Farewell

Had a great farewell dinner for McCann in Le Souffle tonight. I'll really miss them so much, especially Coco, CJ (who already left a few months ago), Agnes, Ronald, etc. But was most affected by Nandy, who I admire and respect a lot. I still remember the days as a Coke trainee when Nandy was my account manager. He was so brillant, suave, and confident, that I'd always feel so insecure about myself, even as a client. Even up to now, I hold him in such high regard (and admittedly, am still very much intimidated by him!)

Hay, how I miss working with McCann who I get along so much better than my current agency. Also miss how much more good looking they are than the people I have to work with now! hahaha

Anyway, the food was fabulous...so my diet is off to a rocky start. Didn't have too much carbs though (but a lot of red wine). Had sea bass, lamb chops, rib eye steak, a little risotto, and a breaded chicken thingie. Didn't have bread, creamy soup, or dessert. I guess that's a win already!

PS. Found out that Hans, one of the McCann people, read my blog. Ack! How embarrassing!

Here are some pics

I've no money left and it was just payday last week. This condo payments are killing me! Have to adjust my spending :(

In KL airport waiting for boarding. Really sleepy now, so I guess pharmaton doesn't really work. While this jetsetter life is great, ie. I got a limo service to airport, I can't wait to get back home. Really miss Sofy and feeling in control re: where I am.

The Philippines is so far from Malaysia in terms of economic development. This makes me feel so sad...but at the same time, I guess it's my responsibility as a Pinoy to somehow elevate our status in Asia Pacific.

Lessons Learned

Things I learned from this regional meeting:

1. Just like any brand, you have to ensure top of mind awareness and build your equity with the regional gods for both business and career advancement.

2. I'm not very comfortable having to be so extroverted--all the small talk and late night socials. But this is KEY to building relationships with these people.

3. Reality of regional work is lots of coordination. This hit home with all the group writing we had to do which I thoroughly detest. But have to find my inner patience and positive vibe in order to be able to work well with multiple markets and yet create a decent output.

4. I seem to have a strong desire to make friends with everyone else, which I guess is a good thing. It's so refreshing to be able to compare work and personal stories with people from very different backgrounds. I really like having international friends...and I'm suddenly a lot more interesting coz I can talk about so many things re: Philippines. I'm now bff's with people from Malaysia, (sorta) Thailand, Korea, China...I'm still a bit scared of the caucasians though, hehe. It's probably a imperialistic, low esteem, cultural thing.

5. I've been working on brands that no one in the region cares about--powder and cologne. The big stories are in lotion and wash, which I don't really know that much about. Need to take advantage of this opportunity while Juni's gone to get regional exposure.

6. I'm too negative and cynical and complain too much. Need to cultivate a more happy, positive attitude about life and work.

7. The world is soooo much bigger than my current existence.

8. I shouldn't be too hard on myself.

Lonely Planet

I'm seriously considering travelling to Siem Reap, Cambodia for my birthday...alone if necessary.

Dog Tired and Confused

Longest day of my working life. Started at 9am but technically awake since 7, since I was getting nervous about showing up alone, not knowing anyone. Had a very healthy breakfast with Alex around 8am but had to go to the meeting room alone. Thank God I immediately bumped into Tina, who kept me decently socially covered while all the strange foreigners were chatting around me.

God, hot house sessions are harsh--started strictly at 9 and didn't end til 8pm. There were very few breaks in between, and we'd have only around 5-10 mins to get the tasks done. However, the insighting requirements are not that hard; in fact, it's a piece of cake for me as I'm so used to churning them out all the time.

What was more difficult was the small talk that I had to do with these people. Started out with the socially inept Thais which I kinda wanted to get to know since I will work with them so much. They're not the brightest of the bunch. I also met the Malaysian team who are giving us so much pain right now in one of our projects. Met Caroline, my regional franchise manager for baby, which is now irrelevant since she's leaving in 2 weeks.

Really have to use this opportunity to be noticed by the right people--at the very least the Gods of Region--Phil and Elkie. Actually had dinner with Elkie but didn't get much interaction as he was quite masungit. I'm still intimidated by caucasian Phil so have tried to avoid him as much as possible.

In the meantime, had a drink with Tina an hour ago. She's still encouraging me to pursue either the Shanghai opening or a Regional position. She said that while it was tough especially on the work front, it was all made up by all the new experiences and her much broadened horizons and social network. This got me really excited...after all, what the hell am I hanging around in the Philippines for?

Question is, do I really want to work all that hard all over again?

Fear and Loathing in KL

Will be in KL this whole week for a regional brainstorming thing. A part of me is excited to be out of the country and doing something different. But a bigger part of me is nervous about being in such a high level meeting. I also don't know a lot of people and it takes so much effort for me to make small talk. Oh well, I guess I have to start getting comfortable with this as this will probably be my normal world in a few years.

My goals for the meeting:
1. Make sure everyone knows me, especially the Gods
2. Actively participate
3. Come up with brilliant ideas
4. Volunteer to present as much as possible
5. Take the lead! Be the star!

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I will so need to come in confident, extroverted, full of pep and energy!!!!

At the very least, I think I can moderate which I seem to do quite well...

I wonder if I will have any time at all to go around the city...

Shit! Just realized I don't have any cash with me! Drats!