Harley Quinn VS. Holy Queen

Harley Quinn was a character meant to show you, ladies, what you should NOT be. That was the real intention of the movie--to show you what you should not be. Sadly, I see most of your posts with the hashtag #RelationshipGoals as if you romanticize over the inexcusable abusive relationship of the Joker and Harley Quinn. I don't want to be "Tita mode" over here and be all "masyadong serious" but at the same time, I just don't want us to take domestic violence so lightly. 

There are real women out there who have spent years being abused, manipulated and humiliated by their significant others. Not just talking about physical abuse here. Also, emotional abuse. Signs of which are when they regularly put you down, devalue your opinions, point out your flaws and blame you for everything wrong. This isn't a place where you should be. Get out as fast as you can. Don't be "hyponitized" to thinking that violence is acceptable and "sexy." It just ISN'T. 

You are NOT meant to be treated like HARLEY QUINN. You are meant to be treated like a HOLY QUEEN! 

#SuicideSquad
#BeAPriscillaToday

What It Takes to Forgive

Forgiveness—such an abused, over-used underrated word that takes a second to utter, but takes almost a lifetime to do. 

Because even when JUST the memory of that offense done to us suddenly comes back again, we can't help but suddenly feel exactly the pain we've felt before. 

We end up broken. We end up bitter. 

And to us, the world seems so unfair because it's not even our fault. It's like picking up the pieces of the mess someone else made.

When Ptr. John Macadangdang talked about 'The Power of Forgiveness' last Sunday, I sat there thinking to myself: So is it really possible to forgive? How can forgiveness restore whatever has been ruined? How are we sure that we have already forgiven the person when the pain of the offense done still hurts the same? 

Why I Quit My Job

Lately, I've been getting tons of private messages from Facebook friends, concerned text messages from high school and college friends and random calls from Titas and Ninangs around the world who are altogether asking why I just decided to quit the job “they dream of”—or put in Andy’s words from the movie Devil Wears Prada, I had the job “million girls would kill for.”

Just two years ago, I landed a job as the professional magazine writer that I've always wanted to be. It was a childhood dream that was manifested back when I was 5 years old where the support of both my so-called “stage-parents,” coupled with my “I am a princess” philosophy and my penchant for being in the spotlight, finally got the best of me when I turned 19.

I graduated from college and took the job as an entertainment, fashion & beauty writer under One Mega Group Inc.—where working my way up didn't feel like working at all. Except, of course, those midnights in the office I rushed articles until I could feel my blood turn into caffeine.

But this dream job gotten me to “Wonderland” and had me rubbing elbows with celebrities, directors, fashion designers, models and business owners, sitting at the front row in concerts, wining and dining in newly-opened bars and bistros and gastropubs, and getting dolled-up by the same makeup artists of the stars just so I could attend a grand ball in a five-star hotel—just so I could do my...yes, job.

It would always feel like cloud-nine after every event I would go to. But then in just a matter of seconds, I am faced by the fact that my designer gown fades and I turn back into my casual shirt-and-jeans and a pair of tsinelas only to ride a dyipney and a tricycle on the way home.

Perhaps, a Cinderella story. 

I felt like living two lives—I was living the life of the rich and famous, but in reality, I couldn’t even afford one-fourth of it. Maybe not even one-eighth.

My little salary could barely pay for H&M—let alone Jimmy Choo! Kamusta naman ‘di ba?

But the freebies and gift certificates from the job helped lessen the pressures that come with being in the ‘editorial’ world. I would suddenly receive skincare products, makeup samples, VIP tickets to shows, boxes of cake every now and then from the brands I featured, and invitations to the most exclusive celebrity events—which, the biggest if it all was the Asian cruise vacation with together with a family of “gutz-y” celebrities. And just lately, I was given the chance to rise from ‘print’ to ‘television’ through an episode appearance for “I Am Meg” that airs on ETC.

And at the height of such a frenzied life, I quit.

But that decision wasn't overnight, alright.

It happened slowly. Early before I even entered this “Wonderland,” I have already decided to myself what success is to me.

I promised myself reinvention and improvement every two years. I promised not to stop learning… to take every opportunity to be the best that I can be. I decided that I don’t ever want to be the same old person for too long, I want to constantly change. But not to the point that people wouldn't recognize me anymore, I just simply want to improve.

I also promised myself to never to correlate success with the perks I have, but to measure success by the impact I am making to people’s lives while I grow more as a person. Because years ago, when Papa passed away, I made a mutual agreement with my God that my ministry is my career and my career is my ministry—no matter what my job is.  

