ARTISTA na po ako, he he he!

WHO NEVER ASPIRED OF BECOMING AN ACTOR?

Lahat yata ng tao ay gustong maging artista at one point in their lives.

Last December 6, 2009 at 1pm, I received a text message from Director Rechie del Carmen of DAHIL MAY ISANG IKAW, a teleserye being aired at ABS-CBN.

She asked if I would be interested to portray a short role as a doctor.

Without batting an eyelash, I hurriedly called her up to say YES!

I was actually set to attend two parties that night but I thought that Direk Rechie’s offer is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

At first instict, I checked my closet and grabbed the possible clothes I could wear for the shooting. I immediately called up my laundry girl to do the ironing of all the clothes.

But then, there are still two important errands that I have to do for that day. I rushed to do it all and ended up finishing it as early as 6pm.

At 7pm, Im laid to bed. Resting and relaxing but anxiously waiting for Direk Rechie’s call. By the way, kaeskwela ko si Direk Rechie noong high school.

At 8 pm, Direk Rechie called up asking me to report at 9:30 pm at the shooting’s location. It’s at the Provincial City Jail of Rizal, somewhere in Antipolo.

Dahil professional ako (lol), I came on time. Naka make-up na ako, na-blower na ang buhok at plantsado ang damit.

Tumingin sa akin si Direk mula ulo hanggang paa at sabay sabi na: “Okay na yan Jon!” referring to my appearance and clothes.

The production assistant handed me the script at 10 pm. Wow! Isang paragraph ang linya ko …may kahabaan para sa isang cuarenta y uno anyos na katulad ko, na may konting memory gap.

Pero arya pa rin ako. Fight! Sa loob loob ko, mas mahaba pa dyan ang kinakabisado ko nung nag-aaral ako …. more than two decades ago, ha ha ha! Tagal na pala nun ah?

Right there and then, I read my script carefully. In 30 minutes, na-memorize ko na ang isang paragraph. After another 15 minutes, kabisado ko na ang lahat. Abah, abah, abah….genius pa rin ako ah! LOL!

Pero dahil perfectionist ako, inulit ulit ko pa uli ang paglitanya ng script ko para makasiguro akong hindi ko mapapahiya ang mahal kong kaklase na si Direk Rechie. At mabuti na lang ay kasama ko si Jaimes na tinulungan akong irehearse ang linya ko with feelings and conviction. Ang bigat non ah! Salamat Jaimes, I really appreciate your effort and care.

Pero ganun pala sa shooting, para kang nag-aabang ng bus papuntang Batanes. Ang tagal! Sobrang nakakainip!

Humulas na ang make-up ko sa kahihintay kung kelan ako tatawagin. Dumapa na ang kaninang naka-tiss na buhok ko. Manipis pa naman.

Bandang alas dos na ng umaga nung isinalang ako sa make-up artist. At put@ng#n@ng (sorry for the word) make-up artist yan, sobrang puti ng mukha ko sa make-up nya. Marunong akong mag-make-up kaya masasabi ko na hindi sya magaling at marunong! Nagmistulang ESPASOL sa ANTIPOLO ang mukha ko.

Pinilit ko burahin ang make-up na nilagay nya pero may glue yata ang nilagay nyang foundation sa akin, hayup sya! At nang bigla na lang akong tawagin ng Production Assistant dahil malapit na raw mag-take, na-tense na ako. Bahala na sa kung pangit ang make-up ko, dadaanin ko na lang sa akting, naks!

Pagdating ko sa set, nagulantang ako nung makita ko sa si Chin Chin Gutierrez. Ang ini-expect ko kasi ay si Chinggoy Alonso at Menchie Cobbarubias lang ang ka-eksena ko. Ano ginagawa ni Chin chin dito, sa loob loob ko.

Yun pala, biglang nagdecide ang production staff na dapat ay mayroon muna kaming eksena ni Chin Chin bago pa sa isang eksena na kasama ko si Chinggoy at Menchie.

Biglang umentra sa set si Direk Rechie, nagbigay ng instruction sa amin ni Chin Chin. Walang script, basta dun na lang binigay ang linya namin. Ang taas naman ng tingin sa akin ni Direk Rechie.

At habang nagbibigay ng instruction si Direk, napansin ko na mukhang mongoloid si Chin Chin. Parang naka-droga ang gaga! Then I’ve realized na nag iinternalized na pala sya, nabaliw kasi sya sa istorya dahil namatay ang kaisa-isa nyang anak. Naalibadbaran ako sa kanya. Nakaka-ilang. Para akong kakagatin anytime. Ang husay nya!

