[Ny Minute Now]

Yahoo! I'm one degree less separated from one of my favorite people in the world, with the recent feature of our beautiful/wonderful/fun/exciting wedding in Martha Stewart Weddings Philippines. Special thanks to editor-in-chief and my good friend, Tata Mapa, who had requested for the exclusive 'rights' to be the first to feature our wedding in a publication—print or online. Now, I'm not one to say no to anything Martha, so, here we are! Tata had actually met her in New York City and later on received a handwritten note from the domestic diva and kitchen maven herself. Love the gracious gesture and manners.

So now I can really share our photos with the rest of the world. You'll find some in my blog posts, "I got married!" and "Talking about suppliers," and of course, the YouTube slideshow below that I doubt I'll ever tire of viewing (and listening to) by photographer Pat Dy and team.


(Music by Jon Schmidt, "Love Story Taylor Swift meets Viva La Vida Coldplay Piano Cello" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfH2BY5pdLw.)

Labels: fab friends, love Manila, magazines, New York, New York minutes, wedding

Labels: beauty, career, fab friends, food, love Manila, magazines, work

Summing up all the career articles I've been reading for about a year now, plus personal experience on the tricky and nuanced world of career planning and jobhunting, it would be the following:

1. Be proactive.
2. Ask for help.
3. Follow up

Let me elaborate:

1. Be proactive
Looking for a new job, eyeing a new career, or simply considering changes in your current work situation starts with a DECISION and a MINDSET. You have to prep your mind, body, and heart to attract new opportunities, and be willing to do the paperwork and logistics to make that happen. It also helps to have a positive attitude. If you start thinking defeat when you haven't even started, you might as well stay exactly where you are.

In the span of two (or three) years, I've submitted many many emails and résumé packets containing clips and many many permutations of a cover letter. Some, with the help of former colleagues, and a bigger percentage, simply by looking at mastheads and articles. Some have resulted in actual meetings, some have emailed back with their regrets, and majority have not even bothered to get back to me.

Should you be disheartened by this, or in any form of rejection? No. The process of updating your CV, printing letters, sending them out, puts you in that mode wherein you become extra-receptive to opportunity. So when that coveted moment comes, you're alert, awake, and ready to grab it—quickly!—versus sulking and wondering why no one has called you back yet.


2. Ask for help

And when you do, strive to be specific. An example I've read that perfectly illustrates this is paraphrased as follows: If you have the option to pass along your résumé to a faceless HR person or massive and countless online job boards, versus targeting a SPECIFIC person with a clear title and influence in an organization, why wouldn't you go for the latter? And, if you know someone who knows someone who knows that particular someone, then by all means ask for a little nudge to get your toe in the door. What have you got to lose? What's the worst thing that could happen? Rejection. See #1.


3. Follow up.

After you've asked for someone to point you towards the direction of an influential person, it's now ENTIRELY up to you to do the work. You have to walk the walk, talk the talk, do the phone calls, send handwritten notes, WHATEVER it takes to capitalize on that initial push. Make it worth everyone's time. And, at this point, it's your obligation to not make the person who recommended you make a fool out of her/himself by being flaky or unreliable.

Of all three tips, this is the one I'm guilty of not following through 100%. True, I'm proactive. True, I don't hesitate to be kapalmuks [thick-skinned] to people I barely know and I don't hesitate asking friends and former colleagues for names, email addresses, and even simply putting it out there, to "stay on your radar." But following up? This is perhaps the most challenging part—because more than anything, life gets in the way: there are other emails to answer (on a side note, try to answer EVERY email you receive. I know that's like shooting for the moon, but it helps to set the bar high), Facebook messages to respond to, chores, laundry, D.I.Y. pedicures… Here is where it's best to be organized about the whole process. How organized? Think: Excel sheets, checklists, calendars, written plans…whatever will help remind you that you've promised to touch-base and finally send that application in.

