Be a dimple!

And stand out.

A dimple is actually an imperfection, a muscle deformity in the face that causes a crease on an otherwise smooth cheek. A dimple is a void. But whoa! Though inwardly a deformity, outwardly, a dimple is an asset that makes you look like you’ve won the genetic lottery. And you can win much more than second looks with a dimple.

So this is my unsolicited advice to graduates and to all those who are on the threshold of a new beginning: Be a dimple.

* * *

There are times when we cannot change what we are born with. Although inwardly, our emotional muscles have to cave in helplessly because of a void, we don’t have to project that void as a setback. That void can be a strength. Or a million bucks.

Ask Alden Richards or Matthew McConaughey. Both have a “deformity” that has made them perfect in the eyes of millions.

Life deals us our own dimples. A broken home, a broken heart, an unsuccessful marriage, an unproductive career, a political loss, getting fired from a job. Though you’re caving in, you don’t have to look it. The void in your heart can manifest itself as a winning dimple in your life.

The “dimple” that changed my career path, and eventually my life, was my weakness in Calculus.

When I graduated from Grade 7, I got a special award in Math for winning a contest for my class. In high school, I didn’t do so bad either and even got awards for academic excellence. But in my junior year in college taking up Business Administration (a quota course), I was flunking Math 100 (Calculus). It looked Greek to me and no matter how many times I reviewed my lessons, Greek started to look like ancient Greek.

I have always loved to write and was the editor of my high school paper, but I took up Business because at the time I was in college in the ‘80s, there was no freedom of the press under the Marcos dictatorship. So I took the more practical route and took up Business.

My weakness in Math was my dimple, because I couldn’t help it. I studied hard but still barely made it in Calculus, a humbling experience because I was a be-medalled student in high school. Then one day, with the help of a guidance counsellor and some sage advice, I followed my heart and took up my first love, writing.

My inner deformity then manifested itself into a dimple. My first editor (the late Betty Go-Belmonte) loved my first article. My deficiency in Math made me rethink my career path. So I ended up showing an asset instead of a deficiency.

* * *

Josie Natori was a finance wiz in New York before she traded stocks and bonds for a Philippine-made housedress. She modified this, presented it to Bloomingdale’s and received a sizeable order. Eventually, she made embroidered lingerie her magic carpet to fame and fortune.

She stood out by turning something imperfect (I mean, who, at that time, could have foreseen that dusters could spark a multimillion dollar empire that now includes haute couture and home furnishings?) into a perfect idea.

Incidentally, Josie has a dimple.

* * *

Another phenomenal woman is J.K. Rowling, best-selling author who changed the lives of an entire generation who grew up reading her Harry Potter books. According to published sources, Rowling was battling it all — she was divorced, depressed and penniless. Harry Potter was rejected 12 times by publishing companies before it saw print.

Rowling dared to be different, filled an inner void with determination, imagination and hard work. She filled it to the brim, and look where she is now.

* * *

Your dimple in the community you live in may be the color of your skin, your religion, your gender preference, your physical challenges. Society can make them setbacks even if in a perfect world, we are all equal. I don’t think Lupita Nyong’o would be the rave that she has become if she were of any other race and yet other people would go to great lengths to whiten their skin. I don’t think Barack Obama would have become President if he were not black, and thus carried with him the aspirations of centuries. I don’t think Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would have been President if he didn’t dare to be different — not that I agree with all that differentiates him from other public servants.

***

Stand out despite your imperfections, and the void inside you. Put your best cheek forward and flash your dimple.

You will win the world.

Crescendo: Bigger & louder

Crescendo retail sales manager Fidel Zamora and marketing assistant Vianney Jocson (fourth and sixth from left) with new Gibson USA brand ambassadors (from left) drummer Victor Guison, bassist Dave Delfin, rhythm guitarist Paul Cañada and lead vocalist Franco Reyes.

Crescendo, in musical terms, notes the “gradual increase in the loudness of a sound or music.” On its sixth anniversary, Crescendo Audio and Music Depot Inc. is making noise and is promising to make bigger waves in the industry.

Established in 2010, Crescendo, the distributor of premium musical instruments, audio equipment and peripherals, offers a wide and varied range of versatile musical instruments, from the most basic to high-end models. So, whether you’re a neophyte or a veteran, an instrument that fits your experience and needs can be enjoyed.

The instruments carried by Crescendo are of superior quality and come from renowned brands all over the world. In addition, the company also offers unique pieces and special collections, which have been created through the collaborative efforts of authentic instrument makers abroad. You can be rest assured that each and every piece carries the mark of quality and excellence.

Today, the company offers an extensive collection from prestigious audio brands and instruments such as Casio electronic keyboards, Privia Digital Piano, Gibson USA, Epiphone guitars, Marshall amplifiers, Bardl microphones and Behringer-powered mixers and headphones among others. Recently, Crescendo became the new outright dealer of Yamaha pro-audio equipment.

Renowned musicians such as Marc Abaya, Boogie Romero and Kelley Mangahas of Kjwan (also the ambassadors of Epiphone) believe in the quality of Crescendo instruments.

Paul Marney Leobrera, lead vocalist and guitarist of Bleu Rascals, gives his seal of approval to Gibson Memphis, which allows him to deliver a masterful sound and enjoy a newfound level of crispness and richness.

On the other hand, members of the band Franco became the new Gibson USA brand ambassadors. Franco Reyes, Dave Delfin, Paul Cañada and Victor Guison are inspired to make better music with instruments that they trust.

To celebrate another successful year, Crescendo is offering 40-percent discount on selected Gibson, Epiphone and Casio items. The promo will run until May 29.

(For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CrescendoPhils.)

(You may e-mail me at [email protected].)