TERRITORIAL ASSIGNMENTs

My marketing scope got larger when I qualified the “Understudy Program” which my company offered to those who were quite-baked to assume bigger responsibilities as supervisors. More than 10 consecutive Saturdays were scheduled to accomplish the syllabus. I travelled to and fro Manila for months, spending weekends on trips. I brought the bacon home by grabbing the 1st spot against fellow trainees from all parts of the country. It was (so far) the proudest episode in my professional life!

I still preferred Iloilo as my base as I was too attached to the Ganzons that fleeing away from them would mean another vast adjustment, considering the weight of leading people and hitting monthly budgets.

Iloilo City itself was already congested then. There were rough roads within the downtown which were usually whacked by floods due to its geographical plains (below sea level). I felt scorching temperature there as mountains are non-existent. Being the regional capital and transportation hub, Iloilo is rich in agricultural products and culture. I truly enjoyed my stay there the most as compared to other provinces…I just felt that sense of belonging…the accessibility of everything (even by just walking). Houses and churches’ structures are historical and distinctive; people are splendid!

I could tell, Region 6 (particularly Panay) was well-travelled (by me) than my own (Region 5). I was once focused on Antique province during my first year; I didn’t actually like the place…remote-dusty-stiff. Better than Dinagyang (Iloilo), MassKara (Bacolod), and Sinulog (Cebu), Ati-Atihan Festival (in honor of the Infant Jesus) in Aklan was really enjoyable (with tribal dances, music, and costumes), wherein the public could participate.

Bacolod (Negros Occidental), notable for MassKara Festival which bears the alias “City of Smiles”, was closer territory to me (next to Guimaras). Whenever I did the visit, I returned to my base in the evening by a fast craft. Though I considered the city more organized, neat and green (than Iloilo)… still there’s no much difference as far as the people and culture are concerned.

My first Boracay (Malay, Aklan) trip was quite embarrassing. I planned the spree with my salesman (Jo) yet turned out to be…my supervisor (Francis) was behind it. How could cutting ‘working hours’ possible if your boss was the trip’s organizer? It was absurd for me to join since Boracay wasn’t my assigned area.

The night before the trip, Francis asked me to join them and revealed- he knew the plan. My excitement of at least making the most of that jaunt had faded. I was half-blinded of Boracay’s beauty due to awkward and robotic feeling towards my boss’ presence. Funny!

Few months had passed and I finally revisited the island for leisure and pleasure. I was there by batch---with Mike Borromeo and my Ilonggo colleagues---with Doc Cachero and Floyd Bacabac--- with some boarders and common friends.

…the Island is unsurpassed... still has the BEST beaches (for me)!

We had our district meeting in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) and the entire idea was terrific! The City could attract any visitor… its promenade (akin to Roxas Boulevard in Manila), the popular Siliman University and the Dumaguete belfry. The truth is...I’ve been vocal about the beauty of this City… better than other Cities, I believe.

Guimaras Island is the closest province from Iloilo City proper. It would only take you 15 minutes by pumpboat to cross since it’s physically separated only by a narrow channel. From there, you can see both Negros and Panay islands. Mango trees are dominant (some 50,000 are planted); thus, It’s well-known for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world.

I was in Cebu on several occasions. My initial visit was again related to our District Meeting. The following trips were associated with work-obligations…yet my first stop was in the famous Magellan’s Cross and Sto. Nino Shrine. I just couldn’t believe the realization that Cebu, which I used to see/learn only from books/post cards, was highly-included in my job itineraries… I even had to stay there for weeks and months.

VISAYAN HATCHES

They say, we should always grow where we are planted. My four year- well- heeled struggles in the Visayas Region were parallel to taking the first few steps as a toddler. Familiarity with places, culture, and dialect should have boosted over the years…so as that with people.

Being with the Ganzons, I had numerous acquaintances in full swing…this time as their protégé ---no organizations held, no members to head, and finally no accountability to instigate. Apart from my daily Pharmaceutical- marketing routine, my time was served helping and supporting others (and it didn’t need to involve any monetary unit).