When I moved back to NYC this year, I'd asked a former boss to help forward along an email I'd planned to send to an editor-in-chief of an inflight magazine. I charted the names and dates relating to the emails that ensued, and made sure I kept in touch, and saw the conversation through and through. I didn't get a job at that particular office, but, sending that first email started the ball rolling that resulted in 28 other people I'd contacted. That's a small number compared to the 100 I'd aimed for, but more importantly, I know that I can always pick up that initial email exchange down the line and send a "refresher" hello to whomever was in the loop, in the event I have to be on job-hunt mode again. Even better, I have an Excel sheet to go back to and add to (I only hope not in the near future!).

On the flip side, don't be desperate. Desperation tends to repel people. This advice was given to me by Ok! Mag EIC Frances Sales right at the beginning stages of this year's jobhunt. I know it's a delicate mix and balance of being thorough and diligent, versus being makulit [annoying/repetitive]. Here's the gist of what Frances said:

"Mariel, just be chill. Sometimes you give off this vibe that you're nervous and eager to please. I will tell you about Steve Carrell, who found success when he was 40. He said, 'I immediately started getting more work when I became a father. I just auditioned differently. When you audition and you really need the part, a producer or a casting director can smell desperation. It is an immediate turn-off and you probably won’t get cast. But if there is a confidence, not an arrogance, but a sort of nonchalance about it [...] you get it.'"

Frances pointed out: "It's the same with all jobs: people like happy relaxed people especially in a bad economy because they want that energy."


All of that said, I never hesitate on helping people, unless I sense a lack of conviction and desire…or find an inclination to want to be spoonfed. Actually, the spoon-feeding part isn't that big of a deal as I don't mind sharing and passing these tidbits along (i.e. pay it forward). I actually put more weight on being positive and proactive. You have to want something really bad, decide you want it, and get up and start moving. It's not up to me to boost your morale (although I'd be happy to point out your good qualities and give a pep talk every now and then); that is a decision you and only you can make for yourself.

And when you become successful, please don't forget me. I am happiest with a bar of ridiculously good premium chocolate.

Image courtesy of Andrews University.

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Labels: career, magazines, work

More and more, everyday, I recognize and realize how unique the working circumstances I'd had back at my first job in Seventeen. Along with the friendships that have stood the test of time (10 years!), the life lessons and work attitude I'd picked up along the way have proven to be invaluable. The funny thing is, it never even occurred to me that that training I received was quite the exception more than the norm. My first boss, Maya Calica, was exemplary in a way that she inspired and encouraged us to go for our goals and dream, DREAM big (even bigger, biggest…). We were all encouraged to verbalize what direction we wanted our careers to go, all the while putting a premium on quality work and an unwavering positive outlook.

So to Maya, Fran, Tata, Lille, Maddy, Anne, Monica, Margie, Mia, and everyone who made a Seventeen difference in my life, thank you for the experience of a lifetime.

Image courtesy of Whosdatedwho.com.

Labels: career, fab friends, life musings, magazines, Seventeen

I've been going to the Vanity Fair website a lot lately—from leisurely browsing to finding inspiration for a work-related task. I also recently bought the September (printed!) issue featuring Lady Gaga on the cover. Before I get into some super-cool photos, I'd like to share this snippet from the celebrity profile written by contributing editor Lisa Robinson. I'm not exactly a huge fan of Ga-ga-ooh-la-la, but I particularly liked what was written here:

It was a low point . . . when disaster struck, Gaga “went home.” She tells Robinson, “All I will say is I hit rock bottom, and it was enough to send a person over the edge. My mother knew the truth about that day, and she screamed so loud on the other end of the phone, I’ll never forget it. And she said, ‘I’m coming to get you.’” Gaga says they went to her 82-year-old grandmother’s house in West Virginia. “I cried. I told her I thought my life was over and I have no hope and I’ve worked so hard, and I knew I was good. What would I do now? And she said, ‘I’m gonna let you cry for a few more hours. And then after those few hours are up, you’re gonna stop crying, you’re gonna pick yourself up, you’re gonna go back to New York, and you’re gonna kick some ass.’”

(Source: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/08/lady-gaga-september-issue.html)

That's definitely good to keep in mind whenever sadness strikes.

