#one mega group

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 16

Thank you, Tony Stark, for giving me one of the least stressful Fridays I've had in a while.

For the third straight day, Cy scheduled a product shoot. This time, we found ourselves in the non-airconditioned, warehouse-like CW Home Depot establishment.

Spread out over two stories' worth of space, they had a wide array of appliances, tools, and furniture. Thankfully, we only had to sort through the latter.

In front of the platform placed by the second floor escalators, photographer Mike set up his camera and tripod. For the next two hours, the CW staff loaded wooden/glass coffee, dining tables, chairs, couches, beds, bureaus, and chests.

Given the number of items they housed, Cy was particularly grateful for Gayle's expert eye (herself an interior designer in training and about to take the board exam with twin Love in a few months) in choosing pieces to feature and which to leave on the floor.

Though Cy had her personal picks, she wasn't yet 100% confident about all of them. "Nakita na yan ni Gayle kanina pero 'di niya pinili e," she answered when I pointed out an ebony wooden shelf that I could see in a modern-inspired setting.

I was also given the chance to voice out my opinions -- something that I was flattered about and took advantage of. But I needed more practice, perhaps occasions when I could see other designers style shoots for one of our titles and get a better idea of the do's and don't's of the home and design field.

Originally, we wanted to shoot more than 20 furnishings, but the CW staff seemingly could not assist us during the lunch hour. Though slightly ticked off (we hadn't had lunch yet either), we packed up a few pieces too early and made our way to MC Home Depot.

Another warehouse-like establishment, MC only had boutiques surrounding a central area where tools, tiles, and appliances were stacked. After about twenty minutes of scanning their stores, we concluded that a shoot wasn't worth it.

Gayle and Cy were especially excited as we went to the nearest McDonald's for lunch. Ms. Judith, in her jubilation over closing the June issues of MH and CL, apparently promised the staff a movie treat -- Iron Man 3 at the Podium later that afternoon. Considering the double dose of unwanted stress that everyone took on this early in the year, a free movie was just what they needed.

When we got back to the office, I only had to list down the prices for the pieces we got from CW and answer a surprise call from MC clarifying that the shoot didn't push through. Then I was free to enjoy my (unfortunately) Tony Stark-free weekend.

P.S.: I checked my log for internship hours and it turns out that I've rendered 157.5 hours (minus the hour-long lunch breaks) over a three-week period. I've been asked to extend for one more week of shoots, yay!

P.P.S.: It felt a little bad to be left behind for the Iron Man 3 experience. And also a bit embarrassing when Gayle assumed I was invited and going. But privileges like that, I realized, are earned not freely given. Maybe when I actually make a big enough contribution to an issue, I can get an actual invitation to a movie or lunch/dinner out with the rest of the MH, CL, BP people.

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 15

It took me longer than usual to dress up for work yesterday. A full day of product and vignette shoots lay ahead, and I wanted to look more than just an unpaid though willing lackey.

First stop was Abitare at the Crown Tower in Salcedo Village, Makati. With me and Cy were Studio 100 photographer John and intern Carlo. The former made the travel less dull and the traffic less stressful by cracking jokes -- mostly at Cy's expense.

When we arrived at the whitewashed, possibly most posh furniture store I've been to, Ms. Jeanne unfortunately informed us that the CD (which contained hi-res photos of their latest collection) we were about to pick up was still unavailable.

Cy made a quick decision to come back the next day instead. In minutes, we were back out in the bustling Makati streets.

Next stop was the Shangri-La Hotel where we spent almost 10 minutes going around the second floor retail arcade -- the enlisted address for Living Innovations -- trying to find the said store. We asked the hotel's guards and receptionists who each gave somewhat incomplete and confusing directions. We were starting to get frustrated, to be honest.

Thankfully, my new glasses proved worth the splurge as I saw the minute Living Innovations sign on one of the glass doors that bordered the GROUND FLOOR of Shangri-La. Up a flight of stairs, the shop had a spacious showroom where shooting vignettes took less than an hour.

