New Beginnings, New Friendships Philippines

New Beginnings, New Friendships
http://www.justanotherpixel.net/2010/10/new-beginnings-new-friendships.html

 A good friend is cheaper than therapy. 
- Author Unknown -

A relationship that lasted for 5 years just ended  for me over a week ago. And, as expected, my life was in turmoil. I thought it'll be really difficult to get up in the morning or sleep at night, just like it was before when I went from "In a relationship" to "Single". But, to my surprise, I'm doing okay.

When you mention Sulit.com.ph, most people will say it's a place where you buy and/or sell stuff. It's where you advertise your products and where you could find and buy items at really discounted prices from direct sellers. Sulit is indeed the leading online classified ads and marketplace here in the Philippines. But, to me, Sulit is more than a buy and sell website. It's a COMMUNITY.

I really believe that everything happens for a reason. When I joined Sulit's blog contest weeks ago, I never thought that move will help me cope with what I'm about to experience in my relationship of 5 years. Some people may find this funny or may not believe everything I'm about to tell you, but it's the truth.

After I found out that I made it to the list of Top 10 finalists in Sulit's blog contest, I was ecstatic! I, then, asked friends and my brother to vote for me. My brother campaigned for me and he even taught his friends how to go about voting for my entry. And, during the campaign and voting period, I was monitoring the thread for the voting poll - Vote for the BEST Definition of Sulitizen and Get a Chance to Win a Nokia Cell Phone! Philippines.

I was honestly afraid that I will get the lowest score because I don't know a lot of people in Sulit. I have been advertising with them, but I haven't been that active in the forums. To my surprise, I found a few people supporting my entry. One of them even volunteered to campaign for me. And, now, I know, she'll be a friend I want to keep.

I'm talking about Grace or digital-retouching in Sulit, a graphics designer who blogs and shares her work on Sulit and her own website, Digital Retouching. I have mentioned her in my thanksgiving post. I never thought anyone would care to support me like how she did during the voting period. I was sincerely touched. She designed numerous banners for me, including the ones below.

I remember, Grace was even more nervous and excited than I was back then. *LOL* And, whenever people say something not nice about me topping the voting poll the first few days, she'll send me a private message telling me to ignore them, to brush off anything negative from people. She was THAT thoughtful.

Grace wasn't only my number 1 supporter during the voting period. She was a FRIEND. She STILL is. I told her about the breakup and she comforted me. I know that she is a sincere friend who came into my life unexpectedly. I am now looking forward to meeting her when she returns to the Philippines next year.

The end of my relationship started in the middle of the blog contest's voting period. I guess that's why I wasn't able to focus on campaigning more for my entry. But, sis Grace was the one who tried to cheer me up and encouraged me to continue. My brother also was there to help.

During the campaign period, by the way, I also started a new thread in Sulit asking for suggestions for breakup songs that I can listen to. I know, most of them told me I shouldn't be listening to sad songs, but I can't really help it. Music helps me cope. I'm thankful for all the suggestions that came from different members of Sulit. And, if you read the posts on that thread, you'd know that there are a lot of caring Sulitizens out there... even to a total stranger like me.

When Sulit finally announced the winners and I won first prize (the iPad), I was so freaking excited! I literally didn't know what to say. Grace was there to celebrate with me. It was funny to see her reactions and posts like she was the one who won. *LOL* Thank you, sis Grace!

I have mentioned this on my social networking sites that my winning meant something more to me. Even before the voting started, I prayed for a sign to know which path I should take. In the past month, I was confused. And, when I won, it was crystal clear. It wasn't just because I won the Apple iPad, but how that victory affected my thoughts, my feelings, and what I wanted to do for MYSELF. I realized I deserve so much better. I deserve to be genuinely happy. And all that happened because of my experience in Sulit. Crazy, right?! But, it's true! My brother and my friends are my witnesses.

Me with Sulit admin Heide (hscanlas) giving me my Apple iPad prize
I requested to be on the right side for "editing" purposes *LOL*

During the blog contest period, I also met two people who I know I also want to enjoy a coffee or two with someday – santelmo and wggozar. Santelmo (Karl) was also one of the finalists. I enjoyed his positive attitude and funny posts. Wggozar (Wally) is the resident English expert and I loved reading his comments and even learned something from him. Now, we have started a couple of new threads in the Sulit forum. I sincerely consider them my new friends. And, I do hope they consider me a friend, too.

No one can really understand or know what I went through during the past weeks. All I know is Sulit is now a part of my life. Might sound too cheesy for some people, but it's the truth. If I wasn't in the blog contest finals, I might still be stuck in a rut.

I am now an active member of Sulit. And, I hope that someday, I can touch someone's life, just like howGrace, santelmo, wggozar and my other newfound friends in Sulit touched my heart. :)