Now, onto those photos: VF had asked 52 experts to weigh in on the five most important works of architecture created since 1980. The magazine received a total of 132 names of buildings and uploaded photos of the top 21 on the website. And, here are my own faves.




Images sourced from VanityFair.com, published by Condé Nast Digital. Photographers are credited within captions. For copyright concerns and clarifications, please email me at mariel.chua@gmail.com.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, celebrities, magazines, New York, New York minutes

I was just reading actress Helen Mirren's Proust questionnaire over at VanityFair.com and thought I'd add a little bit more fun here and answer one myself. I have a feeling I've already done this in some form sometime ago. And, now that I'm writing this last sentence as I've typed up and edited my answers, I noticed that many of them resemble Helen's! (You can even answer the interactive questionnaire on the VF website and your answers are then compared to famous people. I haven't tried it, feel free to leave a comment about it.)

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A weekend nap with my husband on high-thread-count sheets and a fluffy comforter on a heavenly mattress that can support both our aching backs; our 90-pound dog also snoozing on the floor at the edge of the bed where the comforter dangles.

Which living person do you most admire?
My grandmother who's 86. She raised eight children (and lost a ninth); baked native bread to sell during the war in a makeshift oven that she made; took care of many of her children's children as the young parents were setting up shop; sang at the church choir. My Lola is the original SUPERWOMAN.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Deceit in any form no matter how "small."

What is your greatest extravagance?
Food.

What is your favorite journey?
Any "journey" involving hopping on a car (or plane) and then being on a boat headed somewhere sunny and sandy.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Punctuality in the morning. Although I agree that many successful people are early risers (e.g. Martha Stewart). Hence, I've hopped on the early morning bandwagon.

On what occasion do you lie?
On forms that require you to list some form of numerical (or informational) valuation of the financial (or career) kind.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Once a month, I feel ridiculously bloated all over. That's when I seem to 'dislike' everything. All other times, I'm fine and happy with how I look.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Oh my gosh.

What is your greatest regret?
Every time something happens wherein I feel a deep sense of regret and convince myself that I would remember that day or moment forever, I seem to forget what it was weeks or months after! So, right now, no regrets.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband. He's one of a kind. I'm absolutely happy that he never listened to me all those times I wanted to give up because of the whole long distance "challenge."

When and where were you happiest?
You know what, I never thought I would ever say this in my life, but it is what it is: I was happiest at my wedding! There was so much love (and fashion and beach and family…) all around!

What is your current state of mind
Calm after that dreadful (PMS) storm.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd like to be less paranoid and less influenced and affected by the varying temperaments around me.

What is your favorite occupation?
The sum of all that follows: writing, reading, being in the kitchen, sleeping.

What is the quality you most like in a person?
Honesty.

What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.

Who are your favorite writers?
I don't have a single favorite. There are so many brilliant writers out there!

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
British aristocracy—still married to the British aristocratic version of my husband who has the Royal Ascot version of our fat and lovable dog as a pet :)


Illustrations by Risko. Photo courtesy of http://coolstuffaround.net.

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, celebrities, family, food, life musings, magazines, New York minutes, travel

I wrote a different blog post for tonight but I decided not to publish it, because it's not exactly pleasant. It's about a nagging fear that I'd rather not talk about right now. Anyway, I've read in Basic Black a while back—written by former Hearst Magazines president, now chairman, Cathie Black—that to deal with fear, you have to do one thing that propels you forward and tackles the feeling. I may have also read in the book or an article somewhere, that it's actually good to imagine the worst-case scenario; walk yourself through it, imagine the steps you would take. So in the event that what you fear the most indeed does happen, you've already 'rehearsed' and are emotionally (and consequently, physically) prepared to deal with the situation.

I've actually spent the last few days roughly going through that method in my mind. But sometimes, no matter how hard you "practice," things can still hurt and be bothersome. It's like dating a guy whom you know is about to dump you and you see it coming and yet, when it happens, you still keel over in pain, crying your eyes out (on another note, I'm relieved to be married; I don't want to ever have to feel that kind of pain again).