They had pieces that I would die to have in my own home. But considering that they wanted their products to be listed with 'price available upon request,' I would probably have to give up a home in exchange for a piece.

Ms. Eugenie also led us to Bulthaup right next door where their state-of-the-art, minimalist kitchen set-ups were housed. One was perfect for a family of about five, I would imagine. While the other scene we shot fit right in a condo or apartment as John noted.

The Bulthaup staff, I saw, weren't that pleased to see visitors come through their doors. Or did I imagine it? The most they did to assist us was taking away an accessory that seemed out of place. Then the woman who I assumed was the manager simply went to the back of the boutique. We could hear her chatting with two other staff members while we lifted tarpaulins and adjusted lights. Even the security personnel was more helpful.

By the time we finished, it was time for lunch. We were on our way to New Manila by then. To save on gas and time, we grabbed a quick lunch at a fastfood chain -- a few minutes away from our third destination, Interior Design Options.

There was a misunderstanding, though. Our contact gave us a clearance to shoot, but only pieces from their newest line. The rest, especially the accessories which we had already begun to note, were not to be photographed.

Our disappointment ebbed considerably when we saw the armchair in gray and black comic print. Other contemporary furnishings included: an armoire and armchair with royal figures (think Sir Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth I) superimposed on them.

The shoot at Interior Design Options took less time than we anticipated, albeit due to the confusion. But we happily headed to our last stop for the day: Loft Details Furnishing in Libis.

They were as accommodating as the Bulthaup people were eager to chat among themselves. At least two people were with us, helping us note names and prices of pieces. They didn't hesitate to bring tables, chairs, chaise longues in glass, marble, leather from one side of the room to the other so we could get the perfect composition.

We shot set-ups of living and dining areas. There was an Asian-inspired bed that had built-in reading lamps by the headboard. Chairs with names such as Prada and Rihanna were photographed as well.

From Cy, I learned that not everything I liked automatically translated to what readers preferred. Moms, I had to remind myself several times throughout the day. Moms were our target market.

Another important consideration was the price of each item. My eyes would sometimes bug out as I looked at tags. Surely 10 other pairs of flats would be a better choice ten times over than a lamp? But I'm not a homeowner, not a mom. Maybe ample lighting is above footwear concern for most of our readers.

My ineptness aside, I couldn't disagree with Cy's choices regarding which pieces to feature and which to leave on the showroom floor. They were pieces that were not only decorative but also functional --  features that would justify their five- to six-figure prices.

By 5 p.m., we were back at the OMG office. And while I typed up the price list for the last store, I thought that dressing the part of a professional certainly helped me act like one. Here's to more product shoots, hand-shaking, and cardigan-wearing in the future!

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 14

“Good afternoon, this is Trixia from MyHome magazine…”

I have to admit hearing myself say those words brought a thrill that I’ve never felt before.

But what followed made me feel even giddier, “I’d just like to ask where we can send an e-mail regarding a product shoot?”

For most of the day, I helped out Cy in putting together suppliers’ contact details for a week-long shoot for MyHomeDesign.ph. It was her biggest project since becoming online associate this year so I understood her apprehension and her need for everything to go right if not perfect.

But first, I had to update the site’s directory by going through BluPrint’s latest list of outstanding interior designers, architects, and graphic artists. I expected everyone on the list to have if not their own site then at least a Facebook page where their portfolio can be displayed. To my disappointment and slight bafflement, a few had overlooked (or deliberately eschewed?) the importance of making themselves seen, read, and heard online.

This didn’t change the fact that their talent was noteworthy, however. There were features in other publications that came before BluPrint’s recognition of their talent. And the testimonies from clients and critics alike were enough to convince me that if I were to build a house anytime soon, these were the people I’d want to work with.

My dream team includes:

- Buensalido Architects

- Edwin Uy (architect)

- Karina Cortez (interior designer)

- Buck Sia (architect)

- Jagnus Design Studio

- Sheryl Germino (interior designer)

*Better grab a copy of BluPrint’s May issue to see why I like them so much. Ha!*

Houses weren’t the only focus, though. Graphic artists were given their spreads too. What better exposure than a glossy touted as the “Design Sourcebook”. Even with the eye of a novice (like mine), I could see why these people had such a huge following and were recognized internationally.

