I finally had my photo with my favorite Cosmopolitan (Phils) Magazine Editor-in-Chief

I have to tell you this story. I've been an avid Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine fan in my early twenties and Myrza Sison, the Editor-in-Chief, is my favorite.

I'm huge fan of people who work behind the scenes and I like her editor's message. Eventually, when she moved out of Cosmo to launch a new magazine, Marie Claire Philippines, I kind of lost interest in the magazine as it became too predictable for my taste. From that moment on, I realized how huge the role/packaging of the Editor-in-Chief, even if it already has a fan base following.

But back in either 2004 or 2005, Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine used to hold workshops for women in their 20s and I think I have attended at least 3 times of the event conveniently held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza (my previous office building). Since I am such a fan, I often receive free invites as one of the first ones to sign up. I even attended the Cosmo Bachelor Bash twice at the NBC tent before it became a thing. I guess it's safe to say that Cosmo had been a big influence in my early twenties because it covers a lot of things like finances, reproductive health, career choices, spa awards, beauty products review, places to go to, etc.

The first time I attended a Cosmo Goes to Work workshop, I knew I just really had to have a photo with Ms. Myrza Sison. But Digital Cameras were not as popular yet and my camera phone died after taking photos, so my roommate, Dana, had to take my photo with her using her VGA camera phone. Sadly, her camera phone got stolen before she had the chance to send the photo to me.

Fast forward to years later, I learned that she finally got married.

I remembered years ago when I was reading her editor's letter, she mentioned that her mom hints about wanting her to settle down (she's at her 30s back then). I remember her not making such a big deal about being single but moved on and explored more of herself by enrolling in graduate school in UP Diliman, launched Marie Claire magazine, and now she's back as the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmo after six years.

She talked about how she transitioned from being a model to a writer

(More after the jump! )

She taught us how to use the serenity prayer (which, I actually am applying on certain issues in my life that is out of my control).

She honestly spoke about how she started as a writer even though she doesn't know how to write. And became an editor when she doesn't have any idea how to do it.

During the BDJ event, she spoke about being the Fun, Fearless Female that Cosmopolitan Magazine strongly advocates.

I look forward to the Q&A portion, just like the time I attended Jenni Epperson's Book signing last year. When asked what is the most fearless thing that she did after having accomplished so much, I found her answer to be really honest and heartfelt:

"The most fearless thing that I did was to marry my husband."

Maybe the reason I appreciate it more because, on another level, I know exactly how scary it is.

And as I mentioned in my last blog post , I was approximately 10 minutes late and lost my seat to the talk session, BUT it was actually a blessing in disguise.

Because had I been secured safely in my seat, I would miss the chance to freely approach Ms. Myrza Sison in person and request for a photo opportunity as she was rushing to her next appointment with her husband.

Thank to my very alert sister for taking the photo! She actually saw Myrza walking towards the exit section of the stage and nudged me to approach her so I can finally have my photo taken.

Yey!