To those asking, I quit my job, so that I could focus on my career.

But, those two years in Mega was definitely a learning experience—an experience I will forever be proud of. This is where I found Hazel Paras version 2.0! 

This is where I first learned how to be an employee. This is where I figured out how to approach celebrities and get them to actually chat with me. This is where I got my first pay. This is where I first stressed ‘til 4am in the office beating deadline after deadlines. This is where I first felt how it was like to be promoted. This is where I've first seen my name published on the pages of magazines and finally, just for once, seen myself appear on television for a straight whole segment. 

My resignation did not mean the end of my life in media. I will always be in media. This is the territory and ministry God has given me.

But I've come to the point of realizing that if I want to fight bigger battles and if I want to level up my career, I would have to equip myself better.

And by the desire to equip myself better, I've decided to spend the next two years of my life, studying for a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication, so that I could take on bigger responsibilities for the next company where I will be of service to. And perhaps, find a closer way to become the “Strategic Branding Director” I've always wanted to be since I started in college. 

Of course, equipping myself better will not be only limited “career-wise,” for I also aim to equip myself to become better, as, simply put…a woman and as a child of God...learning the ropes of housekeeping and also, keeping myself active in the church ministry, where my DNA tuns so strongly.

Since my classes will be scheduled ONLY Saturdays, I know I’ll be at home more than ever. That is definitely the best time and opportunity to give back to my Mom and sister by preparing them meals and doing their laundry as well....while on the side, I’d be reading big Branding Communication books and typing a 2,500-worded campaign-proposal homework.

I can't wait to see how life would turn out the next two years. I can't wait to find out what God has in store for me, the challenges and the blessings altogether.  

Change is always a scary thing. Reinvention is always risky. And just like your iPhones, I am also upgrading my own “iOs” to—Hazel Paras version 3.0!

REAL TALK: Does God Play Favorites?

One time, a Christian friend of mine approached me saying, "Ate Hazel, you're really blessed! I feel like you're one of God's favorites, Ate, do you think maybe someday God would notice me too?"

At that moment, I felt dumbfounded by her question. Of course, I know God doesn't play favorites. But that time, I couldn't explain why.  Her question felt like God's homework for me...something I needed to first bring home to work on, to explore and reflect upon and to pray about before I could give her the answer she needed to hear.So to that lovely girl who asked me this question,

I hope you're reading this now.

DOES GOD PLAY FAVORITES?

A Deeper Look into the Favor of God

I would start by quoting this very straight-forward verse:

Romans 2:11

"God does not show favoritism." 

But right, that probably wouldn't be enough. 

The common misconception of God's favor is that when people think that if they have it, they could laze around while God showers them gifts. 

Another misconception people have of God's favor, is that God is a God who chooses which people to bestow His blessings upon--and that He plays favoritism. 

Well, NO. It is NOT how it works. 

Proverbs 8:35

"Whoever finds me, finds life, and receives favor from the Lord." 

When you decide to fully commit yourself to God, you let the favor of God come into your life, which will bring you to greater connections, wider horizons and a bigger territory--other than just your life. You will live a life bigger than yourself. Activating yourself to pursue God will give God the opportunity to bless you. God wants to bless you and all you have to do is let Him.


But before anything else, you've got to ask yourself two important things:

REAL TALK: Channeling my Inner "Maldita"

Sometimes I feel like I've been too nice to everyone, that I forgot how to be nice to myself.

Okay, so I've always played the role of the "nice girl"—probably someone you can easily be friends with, someone you could quickly turn to for help, someone who'll willingly say "yes" because she—I—am scared to turn you down. 

I was actually "too nice" to the point that my favorite words were (number one) "Yes" and (number two) "Sorry." 

I was once that kind of person who apologized all the time because I always felt like I was in the way, it's like apologizing for existing.

I used to even say "sorry" whenever someone gets in MY way. Ang lala talaga.

Sometimes after speaking up, I would still end up

BEAUTY FEATURE: Getting my Lips "StyLIZed!"

 LIPSTICK IS PART OF YOUR WARDROBE, SO DRESS UP YOUR LIPS!

So here's the news! Inspired by her bestselling book, StyLIZed: Liz Uy’s Ten Style Essentials, celebrity stylist Liz Uy collaborates with Happy Skin to create limited-edition lipsticks that career women like you and I would surely love.

I am personally a fan of lipsticks, lip balms, lip creams and anything lip-related. I used to be insecure of my pouty lips, but I've finally learned to embraced this imperfection and to actually flaunt it! 

