Peak Support Q&A: Raezalaine Tayag

Rae is a resilient, ambitious, and enthusiastic young woman who enjoys living the simple life. When she’s not busy with work, you can find Rae munching on some delicious chicken wings, pork barbecue, and Bistek Tagalog (a type of Filipino beef stew). Rae mostly listens to pop and R&B songs, and is a proud Belieber (Justin Bieber fan). The Devil Wears Prada is a movie that she likes to watch a lot because it reminds her to draw the line between work and her personal life. Saturdays are very important for Rae and her family, because it is the only time when they’re all complete. The sound of her nieces and nephews laughing out loud is her alarm clock and it never fails to put a smile on Rae’s face. Get to learn more about Rae in this latest edition of the Peak Support Q&A blog.

What’s your favorite cake flavor?

I love my aunt’s “healthy and modified carrot cake”. The cake contains less sugar and has no icing on top compared to the usual carrot cakes sold in stores. My aunt knows that I can eat the whole cake all by myself in a day. So to lessen my sugar intake, she uses maple syrup instead of regular sugar, so it’s safer and healthier to eat.

How often do you think people should say “I love you” to their loved ones?

Before, I was more of a doer than a talker. I used to hug and kiss my loved ones all the time, especially when I needed something. However, when my Papa passed away, I realized that he could’ve probably counted with his fingers the number of times I told him: “I love you, Papa”. Papa, you may not hear me saying this but I wish you’re still alive, and I love you and miss you so much.

Don’t be like me. Please tell your loved ones that you love them as often as possible before it’s too late.

If you could ask anybody for good advice, who would it be?

Bree is one of my college friends and church mates. She now resides in Norway and is enjoying her life there. My question for her would be: How did you come up with your decision to leave everything behind and start a new life? I really admire her courage to follow her dreams and dream big.

When did you last tell a friend or family member: “I told you so”?

I had a heart-to-heart talk with one of my friends. She couldn’t believe that the company she built will be taken over by someone else. I saw how much she sacrificed to build her own empire. She’s an avid fan of “trust your instincts”, but we have to remember that our instincts aren’t always right. I didn’t say “I told you so”, but more of “I’ve been warning you”. Hearing her say: “I wish I had listened” is more than enough for me to know that she has learned her lesson.

What do you usually do to feel better when you’re having a bad day?

If I’m having a bad day, I prefer to wear my headphones and listen to praise and worship songs. Just give me an hour to cool down. Instead of ranting, I’d like to reflect on what I did and release all the negative energy in me.

If you could have any celebrity gate crash your birthday party, who would it be?

I know it’s impossible, but I like Justin Bieber! Justin, you’re welcome to gate crash my birthday party every year. I mean it. I want to watch him sing and dance to his songs all throughout my party.

Who’s somebody that you would like to reconnect with?

The guy who broke my heart. He was one of my best guy friends and we’d been together for seven years as a couple. Our relationship wasn’t easy, but I’d like to repair and save our friendship. Still grateful to him, because he’s one of the reasons why I became a strong and independent woman.

What or who is your greatest inspiration for waking up in the morning?

I made a mistake of turning my back on God before, but I’ve accepted Him in my life again. Second to God, my family is my strength and my weakness.

When was the last time you raised your voice at someone?

About an hour ago and I’m so disappointed with myself for doing it. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try to act cool in front of people, there’s going to be this one person who forces you to show your bad side. Respect is not imposed, it is earned.

What’s something that you wish more people cared about?

I wish more people valued their family above all else. Most of us take our families for granted over our work. You’re lucky if you can still eat together and create happy memories with them. Don’t wait for the day when they’ll leave you and nobody will answer your phone calls anymore.

If somebody in your family were to do your job for a day, what do you think they’ll say?

I think they’ll appreciate how flexible my job is. Where else can they find a job where you can eat while working, listen to music, wear anything, joke around with your teammates virtually, and many more. They can’t find any other company like Peak Support. A company that treats their employees like FAMILY.

Which place do you not ever want to go back to?

I don’t want to go back to the place where I first met my ex-boyfriend. A place that taught me the meaning and value of love, and it’s also where I experienced my biggest heartbreak.

Describe yourself as a friend.

I’m the kind of friend who will go above and beyond for you. I may not always be there with you physically, but I am just one call away if you need me. Whatever information you share with me, it will only stay between us no matter what.

What was the last food that you regret eating?

I love peanut butter polvoron (a type of heavy, soft, and very crumbly Spanish shortbread), not until I choked on it. Hahaha! Imagine being alone in the house with no one else to help you. Luckily, I managed to get a glass of water in the kitchen. Lesson learned, when eating a polvoron, please make sure that there’s a glass of water nearby.

Which insect scares you the most?

Spiders. When I was 14, I was bitten by a black widow spider on my left hand. A minute after that, I could feel the numbness in my hand, its intense pain and I even had convulsions. I was rushed to a nearby hospital and got injected by painkillers and anti-venom. I can still remember how I cried out loud because of the pain.

What’s something that someone has borrowed from you and never given back?

A year ago, someone borrowed my 10-year old pen that was given to me by a relative. The pen isn’t that expensive, but it has a sentimental value to me.

If you could get rid of one thing in the world forever, what would it be?

I want to get rid of the hatred in everyone’s hearts. I want to replace it with forgiveness, love, peace and happiness.

Do you like watching the news?

No, I don’t. Let’s face it, the news isn’t news anymore. It’s become more like repetitive dramas.

If you could only have 5 animals in your very own zoo, what would they be?

• Tiger
• Dove
• Lion
• Dolphin
• horse.

When you leave this world, how would you like for people to remember you?

I would want people to remember me as someone who was always there to lend a hand, as well as a person who lived her life full of passion, pride, and dreams.

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Bryan Rosario

Peak Support Q&A: Patrick Pilares

Peak Support Q&A: Honey Faith Belnas

Peak Support Q&A: Jonathan Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

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