“When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sandpaper. They may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless."― Chris Colfer

 I am a product manager. Part of my job is to pipeline new products for the consumption of  certain types of customers. I do market research, competitive analysis, field surveys, launches, and other marketing related activities somewhat similar to advertising and promotions. It is a pretty tough job not only because of the numbers, but physically it could be a lot draining as well.

I am very thankful because at a very young age, i was blessed to land this position. (The age bracket for this post usually starts at the age of 30 and up) Yes, i still have a lot to learn still, but i consider this as a big break.

Going up the career ladder is not that easy. Aside from the heaps of work you need to do to prove yourself, you also need to gain the respect of your co-employees, and for me that is the most difficult task. You don't get to please everyone since you deal with different personalities - biases and perceptions included. You get to work with the most difficult people alive.

If you think you already escaped bullies way back primary education, well think again. Bullies also thrive in work settings. My say? Don't mind them. As what the famous proverb said - "If people throw you stones, throw them bread in return."

Do not attempt to get even. Do not let them get into your nerves, instead prove them of your maturity. Bullying is a defense mechanism for bruised egos. In psychology, they might have very devastating childhood experiences. I just rely on to my family and and God whenever i encounter difficult challenges in the workplace.

Affliction is a time of great distress, misery, suffering, and pain. All of us, at one point in time have experienced such a trying moment in our life. The question is, how do we respond to this challenge? How do we react, especially if we are threatened with such pain?

One common response would be, of course to protect ourselves from it at all costs, and sometimes doing so can also inflict pain to others (physical or emotional) as well.

The workplace is a setting where gossip is high. One thing i dont like about it, is that when passed, its nature becomes fabricated and exaggeration takes place once it reaches the final recipient. One thing bad about gossip is that if the recipient is not objective enough in interpreting such information, then relationships break and integrity of one person is tainted as an aftermath.

I have been a victim of this destructive gossip. It caused me great agony and pain because what people knew was not legit, but came from false assumptions and misnomers from people who really don't know me, at least.

To be resilient against its negative effect, one must learn how to be objective. Well, it takes a great deal of maturity and practice to be objective especially in the corporate world where dog its dog. He must believe only on information based on facts and not on approximated assumptions, or go to the person directly and validate the pressing issue.We must learn how to give the benefit of the doubt - giving a person a chance to explain himself or show evidences of truth. When we display such actions, affliction is pacified.

My take on rumor mongers, not that my hands are clean on this (but trying my best in avoiding such actions), avoid passing on gossip. Veer away from people who talk trash against other people.

Gossip is gossip unless supported by facts and evidences.

I decided to stay at home and enjoy the long day by taking quick naps, reading, and watching tv! I have no recent outfit posts to blog about but i thought i might be able to share to everyone very useful tips on how to shop for "FAB" accessories without cutting a hole in your pocket.

Before everything else, i want everyone to know that i am an extreme accessory addict. When i shop for accessories - i hoard. I have a whole dresser full of jewels but i am proud to say that most of them are "wise" buys. Wanna know my tips?

Tip no. 1:
VILLALOBOS STREET, QUIAPO MANILA

Of course Quiapo is known for the Quiapo church which is the home of the Black Nazarene. But only a few people know that Quiapo can be also the home of the most affordable and best beads and accessory making materials in the country. Just find Villalobos Street in front of the Quiapo church and you'll find your way to an alley full of accessory stores. Recommended stores are Wellmanson's, Butingting's Atbp, DIY Beads, Sophie Accessories etc. You'll be surprised that items here can be found in branded shops in malls triple the price, and im telling this to you seriously! For a more detailed description of accessory shopping in this place you may visit Bead Snob, especially to accessory makers out there.

Tip no. 2:
FOREVER 21 

Who loves accessories on Sale? I think everyone does! Forever 21 in Megamall and Mall of Asia has Sale Racks with top quality accessories discounted from 30-70% off! I usually don't buy accessories in Forever 21 not unless i really feel that i need to buy it right away. Otherwise, i just wait for the next season and check if the item i previously eyed on is already on the sale-rack!

Tip no. 3
PARFOIS

Parfois is a Brazilian accessory and bag store i just love. Most of their accessories have a touch of boho- vibe in it. When you see their collection, you'll definitely see that items deserve the price you pay. However, some accessories can be way expensive. My tip? They also have sale racks all year round so go check out their stores!

Tip no. 4:
168 MALL

If you're the type of person who dont want to risk going to Quiapo but still wants affordable accessories, you could go to 168 mall where you'll find accessory stores left and right. One drawback here is that you'll also be likely to bump into someone who has the same bling-bling as yours. There are stores though that have rare finds so i suggest you scrutinize every store first before going gaga in splurging the moolah!

Mantra Bracelet and Love, Trust, Patience Bracelet - Totally Charmed

Snake Bracelet - Wellmanson's (I got this for only Php 80.00 which is being sold in boutiques for 300-500 pesos!

Bracelet - Forever 21 (From P735 to P309); Ring - Butingting Atbp (At only P35 at Villalobos St. sol at P100-180 in shops)

Bracelet from 168 mall

Watch with changeable straps - Aldo (So many colors from just one watch)

Aztec inspired bracelet - Forever 21

Black ring - Villalobos Street (Butingting's Atbp - Would you believe i bought this at only Php 35 while this is being sold in SM Dep't Store at P270?)