Adulting can be challenging, shifting from carefree days to new responsibilities. It sneaks up on us, urging a departure from familiar routines.
Recently, my friend Pierre asked, “What would you be if you hadn’t chosen your college course?” This sparked reflections on alternate paths—perhaps a life filled with academic pursuits and less adventure. But traveling has shaped me, introducing me to inspiring people like Javy Manayon.
Meet Javy Manayon: Pursuing Fashion Dreams
We all have that one friend whose name we use when we ask permission from our parents. In the Philippine setting, tagging along the names of people your parents are familiar with brings them a sense of relief and assurance. This was Javy to me.
But after several major hikes together, I have realized that he’s more than just a “tag along”. When you are confronted with hunger, altitude sickness, and exhaustion, you begin to share personal things with your fellow hikers —dreams, aspirations, frustrations, and even failed love stories.
In our circle, we have always been fascinated with Javy’s dream of making his own clothing line and starting his boutique. In this ever-competitive world, it wouldn’t be that easy. However, even the word impossible has the word ‘possible’ on it.
Sewing His Dreams: Javy’s Bold Move
Like giving up Master to pursue traveling, Javy stopped joining our hikes, gradually stepping away to focus on his passion. He resigned from his job, taking a leap into the unknown. Of course, it took a lot of pondering, of reflection… after all, leaving the comforts is difficult, but more than anything else… it’s necessary.
The Outcome: Launching Tatak Makajibi (Now “Javy Manayon Fashion Designs”)
Last Sunday, together with selected members of Cebu Mobile Shutterbugs, we were lucky enough to have the chance to photoshoot some of Javy’s works. After having won several titles for designing Mardi Gras costumes (Sinulog), gowns, and sacred garments, Javy finally launched his brand line: Tatak Makajibi: Javy Manayon Fashion Designs. The goal of the event was to feature his new creations using mobile phones; and I tell you, the results were outstanding!
In this limited time we have on Earth, it is difficult to get whatever we want; hence, we have to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It took a lot of thinking, but now I’ve realized how the events in my life complemented what I have become to this day.
Had I pursued my Master’s, I wouldn’t have been able to scale the highest mountains of the three island groups in the country: Pulag (Luzon), Kanlaon (Visayas), and Apo (Mindanao); I wouldn’t be able to publish a book, get nominated as one of Globe’s best bloggers, and get invited to share valuable experiences learned from traveling and hiking.
But most importantly, I wouldn’t see life beyond the four walls of the classroom: the destruction of the environment, people who have been working to make society a better place, and prove to myself the things I am capable of doing.
No, I’m not ditching my studies, but for now, I’ll allow fate to take part in this journey, and hopefully one day… like Javy, I’ll find something worth giving up. In the meantime, let’s cut our doubts, sew our dreams, and design our future.
Thanks, CMS admins, members, models, and guests for making this event a success!
For inquiries, feel free to contact Javy Manayon on Facebook.
Dakilanglaagan 