The Big, the Bad, the Bold, and the Beautiful

You know how karmic revenge works? It’s like one moment you’re so happy you can die tomorrow and the next you’re so upset you wanna die today. Well the same disparity applies in this industry. One moment you feel a deep sense of purpose, the next you find yourself surrounded with a bunch of superficial bitches, whose asses—perfumed with designer labels, of course—must be kissed at all times.

A day after the karting event, I was invited by an old friend of mine (a creative director by profession) to attend a cocktail party hosted by Makati Shangri-La as part of the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics. I didn’t look around that much, but from the stench of the plush, oriental-themed lobby I could detect the presence of the people who matter. The scene was amusing from where I was seated. As the sweet sound of the orchestra was playing in the background, different kinds of dimsum and Peking duck rolls were passed around by costumed ladies. Imported wines in different colors were consumed by dignitaries. Business transactions were openly discussed. Designer clothes were paraded. And pleasantries were exchanged even between competing forces.

Being part of these occasions used to be part of my job. As an editorial assistant, it was my job to serve as a walking advertisement of my magazine. Ah, the glamour and grandeur—I just feel so lucky that I’m not part of this anymore. There were times that night when I felt the urge to break into a conversation and talk about the existing woes in Burma and China. If I weren’t too Catholic, I would’ve asked them why oh why do they think the poorest of the poor are always the ones feeling the brunt of nature’s wrath, when in fact there are people like them who seem to be better equipped to handle such catastrophes. What would the brats have said? I guess I’ll forever wonder.

You know what, sir, I finally said, let’s get out of here. After all, Chinese food—whether fine-dining or street-cooked—tastes pretty much the same.

And so we walked into the dark night, leaving behind all the bright and fancy lights of the big bad city.