I wonder if there were any empirical data to validate my hunch. People in advertising tend to have very long careers in that industry. Once you’re in it, especially for at least 10 years, it’s hard to get out. Could it be the constant laughter in the workplace? The colorful garb? The gaiety and gayness of it all?
So I admire and support those who are bold enough to bolt it, and shift careers successfully. Only a few names come to mind right now. Writer Tippi Ocampo and art director James Reyes are accomplished fashion designers now. Juan Sarte was a casting director before becoming a top make-up artist. Art Director Lydia Velasco and commercial photographer Joey Ibay were in the industry for decades before breaking into the art scene -- their paintings command top dollar. Multi-awarded creative director Tanke Tankeko now runs a successful restaurant business.
They are our post-Zionist Zohans (sorry, I could not think of a more serious film about career change; what the heck, I enjoyed You Don’t Mess With Zohan!). Like Zohan, the anti-terrorist Israeli badass who really just wants to cut hair, these admen had other dreams. They must have listened to an inner voice that told them to do what they loved, beyond the comfortable world of advertising. It’s the same Steve Jobs life lesson: Don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Stay hungry, stay foolish.
Tankeko, for one, did right it going into the resto business. Earlier today, I had lunch at Fifteen Twenty-One. I’m definitely going back with more friends who like the familiar Pinoy food packaged creatively and delectably. The menu is as interesting as the cuisine (Talong mo Kay Tulfo, Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan, Suabeng Suahe, Ka-Musta-Cat, Hip na Hipon) and the resto’s interiors. Had a Ratatouille moment with the Potchero ni Tankeko (the tender-est slow-stewed beef) and Bakang Binayabasan (beef sinigang with guava and kamias/cucumber tree fruit like how they’d prepare it in the province). My fave was the Ka-Musta-Cat – catfish salad with mustard leaves and kamias. Do check out 1521. Support another of them few foolish ones.
1521: Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, Fort Bonifacio Global City / +632 552 1909