Mahaba ang eksena. Ganito kasi yun…pagkatapos ng pag-uusap namin ni Chin Chin (Patricia Alferos) ay tatayo ako at lalakad papunta ka Don Fernando (Chinggoy) at Atty. Villareal (Menchie). Saka ko bibitawan ang isang paragraph kong linya. Hayyy!

Ang siste, nag-take two ako sa eksena namin ni Chin Chin at nag take three ako sa eksena namin nila Chinggoy at Menchie. Kakasuya!

Paano naman ay biglang namental block ako sa linya ko. Para kong sinayang ang mga kinabisado ko. Tanga! Ako! Ha ha ha!

Lumabas kagad ako pagkatanggal ng lapel (microphone) sa akin. Pinuntahan ko kagad si Direk Rechie at tinanong ko sa kanya kung ano ang reaksyon nya sa performance ko.

“Okay naman ang performance mo kapatid!” sagot ni Direk Rechie.

Maya-maya ay nilapitan ako ni NARS GULMATICO, ang executive producer ng teleserye. At matuk nyo kung ano ang sinabi nya…

“John, sana noon pa tayo nagkakilala. Kasi parati kaming nahihirapan humanap ng talent na ka-edad mo para sa mga bit roles ng duktor o abogado. Madalas kasi naming nakukuha ay mga bisaya at walang confidence. Kunin kita sa susunod ha?”

Asows! That’s unbelievable!

Ang alam ko ay hindi ako satisfied sa performance ko. I could have done it better. Sobrang nanliliit ako sa galing ng mga ka-eksena ko. Nakaka-inis isipin na hindi ako TAKE ONE. Im too neophyte! Marami pa akong kakaining bigas. There are lots of rooms for improvement.

Nung nagpaalam na ako, humabol ng salita si Direk Rechie sa akin…

“Baka may 2^nd shooting ka, kasi may eksena na magtetestify ka sa court na baliw talaga si Patricia Alferos. Dapat available ka kapag tinawag ka namin kapatid!”

Sagot ko namang pabiro kay Direk Rechie:”Naku, ayoko nang mag artista! Ang hirap pala!”

Sa totoo lang, ako ang mas nabaliw kaysa kay Patricia Alferos (Chin Chin). Pagkasakay na pagkasakay ko sa kotse ay naramdaman ko kagad na masakit ang ulo ko. Parang minamartilyo. At gutom na gutom ako. Hindi kasi ako kumain sa shooting dahil baka kako masuka ako sa sobrang tensyon.

This experience is one that I would always cherish all thru my life. My bravery as a first-timer in acting in front of a camera for a tv program being aired on primetime by the biggest TV network in the Philippines, is an accomplishment. As to whether I performed well or not, the fact still remain that I grabbed the opportunity and bravely explored a world too unfamiliar to me. Thanks to Direk Rechie del Carmen for paving the way.

At napatunayan ko na hindi ako magugutom kahit anuman ang mangyari, dahil walang tatalo sa kakapalan ng apog ko! Bwahahaha!

By the way, may talent fee po ako for doing the job. Kung magkano, secret yan dahil halos pareho kami ng rate ni Chin Chin. Maniwala kayo, he he he!

And I’m sure that most of you will ask if I will pursue a career in showbizness, it will all up to the clamor of my fans. Asows! Na-internalize ko na kagad na artista na talaga ako. Bwahahahaha!

Till my next movie,

JOHN

TOP CHOICE FOR HAIR TREATMENT

I was at a hair show last November at the World Trade Center and as usual, I did some round-ups on the booths of salon and spa suppliers. I happened to see one of my former suppliers who occupied one booth in the event. She excitedly introduced to me the IONIC KERATIN HAIR TREATMENT and her enthusiasm for the said product is just too much that she wanted me to order right there and then. She claimed it to be a very effective hair treatment beating all the performances of other hair treatment of most high-end salon products.

Then I remember that two of my friends working as hairstylists in one of the most expensive salons in Makati had mentioned to me that IONIC KERATIN must be the best hair treatment available in the market. It's the product they used to most affluent clientele as well as to showbiz personalities.

It led me to buy 3 boxes of IONIC KERATIN and then proceeded to the other booths at the hair show.

After a while, I mistakenly went back to the booth of the supplier of IONIC KERATIN and I saw the technical demo staff of my other suppliers (who are big and well-known suppliers) inside the booth buying IONIC KERATIN HAIR TREATMENT. I jokingly questioned them but they shot back to admit that it's the hair treatment they used for their hair and some personal customers despite the fact that their company has its own hair treatment products.

