By Cherry Roxas

Having an extra passion besides your daily routine at work is such a great therapy. If you can manage your time well, things will work out the way you wanted to. After all, doing what you love is all that matters. 

Nowadays, being artistic and talented can help you to earn extra income and somehow a good starting point to have a small business too. And, we have our very own here from the Toll Operations Department. Paul John Legaspi, or “PJ” to his friends and colleagues, he started as a Toll Teller in 2014. A resident of Meycauayan, Bulacan. And now, PJ has been part of the Verification Team since 2022. PJ is such a big help for the team, especially during events and celebrations because of his creative mind and artistic hands. 

Let’s hear how PJ started his passion….

Way back in 2009 when I was working in a fast-food chain, doon ko na na-discover ang talent ko sa craft and arts. Nagkaroon kasi ng biglaang event na need magdecorate and my immediate superior assigned me to do the event decoration. I don’t have any idea or let’s say experience sa pag dedecorate ng events place or party but fortunately my first attempt turns out to be good. Hindi man ganun kaganda ang unang try ko but the mere fact na nagustuhan nila, it boosts my confidence. Nagka sunod sunod na ang pag papaayos nila sakin at doon siguro masasabi kong nahasa ako sa ganitong crafts at nasundan na ng mga kaibigan, kamag anak at katrabaho at masasabi ko na din mga client na nagtiwala sa kakayahan ko.  

As time goes by, I find ways to improve my designs and crafts. Through the help of social media and my personal experiences, I was able to do other crafts that my clients requested like styro craft, balloon decoration, printing, handcraft, and others. Basta related sa art/craft nag e-enjoy ako sa pag gawa and at the same time, I earn money which helps me and my family with our daily expenses. After working hours and during my free time, I accept orders from clients and friends.  

Right now, I am more focused on printing and handcrafting for parties and events as well as souvenirs and giveaways. In addition, there are company events like Halloween, Christmas Party, and others na isa ako sa tumutulong magdedecorate with the help of my colleagues, superiors, and HR. I am always grateful to everyone who supports me in my passion. 

Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined.

Johnny Carson

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