I was so amused after reading this article at inq7.net. I hope you get to have fun after reading this too.
The Superwoman era is over
By Thelma Sioson San Juan
Inquirer
Last updated 09:20pm (Mla time) 01/11/2007
Published on page D3 of the January 12, 2007 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
WHY?
AT THE END of the year, in the threshold of a new year, we always find
ourselves asking why things happen or don’t. We fumble in the dark for
reasons. Often, factual answers never do come. Sometimes enlightenment
dawns on you if you’re lucky.
Such is the case especially when tragedy strikes, like losing a
loved one. At the dawn of 2007, the lifestyle circle has lost two of
its most vibrant, young and good men. EJ Litton, the man who helped
build Strumms and Dish, a mover of Manila’s night life, passed away
after a debilitating battle with cancer. Joel Tantoco, scion of the
Rustan’s family, succumbed to bangungot, a sudden-death syndrome
suffered mostly by Asian men.
EJ and Joel were at the prime of their lives. More important, they
were well-liked and loved. Joel was the man behind the fashion shows
our fashion editors staged at Rustan’s last year, an unassuming yet
very warm and friendly presence in the social crowd.
We were lucky to have at least worked with him.
Gone too soon. Why, we ask of fate. We can only condole with their loved ones, we cannot give the answers. Nobody can.
What this new year brings us, or me at least, is the realization
that there comes a point in your life when you stop looking for reasons
in every nook and cranny of your life. You cannot be in control 24/7.
There comes a point when you yield control to your colleagues, to your
loved ones, to a higher being, to the universe. You can’t be
all-knowing and all-seeing, you realize finally.
Live in the moment. That’s what we told each other in previous
years—how one must maximize the present instead of worrying about the
future. To that, we add in contrast, tune out of the moment. Detach
yourself from it.
Sometimes, we get buried in the clutter of the day, when the worries
of yesterday jam with the pressures of today. If only to have clarity
and discernment, it pays to get out of the moment and see it from a
distance, as if behind some screen or curtain that filters things.
Filtering, de-cluttering, tuning out—you need them in this day of
info overload and stress. You must de-clutter, do away with people and
things that merely clog up your life. You must discern and choose who
and which moment/event you should take seriously, and who and which you
should pass up. You can’t go through everything, you can’t handle
everyone.
You’re not Superwoman. No such creature—that’s news for you in 2007.
Superwomen and superheroes are carryovers from the ’80s when yuppies
wanted to have it all. Now you realize life is too short to have it
all. More important, you don’t need to have it all.
We asked some colleagues and friends, as we do each year, how they
are, at what stage they are in their lives, and their wish for 2007 for
themselves. Interesting, inspiring answers:
Margarita Fores, who just survived cancer: After
the life-changing events in 2006, I find myself in a happily
enlightened and thankful state. Year of the Boar, 2007, is my year. It
also ushers in my 20th year in the business. I wish for enough time and
opportunities to show my appreciation to all those who have helped me
and touched me throughout this very blessed period in my life.
May it also wave a magic wand and cast good luck and energy on the many new things I still want to do.
Alya Honasan: Let’s call it the stage of creative
acceptance. I’ve learned to find happiness where I can, despite life’s
difficulties. I’ve come to terms with what I still can and can no
longer do. I’m hoping I discover more things I didn’t know I could do
in 2007. Pwedeng bumati?
Lorraine Belmonte: I’m in a great place now. I’m
at peace with who I am and satisfied with what I’ve accomplished in my
career. My daughter is successful, too. So for 2007 I think I’ll just
chill—and try some growth hormones!
Louie Cruz: I am just at the foot of the mountain
and I want to reach the top this year despite being aware that it was
just always beautiful at the bottom.
Ben Chan: My passion for my business and craft has
remained the same as when I started 20 years ago. We celebrate 20 years
of Bench, we’d like to give back something to the people. We’re
launching the Bench Conscience book, which hopes to create awareness
and promote the importance of education through reading.
Ambeth Ocampo: I’m 45 and thinking of what I will
do and what I’m still capable of doing when I retire at 60. I haven’t
published any book since I was appointed chair of the National
Hysterical (he means Historical) Institute, so this year I want to
complete unfinished books, start others while continuing to teach
history as best as I can.
Ces Drilon: I’m at the stage where I’m back doing
what I love best: reporting. I’m out in the field again, chasing
stories. It’s exhilarating. I’m also at the point in my life where
there is more clarity about what I want, where I’m going, and there is
little room for compromises. I’m hoping to start building a house and
also work on a book project. I’m truly in an exciting phase.
Conrad Onglao: I’m at a stage of full contentment,
happiness, peace. And whatever comes along is nothing but icing on the
cake. My wish to find a partner has finally happened and now my life is
complete (wonderful children, great career and the woman of my life). I
can’t wish for more for myself.
Albert Almendralejo: It’s payback time. Paying
back through time, money and resources for my family for providing me
love and support during my low moments. For my school San Beda for
nurturing and educating me to be a man for others, and for my country
for providing an environment for business to thrive. I hope 2007 will
pave the way for clean and honest elections and political stability.