The next day, I tested it to one of our customers who has dry, dull, unmanageable hair. Then to another customer who's got rubberized hair due to faulty hair rebond she got from another salon. And it's PERFECT! Ionic Keratin Hair Treatment really works! Both hair became shiny, manageable, soft and manageable.

And now, it's the best selling hair treatment product in my salon. My customers are happy and very satisfied.

We priced it at P600 per serving. A short to shoulder-length hair will only need one serving.

Please visit my salon now and try this hair treatment.

See yah

JOHN <-:

SPA SERVICES AT JOHN MATTHEW

Noong nagsisimula pa lamang ang JOHN MATTHEW, isa sa pinakamalaking palaisipan sa akin ay kung paano ko ima-market ang spa services namin. Ang signage kasi namin ay JOHN MATTHEW SALON lang ang nakalagay at ang ground floor ng aking shop ay salon. Paano nila kaya malalaman na may massage and other spa services sa 2nd at 3rd floors namin?

Sa Thailand, kapag pumasok ka sa isang salon, malamang kaysa hindi na may massage services sila na available. In fact, mahuhusay ang mga Thai na masahista. Singko-sampera sa kanila ang magagaling na masahista. Pero dito sa Pilipinas, kapag parlor ay parlor lang. Kung gusto mong magpamasahe ay pumunta ka sa isang Spa o kaya sa mga bulag na nasa pasilyo ng isang mall.

Nagising na lang ako isang araw na hindi ko na pinu-prublema ang darating na customers para sa spa namin. Dagsa at sunod-sunod ang daloy ng customers namin. Ang spa namin sa upper floors ay lumalaban sa dami ng customers ng aming salon sa ground floor. Lalo akong natuwa nang minsan na nasa reception area namin si RICKY REYES (yes, si Mother Ricky Reyes!) at nagbabayad para magpamasahe. Tinanong ko sya kaagad kung paano nya nalaman na may massage services ang aming salon. Sinabi nya sa akin na ni-refer daw sya ng isa sa mga consultants nya na regular customer namin. Pagkatapos syang masahihen, nilapitan nya ako at niyaya na pumunta sa opisina nya. Gusto raw kasi nya kunin ang trainor ko dahil may bubuksan syang spa sa Calatagan, Batangas. Pumunta naman ako at binigay ko sa kanya ang trainor ko. In return, Mother Ricky gave me lots of advices in salon services and products. Ang bait ni Mother.

Minsan, nagpafill-up ako ng Customer Information Sheet sa mga customers ng spa namin. Laking gulat ko dahil 70% ng customers ko ay hindi taga Quezon City. May mga taga Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Makati, Mandaluyong, Laguna at Batangas. Mayroon ding mga taga Pampanga, Bulacan, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Manila, Marikina, Pasig, Antipolo, Cainta at Anggono. Whew! Paano nangyari yun?

Then, I started to ask them more detailed questions and see below what the majority answers are:

1. Mas mura ang massage sa John Matthew

2. Mas magaling ang masahe sa John Matthew kaysa sa ibang spa na mas mahal maningil

3. Mura ang presyo, malinis ang lugar, magaling ang services

4. Friendly at courteous ang mga staff

5. Nakapag-pagupit na ako, nakapagpa-masahe pa ako

I must say that my efforts to promote my business to any person I meet anywhere paid off. Moreover, our persistence to improve and innovate our services is another factor that help us pave the way to solicit patronage of our customers. And more importantly, the referrals of my regular customers must be the main reason that we now own a great volume of patrons.

And with this, my appreciation to the relentless support of my customers to whom we owe much of what we achieve at the moment. Thank you very much!!!

JOHN

HAIR REBOND at P1,800 for any hair length

In our four years of everyday experience in hair rebonding, we have learned all the strategies in rebonding hair.

There are three (03) most important considerations in hair rebonding.

First, the ability to examine the type of hair. There are such terminologies in hair science namely VIRGIN, SENSITIZED and RESISTANT hair, to describe hair types. And for every hair type, a particular approach in applying rebonding chemicals is required. Asking the customer regarding the history of her hair (like if it's previously colored, relaxed, rebonded or curled) is also a necessary step. Moreover, the ability to examine the hair with the naked eyed of an experienced hairdresser who will render the service will ensure successful hair rebonding.

