I JUST TURNED 23

I’m quite lucky.

Despite all the shit life’s throwing at me at work, I have a wonderful family that supports me, an encouraging partner whose ears are always for my ranting, a cute dog that makes me smile; and friends who are always there for my aid.

I recently celebrated my 23rd Birthday, and I did it at one of my bestfriend’s house, as a treat from her family(** thanks a lot Tita! You’re really sweet J ). My friends are the siblings I never had; precisely because my brothers and I aren’t really close (but we’re okay). There to celebrate with me was JM, our dog Miguelito, my straight-bestfriend Gary, my two straight-bestfriends (female) Candy & Arianne, and my rainbow-bestfriend, Ramon. Also there were our favorite Tita Lanie, single, successful, and gorgeous; as well as Tito Cesar & Tita Carol Drilon – Candy’s parents.

To be honest, I really didn’t feel like celebrating my 23rd Birthday…

Since March, I have been contemplating on whether I’m in the right career path; primarily because right now, I’m 90% unhappy with my job (if you’ve been reading my previous blog, you’d understand). Because of all the stress at work – (1) work itself, (2) my qualms at work on whether I should leave or not (3) and my broken perceptions of people in the office, I felt like celebrating my birthday would be futile.

My friend Candy called it a Birthday Dinner, so I suppose that’s fine J hehe.

People say that on your birthday, you are entitled to one special wish; and knowing me, I took that prerogative to the grain. Unfortunately, until know, it hasn’t exactly materialized, yet. What I wished for my birthday was “enlightenment.” At this point where my mind is all mixed with emotions, objectivity, work, and everything else in-between, I asked God for enlightenment and for me to see the painting clearly. To be more specific, I seek wisdom to know how to go about my professional career… to provide me signs if I should take a leap to the other industry which I like best, or stay and “learn” in my current one.

At the end of the day, I know that it is I who will walk through the door; and He can only show me the way. – Noted.

I believe I’m seeing it, bit by bit, and I’m getting there.

At the end of the day, I feel lucky with everything, every person, every relationship that I have for the past 23 years.

As for my problems, I just turned 23, and I suppose, it is part of growing up.


PS: thanks for all those who greeted me on my special day. May you be blessed, and find peace. J

24 Hours of Flickr

Flickr has had it again! I must say i'm impressed with the new initiative which makes communities closer in a global world. check it out:

What happens around the world in one day? In a word – life. Here on Flickr, photographers are sharing what they see: snapping daily moments, recording history, telling stories, capturing beauty.
To celebrate this global community, we invite you to join us in "24 Hours of Flickr" – a day-long global photo project. On May 5, 2007, grab your camera and whatever else you need, and chronicle your day in pictures. The group's photos will be featured at Flickr events around the world this summer and in a companion book, which will contain a selection of photographs chosen from the group (more about this soon!).
Join the "24 Hours of Flickr" group to get ready for the big day!

Advocacy Building, My Tondo Experience, and my Two Cents on WHY WE ARE A POOR COUNTRY

Tondo – located at one of the districts of metro manila, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the Philippines, and in the world. A place notorious for being the poorest yet most undeveloped district of the country, where many of the city’s slums are found.

My first time to go in Tondo was around last year, when I helped out in the traffic and road safety event for a client. Never insinuating that I am sheltered, (because I’m not), I got a taste of how it is in Tondo. I never thought I’d be coming back to this area; but then again, never say never.

I’m currently doing an advocacy project for a client where vegetable consumption among Filipino kids is encouraged. With this as the ultimate foundation, we found a story of a kid in Tondo who attributes his poor school performance to his low vegetable consumption (primarily because he lacks nutrients that make him lethargic and perform poorly in school).

We booked Magandang Umaga Pilipinas – a top-rating morning show in ABS CBN – to tape a segment that revolves around this story. As a standard operating procedure, I had to make sure the characters were prepared for this taping; hence, a proper media briefing was in order. So a day before taping, I went back to the slums of Tondo, and had my media briefing with the kid, and his grandmother. It was a Tuesday, April 24, 2007, and my car was color coded; hence, I took a cab going to the area.

