After my first article was published last April 30, 2012, my mentor reminded me about my over-due article. It was about fashion. I thought it would be easier for me because I am so much into it, but I was wrong. I researched for days just to find some other details and opinions coming from other people to make my point concrete. I can’t just consider mine because we all have different preferences in all aspects.

Since it was an over-due article, I tried my best to finish it as soon as possible. Getting published was not on my mind while I’m doing my article. I was just thinking of finishing it and for me it’s more important. The fact that I’m interested with the topic made me enjoy doing it. And in a short span of time, I finished it. I’m not expecting anything big from it, by that time, I’m already proud of myself and there’s nothing more to ask.

Days passed and there’s still no news from my mentor about my article. He told me that he was quite busy and he can’t find time to edit my article. Since then, I almost forgot about it. I just thought that it was not meant to be this time and I have to do much better next time. I whole-heartedly accept the fact that I didn’t get it that time. I promised myself that whatever happens, I will never feel bad.

Until one ordinary day, my mentor approached me and told me that he was already editing my article. I felt happy and excited about what I heard. He told me that it was way better than the first one because it has less mistakes and more straight to then point (definition of a good article). According to him, I am getting better when it comes to writing. Of course, I am very much flattered. I was inspired and motivated to be better and to work harder.

On May 16, 2012, before the clock strikes five, he called me out and asked me to come over. He showed me my published article for the second time and I really didn’t know what else to say, but thank you. My heart was pounding continuously. I’m really overwhelmed and grateful for another accomplishment. I can see myself clearly in this kind of job and I want to be the best that I can be.

Today, I am about to start with my new article. I am much determined today than yesterday. I’m just hoping and praying that I will make sense with this because sometimes I tend to talk too much that it becomes a novel. Lol! Thank you to everyone who believed and still believes in me and in my capabilities. I will always keep in mind the things that kept me going all these years. Keep motivating and inspiring me! I just need it. 

Here’s a screen shot of my published article at the official website of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. (www.mb.com.ph):

Nikko Baclig on the photo. (Photo by June Buenavista) Screen captured in my laptop.

Read my article if you have time. I also posted it here in my blog. Thank you! 

I have abandoned my blog for a while now. I have been busy with my on the job training at Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. I have no time to blog anymore since I am working from Monday to Friday, 8-5pm. Yes, it is really exhausting! However, I never complained and thought of giving up. I just love what I’m doing. I know in my heart that it is really what I aspire to do and I am really enjoying every second of it.

This is my time card for the month of April. (First ever time card. Lol.)

Before, I always tell everybody that one day, I will become a writer and my articles will be published. And the opportunity came too soon. My mentor asked me if I want to write an article, and I said yes without hesitation. He gave me a topic to write about and I accepted it whole-heartedly. The topic he gave me was about “Milk Tea”. I know it is kind of a shallow topic, but who cares? I just felt that it was a ” it’s now or never” moment and I just have to give it my best shot.

It took me a while to finish my article. There were times when I felt like not finishing it because I know that it is impossible to be published anyway. But, there’s this thing that kept pushing me to finish it and to believe that it might be published.  On the second thought, it doesn’t matter if it will be published or not. What really matters is I tried my best and to finish an article is more than enough. And after some time, I got to finally finish my article. I submitted it to my mentor through email. After a few days, he came to me and asked me to go to Manila Bulletin’s website. I was so shocked to see my article already published!!! I did not know how to react or if it was real. I felt nothing less than insert-a-word-that-would-beat-happiness-because-it’s-an-understatement!

Screen shot from my phone. For those who are unaware, the guy in the photo is Chris Tiu (Smart Gilas basketball player/TV host/model/politician). I will post the whole article right after I publish this post. 

Right after I saw it, I still found it hard to believe. It was only a dream, but right that very moment, it came true. When I went home, I told my parents about it and I was really happy with their reactions. My father, for the first time, told me that he’s proud of me. Yes, for the first time. My ever loving mother, called our relatives and friends to let them know my achievement. And for that night, I am their favorite child. Lol!

In less than 24 hours:

Yay! I didn’t expect this, but it happened. Thank you, Lord! 

I didn’t expect people to appreciate my article. I knew that it will not be noticed by anyone prominent because of it’s shallowness (well, according to some people), and I respect their opinion. Until one of my friends tweeted me on twitter saying that Chris Tiu mentioned my article in one of his tweets! I was really speechless and a bit kinilig. I don’t know why, he’s not even my crush. Haha. And by the way, Chris Tiu owns the Milk Tea Shop that I tackled about in my article. Here’s a proof:

Screen shot from my phone. Chris Tiu’s tweet with the link of my article in it. And he even added information.