Labels: 30-Day Blog Challenge, books, life musings, magazines

One day in 2008 I lay in bed thinking, "What if I never had to work? What if I didn't have to get up everyday to be somewhere?" It was around fall, I was working as a proofreader and copy editor at J.Crew, and the prospect of another cold, bone-piercing winter had long lost its appeal. And, I was simply...tired. From the time I was 20 until I moved to New York at 27 to pursue my publishing dreams, I never stopped working. I never had that year off college co-eds usually take after graduation to "explore and look around," only because I was lucky to have found the perfect job match off the bat, working at Seventeen Magazine when it launched in Manila in 2000. (I did get to go on yearly US vacations though.)

Yet, it's true that we gravitate toward the things that we want and have a hand at making them happen. By December of that year, I'd lost my job and had to quickly pack up my apartment; stashed meaningful and useful items in storage, donated the rest of my belongings to the Salvation Army, and off I was to Denver to recuperate from the whirlwind that was New York Round One.

Fast forward to 2010: I've made three trips back and forth between Manila and Denver; vacationed in beautiful beaches; had a lovely destination wedding (with a beach-side reception); cooked and baked my heart out; blogged and wrote about food and musings on life, love, and career (and got paid for it at times!); spent quality time with family, flying/boating to far-flung places; took on lucrative freelance projects (to help finance the above), and more.

I couldn't have asked for a better sabbatical.

While I agree that a certain amount of stress can be beneficial (studies show that a little of it actually helps you perform better), too much can be detrimental not only to your health, but also to your productivity and morale.

So, if you're feeling the onset of a burnout, I highly recommend taking some time off. True, you may have to cut back on certain things (I've had to give up living in NY full-time to ease the pressure of rent and other expenses) but, in the bigger scheme of life, it's absolutely worth it.

That said, I'm now back in New York, recharged and ready for Round Two. With my freelance plate full, I no longer dread having to work at a new job requiring me to be somewhere everyday—no matter the weather, whatever the season.

Labels: career, college, family, magazines, milestones, New York, New York minutes, travel, work

Here's a quote from Lara Parpan, editor-in-chief of Women's Health Philippines:

"Seize the moment. When I run, swim, bike, dance, or even write this blog, it’s a celebration of my body and my mind being intact and functional at this very moment. I cannot ask for more. I am already blessed. I live life fully, right here, right now."

You can read Lara's full blog at Femalenetwork.com, where she wrote a very detailed post about aneurysms ("Why I Dance Like A Madwoman," July 2, 2010), what they are, the best way to spot them, and habits to kick or adopt to help steer clear of them.

Speaking of quotes, I've come across two other meaningful ones from my most recent Long Island weekend:

"Never take no for an answer. Mr. Lewis lost three big deals, but he never lost the game."
—Millenium Membership Awardee Londell Williams at the Reginald F. Lewis Benefit Luncheon held on June 26, 2010.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
—Teddy Roosevelt, quoted by the priest during homily at Sunday mass.

Posting photos from last weekend's spectacular East Hampton (working) getaway very soon. In the meantime, Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Photo by John Reyes.

Labels: career, faith, inspiration, life musings, magazines, New York minutes

The perfect career for me would be something that would allow me to bake, read, write, edit, and travel for a living—all within the balance of sufficient (or even abundant) food, rest, and excercise.

Fortunately, I've been able to live this kind of life for the past year a half. It was nice to spend some personal time doing the things I love and getting paid for it, in modest amounts and otherwise.

However, I've set new goals in life that now require me to get back into working in New York City as a full-time employee. I am simply hoping that whatever the 40 hours or more of work I'll be doing would still allow for the things I enjoy, or preferably, would still be related to the activities mentioned above.


In 2008 began an influx of "Magazines are dying, newspapers are closing, everything's moving online..." which was neither good nor empowering for someone who truly loved paper and print media in general (and for someone who had just moved across the miles to land her next editorial job). A friend recently mentioned that the buzz now is that the industry will be a dinosaur in five years: "The magazines are so thin now and the only one to survive all of this is most likely Vogue." And I don't even read Vogue. (Elle and Vanity Fair, I like.)