While waiting for the TV crew, I was walking around the compound of Don Bosco Youth Training Center, in Tondo. There, written on cartolinas, were rates of the coming year’s tuition fees for kinder garden – Php. 1800 for the whole year. It got me thinking, I pay Php. 2330 for my Fitness First membership every month, while these people make ends meet to educate their child for Php 1800 A YEAR.

Shocking, and Sad.

A part of me was guilty of indulging because I can; while a part of me was mad at our history, which caused a domino-effect and has partly catalyzed poverty.

I’m not an expert in Philippine History, but here’s my two cents:

Pre-Colonial (Hispanic), time:
The population was low, and resources were high. People had fewer demands/expectations/temptations, while the basic needs remain the same.

Fine, let go on.

Spanish Era:
Spaniards came and conquered our land. To gain trust and confidence with local tribes, SOME Datus were bribed with gold, and promise of land; while others were forced through “guns.”

Intermarriage between natives and Spaniards happened; giving birth to an elevation, in status, of these “local” families. These families had more land and money. They produced off-springs, who inherited these fortunes. These families had the same surnames prominent today – Cojuanco, Ayala, Zobel, Lopez, to name a few. (I may be wrong with some families, but I’m sure at least one family in that roster is correct).

They had haciendas that had native workers, harvesting what is to become fortune for them. Land was the currency, and they had it.

American Era:
The Americans came and “freed” our nation (that’s another story). In the politics of conquering, you need to have the right people on your side. Who do they tap: These rich families because practically, they control the country. So yada, yada, yada, we became independent from the Americans while the rich became richer and richer.

Marcos Era:
Still, the rich families were unharmed until Martial Law. The Economy worsened.

Post Marcos Presidents:

Cojuanco-Aquino: the name alone, strikes a tone of “why am I not surprised.” Of course, prominent families had the “right” to be in power, because since time-immemorial, they are the ones “in the circle.”

Ramos: the Philippines became a Tiger Economy. Kudos. Of course, there were anomalies, like any administration, but my personal view says that he has done his share in improving the country.

Estrada: Impeached.

Arroyo: a lesser Evil.

One would argue: other countries in Europe, had feudal systems that similarly gave more power to certain families over “normal families,” and yet, they are developed, or not as bad as the Philippines.

There’s some truth in this argument. This is precisely because the future of a nation – whether to be developed or not – is a choice of its people.

At a certain point, Filipinos have been bruised too much with abuse. Perhaps some are blinded, and have no hope. While others who do have hope and ability to speak out, are trapped with bureaucracy and red tape.


My experience in Tondo was both bitter sweet. You see a depressed area, and yet, an area that has concern in improving itself; if only given the proper opportunity.

The country will elect new leaders this coming May 14, 2007. I wonder if their “promises” include plans in helping out Tondo. I’m sure the local officials running for the said area does; but will it materialize?

When will we learn?


Note: my opinions here may have a lot of false generalization, but I don’t have the time to discuss everything in detail. Let’s have tea and discuss then, if you don’t agree. J

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too BIG or not too BIG?

People keep telling me to drink Iced Green Teas/ or those Lipton Tea Bags (hot tea), to lose weight.

Effective ba?

I've lost weight before na with Hydroxicut and boxing/running everyday. But this time, i want to do it the healthy way.

share some thoughts.

Thanks.

the ITCH

Background music: I’m changing by Jennifer Hudson (OST: Dreamgirls)




We all have it, and sometimes, we can’t help but scratch.

In a life where everything seems so frivol, fleeting, and fast, we are left confused and in a position where we suffer from – the itch.

My college Yahoo! Groups’ quite active in sentiments relating to our respective careers, being that we’ve all just recently graduated in 2006. Indeed, there are those who are unsatisfied with their work, company environment, and what have you; while others, are flourishing in their respective fields.

I, on the other hand, am not spared from the ITCH sentiment either. I’ve been in one of the biggest PR agency in the country for almost a year now, and have been trusted with multinational accounts, primarily doing client servicing that includes branding communications and media relations.

My 1-year-old career, in my opinion, is doing well. I’ve met some of the most important people in multinationals – both regionally and locally – and for a fresh graduate at that time, it was something to be proud of. More importantly, i’ve helped in the executions of campaigns unprecedented in the company – both in terms of creatives and concept.

But I am experiencing the itch.

