Continue to Dream, Dream Team
Two years into the pandemic, I can say I have adapted to the so-called “new normal.” Time flew so fast, and a lot has happened. I’m currently working from home, facing two huge computer monitors from Monday to Friday, constantly creating content for people not of my ethnicity.
There are a lot of sentences and paragraphs to write. But when I get idle, my mind goes back to the time when an office setup was a normal thing, smiles were not hidden under masks, and lunch tables were filled with laughter and loud conversations. That seemed like an era of its own — a time so long ago but still so vivid, it was just like yesterday.
Five years back, I was a struggling writer. I was so scared of the world, but being the idealistic youngster that I was, I still want to change the world in my little way. As an introvert, I had a lot of trouble fulfilling that deed, so I just let things run their course. I had no idea what happened, but the next thing I knew, I was covering events, interviewing beauty queens and celebrities, and traveling to different places. It was the dream of newbie lifestyle writers.
More than that, what I really enjoyed was the company of people who were still figuring out their paths just as I do. We’re all a little lost, but we managed to come through. Amidst all the deadlines and the corporate setting we despised the most, we survived, because, as cheesy as it may sound, we got each others’ backs — and it’s not just about the workload.
I miss the lunchtime, after five, and in-between work conversations. I remember staying until 9 pm in the office just to avoid the Friday rush. And during that time, we would talk about Kpop idols’ abs, honey badgers, what makes you a woman, (MRT) breakdowns, Manila traffic, the next article topic — just about the most random stuff. We were messy bursts of energy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When Petsa de Peligro came, we resorted to 711 rewards points so we can save on snacks. It was only during payday that we allow ourselves to buy something we crave because there are other priorities to be taken care of. We need to provide for ourselves and our families on top of budgeting the small salary for commute fares and other things.
But we’ve come a long way. We’ve been our separate ways since the pandemic began, and I can say we’ve grown in ways we never expected to. One’s managing a team, one’s studying overseas, others are still pursuing the creative field, and others are holding senior positions in different companies.
And me? My job pays well enough to help my parents pay the bills and treat them to nice dinner dates. I’m even saving up for concert tickets now — something I never thought I would be able to do.
Life has never been more stable. But my mind sometimes still wanders to that certain office space where a couple of kids exchange ideas. We had no clue where we would go during that time, but would you look at that? We’re figuring things out bit by bit, step by step.
I’m forever thankful that I was part of that team for a couple of years. I’ve grown so much as a writer, as a friend, and as a person. If I would list all the things I’ve learned in Inside Manila, a 1000-word article would not be enough.
We’re keeping in touch, but I still miss the actual interactions. If given the chance to work with them again, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Dream Team, right? Inside Manila, best group — that’s for sure.
So here’s to the struggles we’ve conquered, the Petsa de Peligros we’ve survived, the breakdowns we’ve overcome, and the goals we’ve yet to achieve.
Continue to dream, Dream Team.
