A lot of things are going through my head right now...

A lot of things are going through my head right now- both the past and the future. I haven’t really fully accepted the fact that I am no longer a student. Last March 22, 2013 I finally graduated from college (YEY!) attaining a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and…also graduated with distinction and awarded with “Best Thesis”.

So here I am right now, unable to move forward (I know I will. I know I should. But it should take some time to sink in).

Don’t get me wrong! I am happy that I graduated college. I am happy that at least I could lessen the burden of my parents- financial burden that is. I am excited of the fact that at this moment, I am given the gift of freedom, free to lead my own life, free to make my own choices and free to make my dreams a reality.

Maybe it is just I, having cold feet again. It is my fears again eating me alive (Urg!). Maybe, I am just paranoid that I might not live up to my parent’s expectations, or even mine. I have a sad case of being too much of a perfectionist. I oftentimes end up overanalyzing things and it just leaves me paralyze. I hate that feeling!

Soon, it will be job hunting for me. It is time to face reality! Though, I am starting to question myself ( Can’t help it). Am I really ready? Do I have what it takes to succeed in life? I’d like to think, YES. Sure, there may be trouble but hey, I survive college didn’t I?

Honestly, I am proud of myself. Not to be boastful or anything of that kind. It’s just that, I was not really like this. Way back in high school, I was just an average student with average dreams. I was a complete mediocre. The shy type and the physically awkward girl (I was ridiculously thin back then! Still is! But yeah…you get my point!). I was contented with blending in with the crowd. No attention. No expectations. That’s me.

So to graduate college with distinction and to be awarded best thesis, gave me my major awakening (My AHA moment). In reality, anything was possible as long as I put my heart and mind to it. And I’m not going lie, it was actually a relief to prove to those people who did not have faith in me that they are wrong. I wanted to prove that, being a champion in life is a CHOICE. And that was just something that I never really understand back then. But I am over with regrets! It’s time to be Happy!

I'm just sayin' OHHHH IF I WANT IT, I'M GONNA GET IT :))

Sometimes, I must remind myself over and over again of my "GOALS". Sometimes, I drift to becoming that mediocre self again that I absolutely despise. And sometimes, I forget why I want it in the first place--my goals.

For the past weeks, I've been so busy with schoolwork. Probably, one of the reasons why I don't regularly update my blog. It's just so draining--the schoolwork. And its even harder when you are not inspired at all.

I can't believe that I'm saying this but, I am really excited to get this over with and finally graduate! I can't wait to finally post my graduation picture as my profile picture!

I want to finish thesis! I want to be in the dean's list again! I want to graduate, at least with distinction! I want to go out and see the world! I want too....(nevermind. haha) But yeah, so many "wants" there. But I really do believe that I can have it all :)

I'M JUST SAYIN' OHHHH IF I WANT IT, I'M GONNA GET IT :D

I WAS HERE

Last August 20 - 21, 2012 , Pilipinas Natin! invited Assumption College to join the Balangayan Camp at Mt. Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna. Youth leaders/nation builders from different schools in the National Capital Region participated in the 2-days and 1-night leadership camp. Luckily, I was part of the few Assumption students who were able to attend the camp.  Psychology student Danna Cuba and Education student Wen Asuncion were also particpants of the Pilipinas Natin! camp.

I am really thankful that I was able to attend the camp. Best decision! Honestly, I never expected to actually attend the camp. Let me stress on the word, "ACTUALLY". In the beginning,  I was a little bit hesitant of joining. I felt indolent and doubtful of the idea of camping for 2 days and 1 night. It's true. I'm not a camping type of person. But for some miraculous reason, I had the change of mind and heart. Something was pushing me. Some voice inside my head was telling me that I should really not let this opportunity pass. Let us just say, I had an "AHA moment". And from that moment on, I felt determined to join this, "this-will-be-life-changing" camp. ( lately I've been really random - like this camp)

Highlights of my Balangayan Camp experience:

1. Team name and team chant activity

We call ourselves, "FLAMES". We believe that we our destined to keep the fire of volunteerism burning!

2. The muddy obstacle challenge

" Pain is temporary. Victory is forever." 

I can never tell my parents what we actually did in the obstacle challenge during the camp. I had so much fun that time that I completely forgot about my surgery last month.

