Simula
I saw my friend put her collared t-shirt, in a solid color with subtle patterns. The venues of our clothes have our establishment's logo. I closed my locker and glance myself at the mirror.
The fitted black vest hugs my curves just right, accentuating my figure without being too revealing. Paired with a crisp white button-up shirt, the contrast is striking yet sophisticated. Completing the ensemble are my black trousers, tailored to perfection, allowing me to move with ease as I mix drinks and serve customers with finesse.
The finishing touch? A sleek black tie, adding a touch of class to the ensemble. As I adjust my hair and straighten my collar, I know I'm ready to take on whatever the night throws my way. With a confident smile, I step out from behind the bar, ready to serve.
I often have late-night shifts that's why I rented my apartment near the hotel casino that I'm working. I went to the venue and started my shift by setting up the bar, ensuring all necessary tools and ingredients are in place, and checking inventory levels.
Sumunod na dumating ang kasamahan kong si Cyle. Pumunta siya sa tabi ko at may kinuha sa cupboard.
"Goodmorning," aniya. "Coffee?"
Ngumiti ako. "Magandang umaga, nag almusal na ako sa bahay kaya hindi na."
As I lean over the shiny mahogany bar, wiping down glasses with a soft cloth, my eyes steal glances at the mesmerizing scene unfolding beyond the vast floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel casino with its sprawling pool beckons guests with promises of luxury and excitement. Crystal-clear waters sparkle under the warm glow of neon lights, reflecting the pulsating energy of the bustling casino floor. Laughter and cheers mingle with the soothing melody of cascading waterfalls, creating a symphony of joy and relaxation.
I've been working here for 3 years now. Bago ako magtapos ng kolehiyo, ito lang yung part-time job na hindi ko mabitawan. I worked around places like in convenience stores, call center, waitress, and so on but working as a bartender made me happy.
Sinubukan ko ring magtrabaho sa mga opisina ngunit hindi para sa akin ang pagiging front desk. Isang taon lang ang inabot ko. Sa palagay ko ay hindi ko naipakita ang aking buong potensyal sa mga lugar na iyon. Kaya noong nag-resign ako, nag-apply agad ako sa mga hotel at nakita ko ang trabahong ito bilang bartender. It wasn't easy pero at least maganda ang bayad dito para matulungan ko sila papa.
My father told me to pursue what I finished in college but I feel like those areas aren't just meant for me. Bago pa man ako pumasok ng kolehiyo naisip kong hindi para sa akin ang pag-aaral. But having a diploma in my hand made my parents proud of me. Nakapagtapos ako, kumikita at masaya sa trabaho ko.
This is what I am living for everyday. It is a routine for me and I'm satisfied as long as I keep pushing myself like this everyday.
"Two bourbon please."
"I'll have a scotch."
It was already 4 PM and the two servers switched our place to have our short break. Parehas kami ng schedule ni Cyle kaya siya ang nakakasama ko lagi kapag mahaba yung shift namin. Pumunta ako sa restroom para maghugas ng kamay at bumalik rin pagkatapos sa venue.
"Isabella!" someone with familiar voice called me.
Hingal siyang lumapit sa akin na akala mo may karerang sinalihan.
Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na ang itawag sa akin ay izzy nalang dahil 'yon naman ang nakasanayan ko.
"I'm sorry but I'm really in trouble right now. Emergency lang kailangan ko kasi pumunta ng hospital. Wala akong kakilala dito kung hindi ikaw lang."