But, it's 2010 and magazines are still around. My newspaper column still comes out. Most of the publications I'd contributed to or worked in—with the exception of one or two—are still churning out pages month by month; with its editors working as hard as ever. As for the 'new media' thing, I've logged on a considerable amount of time setting up shop online, so I'm not too worried about that. In fact, I've enjoyed many writing and editing projects this past year, and, ironically, the assignments, except for one luxury hotel brand, that have earned me substantial amounts from working off-site and online were actually funded by parent companies whose main business and revenue stream come from—gasp—magazines!


Courtesy of Harper's BAZAAR and American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME).

Labels: career, chocolate, family, magazines, money matters, New York, pro-blogging

It's been a while since I've written about beauty here at Ny Minute Now, ever since I'd moved all the beauty articles over at BeautyintheBigApple.com. However, this afternoon, I got to thinking about sharing my two latest lip finds.

On my way to the ladies' room at the office earlier, my friend, Pia Rojas, fashion and beauty editor of Good Housekeeping, casually said, "Go to my desk, I have lipstick for you."

Now, while I've more discerning than ever with what I put on my face and body these days, I rarely turn down beauty products. I no longer get to test-drive a kazillion items for work, so I actually now have to head to the counters and supermarkets, or rely on the generous donations of my editor friends for personal care items, as you can tell from above.

Anyway, that said, you must check out Revlon Colorburst™ Lipsticks in Soft Nude and Grape. The former is a delicious neutral shade that seems blah at first swipe, but instantly transforms into a healthy pillowy pink, once topped with your favorite old-rose gloss. The latter, meanwhile, looks like a rich plum inside the tube, and based on the nude I've tried, goes on soft and creamy on the lip. And that's saying a lot, coming from someone not exactly a fan of rouge, who consciously takes it off before eating!


Pictured above are Revlon ColorBurst Lipsticks in True Red, Fuchsia and Baby Pink. Image courtesy of Harper's Bazaar.

Labels: beauty, Beauty in the Big Apple, fab friends, magazines

At my own internship experience 10 years ago, I looked forward to coming to work everyday. Each opportunity presented a new learning experience, and I was happy to take in as much as I could. The magazine industry in Manila back then was still somewhat in its infancy, and we were all still finding our feet. I reckon it was a great time to have been able to dip my toe in, and then jump (and swim) in the growing magazine pool. Among friends, we still refer to a certain time as the Golden Age of Glossies.

Fast-forward to 2010, it's nice to know that magazines are standing the test of time (in a not-so-glossy economy) and have evolved to breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and excellently edited works compiled by the most talented and hardworking people in the business. And most importantly, they are still very much FUN. True, the demands have grown, the responsibilities are more vast, and the consequences to delinquent behavior are more magnified, but I still see it as one happy and dynamic capsule, exploding with infinite opportunities.

When I see interns Alex, Gaile, and Yen at work, I catch a glimpse of this sense of wonder and eagerness to be part of something bigger than themselves; to explore the world beyond their comfort zones. I notice Alex arrive 30 minutes before everybody else; Gaile, quietly and diligently helping our fashion editor with her pages; and Yen discovering the wonderful—and tedious—world of beauty. So much to take in, so little time.

I ended up staying on board as an intern for four months, eventually becoming an editor for many years. Magazine publishing remains my first love and forever home, wherever I am in the world, and however it is presented (online, over the iPad, in the moon...). And for Alex, Gaile, and Yen, I paraphrase the words of Stanley Tucci's character, Nigel, in The Devil Wears Prada: I only hope for the best—I have to.


Originally published at Cosmo.ph/FlawlessatWork. Image courtesy of Cinecon.com and 20th Century Fox

Labels: fab friends, fashion, gadgets, love Manila, magazines, milestones, work

This has got to be the best and cutest datebook I've seen in a long time. And I'm not just saying that because I'm currently doing an advertising project with Cosmo, or because I'm apparently a "brand ambassador" for Pond's (quite fun, let me tell you!). I say this as a general and avid fan of paper, good stationery, and well thought-out pieces of merchandise. I absolutely love how the people behind this planner seemed to have poured their hearts into it: from the witty, well-written copy peppered throughout the meticulously art-directed calendar pages, to the eye-popping illustrations and useful coupons and stickers at the end of the book. I could go on and on gushing, but it's best to see for yourself; this planner retails for Php 250 at newstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide. But don't take my word for it because it's already April and they're probably sold out.