3. UBE

UBE for Ultimate Bonding Experience

We were told to prepare a 7 minute presentation that will show our talents. Our group decided to prepare a song and dance number. WUHOO! GO FLAMES!!!

Our talents are God's blessings; blessings that we must share.

4. Face paint activity

During this time we also had a forum on, " PAANO KA BA MAG-MAHAL?". It's interesting in a way that it is not a usual question to be asked. At some point of the activity, I had a hard time opening up to my partner in the activity--who I just met. It was very awkward for me but sorry for me, "bawal ang kill joy..."

I look so pretty, and witty, and gay!!!

5. Budol fight

I will never forget my first Budol fight--EVER.

Frankly, this camp is not something that I will usually attend. Even my friends were astonished when I started to tweet about how great the camp was and that I did not regret anything; except for not bringing enough clothes--I regretted that. They sounded something like this, " Pumunta ka talaga, Ruth?! Wow. I did not expect that you were really going". ( Oh no guys...I was really serious when I said I was going. Hindi yun Joke.).

I brought a lot memories and learnings with me after the camp. Not only that, I also found new friends.  Its like that song from Owl City, "We don't even have to try, it's always a good time." (Excuse me, corny moment here). Actually, it took me quite some time to start on this blog entry. I admit the fact that I was lazy at the same time I felt scared that I wouldn't do enough justice to this awesome experience--but at least I tried. And I guess, that's more important.

I am definitely looking forward to the next Pilipinas Natin activity! :D

I Was Here - Beyonce

I Do Adore- Mindy Gledhill

Lately, I've been listening to this song over and over again :) It gives me the giggles every time I listen to it. hehe :'') This is not my usual genre of music. But I don't know why I actually like it. 

OJT: My EXIT

This picture was taken from the McDonald's store, used as the set location for the new Mcdo commercial

Today, I officially end my internship at Leo Burnett Manila.

I felt both happy and sad. I felt happy because I am so  satisfied of my internship experience. I am so grateful of all the opportunities that was given to me. At the same time, I am currently experiencing the separation anxiety. I worked for 3 months at Leo Burnett Manila and I just realized how adapted I was already of the environment and the people there. I will surely miss the people there. I realized how blessed I was to meet so down-to-earth people. 

For now, this is the only picture that I can post due to the confidentiality of the shoot. I will post the other pictures once the new Mcdo commercial is aired on TV. I am so excited! :D

Here are some pictures from my webcam taken last friday :) It was our last day in the Leo Burnett office :) Excuse us for our immaturity :) haha

"The end is just the beginning"

Office-girl 101

Me and other Leo Burnett Interns

This blog talks about internships or what other people call it, OJT. I have only another week of OJT before I officially say goodbye to the company that I worked for more than a month. It seems like only yesterday that I entered Leo Burnett Manila. So here is Ruth Cancio writing down her thoughts of her internship. Because the worst feeling ever, would be forgetting about it--which I don't think will ever happen. So, here it goes :)

By the way,I just want to make a claim that I am NO expert when it comes to the topic of internships. I may be just as clueless as you are. However, I would just like to share some tips or some helpful internship advice here in my blog. This tips were the tips that I learned along the way of applying and working in the company that I applied in. Plus, videos (Youtube) and articles online on "How to be the Best Intern" really helped a lot too.

Finding internships is like a battle. And in a battle, you cannot go out unprepared. You can die. It is the same with looking for an internship and working as an intern. If you don't come prepared, YOU CAN JUST LOSE THE BATTLE.

Nescafe did the trick for the Office-girls who were feeling sleepy

So here are the following tips that I will share with you guys.How do you survive internships?

1. RESEARCH

Knowledge is power.You should always feel hungry for information. It helps a lot if you study the companies you are thinking of applying. Study their Mission, Vision, History, and all of the things that is there to know. 


I remember the time when I was looking for the top agencies in advertising. When I got my top 3 agencies, I really tried to remember/memorize there clients. So that, I can impress the HR of the agencies and increase my chances of getting in. But of course, I still forgot most of them--FAIL. Blame lack of sleep and nervousness :) But luckily, I was still accepted at one of the most reputed advertising agency which is Leo Burnett Manila

2. BE ONE STEP AHEAD IF NOT TWO/ALWAYS COME PREPARED
Competition is one hurdle that you must face in applying for your dream internship. There are a lot of other students like you who are also looking for that same internship position. It is always good to humble yourself and start applying early. Don't assume that a big company will accept you anytime due to impressive resume. Of course, this companies wants to see that you really wanted this internship position more than anything else--more than those other applicants. This makes you special in someway and projects a good first impression. 


