Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

Hazel or Haze is a Senior Engagement Manager at Peak Support. She, alongside Jon, Bee, and Judz, started Peak Support in 2015. Haze has been instrumental in making sure that every client is fully satisfied with the services that the company offers. She is very motherly, and firmly believes that a good mix of discipline and care has always worked well for her when dealing with her kids, friends, and other team members. Growing up, Haze had always wanted to become a doctor but quickly realized in high school that she just couldn’t look at blood without fainting. Not too many people know this, but Haze can actually draw and sew pretty well. She’s also got a green thumb. Get to know more about Haze in this fun Peak Support Q&A blog.

What’s your favorite season of the year?

Christmas. I always look forward to a good family gathering, especially when there’s a lot of food.

What’s the most memorable gift your parents have ever given you?

They gave me a full set of Childcraft books when I was in first grade. I skipped a lot of meals for a month just to read them non-stop. My mom even reached a point where she regretted gifting them to me.

Who’s the one person you open up to the most?

My Nanay (mom). She lets me vent out, acknowledges my thoughts, and respects my decisions.

If you could have a date with anybody in the world, who would it be?

Jack Ma! He’s truly inspirational. He just “Never Gives Up”!

What has been your greatest triumph so far?

Raising my two boys to be responsible and caring. I always feared that they would grow up with hate and that I won’t be enough to raise them well. But a lot of people tell me that I’m doing a great job. I’m extremely proud of them.

What’s the most extravagant thing you’ve ever bought for yourself?

A front-load automatic washing machine. I love doing the laundry. My mom thinks I’m crazy for stocking up on four brands of laundry soap enough to last half a year.

What’s the most heartwarming thing your son has ever said to you?

I was about to enroll in a gym and I tagged my boys along. Kirby got worried that the guys in the gym would hit on me, while Kyle was worried that I might get bulky arms.

What’s something you wore in high school that you can’t ever imagine yourself wearing now?

Nothing really. My dad was so conservative that I grew up wearing clothes that don’t show too much skin. Too conservative that I think I might have only worn a swimsuit just two times! I was mostly in jeans and slightly loose shirts/blouses.

If you could create a mobile gaming app, what would the game be about and what would you call it?

I’d call it “Millionaire Me.” It would be a mobile app that would teach folks at an early age on how to attain financial freedom. It would be great to see people not be held back from their dreams just because they lacked the financial capacity.

What was your favorite subject in high school?

Biology. I’m simply fascinated by how nature works. I remember always going back to a certain page in a Childcraft book where it had a cool illustration on how photosynthesis works.

Name the top 5 songs on your playlist.

I looked up my iTunes for this and noticed that I’ve mostly been listening to KPOP songs the past two years. It’s crazy to think that the most played songs are “Love Yourself”, “Lights”, “Euphoria”, “Idol”, and “Mic Drop”. A true ARMY can relate!

What’s your favorite number?

The number two. I usually find myself standing second in line or snagging the 2nd-row seat in my class. This allows me to learn from the person before me, improve on what I’ve learned, and share it to the person next to me.

How long can you hold your breath underwater?

It used to be close to a minute, but years of having contracted pneumonia multiple times cut that down in half. That has also got me scared to travel by sea by the way.

Name one habit that you would like to stop doing.

Ugh! I bite my fingernails! I’d be off of it for six months at the most, and the next day I’m at it again. My nail technician always knows when I’m bored/frustrated.

What’s the most amount of money that you’ve spent on a vacation?

Roughly around 60,000 pesos ($1,200 USD), I think? I lucked out on a Php 143 flight promo in February of 2015, so I booked the whole family flights to Laguna. It was my family’s first time traveling together, and we spent the time at the Ocean Park, a hot spring, and a big amusement park.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I’d want to be a little bit more selfish. I often put others before myself and the people I’m close to worry about my kindness being abused.

What’s something that you will never get tired of looking at?

My two boys. They remind me of how I failed, stood up, and went about life bravely.

What usually tires you out?

I’ve found myself caught up in several situations where people pour their hearts out to me. Though it feels great to know that they trust you enough to share their issues with you, but it’s draining. It’s like a Dementor sucking the life out of me!

Please complete the sentence: I feel happiest when I’m _____.

Reading a book during a rainy day. Just enough rain though for me to not have to worry about the house getting flooded. There are two creeks within 100 meters from our house that overflows during the rainy season.

Your closest friends would describe you as?

Caring. But they think I’m too kind for my own good.

What makes you mad?

I can’t stand injustice and discrimination. There have been occasions where I found myself in heated exchanges standing up for complete strangers.

Which sea creature would you not mind becoming even for just a day?

A Clownfish. It’d be nice to stay in an anemone to keep others out for a day for me have some ME time!

How often do you eat out and where do you usually go?

At most twice a month. I grew up with home-cooked meals. My mom always reminded me that you save a lot when you don’t do dine-outs. If we do, we frequent Chinese restos because my two boys just love dim sum.

What’s something that you’re very interested in that not too many people know about?

I’m interested in charitable activities. I hardly have the time to juggle work and manage stuff at home, but I always make sure to participate in an annual charity event that my college friends hold around Christmas.

What is your own definition of success?

Success for me is having that influence on others to become responsible and kind individuals. More than the material things you’ve earned, and attained in your career, it is the positive impact that you have on others that really makes life meaningful.

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Kevin Calatrava

Peak Support Q&A: Leizl Joy Yee

Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

Peak Support Q&A: Kaci Barker

Peak Support Q&A: George Tillotson

Peak Support Q&A: Mark Pabriaga

Peak Support Q&A: Iar Indus

Peak Support Q&A: Mimi Abelarde

Illustration by Rhea Avanceña