Secondly, the use of safe and effective rebonding product. There are probably hundreds of salon suppliers in the Philippines that claim to have safe and effective hair rebonding products. But unfortunately, less than 2 out of ten would be telling the truth. Most rebonding products available in the market are "hit-and-miss" straighteners. To make things worst, most products contain lye (sodium hydroxide/NaOH) which is a chemical use as paint stripper, drain cleaner and cleaning agent. Exposure of our scalp to lye would lead to chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness if it contacts the eye. Sadly, more than nine out of ten salons in the Philippines are using lye-straighteners for their hair rebond and relax services. And they all have one reason for using it ...it's a lot cheaper and thereby minimizing their cost. The same reason why these salons afford to offer a hair rebond service for as cheap as P7oo to P1,000 for any hair length. I'm sure that most of you had heard of complaints from friends who had bad experience in hair rebonding.

Thirdly, the skill to perform the rebond service. Hair rebonding is the most tasky and lengthy procedure in the salon business. More importantly, it is required that the hairdresser must be well-versed as to the type of hair he is treating. For example, a thin hair would take a shorter time to set when applied with hair straightener. If the hairdresser would be very "theoretical" in following the instruction at the back of the straightener's cannister, then in this case, he will fall into an irreversible mistake. Moreover, the appropriate temperature of the hair iron coupled with the proper stroke must be observed. The application of neutralizer (the 2nd product to be applied after the straightener) has some important techniques, as well.

"Experience is the best teacher" so goes the cliche.

At JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, our hairdressers have acquired years of hands-on experience in hair rebonding. Furthermore, my diligence to ensure that my salon is using the SAFEST and MOST EFFECTIVE rebonding products (no matter how expensive it is) pave the way to achieve full customer satisfaction. In fact, most of my clientelle are referrals of those who had their hair rebonded at my salon.

For the months of October and November 2009 and in celebration of our 4th Anniversary, our hair rebond is now offerred at P1,800 for any hair length. We make use of SOFIA HAIR REBOND PRODUCT or PURELY PLANT CARE. Both products are safe, lye-free and very effective.

We also offer SCHWARZKOPF and LOREAL HAIR REBONDING at very affordable costs.

Please inquire now ...... visit or call us now at 2165034, 7250985, 09178173784, 09232449615.

See yah....

JOHN

JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, CUBAO, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES: BIG CURLY HAIR at P800 any length

JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, CUBAO, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES: BIG CURLY HAIR at P800 any length

BIG CURLY HAIR at P800 any length

John Matthew Salon and Spa now offers perming (curling) hair using the most innovative curling products. Our curler is called MAGIC CURLER and it specifically produces BIG CURLS which are now becoming the trend on hairstyles specially for women.

The MAGIC CURLER is the latest innovation in perming hair. It is actually another type of curler but its shape and direction is specifically designed to achieve big curls.

In the past, the problem being encountered by some customers is that the curl that most salon can do are only small curls making their hair look shorter, twisted and unmanageable.

Now, with the use of MAGIC CURLER, our salon can assure our customers of BIG CURLS.

Current trend on hairstyles has been moving towards a soft, big, curly hair. Particularly, the most popular style is a straight hair from the top until the ear level, then big curls from the ear level towards the hair ends.

Our perming products are PURELY PLANT CARE (PPC) and Akuperm.

And in celebration of our 4th Year Anniversary, our price for BIG CURLY HAIR is P800 for any length.

Please visit us now at JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, or call us for appointment at Tel. 7250985 / 2165034.

Many thanks.

John

JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, CUBAO, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES: HAIR COLOR at 60% discount !

JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, CUBAO, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES: HAIR COLOR at 60% discount !

HAIR COLOR at 60% discount !

In celebration of our 4th Year Anniversary, we are offering A 60% DISCOUNT on HAIR COLOR for the whole month of October, 2009.

Our brand for the hair color is called PURELY PLANT CARE (PPC), a hair color product made in Italy and manufactured using the most effective coloring pigments. It has a lasting color effect coupled with hair nourishment additives that make you hair healthy, shiny and soft.

We have complete color choices to suit your preferences.

Please visit us now at JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA. Call us for appointment at 7250985 or 2165034.

Many thanks to your continuous patronage!

JOHN

Misteryo ng Hapis at Saya ni Alfeo

Every year, I am discovering two to three new friends.

Others find it absurd that for a person as sociable as I am, I could only gain so few friends in a year. My business and my affiliations with socio-civic organizations expose me to interesting and new acquaintances but it never actually pave the way for me to collect more friends. It's probably because I have this set of criterion in my mind before I could even consider a person to be a friend. And in some cases, it also takes for a situation to happen before I could confirm that the person passes the criterion.

But don't get me wrong. I am not the choosy type. I don't look at the person physically, or what he has achieved, or what material possession he has. If I will summarize my criterion in one word, it's SINCERITY.

