class in Manila ends at 5:30pm and my travel time is almost 1 and a half hour. Good thing, there's a van waiting to fill in when I came in the terminal. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to spend more time with Kapre (a Filipino horror character; he's a special someone)-- the person who calls me "White Lady" :">

Anyway, about my outfit, you will see this dress on my upcoming post again, so watch for it :) I really planned to be simple yet elegant that night so I opt for a white dress and a sweet pair of shoes. That pair has got to be my favorite.

As what I've promised on my past posts about my debut, here are the pictures of me, wearing my gown.

I hope you like it as much as I hate it. Hahahaha kidding! (I'm so bitter! -____- )

Before I reveal my actual Debut photos, I would like to share some pictures before I walk and sit in front of the people. Say hi to Ara, my make-up artist. Hahaha Kidding! Hello Ara! :) So here are the pictures of me while preparing for my special night. This was taken beside the terrace in my venue where I held my party.

To celebrate my friend's birthday, this was what I wore on her debut last December 8, 2012.

As stated in her invitation, "wear your most fashionable outfit" so this is the idea for me. Corset + Cute Cardi + Shinny Shorts + Nude Wedges = Yeah! :D

If you would notice, I was wearing stockings? Why?

Because I had to hide my wound on my knee. Malas ko no? I bought my outfit the same day I had my knee wounded.

Here's the story about how I got that freakin' wound.

I went to Greenhills to buy clothes for my friend's debut. My mom texts me that we need to go to the couturier for my upcoming debut. I headed there straight. The place is so dark, if there would be lights, it would be just few and dim. And guess what? The place is around a cemetery! As we were walking, we're all scaring each other and we saw a man running. When he saw us, he stops and walked fast. Hahaha that's why my sister and I laughed about it. We walked, talked, and laughed. And what happened to me was just so irritating. My right leg fell on a narrow canal. It was so deep that it even reached my knee. If it was just shallow, I would not get that serious damage on my knee. Perfect for the debut :(