by L Meniado
“Paano ba ‘to?!” (“How do I do this?!”) seems to be the most essential question we have tried—and are still trying—to answer since we became acutely aware we have grown old. We have succumbed to Googling the answers and consuming every article about being in our 20s posted on Thought Catalog or Huffington Post to make ourselves believe we are prepared to face adulthood. As we take uncertain steps forward, we desperately search for validation that we are doing just fine.
I, for one, have realized by now that knowing what I’m supposed to do in life or how to deal with adult stuff is way, way harder than answering my thesis’ research question. Good thing there are reading related literature that can lead me to useful tools in formulating my framework for life—Bianca Gonzalez’s Paano Ba ‘To?!, for one.
THE STORY
Bianca Gonzalez, TV host/Editor-in-Chief of Meg magazine/columnist/Young Global Shaper/blogger a.k.a. all-around superhuman, shares her life lessons and secrets to being SUPER through her first book, Paano Ba ‘To?! How to Survive Growing Up.
This book is a compilation of advice for 20-(even 30-) something Filipinas on: 1) Family, 2) Friendship, 3) Love, 4) Career & Money, 5) Failure, 6) Fashion & Beauty, 7) Purpose and 8) Self. Insights and stories from local personalities like Toni Gonzaga, Anne Curtis, Luis Manzano, Ramon Bautista, and Atom Araullo are included as well.
WHAT I LIKED
On professing your love to your crush
“Tandaan, dalagang Pilipina ka, ‘wag kang aamin!”—Ramon Bautista
On handling office blunders
“If you can correct it, do so, and learn your lesson and never do it again. You will earn your workmates’ respect even more if you can move on from blunders gracefully, instead of trying to avoid everyone or ranting by posting a controversial or cryptic status on Facebook.”
On managing your money
“Never buy anything with money you don’t have.”
On being an awesome workmate
“Never underestimate people. You’ll never know how they can help you in the future.”
On failure
“In every setback, there is a chance for a comeback.”
On choosing your career
“We have to make the most of every opportunity, but the crucial ingredient is having a clear idea of who you are and what you stand for so you don’t get lost in transition.”—Atom Araullo
On being comfortable with yourself
“Magbo-bloom ka rin.”
HOWEVER…
The conversation between Anne Curtis and Luis Manzano about friendship is very conyo (not that I have anything major against that; it just gets annoying) but some parts still count as cute.
A few typographical errors were also here and there but may be corrected in the second run of publishing.
tl;dr
There is no ultimate guide to growing up tailored for every one of us. As Bianca herself wrote: “Ikaw lang ang makakasagot niyan…” The truth is, growing up is a personal experience—we can only learn by going through it ourselves. It involves intricate and individual discoveries. However, it is comforting to know that there are people out there who are not only going through the same but are also willing to share how they survive(d) growing up.
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GIVEAWAY
We have a signed copy of Paano Ba ‘To?! waiting for you!
Answer the question “What is the best piece of advice you can give to anybody?” in the comments section below. Get creative and clever with your answers! Link to blog entries will be counted. Winner shall be chosen on the 27th of December.
Update: Congratulations, Nerissa! Email us at hello@bookbed.org. Thanks to everyone who joined. Until the next one!
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