a tribute

i'm so happy to have friends who are amibitious, talented and courageous.

isbel is about to be a teacher for adarna publishing's new preschool. she still acts. she moved out of their house because she doesn't want to strain her relationship with her mother further. ultimately, i think they're better off.

mark and leo STILL aren't done with their thesis, but they're already making those videos for CARD (some microfinance banking venture/NGO). BOB productions is taking off! ahh, enough gas money for leo to drive his girlfriend all the way to bicutan. and for mark to spend on his young garapones-turned-love.

rica's an orchestra player and art teacher. she's been an orphan for nearly 5 years, and has managed her finances ever since. she lives in bulacan. it's not so bad now, she says, knowing that she always has enough money for a cab home.

anne's a freelance cinematographer/apprentice. she always has something to do, whether to earn or to learn. and she's able to make her family understand what she does, and she is met with considerable support.

may's a freelance filmmaker. she's leaving her writing job to join the call center industry because she admits she needs to learn some structure in working. her honesty and humility is disarming. and admirable.

for jjo, it looks like a promising career in filmmaking also awaits her.

sir reev is leaving freelancing (writing, composing, and teaching) for a steady job that will make him responsible for his life. and maybe someone else's when he finds her. and eventually, will afford him more time for his passion for art and music.

chely's a fashion journalist, stylist, make-up artist, hair guru... a happily trailing nomad who's out to make everyone feel better about themselves.

deng's also a freelance filmmaker/surfing beach bum. and now her projects seem to be rolling in. she said in her blog she's very thankful to have the luxury to be a freelancer, with her family behind her. she staunchly believes in living the lifestyle she chooses, and knows that freelancing will still give her quite a comfy lifestyle. well, with her talent, faith and determination, i have no doubt.

karl's a freelance writer. he's the man of his house. he refuses to leave the country even if he's not being paid nearly enough for his talent. and that's because he cares enough to share in the daily struggle all filipinos go through. partly because he's used to it.

when i see them, i feel like i need to define my ambitions, the lifestyle i want, the things i cannot give up. i don't want to end up like those zombies deng says keep yapping about work. i want to do what i want, and deal with the consequences of any decision that will allow me to do what i want. even if it means living a bit simpler than how i do now. will i ever let go of this extravagance completely? i keep looking for validation that wanting to acquire wealth is an acceptable goal for these people i so admire. maybe the question is, how far away from my ideal life and real goals will i go just to be rich?

i just don't want to be a zombie. please, lord. i want to be alive, like my friends. give me the courage to start, give us the fortitude to continue.