On the bright side, I'm giving away not one, not two, but FIVE of these lovely works of magazine editorial art. All you have to do is of course, mention and link NyMinuteNow.com in a blog post, and while you're at it, plug the upcoming makeover promo posted at Cosmo.ph. Go to http://www.cosmo.ph/cosmo-community/promos/be-part-of-cosmo-makeovers-2010/ to find out how you can be one of SEVEN lucky readers who'll win a free fashion and beauty makeover.

Leave a comment with your blog link and I shall draw lots from the first 10 blog posts. Thanks in advance for your entries and enjoy the week ahead!

UPDATE 05/08/10 I changed my mind about the mechanics. I'll just give the five planners to the first five people who link up and leave a comment. So far, I have two entries. (Thanks, Ann and NeuroChiq!)

Art direction by Red De Leon. Illustrations by Leo Alvarado.

Labels: beauty, Cosmopolitan, fashion, magazines, work

It's nice to kind of be back at my old job where I'm currently running the internship program until classes start in this part of the world. Three lucky girls were chosen from almost a hundred,[correction, more than 100; 151 actually from when I last counted] and in terms of talent, personality, and work ethic, they are quite a cute bunch. Cute is a word I've chosen for now because we all just started and we're still in the getting-to-know-you stage.

I met the girls for the first time on Monday and while I can't really talk about specifics, one girl gets to fly out to New York City at the end of the program. As the director I am more or less responsible for choosing who that would be, but I have the help of other 'heads of state,' so to speak.

Anyway, after working freelance—as in no office building—I find it both refreshing and amusing to be in the presence of cubicles, and of course, old friends and colleagues! Earlier I realized how being at the office felt like one big living room where so many people who helped shaped my work and personal life were simply footsteps away; it's amazing!

A few cubicles down is my dear friend Frances, who, at six months pregnant has a cute bump and a waddle to her walk [Oh dear Neighbor I actually haven't noticed the waddle; I only took your word for it from your blog :)]. The heels are gone but she still looks fab, as how editors-in-chief look and carry themselves. It's so nice to easily get to catch up with her in the pantry, or pop by her desk to chat...or in the case of this afternoon, check out her beauty product stash. I'm one mascara rich today :)

Directly behind me is Preview Magazine's EIC, Pauline Juan, who always looks effortlessly fashionable. Also close by is editorial director, Myrza Sison, former Marie Claire EIC who recently relaunched the new Femalenetwork.com. And the desk next to me belongs to my good friend, former Seventeen associate editor Tata Mapa, who now helms Martha Stewart Weddings. So cool. It's exactly like how my dad described how one should work: that it shouldn't feel like it.

Labels: fab friends, love Manila, magazines, New York, pro-blogging, work

I think I may have accidentally outed a person I'd just met earlier at lunch. Talk about embarrassing, and I am so sorry!

In the "fashion world" where I'd like to think I come from (but not really; I'm mostly just on the sidelines), it's quite normal to talk about who's out, who's in the closet, with someone who probably has just come out himself, something strange like that, although that has never happened to me. I did out a friend who happened to not be gay, and he anyway kind of agreed to email me in the event he did come out in the near or distant future—which really goes to show that these kinds of conversations exist in my world.

These day-to-day stories among friends are interspersed with fashion trends, beauty news, or celebrity tidbits. And anything and everything about beauty and lifestyle are shared over sumptuous lunches capped by cups of tea and slices of cake. At least that's how I remember my old life, way before I moved to New York. These days, I'm more likely to be checking what Martha Stewart or Ina Garten have to say about a kitchen project I'm trying out, which probably goes to show why my social and mingling skills are kind of rusty (or amiss) at this point.

Image courtesy of Stylecaster.com.

Labels: beauty, fab friends, fashion, magazines, New York, pro-blogging, work

I've resigned myself to the fact that dieting isn't for me, and in order to sustain my love for delightful desserts, savory cuisine, and all other delicious concoctions, I have to maintain an active lifestyle that also includes regular trips to the health club.

