It’s been ten days since I flipped my whole life upside down to join Team Leni Robredo as the Head of Content Creation. It was a split-second decision, but I had nothing to lose, really: I didn’t have work and could give my time + it’s for a candidate I really believe in.
It’s been very hectic, but also the most creatively free I’ve ever felt. Coming from corporate, and the financial services sector at that, I’m used to working within firm boundaries and strict systems and processes; but now I can… create those systems and processes. It’s bizarre.
I can’t go into too much about what I do, exactly, but I’ve been meetings on top of meetings and the energy levels are high. I’m tired, but I’m so creatively stimulated. It feels liberating to be able to work with like-minded people; and I am surrounded by such talented colleagues. I am constantly in awe; half-confident that I am the right person for the role, and half- “wtf am I doing here?”
Every day feels like ten years, and I think “I miss BTS” pretty much every hour. I’m not active in my group chats anymore, except for my upcoming trip to LA. Other than that, I’ve got my blinders on and am rushing, rushing, rushing to work. A colleague said “It feels like running to work while getting dressed.” I have been running at full speed.
Mary sent me this message, and I’ve received many more like it: “I’m so amazed sa naging timeline ng career mo, Pinky. It’s like seeing firsthand that things really do fall into place.” While it still feels like I’m in the eye of the hurricane, I’m not taking this opportunity lightly either. I’m giving it everything I’ve got — and surprised that, at least this past week, turns out I’ve got a lot. :)
I don’t know if I can sustain a weekly newsletter anymore for this season, but I’ll try to send one out once in a while as workload stabilizes. Keep your fingers crossed for me, friends, and more than that — wear pink on Wednesdays and help a neighbor, and help convince them that Leni is the best choice to get us out of this pandemic hell.
Cross-posting what I shared on Facebook a few days ago:
#KwentongKakampinky
Ten things I have either said out loud on a call or via text since joining Team Leni Robredo:
“Omg ang bilis ng pangyayari.”
“Is this really happening???” (My allowed 2-second freakout)
“Hala… naligo ba ako today?” (3:00 a.m., before sleeping — di ako sure so naligo nalang ako ulit)
“Di pa ako kumakain today” (3:00 p.m. the following day)
“I cannot continue living this calendarless life.” (In my defense, I was hangry!)
“Am I seriously in a meeting with Ma’am Leni? Is this real life?” (This was less than 24 hours after onboarding.)
“I am perfectly suited for this role.”
“What am I doing here; I am not cut out for this!”
“I’m so lucky to be connected to you, because I have big dreams and the work you’re doing is critically important. You have the exact skills I need.”
“It feels like every day is ten years.”
It’s been the wildest ride of my life and I’m having a lot of fun but also extremely nervous. The stakes are so high. Someone I’m working with said today as we were onboarding more leaders to fill our roster: “You will be so overwhelmed, but your energy will rise to meet the challenge.” Para sa bayan. #LabanLeni2022