Recently, I’ve been contemplating on whether I am for “public relations.” In college, I’ve always said that I wanted to enter three industries before I put up my own business – Advertising, Public Relations, and Direct Marketing.

I’d like to think I’m a creative person. More than anything else, I love conceptualizing creative campaigns, rather than preparing communication materials for corporations, press releases, and setting up interviews with the media. In the field of PR, I love doing online campaigns and launching products with the press.

When I talked to my former professor about this, he said that I might be better in copywriting, or being the client – I tend to agree.

As of the moment, I am looking for other options. I want to be challenged to use my creativity… my visual creativity, and creativity in campaign strategy. I believe that PR in the Philippines is quite limiting. Indeed, new waves of communication has taught us to do 360 branding, but the industry isn’t fully ready for it.

Presently, the notion of 360 branding is there in the country, but a particular brand will have numerous agencies/suppliers/consultants to execute the whole campaign. If you’re at the agency side, you’re limited to do one arm of the job, and you get rusty, bored, unsatisfied. The reality is, no matter how much you’d want to offer services that can compensate for 360 branding, client requires the said service offered to be the company’s core competency.

As of the moment, I want to pursue a career as the client, OR still in an agency, but now, in the line of advertising, particularly in copywriting.

I’ve been recently interviewed by a multinational advertising agency. I’d like to think that the interview went great, as they informally told me the account I’ll be handling – if I get lucky. I was excited, and I’m hoping it follows through. And if it doesn’t, I suppose I’m not for that job, and the search continues.


I’m not sure if I’m rushing my career, but I know I’m itching, and I’m doing something about it. I want to be challenged creatively, and do what I’m good at. I’d like to think I’m presently doing well; but I want to be excellent.

So if you know any offers : jcvalenzu3la@gmail.com

I’ve got to scratch the itch.

Launch of Yahoo! Answers in Kuala Lumpur for MY & PH markets

It was my first time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and i'm glad Yahoo! was able to provide me the opportunity to see this wonderful country as we launch Yahoo! Answers in KL for both Malaysia and The Philippine markets.

It was an afternoon media briefing session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last March 6 where Web 2.0 guro and social media expert Bradely Horowitz shared insights into the emerging global wave of social media and the impact that Web 2.0 will make on an expanding base of Internet users around the world. He also introduced the media to the company’s Social Search product known as Yahoo! Answers in the Philippines.



I, together with 5 Philippine media representatives were present for the launch as Y! treated us at the lovely Mandarin Oriental Hotel, right beside Petronas Towers, for the night.

KL was a pleasant change. The streets were clean, public transportation was a breeze, and the country seem to have their tourism going on the right direction.

But, i'd have to admit, Manila's night life is still the best in Asia.

After the briefing, I went to KLCC together with one of the journalist, turned friend. As i judge it, KLCC is like Manila's rockwell multiplied by 5 with the presence of international brands, not found in Manila.

Night time came, and we went back to the hotel to change clothes for 7tenine resto-bar. The food was wonderfully plated while its flavors wonder around my mouth. yummy. We were toured by a Malaysian journalist (turned tour-guide-friend), to experience KL's night life --- as i've said, Manila rocks.

Well, that was our little adventure to KL, with the launch of Yahoo! Answers. Check it out, and ask your Question. :)

Malaysia: http://my.answers.yahoo.com
PhilippineS: http://ph.answers.yahoo.com

Launch of “Confessions of a Branding Practitioner” Blog

This means you have nothing better to do, than to read my blog. hehe.

It’s April the 13th, and I just feel like starting a chronicle of my practice in the communications industry, with a few bits about my personal life.

Well, let me introduce myself, I’m jCv, an integrated marketing communications (IMC) graduate from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), and I’ve been working in the realm of Public Relations for almost a year since I graduated in 2006.

I’ve been trusted with multinational brands where i perform as an account manager and communications consultant with a touch of media relations up my sleeve.

It’s been a tough ride, and yes, I’m still here.

That's me in Boracay in 2007's Holy Week

I’d like to share through this blogs practices in the industry, but I also want to purely express thoughts – whether professional or candid – and just let it all out.

So there. Feel free to teach me how to link people, coz I’m quite new to this J


Ciao for now!
jCv