A Star My Hands Can Never Hold

Chapter One

"You're going to Manila for this famous Korean idol's concert. We will provide your flight tickets and allowance, just contact Trexie as soon as possible." 

Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ng aking manager at pagkatapos ay lumabas na siya ng booth. 

"WHAT?!" 
Napatayo ako't napahawak sa noo. Kinabahan ako't pinagpapawisan dahil first time kong bumyahe ng mag-isa! Isa pa, concert?! Sa pagiging clautrophobic kong 'to? 

***

"I need you to gather shots from the streets and also put some inspiring quotes on them---"

Blah, blah, blah~

Grabe, I'm slowly hating my job right now! This is supposed to be my forte pero sumosobra na kasi ang aming manager. Nag-iisa lang ako sa Social Media team. Social Media Manager, Creative Producer, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor, at Graphic Artist. Ako lang 'yon!

"Tulad ng mga nakikita natin usually on social media, right? And upload each of them every 6 AM to start the day, kumbaga. Gano'n ang makikita ng followers natin on our page. Then talk to Claire about the rest. I have to go," he gathered his stuff then went off. Napapikit nalang ako't sumandal sa aking upuan. Buti nalang at sobrang lamig dito sa loob kaya hindi gaanong umiinit ang ulo ko.

"Okay po, sir." walang-gana kong sagot pero hindi halata sa tono ko, noh. Ang dami ko pang tatrabahuin. May banda pa for tonight's guests at show ko 'yon. Tapos 4 out of 7 advertisements pa ang kailangan kong tapusin sa mga oras na 'to.
Ako na nga ang lahat na sa social media, then our manager and the rest of my co-workers insisted na may potential daw akong mag Disk Jockey so he assigned me for the evening show which is from 7 PM to 9 PM. I know it's not right to complain about work, but be thankful instead of being unemployed at this age... ang kaso lang kasi, how do I deal with a boss who stresses me out? Overworked pa ako.

I'm Angela Uy, a Social Media Manager and Creative Producer from a local radio station here in my hometown. At bukod pa do'n, part-time DJ na rin pala sa gabi. Ang nakakasama lang ng loob ay walang dagdag-sahod sa pagdi-DJ kong 'yan. Supposedly 5:00 PM ay out na naming lahat noh. Ngayong ipinasok nila ako sa segment na 7 PM ay late na 'ko nakakauwi ng apartment dahil puno palagi ang aking schedule. I'm 23 years old at kasalukuyang nakikitira sa apartment ng kuya ko. Ibinenta na kasi ang bahay namin dito sa syudad dahil gustong umuwi ng parents ko sa kanilang hometown na limang oras ang byahe. Halos mag-iisang taon na rin akong tambay doon pagkatapos kong umalis ng call center.

"Gel, okay na 'yong ad ng Miko's Brew?"

Out of frustration, I closed my eyes while clenching my teeth before answering Claire, my best friend since college. Siya ang nag recommend sa'kin dito. DJ siya at naging assistant manager na rin. We can tell na she's the most trusted employee because of how our manager treats her. He believes and agrees to everything she say, which all makes sense din naman. She always had this sense of leadership way back in college pa eh. She's so good at communicating and making sure everything is in order despite of her being loud, happy-go-lucky and a party animal. Everyone loves her. Kaya nga besties kami ever since.

One thing that you should keep in mind when your friend becomes your co-worker?
Never depend on the fact that you're friends, kahit sobrang close niyo pa. Because work is work.

Pumasok siya at kinuha ang white board. Meeting na naman.

"Di ko pa natapos, ang dami kasing pinapagawa ni sir. I don't know what to prioritize. He told me about the street photography concept tapos gusto niya bukas may uploaded output na sa page." Nilublob ko ang ulo ko sa mga braso kong nakasandal sa booth counter. Tumayo naman si Claire para abutin sana ang remote ng aircon pero pinigilan ko siya.