Dissecting the metrosexual
Good job on this one! - Wanggo Gallaga, Lifestyle Editor, Chalk Magazine
For the first time ever, Jan Sy* agreed to have someone ask him more than two personal questions in one sitting! He reveals his insightful and caring persona as he opens up about med school, family and the love of his life.
The well-dressed guy sitting very upright at the back table of Friday’s Grill and Restaurant was not hard to miss. As I glided myself in a seat across him, I admired his nicely-rolled up button downs and couldn’t help but feel underdressed with my tee and jeans ensemble. His warm smile was returned with a big one and a peck on the cheek, he is just too hard to resist. Heck, give him a pale, glistening complexion and he could pass for Edward Cullen’s twin brother!
The not-so simple life: Living with Jan
Jan began the chat with disclosing his morning rituals. Besides the usual cleaning and grooming, people will be surprised that he also knows how to blow-dry, iron his hair straight and expertly use spider wax. “All these can take me an hour or so…” Indeed, Jan scores higher than the average guy in grooming 101. “So you’re metrosexual?” I asked. He answered with a chuckle, “No, we all know everyone just wants to look good. But yes… I guess I want to look and smell better than most guys.”
But there’s more to Jan than his vanity and hair tools. God, his family and close friends are his source of inspiration. He also likes lending a hand to those in need. “Spiritual help is the most important thing we can extend to someone. Like if they’re dying, at least I can help his soul gain eternal life.”
While he admits that he love his family, he can’t say they are close with his parents and three younger sisters for three reasons. One, because he is quiet and doesn’t interact with his family much. “We’re somewhere between chummy and civil. I’m not a verbal person but we have our share of laughter.” Two, he can be a bully sometimes. “As the eldest and only son, I can let my younger siblings do the work for me. I’m treated differently because I’m unique.” And three, “I’m not a fan of nagging and incessant questions and I get that a lot from them,” he kids.
The 23-year old University of Santo Tomas medical student believes medicine is the most logical marriage of all his interests: information, science and dealing with people. He states, “I like knowing stuff and I see myself as a doctor with his own hospital in the future.”
Jan is one of those who don’t have to study much as knowledge and information come to his head easily, yet there’s still a downside to it. “I wish I didn’t achieve things as easily as I did. It made me lazy, complacent and oblivious with the value of hard work.” Jan, unfortunately, had to file a leave of absence on medical school this school year due to burnout and loss of interest. Good thing, Jan still values education and shares he can’t wait to come back and hit the books come next school year. “I want to take a break from my long vacation! I just need to be more diligent.” Hopefully, he will be on his way to success.
As a man of few words; Jan rarely speaks about his feelings. But what he lacks in the speech department, he makes up for his thoughtful actions. Back in college, he surprised his girlfriend Georgina* with a bouquet of pink roses. On her Psychology and Emotions class. On Valentine’s Day.
When asked what he would like to buy if someone gives him P25, 000, his quick answer was a laptop for his girlfriend as she badly needs it. Jan wants to put his girlfriend’s needs first before his, but is glum with the fact that reality prevents him to do so. “I don’t have much to give to her right now as I don’t work yet, but I always make it a point to help her out and make her feel loved.” He reveals how Georgina makes his heart flutter with just her simplest attributes, “I like how round her eyes are and how her hair still looks nice even if a lot of strands are not in place.” On a deeper note, he said that George is the only right thing in his life right now. “She makes me happy; she supports me and helps me out when I’m in trouble.” Now isn’t he a sweetheart?
annaxmalina