There were lots of instances when I felt awkward answering a question as simple as "KAIBIGAN MO BA SYA?" It's because the word KAIBIGAN is a meaningful word for me. It isn't enough that I had ten or more bondings with a person for me to say that we are friends. If I hugged or kissed somebody I know in a mall, it doesn't necessarily follow that we are friends. I have been actually thinking that a word must be coined to describe someone in between a FRIEND and an ACQUAINTANCE. In that way, I wouldn't sound so unfriendly.

Just recently, I have decided to "disqualify" two persons from the list of my friends. I actually felt bad doing it. On the other hand, it's the most logical decision that I have to do. I don't want to associate myself to people who lack sincerity, and from people who ignore the value of selflessnes. "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are, " so goes the old cliche. If my friend is a reflection of myself, then I have to choose the right ones so that they may give a good mirror of myself.

ALFEO SALCEDO was my batchmate in high school. Thru our alumni association, we came across each other just two years ago because he has been based in Sydney for a long time. Back in high school, we just know each other by face because we belong to different sections.

It was an instant friendship. We speak the same language, we laugh at the same joke, we enjoy the same conversation topics. At first I thought that Alfeo might be another "flavor of the month" friend. I'd been keeping a close eye on him, mainly because I can feel that I have a friend in him. Until the time came when I felt his sincerity and his commitment to understand me. That was the time when I was in my deepest moment.

A month after, a question came from him while we were chatting at the Facebook. It was one question I took delight in reading and answering.

"Can we be best friends?" Alfeo wrote. It was then when I experienced what a woman feels when a guy proposes for a marriage.

And I typed just two words to answer him back: "AREN'T WE?"

I am attaching hereinbelow an email I've sent at our alumni class' yahoo group last December 2007. It was actually a response to Alfeo's email.

This must be the best email I've ever written at our yahoo group. I was in tears everytime I ended a paragraph while writing this email.

PLEASE FIND TIME TO READ :::::>

Hi Alfeo! Hayy, Queen Mother! Sabi ko na nga ba na dinadalaw ka rin ng lungkot.

Parang kang alon na di mo alam kung saang dalampasigan hahampas. Basta ang alam mo, kailangan may hampasan ka. Basta ang mahalaga, may kahihinatnan ang pagpupursigi mo. At habang nasa gitna ka ng dagat ay
maya't maya kang itutulak ng hangin. Nagpapatulak ka naman pero kailangan mo kasi ang lakas ng hangin para ipunin at pagsama-samahin ang lahat ng tubig. At kapag sapat na ang tubig at ang lakas at taas ng iyong alon, saka mo ihahalik sa dalampasigan ang iyong kabuuan. At doon mo iparirinig ang saya ng tunog ng pag-uumpugan ng tubig sa dalampasigan. Pero pagkatapos noon, kusa kang babalik sa kapatagan ng dagat. Hahayaan mong languyan ka ng mga isda. Kukupkupin mo ang mga halamang-dagat. Tahimik kang babalik sa kapanatagan. Pero maya-maya
lang ay itutulak ka na naman ng hangin .... at isa ka na namang alon.

Minsan tinitignan kita lalo na sa panahon na nakikinig ka lang at kusa mong ni-nanamnam ang sinasabi ng kausap mo. Para sa akin kasi ... yun ang pagkakataon na makikita ko ang kabilang mukha ni Alfeo. Yung mukha na nagkukubli sa likod ng masayang pananalita, ngiti sa mga labi, dulas ng dila, mapanuring mata at alistong pag-iisip. Hindi ko gustong isipin, dangkasi, na kabuuan na ni Alfeo ang nakikita namin sa mga pagkakataon na bumabangka ka at binubuhos mo ang talento mo sa pagpapatawa.

Hindi ba't madalas kang dapuan ng lungkot? Yung lungkot na kaya kang lamunin ng buong-buo. Yung lungkot na kaya kang idayukdok sa kapariwaraan. At kapag tumitingin ka sa langit ay para kang nawawala iyong sarili lalo na't ang mala-abong ulap ang tatabon sa bughaw na kulay ng langit. Iniisip mo na saan ba magtutungo ang lahat ng ito.
Bakit ba kailangang dumilim ang langit?

Parating kulang ang buhay ng isang bakla. Wala kang magiging anak at walang asawang kakandili sa 'yo. Hindi mo alam kung para saan ang lahat ng iyong paghihirap. At lalong hindi mo alam kung sino ang gagabay sa 'yo sa panahon ng iyong katandaan.

