For His Entertainment

Chapter Thirty-seven

Eventually, the marketing manager of the shampoo brand chose me, Zach and Adeline for the role. The storyline was cliche as fuck; Adeline was supposed to have a crush on Zach but he won't notice me because I have this frisky hair. Then, I will suggest this shampoo brand para mapansin ako ni Zach. The scene will involve me in the shower.

Why do media portray this kind of bullshit? That women always need to up their game para mapansin ng ibang tao? I'd prefer not having Zach, or anyone for that matter, to validate beauty. People nowadays need to feel empowered by themselves, because if not, then will they always just follow the societal norms? The norms that only the powerful people have imposed?

I learned this the hard way. I have always wanted people to like me ever since, and now I am learning slowly.

So instead of being mum about it, I did raise the issue. Ms. Jackie, the manager from Illimite, looked at me worriedly as if I just did something wrong. I know I am in no position to change something that has already been established, but I know I will regret it if I didn't try the least. I know something can be done. And I know I have to do it.

After all, there's nothing wrong in speaking up for something that you strongly believe in. I learned this the hard way, too.

The manager from the shampoo brand smiled slightly at me, showing amusement. His attention was focused on me, the same for everyone in the meeting room. "What it is that you suggest then, Ms. Estero?"

I felt my throat driying up, but I carried on. "I suggest that since we are creating a commercial for shampoo that strengthens the hair, why don't we strengthen the characters as well? Like, there's this girl that was born with really curly hair because of genes, then she decided to check with her friend to recommend shampoo products that will strengthen her hair in preparation for salon treatments. This way, we are strengthening her choice for herself, and not because she wanted to look good for others. And also, we'll have Zach to show that this product is versatile and can be used by men as well."

Through my peripheral vision, I saw Zach bite his lower lip while a smirk emerged from it. He was intently looking at me, listening carefully. Yet I kept my focus on the manager, gauging her reaction.

He nodded, still smiling. "I like this girl, full of faith," He looked at Ms. Jackie. "I will suggest this to the team, and expect you'll hear from me in the next few days, then maybe we can proceed in shooting this with whatever result I have from the upper management? I don't want this project to be delayed."

I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding until now. The meeting ended and I was about to go to Adeline when Ms. Jackie called me.

"Ally, right?" She smiled.

I nodded.

"Can we talk?"

I paused for a moment. I didn't know what to make of it, but I just nodded my head. She ushered me to her office and made me sit in front of her desk.

"I am impressed by the attitude you showed. The manager was impressed as well," She smiled again but there was something in it.

"Thank you," I said nervously.

"I know where you're coming from, and I understand. But... I need you to know that not everyone likes guts." She intertwined her fingers, placed her elbow on the desk, and relaxed her chin in her hand.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am?" Kinunotan ko siya ng noo.

"You're new to the industry, you never had a professional modeling or acting experience before so I understand that you still don't know how the world works out there. I know you have a potential because otherwise, you wouldn't land your first role as big as this despite being the neophyte, but your ideals may be a little bit different from how the world out there works. This is just a friendly advice, I am not prohibiting you to do anything that you please, but there will be times - hard times - that you will need to keep your ideals to yourself. This career requires a lot of sacrifice, and I hope by the time you will be needing it, you are ready."