I actually have my "Checklist" of  what my internship should be or should have.It was just short and simple, although some maybe a little bit ambitious--maybe.


Internship Checklist...

• Good office/building-GOT IT!
• Does not make interns make coffee--SCORE!
• Nice boss--CHECK!
• I should be given allowance--Hmmm.....

3 out of 4 i guess...Not bad ;) 

3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
You are not THE BOSS of the company. Don't expect yourself to know EVERYTHING. It is better to ask and be sure that your work is right than to assume that what you know is right and end up screwing up. And besides, the people in the company that you applied in understands that you are there to learn from them. It is just key to listen.

4. ASSERTIVE AND PATIENT


No one said it would be easy.


Often times when you just started your OJT, you will experience a lot of bum days or if not you will be doing a lot of JUST clerical work in the office. Well, it  may not be same for all internships.However in my experience, that was the happening. I found myself on my first day sitting in the corner of the room doing nothing--waiting for somebody to notice me and give me something productive to do. Not that I am complaining (ok, maybe just a little. haha). But here is the thing, I understand that it is normal for me to experience this. Because of course, I am just an intern and it was my task to work hard to earn their trust. From that, I have learned the value of Patience.

First brainstorming session with my co-intern/blockmate  Chot :)

Other than Patience there is also being Assertive. This means, personally going to your boss and asking her or him if he or she needs any of your help. I know, sounds scary right?  All the "What If's" are flooding your brain right now. However, this is the only way that your boss will see your willingness to learn. It makes you look less "Mayabang"(Show-off). Remember, you need her than she needs you.

5. GO AN EXTRA MILE
As a third year student, we are required to render 200 hours of internship. Last week, I already have accumulated 200 hours. But I was not yet satisfied of my internship experience. I felt like, I want to learn more. I wanted to know more about real world of Advertising. And most importantly, I wanted to know if this was really the work that I want after college. I remember my first OT (Over Time). I left the office pass 10 pm because I decided to help my boss for their mid-year presentation. I tell you, It was all worth it!

First OT

So far, that's all I got--FOR NOW. I am looking forward to next week. So much to look forward too--like the TVC shoot we have on monday.One thing is for sure, I will miss OJT. I never expected to feel that. I thought OJT was scary and boring.

Another thing that I realize from OJT is....if you think you are not  going to eat AS MUCH FOOD whereas when you are at home, THINK AGAIN.  So... Learn to budget or you'll just end up heartbroken. Like me.

Summer Internship 2012

I'm back! Yes, Im still alive! I know, its like a decade since my last post and for that I am truly sorry. Maybe I should just admit the fact that I became lazy enough to update this blog of mine and at the same time I was really busy with school work (honestly). Fyi, I am already in my third year in college so it is indeed a very stressful year for me. Ok, maybe I should just stop with all these excuses and get started on the main point of this blog (there is a main point?).

So, the point of this blog is to share with you guys my internship experience!

Uh-huh! You read that right! I applied already for a summer internship and luckily I got in *tears of joy here*. It was months of revising my resume again and again (until perfection) and months of internship applications and interviews. And guess what? I was accepted in Leo Burnett.

I am now working as an intern at the Accounts Department of Leo Burnett and is currently under the team of accounts that handles McDonalds. And yes, I see the face of Xian Lim everyday. Of course only the cardboard one.... haha.

I started to work there March 22, 2012. Here I was during my first day...being vain. Because I was waiting for my "Boss" and I had nothing to do :(

I am so blessed to be given these opportunities. Thank you Lord! I am so happy that I chose Leo Burnett! I feel like it is really meant to be. The people there are very friendly especially my boss who made my adjustment period easier. And thank you to the "Creative" who gave me a tour around the agency. Thank you for the welcoming feeling.

For now, that is all. I am sure there will be a lot of uncertainties along the way ( along this great summer adventure) but I am really excited and ready to face new challenges and go on a new adventure.

What I learned: Intelligence is not the only key to success but the passion and perseverance of a person