Before the wedding, my husband and I signed up for a gym membership, after all, it's cheaper than actually buying a our own equipment. We are not ready to invest in our own Tunturi treadmills, bikes, or elliptical trainers (check out Efitology.com if you're looking to shop online for these) so regular sessions at Fitness First are our best bet at staying fit and healthy.

I must admit, Alvs is more conscientious when it comes to regular workouts. I get lazy sometimes. All the more I admire people like Women's Health editor Lara Parpan, who writes the blog post, "Belly Be Gone!" in the newly revamped FemaleNetwork.com. (They featured NyMinuteNow.com in their favorite blogs! Thanks!) In the post, Lara also mentions model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez, who has remained slender, fit, and fab—with four kids!

Anyway, I'm off to the airports for now. Hopefully I could get right back on the fitness track at the soonest possible time after deplaning! Until my next post!

Labels: celebrities, fitness, magazines

When Food Network Magazine launched in the fall of 2008, I felt a pinch in my heart: It had just been a few months since my work at Hearst Magazines ended and I never saw them coming—the new magazine and the loss of a job. In a short time I would start a proofreading and copy editing job at J.Crew, but I still smarted from losing access to the most beautiful cafeteria in Manhattan. I actually missed the Hearst Café more than my old job.

To share a short backstory though, in the spring of the same year, I'd applied to be an editorial assistant to the managing editor at Quick & Simple. I know by then it had been eight years since I last worked as an EA, but I was raring to move on from my marketing assistant post in the international department—I was an editorial girl at heart. (I loved working with Harper's BAZAAR, though.)

I didn't get the Quick & Simple job which turned out to be a blessing because in just a few months after I'd interviewed with my prospective boss, the magazine folded!

So back to Food Network Magazine, from what I know of, some Q&S staffers moved on to work for the new title. What pained me the most at the time was how much I loved, lived, and breathed Food Network, the TV station. For as long as I could remember, I only watched a single channel whenever I'd turned on the television. When I was still based in Manila, I would spend yearly month-long vacations in Denver and would practically just watch the shows on the network whenever I was at my mother's house. Sure, every now and then I would catch some favorite shows on USA Network and E!, but Food Network was my TV home.

When I moved to New York, I recorded shows on my roommates' DVR. So needless to say, I'm very much a Food Network fan and when the magazine opened, I felt a sense of yearning, and a little envy, for not being...there.

My editorial background is in lifestyle and beauty journalism. But food has definitely always been in the picture (my first blog was the Chocolate Soundboard, which I closed after five years when I moved to this address). My earliest assignments in Seventeen Magazine were food-related, with my first being an article on giving dorm food a makeover. Whenever we would go on location, I usually got assigned travel pieces in relation to where we were and photographs of food were almost always the centerpieces of my stories. I could go on and on about my relationship with food, and how now, as a freelancer, I've taken to writing and blogging more and more about it, and unintentionally opening AllMySugar.com as a venue for all these food-related posts. (My original plan was to move all my blogging activities there and close NyMinuteNow.com. But like life, one never really leaves New York.)

Anyhow, the point of all of this is, last weekend, I finally picked up a copy of Food Network Magazine. It's a lovely read filled with vibrant photographs of food and straightforward lifestyle features. I feel a sense of belonging which is both premature and relevant. What job would perfectly marry my love of food and love of magazines?

Once I wrap up my two-month project with Cosmopolitan Magazine Philippines and Pond's, I am commencing a full-blown job-hunt for the first time in almost two years since going freelance. So, I hope editor-in-chief Maile Carpenter and managing editor Maria Baugh have Google Alerts on their names because girls, if you're reading this, I'll be bugging you for work when I get back to NYC this summer!