Villa Boarders- The Ganzons used to own a boarding house that could accommodate 20+ marine students of John B. Lacson. I knew them in droves as I preferred to stay there at times…whenever school projects had to be pulled off…or boozing to crop up. Some are sailing-some are offshore; one thing I’m certain of… they wouldn’t forget me.
Nang Remia- Tito Dingdong’s helper…has a high-pitched voice as that of a witch’s. A certified “mali-mali” (one who utters repetitive words or phrases when stunned). She took care of my laundry…and just so comfy of my highs and lows.
Gesila Sumcio- My dorm mate… the ever articulate crowd’s ACE…fighter, credible critic, good apple, Jollibee’s big cheese, comrades’ big fish…and somebody who could eat my brains out! Ges is forever missed…you just couldn’t make even to her earnestness as a friend.
John Obidos- My tour-guide…my senior…my territorial counterpart. John is at his peak now that he’s pursuing a career in the USA.
Tiny Alimon- Being her die-hard colleague, she knew these---the beauty, acumen, physical possessions (obviously), big heart, potency, rareness, and bluntness. She’s highly regarded...and has never offered a cold shoulder. You just can count on her come hell or high water. She’s genuinely accessible!
Gold Varca- Vigorously in love then…she’s somebody who would grab me for work and love-chat.
Glo Aviado- single and spirited…trustworthy and trusting…and one who would come out of the woodwork to save a friend and colleague.
Jen Martizano- The modern Maria Clara, the naïve beauty, the bubbly chatterer… my long-time crush and detailing partner.
Paul Padilla- The stout man behind the meek soul. The family-oriented professional who exhibited child-like qualities...like securing himself with pillows and smacking his Nokia 3210 before retiring to bed for safety (against ghost?). Paul was easy to deal with...probably the most principled guy in his batch and one who never ran out of details. In a glance, you would know what he felt due to his transparency...which made him our favorite.
Ian Cruz- Coolest guy in the herd…never seen him flared up. He quitted the job first among fellow Manilenos; I haven’t heard from him until now.
Jane Fuerte- conformist turned ultramodern as she’s UK-based. Tito Dingdong introduced me to her in a party… phonecalls, spinning yarns, and dating followed. Absence just couldn’t make the heart grow fonder. She's just got married!
Paul Conti- That friendship with him wasn’t so common. We met in Iloilo once as he dwelt in the same boarding house where my colleagues were. His tough adjustments provoked him to abandon his job instantly. Somehow, I offered (little) financial assistance (as fellow Bicolano) and the rest is history. He sailed while I flew, we definitely tried harder to meet again.
Floyd Bacabac- We bumped each other in his town during my territorial assignment; we did it again in mine when he was assigned there. So far, I had fun getting along with him and Doc Cachero… communications never ceased.
Doc Cachero- One who offered friendship on my initial dental visit. That same night, we went out together with his good buddy, Floyd. They could just let their cats out of their bags for a trusted friend. I adore his humility and compassion.
Julius Abes- In a level playing field, his dealings were fair and square, too. He looked vulnerable yet the spirit was so determined. We crossed that same line of demarcation when we were qualified for an understudy program.
Edzonn Gallinero- The eloquence in a petite body…the astuteness in an unkind fate. Our friendship started when he applied for a post in our organization; it ended when he chose to venture into something prior to his total disappearance.
Tony Lee Padesterio- The guy who hopped from rugs to riches. I remember those episodes when I had to save him from (almost) famine. I first met him via his application for a job; yet later on found his fortune in his parent’s origin, China. Today, his drive to lose weight succeeds---He's totally changed!
Burn Melendez- Edzonn’s cousin who seems a womanizer… another sailor man who happened to (again) browse elbows with me in Dubai on their unplanned docking. We first and last met over some bottles of beer (glog!).
Stewart de las Alas- The coolest and well-mannered pal I had. Another corporate payback-deprived... thus, I endorsed him to work for our Company. He moved from one continent to another, yet still our friendship days are never numbered.
Analyn Villadares- Tito Dingdong accommodated her for a brief stay (while on mission)... ties (then) followed. One who unselfishly shared what she owned; Ane is unquestionably a friend for keeps.

I miss my “kumpare-ng” Raymund Sia, my counterparts (Rhona, Carol Cortes, Michelle Cruz, Bob Basillote, Oliver Banquicio, Rose Sanggalang, Dothy Mariano, Arnold Famador, Larry Bernabe, etc…).
I believed, a chain was no stronger than its weakest link... and through my superiors’ (Ghit Dublin, Zeph Golozino, Francis, and Arl Gomez) support and tolerance, I learned the knots of leading subordinates in a corporate arena.