Personal picks include:

- Happy Garaje

- !nodoro

Don’t let their ethnic-sounding brand names fool you. Their art comes with a level of sophistication yet unmatched here or abroad.

*Better grab a copy of BluPrint’s May issue to see why I like them so much. Ha!*

With more than 100 hours under my belt, I hope I get the chance to meet at least a few of them. The technicalities of interior design, architecture, and graphics may be lost on me sometimes, but I’m eagerly learning. And it won’t be such a stretch to hear myself say these words again in the future, “This is Trixia from MyHome/CondoLiving/BluPrint magazine…”

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 13

On the morning of the first Friday of May, I was to be found enjoying a sushi breakfast with nary a care in the world in a nearly un-peopled section of editorial. Most of the home and design team was either having a late morning or, in Mykie’s case, having a much-needed nap on his desk.

Heavy traffic due to a C-5 road accident coupled with a commotion that had police cars trooping over to nearby Emerald Mansion caused Cy to come in an hour later than usual. With her arrival came the official start of work as well.

First stop was the office library – a pocket of soft sunlight and magazines from every publishing outfit imaginable. I had become somewhat of a regular visitor, borrowing titles for both research and leisure.

That morning, I spent a few minutes browsing through BluPrint’s past issues to look for features on the Buensalido Architects headed by husband-and-wife team Jason and Nikki Buensalido.

I’d developed a fascination for the couple after Cy discussed the possibility of joining the MyHome Today crew as they shot another episode, this time featuring the Buensalidos’ home.

A Google search yielded links to broadsheet articles not just about their latest structural ventures but the story behind their partnership. Stories of success are always made more interesting (for me, at least) when they are motivated by childhood dreams or a shared love – for architecture and each other as with the Buensalidos.

To understand what makes this couple so appealing, read these: <http://www.philstar.com/modern-living/2012-08-11/836922/home-jason-nikki-buensalido-young-positive-faithful-creative> and <http://www.philstar.com/allure/751996/have-and-hold>. And check out how the Buensalidos combine their modern vision with Filipino culture through their designs here: <buensalidoarchitects.com>.

With my research thorough, I moved on to completing my second ‘Happy New Things’ contribution. Once again, I scoured Pinterest and what seemed like every DIY blog ever published.

Posts ranged from those that screamed “cost-free,” like a decorative mirror made from cereal boxes, to those that demanded the “artist’s touch,” such as a pendant light comprised of drink parasols.

It occurred to me, after hours of combing through each project that could potentially appear in CondoLiving’s pages, that home and design or lifestyle matters don’t have (and shouldn’t be!) delegated as middle-or upper-class concerns only. They shouldn’t be dismissed as frivolous, merely for those with time to kill or with nothing better to do.

I’ve seen the intensity with which MH, CL, and BP people work. Believe me when I say that it is not for lack of time or better things to do that they produce issue after issue.

Taste, sophistication, and budget may differ from one person to the next. But based on what I’ve seen, they all share the desire to make the home a better place. And that can never be considered trivial or light.

Nine hours after my Friday began, I was to be found walking on the streets of Ortigas looking forward to a quiet evening in. Or maybe gathering cereal boxes, glue, and what was left of my creative juices to see where they can take me.

Thank god it’s Friday.

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 12

In her signature brisk, frank manner, Ms. Judith asked, “Oh! What are you doing for us? Are you bored to tears?”

I had come back from a late lunch to find everyone back from taking the morning’s “family portrait” (read: every staff member glammed up for a shoot). Up until half past noon, I was by myself in editorial as I made a profile for the six most common types of interior design: modern, contemporary, eclectic (a personal favorite), minimalist, Asian, and Mediterranean.

