For Every Yin

Everything has a trade off, so it seems.

Yesterday, I went to a VTR for a liquor commercial. I was so excited about doing the VTR because it has been quite a while since I last did one.

The minute I arrived at the agency, something told me that this particular project was not for me. I signed up for the schedule and was greeted by the person in charge. She used to work for the casting agency that first got me to model. In fact, she recalls, she was the one who "discovered" me. Very star-like.

Her initial reaction was, "You seem to have lost a lot of weight." Hint number one: We are looking for someone who is much fatter than you. Why the heck did you lose weight?

"I am not that thin. I am still fat... I still have flabs and love handles," was my reply. I was supposing I could reassure her that I was still cut out for this project.

And so I waited... and waited... and got to talk to a co-"model." I really like that, calling myself a commercial model. Hahahaha.... Anyway, I got a lot of background info on the TVC (TV Commercial) from him. I found out that he was a cousin of a famous athlete/commercial model/schoolmate of mine back in college. And then he was called in.

Urgh! More minutes of agonizing waiting!

And then my name was called. My sweet sounding name! It's my turn to show off! As I entered the room, my new-found friend told me to prepare to strip. I was like, "OK, that won't be a problem."

"Your name please... How old are you Donnell? And your height? OK, look at the camera... now turn to your right.... turn your head to the camera... now smile... OK, now to the left.... turn your head to the camera... now smile... OK. Thank you."

That's it?!? I mean, I was supposed to strip, wasn't I? I was supposed to be this beach blob who will emerge from underwater as a beach hunk, right?

Hint number two: You are not what we are looking for. You are not fat enough. Thank you for you time. If we do have another project, we'll keep you in mind. The one ahead of you is fatter than you. He is perfect for the role.

Disappointing, true. I mean, I have waited all my life for a big break like this, going to Boracay to do a shoot. And now, I lost my only hope of being a commercial model -- being too fat. Now, I am just fat. None of the too there. All because I want to feel great and love my body more.

They say that for every Yin, there is a Yang. For every action, and equal and opposite reaction. Saddening as it is, there is still hope left in me. I might have lost the commercial, but I guess I am also enjoying the fruits of my diet and exercise. Although I still have to wait a couple more months (or years) before I could actually wear speedo bikini-type swimming trunks. There will be other commercials for me, I know. There will be other breaks...

...I hope.