LTB—4
1641 Words
My skin is almost red from scrubbing with salt water. According to the vlogs I've watched, they say it's effective for achieving smoother skin.
I was desperate to lighten and smooth my skin, so I bought various types of whitening, smoothing, and beautifying products.
I did manage to achieve my goal of getting fairer skin, as I believe my arm's color has improved even in just two weeks due to diligently applying and scrubbing with different beauty products.
No more sunburn due to excessive heat caused by extremely high temperatures in Cagayan. The water here in Manila also helped, which is probably why the products I used became more effective.
To secure a job, particularly as a push girl, I need to take care of myself. I need to enhance my looks and stay fit. As they say, skin, face, body figure, and height are considered assets for entering the workforce. And, of course, self-confidence is required.
I was so happy yesterday when I was accepted for the job I applied for. I was also immediately asked to attend a go-see yesterday.
I was really nervous and felt very lost since I don't have any experience yet, but luckily, the task they gave me was quite simple. They just had me read a script that needed to be delivered nicely.
It was like the type of commercial you see on TV. While you're speaking, you should be smiling widely, like a beauty queen. I just followed the example that HR gave.
We need to deliver the spiel in front of the clients. I was so happy to receive it. My application was quickly processed, and I was given a company ID and a uniform for the event. This is it! I have a job now!
Cherry and Aileen told me that I'm fortunate because that event was only for class A girls. I'm really thankful to them for helping me get the job. They're my neighbors. They're friendly, and, like me, they're determined in life.
Somehow, my self-esteem improved a bit because I got the job yesterday.
This job somehow boosts my self-confidence and self-esteem. It's a great morale booster.
From now on, I will love myself more. I'll focus on work because this first project marks the beginning of a promising career for me. Hopefully. Thank you, Lord.
After I spent some time in the bathroom, it was already seven in the morning. The event doesn't start until twelve pm, but we should be at the venue by ten am.
The event is a product activation for a popular lotion brand. It's the product launch of a new variant called Sakura.
According to Aileen, they said that I needed to do my best and impress in order to attract a lot of clients. There are talent managers who also go to those kinds of events, and if they like you, they will be the ones to offer you to model for their brands.
Apart from that, Aileen also mentioned that there will be photographers attending the event. They said that the photos and exposure would be an advantage because they would add to my set card for my portfolio.
I arrived in the global city around ten am, two hours before the start of work. There were five of us push girls, and our team leader was the sixth.
I was nervous as the event started. Afraid of making mistakes and failing. I couldn't afford to mess up on my first day of work, so I observed what my colleagues were doing to get an idea and a guide on what to do.
They had good posture, were smiling, and confident as they delivered their spiel to the approaching customers.
"I took a deep breath, and then I smiled. I can do this!
Some customers approached. I couldn't do the spiel because the customers were inquisitive. It's a good thing I reviewed last night and memorized what was said in the product orientation yesterday.
Luckily, they're buying, so my effort in speaking isn't going to waste.
While I was doing the sales talk, some photographers even approached me. They were taking pictures of me, so I was smiling widely while speaking.
When my customers left, photographers approached me. I sweetly smiled as they pointed the camera at me.
I was holding the item I was promoting, and the other posts were just simple.
"Hi, I'm Mar," a photographer introduced himself to me with a smile. He reached out his hand to me.
"Cecilia," I introduced myself as I shook hands. Even though I wanted to entertain and impress him, there were customers approaching. I'm here to work.
He handed me his calling card before leaving. I happily accepted it as I remembered what Aileen told me.
I was busy throughout the event. Other photographers approached, took pictures, and gave me their calling cards.
Many others approached, introduced themselves briefly, and handed me their calling cards without much explanation. They didn't introduce themselves, and they weren't photographers either because they didn't have cameras with them.
I'm happy and fulfilled by the entire event. Even though my jaw hurts from smiling and my legs are incredibly tired from standing for hours, I'm still motivated. It's just so enjoyable, and the hard work pays off. I remember what some of the other models I was with earlier said. They mentioned that these kinds of big events are gateways to even bigger opportunities. I might receive offers for upcoming major events from significant clients and make valuable connections.
At around five in the afternoon, there were only a few people left. I was just looking around, sometimes arranging the displayed products even though they were already neat.
While I was busy turning the lotions to make them even, I heard a whistle near where I was standing. I was about to ignore it, but his laughter sounded familiar to me.
My eyes widened when I saw Almira standing beside me.
"Take a picture first," he said before he took a photo of me.
"This girl is so beautiful," he praised after taking a few shots of me. He was smiling widely and examining my appearance.
He picked up a few pieces of lotion, making me smile.
"Thank you, maam. I thanked her with a big smile. She only gave me a glare and a smirk as a response before she laughed.
"I saw you earlier; a lot of people approached you who seemed quite influential," he said with a teasing grin.
"Do you know them?" I asked, as he seemed to know whoever he was referring to who approached me.
"Not really. But I've seen one of them at a party before. I just can't remember which party. It's either a business event or a Gala," he answered, looking around.
"Looks like Kuya Adrian, and guess who's with him." He raised and lowered his eyebrow.
Once again, the annoying smirk was plastered on his lips.
I couldn't stay silent. Once again, I felt the rapid and strong beating of my heart because of what he said.
No name was mentioned, yet my heart reacted like this so quickly. There you go again, Cecilia!
Almira was teasing me when I didn't respond immediately. I gave her a stern look to make her quiet down.
Even though Kuya Adrian is approaching. It's good that Almira stopped teasing.
Kuya Adrian picked up some lotion.
They won't realize that I know the people in front of me and I'm just chatting, because they'll definitely buy what they're holding.
"By the way, I'm with Jetro," said Kuya Adrian, seemingly teasing me.
Here it is again. They're just like Almira. Did they really come here just to tease? I forced a smile. I glanced at Jetro for a few seconds.
"We've been here since earlier. We didn't approach you for now because there are people coming up to you and giving you calling cards," Kuya Adrian said again.
His grin on his lips didn't disappear as he spoke. After talking, he turned to Jetro.
Among all the people I've met here in Manila, Kuya Adrian and his group of friends were the first to notice my attraction to Jetro.
I didn't realize how obvious my actions were. Embarrassing! It would be different if someone had a crush on me, but no one does.
"It seems like you might still get an offer to become a model," Almira interjected while standing beside me.
"Not really," I replied shortly. She nudged my side.
"It's obvious that the others who approached you earlier had different intentions. Did they invite you on a date?"
I raised an eyebrow at Almira because of what she said. She gave me a stern look. There was a threat, as if she was telling me to agree with her.
"U-uh. They're asking when I'm available," I stuttered in response.
I just went along with her game. Kuya Adrian chuckled, so I shifted my gaze to him. He was looking at Jetro.
I saw that Jetro's expression turned serious as he looked at me. He didn't even smile at me like he usually does.
Well, he hates me. What would I expect?
He looked me up and down. Though I wasn't comfortable with his gaze, I tried not to feel uneasy.
I really become insecure about myself whenever he's near me.
I've only just realized that someone like him isn't suitable for me. Aside from the significant differences in our lives, he's not beneficial for me either.
Whenever he's around me, I feel so small and low—a feeling I shouldn't even be experiencing.
Perhaps it's a sign that he's not truly meant for me. He's not the one destined for me.
Well, you can't force someone to love you, as forced love only brings pain and bitterness.
- Writer