They were to be used for a personal style quiz for MyHomeDesign.ph readers. Funny thing was that I may have been one of the quiz authors, but I had a lot to learn too. A day ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between modern and minimalist.

Aren’t they the same? I would’ve thought. They’re not, my research would show me.

I began with the most familiar (obviously, the Asian style) and saved the least familiar (Mediterranean) for last. Each style had its appeal. I loved the feel of the latter because it channeled the tropics and made any space look like an island paradise. It was all about recreating sand and surf through color, furniture, and structure.

I couldn’t help being drawn back again and again to the eclectic look, however. One particular site described it as “all about mixing rather than matching,” and I felt that if anyone could understand what that meant, it was me.

Even at home, our gold-and-nude printed couch was set alongside what my dad proudly called antique “Erap” chairs, apparently inspired by the disgraced (then pardoned) president. We had a vintage Tiffany lamp – not unlike the one seen in every FRIENDS episode’s opening credits – placed by my baby brother’s wooden toy cow and toddler-sized plastic motorcycle.

Our furnishings were as varied as our brood. Dad was biased towards the almost-clinical simplicity of minimalism, while my stepmom felt an affinity for the rustic. My brother preferred the über-masculinity he saw in black glass and stainless steel. Pops of color and vintage pieces were what excited me most.

As for my baby brother? Well, any space big enough for him to run around, jump and hide in would do.

Perhaps in a couple of years, I’d be able to convince my parents to hire a designer. I don’t want our house to simply look and feel new, but to reflect the underlying connection among our seemingly contrasting views.

Of course, I couldn’t let thoughts of home overwhelm me. Next on my to-do list was to help out Love with CL’s ‘Happy New Things’ again. The first batch of 30 DIY furniture and accessories that I sent were apparently not enough.

‘Choosy kasi si Ms. Judith,’ Love explained.

The web teemed with every DIY blog imaginable. A favorite aggregator was Pinterest from which I chose “finalists” to be included in the ‘Happy New Things’ shortlist. There must’ve been at least 20 tabs open on my browser at any given time during my two hours of research. Because while the blogs and featured works were plenty, good taste was not.

I had not worked long enough at OMG to master what goes in and what gets booted out of an issue. Although in my own way, I was starting to get what works and what doesn’t.

So by the time Ms. Judith came by my desk to ask if I was “bored to tears,” I thought that with so much going on with and around me, I would have to have a very thick skull to let boredom get the better of me.

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 11

I felt a little alone at work yesterday.

It could've been the placement of my new "permanent" desk which, unfortunately, isn't on the same row as the home and design team. Love and Gayle were right behind me, but they came in late to work so for most of the morning, I had only the Internet and a McDonald's meal to keep me company. It didn't help that Aisne, the third person nearest me, was at a shoot with Iggy for BluPrint. Sybil arrived earlier than me while Cy came in a few minutes after me. But they were both seated on the opposite side of the MyHome half-wall divider, which made small talk awkward. Denise and Mykie had their own thing as usual.

Fortunately, Cy found me something to do: write an introduction for MyHome Today's 8th episode airing on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on ANC (shameless plug). This particular episode featured Artlab, the Syjucos' -- a family of modern artisans -- house-turned-gallery.

It was a bit frustrating, though, to write about something that I had not seen or had not known about less than a minute ago. But in the age of the Internet, no one really has an excuse for not knowing or, at the very least, not being aware of even the most obscure information. I did my research and sent the post -- a cross between a teaser and a behind-the-scenes look -- to Cy.

The lunch hour came and I found myself in Wendy's with Cy, Sybil, Love, and Gayle. The last had no qualms sharing the latest developments in her lovelife. She convinced Cy to do the same, while Sybil, Love, and I listened. And towards the end, Love asked me if I had a boyfriend or if someone was courting me. All I could was smile and shake my head.

"It's complicated," Cy said with a laugh. She knew more about that particular aspect of my life than the others did. As much as I wanted to share, Wendy's didn't feel like the ideal place to have a heart-to-heart with new friends.