The color I put into my lips are now like my statement of the day. If you see my lips in red, I'm actually feeling strong, independent and daring...or maybe I'm on my way to a night event for work. I would then wear my lips in pink or corale, when I'm about to have a light coffee date with friends or something to that effect. Then I love wearing it in a nude color when I'm just having a carefree day or when running some errands...or when probably I'm feeling like I just want to keep my day low-key.  

So imagine my excitement when I got these three new "Shut Up & Kiss Me" lippies from Happy Skin! (Thank you, work!)

To be sold at P599 each, the Happy Skin StyLIZed collection gives you new pouting essentials in three limited-edition Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie shades: 

1. 24 CARATS (pink)

2. RED CARPET (red)

3. STYLE ICON (nude). 

The set of three limited-edition lippies also comes in an acrylic clutch set (P1,799) and a leatherette case set (P1,499). 

“Lipstick is a fashion essential because it completes a woman’s look. Just like shoes, the right lip color can change your entire look.” 

Ha! Now, trying it on myself!

SHADE #1: STYLE ICON

Happy Skin StyLIZed STYLE ICON lippie, P599 each

I absolutely love how the 'nude' color blends perfectly with the natural color of my lips. My usual problem with lighter colored lippies is that it makes me look like I've just donated too much blood in a hospital, looking dry, pale and unnatural. But this one even has a moisturizer on it. It's perfect for the no-makeup makeup look!

HAZEL WRITES: Stupid is NOT Forever, Wisdom is Forever

Dear Sen. Miriam, @senmiriam

I think "Self-importance" exists because we live our lives as if we own our lives--that we end up thinking we have the right to do whatsoever with it "kasi buhay ko naman 'to eh."

But maybe all of us are meant to live as if God owns our lives. I think that grasping the "my-life-is-not-my-own-but-of-God's" philosophy is the end to self-importance and the beginning of true wisdom.

 smile emoticon‪#‎StupidIsNOTForever‬‪ #‎MediaLife‬ ‪#‎HazelWrites‬

REAL TALK: Big & Small

Do you remember that story of a really BIG fish in a somewhat little pond--being contrasted to a really tiny fish in a wiiiiiide ocean?

Sometimes I feel like one tiny fish in a very big sea...probably insignificant, probably unnoticeable. 

But here's a little trivia I hold on to. The small fish in an infinitely wider space HAS GREATER CHANCES OF GROWING even beyond the size of that arrogant king-sized creature swimming in its lonely paltry pond.

So to all "bigger fishes" out there looking down on 'tiny me'...I want you to know that God has placed me in this BIG ocean, in this industry, because this is my territory. No matter how small I am, I'm surely meant to GROW and to be GREAT.

#HazelWrites
#BigNSmall

REAL TALK: Just Adjust.

God gave each one of us a "magnifying glass"--a gift of "FOCUS."

I think they way we use our own magnifying glasses tells so much about how we see our own circumstances and how we deal with it. 

Some people tend to magnify their problems making it seem bigger than it just actually is, and they end up discouraged. 

On the other hand, some people aim their "magnifying glasses" on goals that truly matter and they become more motivated to move forward and forward despite any obstacles that come their way.

Probably, the more we focus on what we want to achieve, the more our problems naturally fade in a blur. The more we focus on our problems, the more our goals fade into a blur, and then seem impossible. 

Maybe most of the time we try so hard to change our  situation, sometimes we badly want to change the entire picture, but really, all we just have to do is to JUST ADJUST the FOCUS. 

Are you focusing on the right things or should you adjust your magnifying glass?  

#HazelWrites #MondayRandomThoughts #AsInMRT 
#JustAdjust

REAL TALK: Growing Up. Growing Apart.

For over a decade, my best friend and I grew up together. We laughed at the same things. We cried over the silliest things. And on mall dates, we splurged on useless things up to the last coin we had. 

And growing up, we started to pray for each other's lives. We shared words of encouragements during hardships in school and careers. We loved each other's family like our own. We cheered each other's successes. We corrected each other's mistakes. We accepted each other's failures. 

In a nutshell, it felt as if the bond we had, promised us the so-called "forever"—that both of us could easily picture how it would be like to be grandmothers together, sitting on our rocking chairs while knitting our grand-kids' mittens as we reminisce about our 'glory days' back in our childhood. 

I honestly thought we were that strong.