Gusto mo minsan sisihin ang tadhana...sisihin ang pagpapalaki sa 'yo ...ang iyong kapaligiran .... basta gusto mo manisi. Hahanapin mo ang karayom na magsusulsi sa lamat ng iyong kasarian. Pero alam mo din naman na wala na rin itong magagawa pa. Tutusukin lang nya ang puso mo. Ang kabaklaan kasi ay parang isang sumpa na naka-ukit hanggang sa ikabuturan ng iyong gulugod.

Tayong mga bakla (o tomboy), iisa lang ang buwan na tinititigan natin sa tuwing sasapit ang gabi. Isang buwan na makulimlim ...na minsan ay nagkukubli sa ilalim ng ulap ... na minsan naman ay nagpapalit ng hugis.... at kapagdaka'y lulubog sa kung saan. Hanggang sa dumating na naman ang gabi at kusa nating tatanawin ang kanyang pag-imbulog at para lang mawala rin uli sa ating paningin pagdating ng bukang-liwayway.

Sabi na sabik tayo sa pagmamahal. Gagawin natin ang lahat makayanan lang tayong mahalin ng ibang tao. Sa gitna ng kakaibang katauhan natin ay pipilitin nating igiit at hingin ang isang normal at pang-habangbuhay na relasyon. Gabi-gabi tayong aasa sa pagdating ng isang prinsipe na hahalik sa pisngi ng isang dalaga na habang panahon
nang naghihintay sa ina-asam asam na pag-ibig. At sa halik na iyon ay hindi mo alam kung halik ng pag-ibig o halik ni Hudas na uubos sa alindog at kayamanan ng dalagang walang hinangad kundi ang magmahal.

At minsan ay mamabutihin mo pang isipin na sana ay iwinaksi na lang sana ng dalaga ang pahihintay kaysa sa makaniig ng isang huwad na pag-ibig. Napakasakit.

At habang nagyayari ang lahat ng kapanibughuan sa pag-ibig ay tatanaw ka uli sa kalawakan ng langit pati sa dalampasigan. Maghihintay ka naman ng bulalakaw na magpapabago sa pag-inog ng iyong mundo.

Maghihintay, maghihintay at maghihintay ka. At kadalasan, kung kaylan ka na-iglap ay saka bumulusok ang mailap na bulalakaw.

At dahil pagod ka na rin sa paghihintay, ipupursigi mong maabot ang iba mo pang mga pangarap at doon mo babawiin ang kawalan mo sa larangan ng pag-ibig. Kakapit ka sa unos ng ulan at tatayo ka nang may lakas at paninindigan. Walang puwang ang pag-aalintana at pag-aalangan sa 'yo, bagkus, itutulak mo ang iyong pangarap at aabutin mo ang tagumpay.

Minsan sa paglakad mo ay titigil ka sandali, iisipin mo kung para saan ba ang lahat ng ito. Pero ipagpapatuloy mo pa rin ang paghakbang, tatakbo ka pa nga ng mas matulin. Ibubuhos mo ang lakas at talino mo at iaalay mo ito sa ibang tao ... sa iyong pamilya at sa mga kaibigan. Mabubuhay ka para sa kanila. Hindi mo na rin iisipin ang sarili mo.

Mabuti na lang Alfeo at may pinanggalingan ka. Dala mo ang lungkot ng iyong mga karanasan. Ang kurot, pait, poot, dalamhati at hapis na dinanas mo mula pagkabata ay s'ya na ring sandata mo sa hamon ng iyong kasalukuyan buhay. Kaya mong tiisin ang lungkot ng pamumuhay sa ibang bayan dahil nilinang at minanhid ka ng mas mahapding nakaraan. At alam mo sa sarili mo na kung hindi ka magtitiis ay hindi ka makapagdudulot ng saya sa iba. May kapalit ang lahat.

Nakikita ko ang pag-ikot ng mata mo sa sa apat na sulok ng iyong silid. Pilit mo itong hinahanapan ng saya pero kahit pigain mo ay isang nakabibinging katahimikan ang ginaganti nya sa yo. Lalo kang hihikbi, tatangis at lulutang sa kawalan.

Bukas, balik-opisina ka na naman. Kakayod at makikipagtagisan sa mga ka-trabaho at kliyente mo.

At sa mga susunod na araw, ganun na naman. Trabaho, trabaho, trabaho.

At bukas-makalawa, gigising ka muli para bumalik sa Pilipinas para namnamin ang saya at galak ng ating pagbubuklod.

Tandaan mo ito Alfeo, isa kang biyaya para sa amin.

Alagaan mo ang sarili mo para sa amin.

LP Jon

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Here is the email of alfeo to which I had responded ....