We were back at our desks after about an hour. Love gave me three of the latest CondoLiving issues and showed the section called 'Happy New Things'. New life is given to household items that people would usually discard by turning them into decorative and sometimes even innovative pieces.

She wanted to turn in her research early, Love said. Each issue had six to nine items in 'Happy New Things' so it was up to me to look for around 30 items for the next four issues. Excesses were a must as all items were subject to Ms. Judith's discriminating taste.

"You also have to choose. 'Wag lang yung baduy... And keep in mind that it has to be used in a condo, not a house," Love added.

A couple of hours later, Aisne and Iggy were back from their shoot. However, their return was short-lived as they, along with the rest of the staff, were set to leave for an invitation-only event by an interior designer whose name has yet to matter to me.

Cy came by my desk to tell me that if I had nothing else to do, I could go home early as well. I was only halfway through 'Happy New Things' by then, but the prospect of leaving the office before the skies went completely dark kept me motivated.

At 5 p.m., I sent my completed research to Love. I looked at the nearly-empty MyHome/BluPrint/CondoLiving row and half-expected to see the top of Iggy’s, Cy’s and Sybil’s heads just beyond the divider. But of course, they weren’t there.

I thought of some of my friends who could barely contain their excitement as they counted down the days ‘til their 150 hours were up. Was I the only one not looking forward to the prospect of leaving the office for the last time?

I would miss the state-of-the-art elevators, the OMG lobby, the smell of new clothes and newly-printed magazines, my desk, and most of all the people. But will my looming absence even be noticed?

Or will it just be like it was yesterday: everyone going about their business as usual, while I put myself in a funk.

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Working Girl Series: Entry 10

Save for a teaser of about 200 words on the upcoming MyHome Today episode showcasing Cintai Corito's Garden in Batangas and a task for Aisne that involved taping, packing, and lifting, today was a relatively light work day. It was different for everyone else, I'm sure. But that's what sets apart the intern from the actual paid professionals -- they have duties, while I ask for them.

Nonetheless, it was still a Monday to remember since I got to join the rest of the home and design team plus James at lunch. Except for artists Mykie and Denise, who had a world of their own, we were complete.

We went to Brasas at the Podium, where Mexican food in huge-ass servings had me wondering where the hell I was supposed to find space in my still-full stomach (from Sunday's Cravings excursion with the family) for a plate-and-a-half's worth of chicken salad with honey lime dijon dressing.

As each of our eight meals arrived, I saw how close twins Love and Gayle really were, how fluidly Aisne could transition from talking about the Lakers' quarterfinals exit with Iggy and James to laughing because of Love's Cebu photographer-turned-stalker. Cy and Sybil, though relatively more quiet than the rest, always knew when to throw in a line or two into the conversation.

They were also on the same page when it came to other members of the staff. I, along with six others at the table, could barely keep my laughter in as Iggy got a surprise call from the formidable Ms. Judith.

He stared at the phone for a few seconds before answering, as though debating whether to press "accept" or "decline". As he talked, his voice took on a professional tone -- something that had been missing during the course of our meal. He couldn't do or say anything as Gayle took photos of him from across the table as he self-consciously talked to our editor. In retaliation, he told Ms. Judith that Gayle had something to tell. And the latter had no choice but to take the phone Iggy teasingly offered.

Just where did I fit in this little group? After 10 days of limited contact with them, I think it's still too early to tell. But already, Cy and I have found each other's company good enough for a certain level of confidence. Love and Gayle also reach out at least twice a day to ask how I'm doing. Aisne and Iggy have no problem teasing me about the amount of work they give me. Sibyl and I have yet to share a substantial conversation, but I feel as light around her as I do with Cy.

My social skills as applied in professional situations still leave a lot to be desired. But I'm fairly confident that, in time (and hopefully before my 150 hours are up), I'll finally be able to join mealtime banter without worrying or overthinking every word and every joke. At least once, I want to actually enjoy yet another overpriced meal in Ortigas with my mentors-slash-future-co-workers.

[still-writingfrommycorner]

Dabbed into a bit of PR writing.