Flaming Wing's Wicked Oreos - Katipunan

And for no good reason, it had to wither. No, we weren't really mad at each other. It wasn't a big war that ended what we had. There was nothing to scream about, nothing to fight about, just nothing really.

But I figured our individual lives were just starting to take a form of its own—our lives were becoming way too different and separate from each other, that in order to grow, we knew we couldn't stay together for any longer.

My values and her values weren't the same anymore. My vision and her vision were two poles apart. My priorities and her priorities never found its way to match one another. My world was eventually becoming a totally different dimension from her world.  And the way to my life’s fulfillment was away from her, and hers was away from me.  

It was a quiet and natural way of drifting apart from each other, but, it was at the same time, sad and solemn. We were like two tree branches bound to naturally grow apart.

"Have I lost a best friend in her?" I asked God.

"No. Not at all."

To my "main chick," remember that you are eternally stuck as my 'best friend' in the storybook of my life, no matter how many friends I am bound to meet tomorrow and the days after. 

We met for such a time and in such a momentous way, that we couldn't avoid entwining. 

Our lives may have started to branch out separately, but we will forever be unified by the same tree trunk we grew from side-by-side, and by the same roots that brought life to us. 

We are forever bound by that one point in our lifetimes, despite both of us journeying in entirely different directions now.     

HAZEL WRITES: Real Talk with Maja Salvador

Me: You seem to have everything right now, do you feel like there's something more you want to accomplish, or there's probably something more you want in life?


Maja Salvador: Sobrang grateful na talaga ako sa mga meron ako ngayon. Feeling ko parang who am I to ask for more? Sobra-sobra yung blessings ni God sa buhay ko. Pero may mga bagay ako na gusto ko pang ma-experience...mostly sa buhay ng isang normal na tao.

Me: What exactly do you want to experience as a normal person?

MS: It has always been my dream to have my own family. Yung pamilya na kumpleto at masaya. Na may simpleng buhay rin. 

Me: Aww that's really nice. But I was wondering, magiging mas mahirap ba ma-experience yun as a celebrity?
MS: Not necessarily related naman to being a celebrity. But coming from a broken family myself, matagal na akong may longing na magkaroon ng buong pamilya. To the point na I promised myself na parang "One day, Maja, pag nagakapamilya ka, magiging maayos ang lahat. Magiging masaya lahat."

Me: Magiging answered prayer din yan!

MS: Of course! (laughs)

Me: You've been in this industry for so long na talaga. Paano mo nasabi sa sarili mo na ito talaga yung gusto mong gawin or paano mo na-confirm na ito talaga yung calling mo as a person? 

HAZEL WRITES: Meeting Maja Salvador

Thankfully, after days and nights of being confined in the hospital,

 due to extremely low white blood cell count, I was able to get back up 

and finally be able to do what I love...which is (believe me or not)...to work!

Headed to annex with the whole Inside Showbiz and Celebrity Mom magazine team for two major shoots! Talk about being productive and professional, despite...everything? 

As of press time, we still keep our "Maja Salvador project" confidential and under the covers, but we sure do believe you are going to love what we've worked on. I promise. 

After a whole day of all the work, we were able to have a good time chatting about real life, and it has always been such a blessing for me as a writer to be able to have an access to the "real" side of celebrities like Maja Salvador...a side where the stars are just people--people (as in) like you and I. 

I can't wait to tell you the things we have talked about and what I learned from her being someone who has been in such a glamorous but crazy cut-throat industry. She is such a girl with a bubbly and energetic aura but at the same time, a woman full of wisdom and independence. 

Catch more of that on my next blog entry soon, okay?

MEANWHILE....(Behind the scenes)

Shoots = Free (pig out) Food

Stripes Day? We didn't get the memo. But looks like we had this unspoken imaginary agreement to wear stripes today. 

Me, Maricel Salvador (Graphic Artist/Art Director of Celebrity Mom), Chelsea (Writer of Celebrity Mom), Ms. Fatima (Executive Editor of Celebrity Mom)

50 Shades of Gray.....we mean, the literal color, okay?

Mina Cruzada (Graphic Artist of Inside Showbiz), Jerick Sanchez (Photographer from Studio100), and me.

It's a wrap!

Now, time to bond with the team for coffee. 

And by "coffee" I meant FREE coffee. 

Therefore, my lola face.

SPOTTED: Kathryn Bernardo shares JUICY details about Christmas gift for Daniel Padilla

It was a dainty and sweet afternoon filled with all things pink (and pastel blue) when writers and beauty bloggers altogether enjoyed a buffet of desserts like macarons, marshmallows and cookies at Stacy's Cafe in Capitol Heights, Quezon City. 

