Positive vibes
WHAT'S so important about positive thinking? Fiona Patricia S. Escandor learns from an expert optimist.
“That’s great!” she said cheerily, going over the photos taken of her from the shoot. Hardly it being a sign of vanity; the lovely young lady explains that that is actually her favorite expression, a pick-me-upper of sorts that instantly lightens up her day, with the reason: “It’s good to be always positive about things.”
True enough, the 22-year-old is purely brimming with optimism. Coupled with her congeniality and talent, Tara Tricia Merced is a superb addition to the marketing communications team of Cebu Parklane International Hotel. On paper, she has been part of the team for roughly six months; but her relationship with the hotel dates back to last year, since it is actually Tara who is the voice in the hotel’s catchy jingle titled ‘Have You Ever Been to Parklane?’
“It was my first ‘big’ thing because I usually just sing in school or church. In school programs, I would always be asked to sing prayers and Christian songs,” Tara recalled. “Homer Cang, who arranged the hotel’s jingle, happens to be our pianist in church. So he asked me if I could sing it and that’s how it started.”
Tara graduated from Saint Theresa’s College with a degree in mass communication, major in corporate communication. Even at a younger age, she had already displayed diligence as she had dabbled in several side jobs while studying. She had worked as a barista, a customer service agent, and as an emcee.
“It eventually reached a point that I needed to focus on my studies,” she said, “but I still had sidelines, like my stint with the San Diego Dance Company. I was the host of their show at the St. James Amusement Park.”
A lady of many talents indeed, Tara said that sometimes she would even fill in for dancers who could not make it to the performance. “Since I was present in every show, I eventually got the choreography,” she remarked cheekily.
“When I graduated last March, it so happened that Parklane’s marketing communication assistant position was open, so they called me and asked if I would be willing to join them,” she shared. Tara, alongside Parklane’s marketing communications manager Barbie Patiño, basically handles events, promotions, marketing collaterals, as well as public and media relations.
“It’s challenging,” she admitted. “We deal with different kinds of people, there are a lot of external factors, and anything can happen. But I’m definitely having fun, especially with the people I’m working with. It is a very pleasant environment here in Parklane.”
“My dream job is actually to be a flight attendant and I was really heartbroken when I didn’t make the cut,” she said lightly. Of course, being the optimist that she is, Tara immediately added: “But I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason. Maybe God has a different plan or maybe it’s not yet time. I have to work on the present, which I am very thankful for.”