Hello Batchmates!

Umuulan dito sa Gold Coast (Queensland, Australia) habang sinusulat ko ito. Feeling ko, nakikidalamhati sa akin ang langit...

Six o'clock ang flight ko pa-Singapore kahapon. Tapos may 2 hours anda half na stop-over. Eksaktong 12:05 naman lumipad ang eroplano pa-Brisbane. Eleven hours na traveling time plus almost 3 hours in-between na paghihintay, nag-flashback lahat sa akin yung sobrang saya na naranasan ko last Friday dun sa party natin. Naghalo-halo ang pakiramdam ko: saya, lungkot, panghihinayang (dahil di ko na-chika lahat) at kung ano-ano pa.. Kapos ang 7 oras sa party natin!!

Hindi pa 'yan, nung pagdating ko ng bahay kanina ng mga around 11:30AM (9:30 AM sa Manila), para akong nagulat. Ang lungkot-lungkot ng unit ko!! All of a sudden, parang ipinamukha sa akin ng buhay na talaga palang nag-iisa ako dito sa Australia!!@#% Although meron din naman akong mangilan-ngilang kaibigan dito, iba sa Pilipinas!! Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero dun na tumulo ang mga luha ko..

Marami ang laman ng "inbox" ko nung buksan ko ang yahoo at hotmail accounts ko.. Halos lahat ay nagpapasalamat sa akin tungkol dun sa party natin nung Friday. Walang anuman po! Actually, ako ang dapat magpasalamat dahil ipinadama ninyo sa akin ang tunay na saya at ipinakita ninyo sa akin ang kahulugan ng salitang "iba ang may pinagsamahan!"

Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!! Given the chance, I will have no second thought of doing it all over again!!

Punong-puno ang dibdib ko ng emosyon pero wala pa akong sapat na lakas para makaapuhap ng mga salitang magdi-describe ng nararamdaman ko sa ngayon. Ahh... Kung pwede nga lamang bayaran si LP Jon na isulat niya ang mga ito para sa akin..

Hanggang dito na lang muna at maraming-maraming salamat pong muli!

Art, Albert at Gary: Sana ay huwag ninyong paka-isipin yung mga yakap ko sa inyo. Yakap-kapatid lamang 'yun! Hehehe.

Sana po ay wala po akong na-offend sa aking mga biro specially kay Pastor.

QMA

John Matthew Salon and Spa - History

(written by Jonathan "John" Cruz - owner of John Matthew Salon and Spa at 1801 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines) ....

I used to be connected with real estate and construction supply companies doing marketing and documentation works for 17 years. Although that my employment was remarkably successful in the sense that I was designated to occupy critical managerial positions and earned a good sum, call me ambitious but I felt that I was destined to be an entrepreneur. My Chinese blood and my good academic background in mathematics had been pushing me to do things on my own ... I mean having my own business.

I had actually some small business ventures like a 24-hour lugawan and tapsilogan as well as fabricating and selling indoor lamps, and I'm happy to say that both did very well. However, I was doing those businesses at the time when I was still employed. In time, I was forced to stop pursuing it because my employment requires much of my time and effort.

My last employment was with a construction supply company. Oh my, it was one hell of an experience. My boss (the owner) was the worst superior one could ever have. Give me all the negative adjectives in the dictionary, he has it. I worked no less than 10 hours a day, six times a week. The work load, pressure and sales target were manageable but what aggravated everything was my boss' attitude. Modesty aside, I was a multi-awarded manager of the company for several years but I still did not manage to apprehend the unexplainable tantrums and idiosyncrasies of my boss.

It was that one ordinary Monday morning (sometime on January 2003) when I decided to hand-in my irrevocable resignation letter at my boss' table. At first, he thought that it was just another resignation letter coming from me and all he has to do is to beg or offer me another salary increase. He got the shock of his life when I refused to stay. And to retaliate, he held the release of all my receivables (commissions and salaries) not until I find and train my replacement. I immediately looked for my replacement and screened several applicants. Until I found one very qualified applicant and trained him. In the course of his training, the applicant decided to back-out upon seeing the attitude of my boss. So I sorted again for another applicant, trained him and the same story happened. Until I found the 4th applicant who seemed to be more gutsy and confident that he can handle our boss. Finally, my boss allowed me to leave the company as he signed all my clearances. That was July 2003 (six months from the date of my resignation). When it was time for me to claim for my commission and salaries, my boss turned his back and asked me to do a special project which will last for two (02) more months. On September 2003, he released my money. Hayyyy...

