Ramblings of an overworked freak

Friday, July 29, 2005

Empty Chairs, Empty Tables

(from Les Miserables)

There's a grief that can't be spoken
There's a pain goes on and on
Empty chairs at empty tables
Now my friends are dead and gone.

Here they talked of revolution
Here it was they lit the flame
Here they sang about 'tomorrow'
And tomorrow never came

From the table in the corner
They could see a world reborn
And they rose with voices ringing
I can hear them now
The very words that they had sung
Became their last communion
On the lonely barricade at dawn!

Oh my friends, my friends, forgive me
That i live and you are gone.
There's a grief that can't be spoken
There's a pain goes on and on.

Phantom faces at the window
Phantom shadows on the floor
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will meet no more.

Oh my friends, my friends, don't ask me
What your sacrifice was for
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will sing no more.

posted by: kookiefreak at 15:52 | link | comments |

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Creative leadership: my thoughts

"As a communicator, it's not enough that you inspire, inform, or educate; you need to transform people."

In a nutshell that's what the talk I attended (just this afternoon) tried to point out. Strong as the words are, it got me thinking: Am I a creative leader? Have I succeeded in transforming people through my work?

I've been in the biz for four years now. I used to write for a major daily and now I guide student-journalists in their pursuit of coming up with quality student publications.

Throughout the years, I can say that I've felt fulfillment many times. I can say that my career has gone great guns for a long time. With a rich experience in tow, I can say that I'm ready for whatever battle life may throw me.

But during the talk, I found myself asking: Am I really doing something worthwhile with my life? Does what I have right now enough? Is this the path I should be trudging?

I got the answer to these pressing questions from the talk.

I've always had what I need, the speaker stressed. And, not to brag, I 'd like to agree that what I needed all the while was just inside me, waiting to be discovered. And this same belief applies to everyone. You may just be too preoccupied worrying about the ills of the world that you have forgotten the good in yourself and the good in the world.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share with you this transformative experience. No doubt, I was transformed by the words of the speaker. Unfortunately, I forgot her name. But, still, Miss Speaker, thank you for the valuable words.

posted by: kookiefreak at 17:41 | link | comments (1) |
creative leadership

Here are some raving testimonials from my friends courtesy of :

TJ Ramos, currently finishing her masters at AIM; previously worked for GMA (not the president, but the TV station)

"Randy, Randy, Randy!!!! He seems to think that he's my older brother in one way or another...HE'S ALWAYS OVERLY CRITICAL OF THE GUYS I DATE =) But seriously, this guy is definitely so easy to get along with that's why we hit it off the moment we met...remember the time I ripped your cargo pants? Hahahahaha! =) He's one helluva wonderboy who never fails to amuse EVERYBODY with his singing prowess. Sorry, but I'll have to spill the beans: my dear friend Randy has showbiz ambitions (come on, admit it!!!) =) Among all the guys I've met in this industry, Randy's definitely here to stay... he never fails to make me feel special... I mean, come on, this guy can sure make all girls feel that way because he's one sweet guy... I love you Rands (even if I tease you incessantly)... thanks for being my "boy toy" critique!!! Friends forever!!! Miss you! RAAAAAAAANDDYYYYYYYYYYYY! Randy, Randy, Randy... everybody can't get enough of this multi-talented guy... he's one of those few guys who never puts malice in a kiss or a hug but then again, I could be wrong!)... if you wanna stimulate your intellect, give Randy a ring... Rands, thanks for being my "bro"... I'll never forget you for all the laughs and all the bad stuff you say about the guys I go out with (Hehehehe!)... Let's have coffee and cheesecake one of these days -- ON ME! =) Love you Randy!"

Alfie, Tugonista

"TATAY!!!!!!! ang tinaguriang ama ng Royal Family.. I'm so proud to be one of the (nga ba???) buti nga tinanggap ako sa pamilya ng mga dugong bughaw e. Eniweiz, labs ko yang tatay ko sobra... Touch nga ako jan nung binigyan nya ako ng card, I'm not expecting na isang "Randy Torrecampo" ay magbibigay sa akin ng greeting card. Sus babaw ko noh... You always take care kuya, If u need me and my talent.. im just an email away... Lost na kasi cel ko give na naman sa shota ko... God Bless!!!"

Fiona Caliboso, college friend

"Randy's such a talented, sweet and good-looking dude, you'd wonder why he prefers(?) to be single until now. When we were in college, he's one of those few who always has something nice to say to everybody. The last time I saw him was a few years after we graduated when we were both covering a fashion show. It's a shame I didn't really get to know you better. I'm sure there are more likeable qualities about you. If ever you're here sa States or pag umuwi ako, grabe kailangan natin mag-duet!"

Irababes, one of my pseudo-daughters

"TATAY. That is what Randy Torrecampo is to me. He is the coolest and shrewdest Tatay ever made. He is one reason why I am in a wonderful org (haha) and taught me valuable lessons about whatever. Protege daw nya ko (punchline ata un kasi d naman malaki ilong ko eh ...ooops!) gwapo yan c tatay, dae may crush kahit mashondang babae (rmbr??? last yr in a bar somewhere tas eeewww hahahahaha) He is one person who can amuse, entertain, iritate, and love you all at the same time. He loves his "royal kids" and his being a royalty in our school (kz hari sia ng
mga drawing), i like his cookies kaso lagi na lang crumbs naabutan ko kasi feeling pilantropo yan eh). Hindi sia nauubusan ng witty comebacks and nakakaasar na one liners. He is a great person with a BIIIIIG heart. I LOVE RANDY TORRECAMPO."

Elbert, isa sa mga pinakamakulit na taong nakilala ko

"i still have ur jacket..hehehe!i'll never forget the day you were chasing me around sa field..don't worry,i'll give it back to you with the replacement (got looaaads of it!)..he's been a good 'kuya' to all of us..he will give you words of "pinagkatandaan"(wisdom)..ask him to sing if you feel low and for sure you'll be a-ok..if he doesn't want to sing, ask him to bake for you..ur tastebuds will tell you what to do next..MAGPAPA-BAKE KA ULIT!MISS YOU KUYA!"