Here's a link to an editorial in today's paper, part of which was written by yours truly.
Of course, they didn't put my name on it for which I'm thankful. There are a few typos and diction errors in there that I wouldn't touch with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole. Not to brag but my copy was slightly better. At any rate, this is my first broadsheet involvement and I'm happy about it. That's the editorial page, man!
I was asked to produce that column feed last Friday. I've never done one before so it took the better part of my afternoon to write the thing. After about four hours, she went over the draft and said it was good but needed a few minor changes so it would read like this columnist's. The one above is the finished product with some unexpected edits. But who am I to complain? I'm just glad to be writing for my wages.
Of course, they didn't put my name on it for which I'm thankful. There are a few typos and diction errors in there that I wouldn't touch with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole. Not to brag but my copy was slightly better. At any rate, this is my first broadsheet involvement and I'm happy about it. That's the editorial page, man!
I was asked to produce that column feed last Friday. I've never done one before so it took the better part of my afternoon to write the thing. After about four hours, she went over the draft and said it was good but needed a few minor changes so it would read like this columnist's. The one above is the finished product with some unexpected edits. But who am I to complain? I'm just glad to be writing for my wages.
* * *
Another Serbisyo Muna Caravan was held this morning. It was in Parañaque and, this time, a bit less claustrophobic. They really had things organized and people weren't concentrated in one area so it made the job more tollerable. President Arroyo arrived for her usual walkthrough and photo op. The woman loves to wear blue.
After that, we stopped by the Airport CF on Sucat--the one that used to be Duty Free Philippines. I liked how they refurbished the place because, as I remember from about eight years ago, the interiors were pretty worn out: carpet stains, peeling wallpaper, leaky ceilings, etc. But now, everything looks shimmering and new from the floors to the lighting and fixtures. It's almost like an upscale mall.
I saw Tito Ping at a long table with our department's Big Dodi having lunch. We exchanged pleasantries and they each gave me a pat on the back. Tito Ping didn't know (or maybe forgot) that I worked in the same building as he does, he thought I worked at that casino. Me??
Since we were there to eat we wasted no time lining up for the buffet. Actually, there was no line and hardly any people. You could see that most of them were on the slot machines. The spread was impressive and that's all I'm gonna say about that! As a result, the van was quiet on the way back to the office.
After that, we stopped by the Airport CF on Sucat--the one that used to be Duty Free Philippines. I liked how they refurbished the place because, as I remember from about eight years ago, the interiors were pretty worn out: carpet stains, peeling wallpaper, leaky ceilings, etc. But now, everything looks shimmering and new from the floors to the lighting and fixtures. It's almost like an upscale mall.
I saw Tito Ping at a long table with our department's Big Dodi having lunch. We exchanged pleasantries and they each gave me a pat on the back. Tito Ping didn't know (or maybe forgot) that I worked in the same building as he does, he thought I worked at that casino. Me??
Since we were there to eat we wasted no time lining up for the buffet. Actually, there was no line and hardly any people. You could see that most of them were on the slot machines. The spread was impressive and that's all I'm gonna say about that! As a result, the van was quiet on the way back to the office.
* * *
At around 5 o'clock, my phone starts flashing (it's always on silent mode) and displays an international number calling. It was from Singapore. I was expecting the call because they had already spoken to me last Monday. (The girl I talked to on Monday said they'd like put me on the show to talk to the VJs. They picked me because they noticed that I was all over the messageboard and that I was a big fan of Colby. "Right?", she asked. I hesitated and said "yeaahh...sorta!")
The guy on the other end asked for me. Seems he was in the control booth because I could hear another person coaching him on what to instruct me and some other production buzz words being said in the background. They were taping this request show called Pop Inc. (So it appears they tape it at five in the afternoon?) He patched me through to their VJs Colby Miller and Denise Keller. They were laughing about something before I spoke to them. They asked me how I was and I said, "I'm okay. I'm actually at work right now." Colby asked, "what company do you work for?" And I said, " I work for a PR company!" (What I should have said was I worked "in" PR for a company. Major fib.) I think they hesitated a bit and asked if it was okay to be talking to them. I said "not sure" but "what they don't know won't hurt 'em!" Hesitation from them again and then I was asked me to hold and wait until they put me back live.
I found a spot behind a door that wasn't as noisy as the hallway where I initially stood. A minute passes and I hear "hi (my name)! how are you doing?!" from Denise and Colby. Tape was rolling.
Yada yada.
Denise: (my name), how much love do you have for Colby?
ME: (struggling for words) As much love...as a pumpkin has for its earth!
(Laughter all around.)
Colby: That's a lot of lovin'!
ME: Yeah!
Denise: So do you have anything you wanna ask Colby?
ME: Yeah, Colby, I'd like to ask you what would be your dream interview? (and then I say some incomprehensible stuff)
Colby: My dream what?
ME: Your dream interview! Who would you like to interview now that you're with MTV?
Colby: Oh! I have to say Jamie Foxx. He's a very talented fellow and he's coming out with a new album pretty soon. Not a lot of people know that he had a jazz album a couple of years back.
ME: Oh really? Well, see I didn't even know that. (again struggling for intelligent remarks)
Colby: Wait, (my name), do you have anything you want to ask Denise?
ME: Yes. For Denise, I want to know how you feel about your new haircut? (Exhibit A!)
Denise: Best thing I ever did in my life! Less shampoo, less conditioner. It's great!
ME: I agree
Colby: Alright (my name), well, thanks for being a fan and thanks for watching Pop Inc. You can go back to work now.
ME: Hey, no problem! Thanks, Denise. Thanks, Colby! Thanks MTV.
Colby/Denise: Bye!
ME: Bye.
Then the guy at the control booth got on the other end and explained that this episode will be aired on November 30th. He thanked me and we said goodbye.
I checked my cell and the call took a little over twnety minutes.
Reeling, I walked back into the office and sat quietly at my desk, replaying the whole thing in my mind. Why did I do that? Because I'm such a total loo-hoo-zer.
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