I used to be in a relationship with a Filipino based in New Zealand. We met in Cebu during those times when my job required me to train the sales team in Mandaue. When he migrated to New Zealand, we both decided to call it off as we both do not believe in long distance relationship. It must be "love" (he he he!) that pushed us to pursue the relationship despite the distance. We renewed and nurtured our relationship thru overseas call and yahoo messenger. What a way!

Until he decided to help me find a job in New Zealand and quit my job in the Philippines. That was actually my reason why I resigned from my last employment.

Sometime on March 2004, he arrived in the Philippines to assist me in transacting my visa documents. But he had a confession. It was a devastating one.

He admitted that he is married to a woman in New Zealand who owns the company where I will be employed. Our relationship will be kept secret between us. No one must know because otherwise, it will jeopardize my work and his. He begged me to go with him in New Zealand despite his confession.

I refused.

Immediately, I closed all doors of communication with him. He lied and I dont want to be a part of his infidelity. I sacrificed my New Zealand dreams just for me to hold on to my firmest principle of not being a relationship-wrecker. In the eyes of God, he is married to a woman.

But then, I had to face the next problem...what do I do next?

My passion for beauty products and wellness is my way of relieving stress. It's actually the rewards I give to myself everytime I feel deprived, depressed and lonely.

On weekends, my good friends Alexyz Arcilla and Mike Sia would join me for a splurge in all the services of a barbershop somewhere in Binondo, Manila. The attendants at the barbershop took delight in seeing us come in trio because we never said no to all the services they offer. The problem was, all their services were done on the same spot - at the barber's chair. The only change was when they straighten or recline the chair. I felt shy when other customers see my face covered with mud-pack. Or when the barber had to put-off my shirt for the massage.

It is then when I thought of putting-up a complete salon. A salon that will hit "lots of birds with one stone." A salon which offers expertise in all services and most of all, privacy particularly to services that require such.

With the help of my good friend Matthew (who is based in Australia), we then decided to put up JOHN MATTHEW SALON AND SPA, named after myself (Jonathan is my full name, John is my nickname) and Matthew. It sounds American and biblical at the same time.

I was able to locate the business spot. It's at 1801 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue (near corner New York), Cubao, Quezon City. The place is accessible to public transportation, with good parking spaces and the vicinity was middle to upper-middle class.

On October 11, 2005, my business opened with 14 staff - 7 for the salon and 7 for the spa. The ground floor is the reception, salon and comfort room spaces. The second floor has two spaces - a living room area for footspa, manicure and back massage AND the private area for massage of female customers. The third floor is the massage area for male customers, and it's got locker room and wash/comfort room.

We made the interior simple but elegant. Our efforts to maintain its cleanliness is every minute. My thrust to professionalize my staff never stopped up to this day. We keep on researching for the best manner of servicing our customers. From time to time, we explore new and highly effective products and services. Our price rates are exceptionally affordable. We never short-changed nor overpriced our customers. We strive to value diligence, honesty, workmanship, expertise, discipline and superb customer relations.

Our relationship with our customers has been remarkably fruitful as we are now proud to claim that he have been maintaining a large number of clientele from different places in Metro Manila as well as other provinces.

We stood the test of time. We are now on our 4th year!

Customers keep on coming back. It must be our expertise on both salon and spa services coupled with the courteous treatment we give to our customers. We used the most effective, appropriate, safe and quality products to harmonize with our services. My staff are well-trained and disciplined.

I was actually at the stage of what they called "mid-life crisis" when I opened John Matthew Salon and Spa. The confusion was mainly on the aspect of whether I will remain employed or be an employer myself. My previous plan of working abroad (New Zealand) was actually another option but it didn't push thru.

But when I decided to put up a business, it was as if I was dipping my foot to a boiling water and hesitancy, discouragement and all the negative factors had restrained me from doing it. I prayed hard to Him and asked for strength and self-determination.

Chinese philosopher Confucius said that "A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP." That quotation had inspired me to preserve the guts and self-motivation during the time when I was pursuing my business.

And looking back now, it must be my strong-willed character and my trust in God that made me fulfill my dreams of owning a successful business establishment. I don't remember a time when I have to give up with the insurmountable problems that I encountered at the first few months of my business.

I also I thought that JOHN MATTHEW (my business) must be God's rewards to my determination. The determination to hold-on to my principle (of not being a home wrecker) despite the lure of a good career in New Zealand, and so with my persistence to pursue my dreams.

I wrote this blog to inspire those who would want to quit employment and ventured into a business. Find your passion, consult other people, initiate and persist with your plans, and work hard on it. And pray.

Jonathan "John" Cruz
Owner - John Matthew Salon and Spa