At the same time, it was also a #JuicyfiedBlogcon afternoon in celebration of ABS-CBN Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo's two-year partnership with Juicy Cologne. Kathryn has long been using Juicy cologne when she was younger being that she find the sweet scent close to her sweet personality. 

And if Kathryn Bernardo would name her own Juicy Cologne variant someday, she would call it "Cloudy Cotton," Kathryn explains, "Parang cotton candy siguro [yung amoy]. Mahilig po kasi ako sa soft scents lang."

And just because Christmas is just around the corner, I couldn't help but ask her about how she prepares for Christmas and what Christmas gift she has in mind to give to her special leading man Daniel Padilla. Here's what she said: 

"Ngayong Christmas, I'm really looking forward na mas magkaroon ang ng bonding moments with my friends, sina Julia [Montes], sina Miles [Ocampo], kasi sobrang busy namin halos di na kami makapagkwentuhan. Also, time for my family rin. Ni-lu-look forward ko rin yun."

"Of course, I also try to personally buy Christmas gifts para sa mga taong malalapit sa akin. Gusto ko yung pinagiisipan ko talaga. Minsan pagbusy talaga ililista ko na lang tapos ipapabili ko. About gift for DJ naman, pinagiisipan ko na. Haha!"

"Mahilig po sya sa music eh. So, I'm thinking of giving him something music related!"

MEANWHILE...

I also personally do have a dainty personality. And I couldn't help but wander around this pretty cafe that was sooooo ME. hahaha! 

At a pretty cafe called "Stacy's"...but I loved it too much, I decided to call it "Hazie's" <3 #dreamBIG #WearYourApron #work

Ate Rose and Ate Joy of Stacy's :) I will forever enjoy meeting new people and asking them about life!

Ate from Stacy's told me, "You can take home desserts." So I panicked. And then she panicked because I panicked. #SweetnessIsMyWeakness

SPOTTED @ Making MEGA in South Africa

It's time for Africa! Our sister magazine MEGA just threw a party as big as its (so far) biggest and thickest fashion issue in Philippine history, launching the #MakingMEGAinSouthAfrica documentary at the Meralco Theater, followed by an exclusive party at VU’s sky bar in the Marco Polo hotel in Pasig City! 

Set in deep South Africa together with four of the most sought-after leading ladies of the Philippine Showbiz industry as coverstars—Kathryn Bernardo, Erich Gonzales, Maja Salvador and Julia Barretto—MEGA produces the biggest fashion issue with 436 pages!

After the showing, Kathryn with the other girls thank MEGA for the opportunity and the friendship the four has built and strengthened during the whole trip, “Hindi ko po akalain na sobrang magiging close kaming apat ng ganito. We want to thank MEGA for that."

WRITER DIARIES: The Naked Truth is the Enemy's Lie

So as I was starting to write about BENCH Naked Truth and scanning all the photos (since I didn't make it to the event), my blood just boiled over images where Coco Martin walked the runway holding a female model ON A LEASH! LIKE A DOG.

I'm not even posting a support photo. It's just too bad.

How degrading can this be for women? This is the reason why women are still struggling to get the respect they deserve. Women today strive in their own careers, caring for their family. But media still portrays women in a very dehumanizing light. Feminist na kung feminist.

Sorry Bench, but I'm writing in a different way. Yes, I am in this world, but I am NOT OF THIS WORLD. I just don't share the same values with your brand. I LIVE AND I WILL SPEAK UP FOR THE TRUTH......I will not support the enemy's lies and traps disguised in the name of "naked truth."

‪#‎GodsWhistleblower‬

WRITER DIARIES: Welcoming our newest Editor-in-Chief Direk Joey Reyes!

APPETITE TALES: "Going Loony for Luna Cafe"

Taguig City Representative and Film/TV director Lino Cayetano pays homage to Pinoy food and coffee through his passion for his business—Luna Specialty Coffee!

In the world of film-making, it is almost unheard of that the role of “taga-timpla ng kape” would be given to someone as highly-respected as the director—but not anymore! I was fortunate to have Direk Lino himself make and serve me coffee (specifically, the Piccolo latte) as his way to warmly welcome me to his sweet hidden spot in NAC Tower along the 32^nd Street of Bonifacio Global City.  And by the way, if you are a coffee aficionado like Direk and I, check out this place where they serve the best brews which you will surely go crazy for. Promise.