Labels: career, food, freelancing, life musings, magazines, New York, New York minutes, travel, work

I used to work for Harper's BAZAAR International and I can't believe I totally missed this! It came out early last year, right at the start of my year-long sabbatical. So that exactly explains why I never caught wind of it, until today, while reading news of Sarah Jessica teaming up with Halston to revive the brand. In terms of fashion, I've been kind of under the radar these last couple of months, opting for more comfortable commuter clothes. Every once in a while though, like when I catch glimpses of beautiful clothing or even portraiture of a magazine I used to love, my heart still skips a beat, and again, I look forward to the next dress-up day.

Labels: fashion, magazines, New York, work

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have noticed that I rarely place photos of myself or my family members (especially family members, and the kids). I am guessing this is partly because of having been spoiled during my magazine years with art directors who airbrushed, tweaked, and polished every stray blemish, excess flab, or wayward strand that whatever photo of myself came out in print was guaranteed to be flawless as realistically as possible. (And yes—consequently, I've had to deal with "Oh, you look fatter in person than in your picture in the magazine" side comments in the past.)

These days, I have to do my own airbrushing with the modest skills I've learned using Gimp.

Another reason for not uploading too many self-portraits is that I may have developed a defense mechanism of sorts of wanting to be read, understood, and scrutinized for my personality and the output of my brain—a.k.a. the "real me"—versus the color of my hair and skin.... I only have New York job interviews to blame for this budding insecurity.

Still, I couldn't help but share these two photos taken 20 years and about 30 lbs. in between. I find them somewhat similar, because of the pose, and interesting because my younger self can look like my daughter, if I had one.

These days I can empathize better with women who yearn for the poreless skin of their youth, that once smooth exterior/posterior, and that overall physical creaselessness of ages past.

Labels: beauty, childhood, family, life musings, magazines, New York minutes

I just browsed this article by Judith Jones (Julia Child's editor!) on O, The Oprah Magazine, and I just had to share with you this excerpt ["Party of One" p. 198; October 2009]:

"Cooking for yourself is particularly creative because you are inspired by what's in your fridge or freezer or garden or nearby market. You don't have to follow a recipe slavishly; you can substitute if you like. If you are prudent, what you save on food costs will astonish you."

And this, I particularly loved:

"Going home at the end of the day or giving over a quiet Sunday afternoon to cooking—smashing the garlic, chopping an onion, getting all those good cooking smells going, stirring, tasting mindfully, and then adjusting the seasonings—is a comforting form of relaxation, something that is needed in our busy lives. I always love the moment of drama, too, when everything comes together and I quickly dish up my handiwork, arranging it pleasingly on a warm plate, and then take it to the table, where I've set a place for one with a cloth napkin in a family napkin ring. I open up the wine and light the candles, turn on some music, and I give thanks. I wouldn't miss this pleasure for anything."


She couldn't have phrased it better. While living in New York, I shared an apartment with a lovely young couple who were very respectful. I'd spent plenty of time whipping up my own meals, setting the table for myself—complete with stolen cloth napkins from a friend who worked in a restaurant—and savoring a sumptuous meal and quietly enjoying the solitude. I'm sure they'd wondered why I rarely went out; I was either cooped up in my room or tinkering about in the kitchen (or walking to and from the supermarket or laundromat). I chucked all that alone time to my long distance relationship. In the five years I've been with my fiancé, half of the time has been spent wielding emails and text messages overseas. At the longest, I didn't see him for 11 months (never again!).

So you can just imagine how I look forward to finally being in the same zip code as him, and down the line, preparing a meal for two instead of just for me. While it is absolute fun dining alone, a great meal is still best shared with someone you love (who can also help clear the table afterwards).

(Photo by Dana Gallagher courtesy of Oprah.com. Click here or on the photo for original image link.)

UPDATE 09/02/09: My first potato gratin the other day was a salty disaster. Good thing nobody else had tried it except for moi. Today I finally managed to make a good one and I've already eaten more than half of it. A formula to remember is this: Use only ONE teaspoon of salt for every five potatoes you use if you're adding cheese. I put sharp cheddar and a little parmesan in mine, along with crushed garlic, cream, milk, thyme, and parsley; plus plenty of pepper and a dash of sugar to highlight all the savory flavors. Last but not the least, don't forget the butter!

Labels: celebrities, food, life musings, magazines, New York minutes