It is really flattering when someone (regardless of status in life) appreciates your work. It fuels your determination to do more and be better than you are now. Nevertheless, before you expect others to appreciate you and what you are doing, you must appreciate it yourself first. You just have to believe in yourself and that, you are good enough. That way, others will believe that you are, too.

In life, you will always start in the bottom. You have to work for something that you really like. If you know that you are giving your best, there is no way that you are not gonna get it. It will take time, yes. But forever, no. Just be patient and think positive. Hard work really pays off.

Always, always strive hard to be the best that you can be. The best feeling in the world is turning your dreams into reality. 

Pearl Shake, Coke Float, Mocha Frappuccino, Frozen Yogurt, and now we have the Milk Tea craze.

Filipinos are gulping down milk tea as the preference nowadays for their daily fix of delicious beverage. It’s healthy and delectable so we are more ecstatic if these milk tea shops continue to emerge around the Metro as long as they offer their own distinct flavors.

As a result, consumers now have an abundance of milk tea cafe options. One that stands out though is the very popular Happy Lemon franchise that captures the palate of the Filipinos’ penchant of taste.

Happy Lemon

First branch in the Philippines. Located at the 1st Level of the Promenade in Greenhills. (Photo from candymag.com)

Happy Lemon is an international brand that opened five years ago in Hong Kong, and now spans over 100 branches in the world. The trendy brand has set up shops in countries like China, Singapore, Australia, and now the Philippines.

Tea-loving friends who brought Happy Lemon in the Philippines. (Photo from candymag.com)

For those who are unaware, it was brought to Manila by a group of tea-loving friends, comprised of Smart Gilas basketball player and TV host Chris Tiu, siblings Kelvin and Kristine Gaisano, and their associates Andres See, Charles Chua, Wesley Pardilla, and Edward Go. It is under the company Happy Lemon Group Philippines, Inc.

See their mantra? It’s like telling people to buy Happy Lemon everyday! (Photo from everydaysweetnotes.com)

Happy Lemon takes tea to a different breadth, it is quite innovative. They have variety of teas for every mood, personality, and preference. Happy Lemon has a catchphrase that says “Happy Everyday”.

Happy Lemon is not restricted to milk tea only, they also have other specialty drinks. This is their advantage among other milk tea shops. Their beverages are divided into assortments, they have the Lemon Series, Rock Salt and Cheese, Milk Tea, Mousse Spin, Cocoa and Coffee, Specialty Drinks, and Fresh Tea.

The most sought after collection is Milk Tea. It covers broad selection; Milk Tea with Taro, Milk Tea with Pudding, Milk Tea with Mesona Jelly, Crispy Cocoa Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Jelly, Caramel Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Jelly, Aromatic Milk Tea with Adzuki Bean and Pudding, Aromatic Milk Tea with Pearl Sago, Malt Milk Tea, Milk Tea with Black Pearl Sago and Milk Tea with Oreo Cookies and Cream. Bearing in mind the excellence of ingredients used, the drinks are reasonably priced, with prices ranging from P75 to P100.

One of their most sought after drinks, Milk Tea with Oreo Cookies and Cream. (Photo from happy-lemon.com)

I was fortunate enough to taste some of their best-selling Milk Teas. Milk Tea with Oreo Cookies and Cream has made its way up to my favorite list. Besides the fact that I am an Oreo enthusiast, the different twist it bent when the chunks of Oreo cookies are mixed with classic milk tea made it even more delightful for me. The black pearl sago was a plus factor. It added anticipation to the drink so I will not finish it in just one mouthful. The blend of creamy and pasty Oreo cookies and milk tea is what I deem a taste of heaven.

With the optimistic vibe you get hold of from the ambiance and that luscious drink in hand, you will definitely leave Happy Lemon in high spirits. Their first branch in the Philippines is located at the 1st Level of the Promenade in Greenhills. More branches are expected to open. They just opened branches in Eastwood Mall, Trinoma, Megamall, Robinson’s Ermita and Bonifacio High Street.

Milk Tea is one of the most successful innovations of liquid refreshment. Nevertheless, just like everything else, the Milk Tea craze will sooner or later descent its popularity and the Filipinos will have a change of fondness. However, people will certainly not overlook how Milk Tea once captured their senses of taste and made them happy with just a cup of it.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of Milk Tea today and let it make the rest of your day.

P.S. This is the article that was published at Manila Bulletin’s official website. Here’s the link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/358432/its-a-tea-thing

Hope you like it!