Sunday, June 10, 2012

Entry 5: Success--Stressed and Smiling!

So, the first two days of Destino was hectic! The "SOFT" opening turned out to be not so soft even if it was raining. We ran out of chairs and customers were standing. The second day, we again ran out of chairs! We definitely need to buy more tables and chairs. We had 10 small tables and 6 big tables to start with, plus 10 barstools. Seating capacity was already approximately 85 and we still ran out of chairs! NEED TO BUY TABLES AND CHAIRS! Hahaha! Makes me happy knowing a lot of people are trying the place. First day was overwhelming as there was not system and we just went with whatever. We were short-staffed as we weren't expecting that many people. Thankfully my cousin was there to save the day. She assisted me in all ways possible. So I gave her a Destino shirt. I owe her way more than that. Tomorrow is another day of sleeplessness but it's all worth it. Supports are pouring in (!), especially sponsorships for the Grand Opening come Friday. I could almost imagine Destino: Cebu, Destino: Davao, Destino: Leyte....Destino Resorts, Destino Hotels....Destino Corporation. REACH FOR THE STARS SO THAT, AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU'D REACH THE TREE TOPS! :)

Friday, June 8, 2012

Entry 4: Excited and Terrified


Thursday, a day before the opening. Stressed doesn't even describe it. I'm beyond stressed that I've come full circle to just chill. The meetings just went on and on forever. It was like a flood of work. But i had so much fun! At the start, there was a shortage of cash but as the day progressed so did the shower of money.
Tables and chairs, check! Waiters, check! Cooks, check! Bartender, check! More glasses, pitchers, bar utensils, check! Order 40 cases of drinks, check! Menu, check! Banner, check! And so much more, check! I have to sleep now as would need to wake up in 4 hours (5am) to go to the market for food purchasing. Then I need to be awake for 24 hours until 5am the next day! I would need an unlimited supply of coffee!

It's all so exciting...but the fear is all too real as well. But when you hear words like these:
"Of course!  I hope if I get back to the Philippines that I will be able to spend time with you as well!  You might be too busy though with a successful bar and school!  You will do wonderfully!  You are an incredibly amazing young woman!  Beautiful, brilliant and so multifaceted! Don't be worried you are a success!! So your bar will be as well! Not only are you the above mentioned but kind and generous as well. I feel very lucky to know you!"
It makes me believe I can do it. To simply know that someone believes in you, feels so good but for someone to believe in you so much makes you feel humbled. I almost choked when tears started creeping up my eyes. Somehow, through new friends, I could almost feel that my mother is still alive and is speaking through her.
For those kind, encouraging, and supportive words, for the confidence and belief, I thank her. Now, I am not so terrified anymore.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Entry 3: Cherry On Top

Wednesday was a really exhausting but fulfilling day.

Went to the lawyer, set an appointment for the next day. Stole a page of a newspaper from the law office--the lifestyle page, the one with the comics and the astronomy fortune telling. But, i didn't steal it for those things, I was done reading them there; stole it for the Sudoku puzzle! Solving Sudoku puzzles, such a stress reliever! It's the second time I stole that page there. I should just buy a Sudoku puzzle book! Then, met with the hired bar tender, did costing and purchasing. Met with business plan advisers and investors, planned for the soft opening of the bar on Friday. Got a call from an investor (a friend's brother) saying he had transferred the money to my account, sweet! Did delegation of work to everyone willing to help. Talked to suppliers, ordered some. Finalized the logo/design, posted on FB walls. Ordered t-shirts to be printed for Friday. Found solutions to problems of cash, freezer, suppliers, canopies, band, etc. Played host to supportive friends and waited until they finally decided it was time to go. The soft opening of Destino (Destination and Destiny) looms near. I am excited and terrified.


Finally ending the day, my cellphone rings...haven't I mentioned last entry that it was finally quiet? Well, it rang. The cherry on top. Today was a huge cake with lots of icing and finally that cherry! Yummy!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Entry 2: Alone But Not Lonely

My cellphone is finally quiet.

But it keeps on ringing with calls and messages from applicants, investors, and friends. Meetings after meetings, struggling to stay on top of things. Barely have time to breathe.

I look at where I am right now and where I am heading, and I smile.  I haven't planned on heading this way but here I am. My original plans are so far off from where I am now. But when you have no one else to rely on, and instead people rely on you, a life depends on you, there is no other choice but to be strong. No time for crying and bemoaning life; there's only time for a deep breath, rolling of the shoulders, standing up and saying: bringiton! Not just that, you even have to say it with a smile and a laugh: ooohhhhh yeaaaahhhh, bring-it-on!

I hold my head high, back straight, and laugh at life! No matter what, everything is going to be alright. No matter what happens, life will not get the best of me. Monday might have been a letting go but it was with the promise of a fulfilling friendship. Tuesday was a meeting with an old friend and talking with her for hours like we have never been apart. People enriching my life by being a part of it brings warmth to my heart.

I may be driving on my motorbike alone, I may be carrying the burden of my business alone, I may be taking care of my son alone, I may be alone facing life...but never lonely. There is so much to be thankful for, so much good news to focus on, so much love received and to give.

Putting my son to bed, wrapping him in my arms, kissing him on the forehead, a big happy smile on my face, I am contented...even if my cellphone is finally quiet.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Entry 1: Cocoon

There are people who come into our lives to share a smile with...but there are those who come into our lives to change it.

I was once again heading into a dangerous trajectory in my life. When life moves too fast and you let events drive you instead of driving your life, things could head for the worst. Fortunately, a stopper was sent my way to perhaps save my soul.

As it is 2:42am as I am writing this, I will have to say that I went to church yesterday (Sunday) for the first time in a very long time. On my own free will, by myself, I walked up to the daunting church, went in and sat at the very back, ready to bolt at the slightest sign of uneasiness. I sat there until the end of the service. I even dropped a prayer request: "Please pray for my heart and my soul." I hope they do their work and pray for me, although I did not include my name. Surely God will know who they will be praying for.

It was raining hard that afternoon, but as the rain stopped, I headed for the cemetery to visit my mother. It's a long drive from the city. By the time I got there, the clouds were ominous. The cemetery that she is buried in has always made me feel at peace. From there, I could see the mountains and the vast sky, but that time, the clouds were dark and heavy. I lighted a candle for her then it started to drizzle. I headed for a canopy were chairs were piled up to be put away. The rain began to come down hard so I decided to open the laptop I had been bringing along. It was only 6pm, but it was dark and the rain limited my visibility so I sat down on one of the chairs, placed my laptop on my lap and started playing songs.

By myself at a faraway cemetery, rain enveloping the canopy, music playing, I waited for the rain to stop. It was a first. It was soothing. It was a moment in time I would remember for the rest of my life. I knew it was officially the start of my cocooning period. I will wait until my wings are ready before I fly again.

As the rain was dying down, an hour later, I headed back to the city. Not wanting to go home to my empty room, I began driving aimlessly again. I found myself heading to the coconut grove. I only noticed I was there as I passed by it. I smiled and drove around some more until there was no choice but to go home. The first day of cocooning was not that bad...but it will get darker and lonelier before it gets better...but then again, I am willing to wait.

I thank the angel sent my way who led me back to the light.