COMMON TIES

In playing hard on someone’s heels, common friends are caught, which is accidentally on purpose. They’re definitely within reach no matter how far our distances or how huge our workloads are.

Chie Tumamac- My protector who’s at all times to the rescue before the ink is dry. The beauty that’s not only skin-deep and one who’s ever unassuming… even overlooked her best qualities. We hold each other’s key with secrecy and respect; I never doubted her sincerity…never once! Her flaws are tiny dots in her persona, but good attributes still manage to stand-out. Cliché you could call it…but she’s my legitimate best friend!
Emo Colima- My exact opposite---one who could punch your face, without you shedding light; I’d witnessed his uproars…and I tolerated such. Later on, he used his fist in managing their farm.
Nyor Tolarba- Whenever he’s cross-eyed, speak not. Another liquor-indulgent who would disregard you without it. Depression knocked him out, yet the spirit of endurance has finally come as he chose to work in the Middle East; probably one of the two pals who call me not by name, instead… “bez prend.”
Fidel Ramos- The worrisome…the nerves…the grim; Del releases thoughts by just speaking to somebody. One who’s truly earnest and trustworthy; he became the President, remember?
Waway Ramos- member of “The Little Rascals”…childish yet responsible head of the family. Oway never failed to disregard comrades. He tried discontinuing studies…finishing it…managing a business…and working overseas.
Jun Matias- whose name is an equivalent of POWER, has an unwavering loyalty and decency. The guy is up for grabs to anybody who needs him.
Mike Bazar- We used to hang-out in his teen years although there were few notable times when he was untouchable. Gifted with good looks, Mike is a genuine buddy.
Boboy Ramirez- Oftentimes perceived under false colours; he’s (in fact) a thoughtful pal by default. Boy’s candidness could throw affirmations and disapproval…he talks what he thinks or pre-thinks, that makes him truly matchless.
Fr. Ben Buela- I’ve had few acquaintances with catholic priests; I felt I had to keep certain reservations whenever the bond was on. Well, that proviso had impeded when I opened my bar-business and joined him & Ayi in playing lawn tennis. I turn to him for some serious advices.
Aday Porcalla- Everybody’s knight in shining armour…a widower…father to May…my “kumpare”…the troop’s muscle…and always accessible for us.
Adong Quiapon- Could mix and miss events… constantly with an excuse to leave; Padeng Adong is known for her “tampong-purorot” (sulking) style.
Dante Lim- We used to meet when I was assigned in Naga City; he would let me ride for free. Seldom could he join us…only when his wife was clueless (LOL).
Ane Bazar- Mike’s sister, who happened to share some fuss with me; well, those were the days. She’s ever humble and sociable.
Patty Gonzalez- Ayi’s other half…our Mayor’s daughter…also the future political leader. Surely as chip off the old block, Pat shall continue the legacy.
Jomard Saret- The principled man…seems on the safe track. He climbs on the bandwagon to prove his worth…Mard’s patience is truly his virtue.

D' GANZONs, my haven

I wondered how the tables were turned when I had to choose my own passage by not actually soliciting for my parents’ opinion after receiving my diploma in college. It was merely a sense of acceptance that we ought to split the bond as I moved on to pursue my vocation…and they just trusted my decisions.
My first few weeks in Jaro, Iloilo City were full of misery guts. Adjustments had to heed boredom, solitude, finances, and routines. All I had to perform after “client-calls” was to coin my obsessive compulsiveness… scrubbing walls & floors, systematizing stuffs, remodeling my room, and maintaining daily journals.
Exactly on my first month, my supervisor brought me to a private clinic which I failed to visit prior then. I was introduced to this doctor (Dingdong Ganzon- son of former Senator Rodolfo Ganzon) and his wife (France), who happened to be a native of Naga City in Bicol. That same night, the couple invited me for dinner at their place in Molo City, even fetched me as I barely knew the town.
At the end of that same month, I found myself breathing the same air and living with them in one roof. I described it historical for somebody who had no blood consanguinity with any of them at all, yet won the family’s trust and affection that’s truly boundless.

Tito Dingdong Ganzon- my alter-ego…my number 1 fan! He dealt with much candidness, kindness, and support. He’d been my security blanket while I was miles away from my immediate family. A genuine jack-of-all-trades (singer, pianist, dancer, orator, planter, sewer, etc…); a cool dad-brother-uncle, and buddy; a clever jester; a bagger of my weaknesses-dramas, and shaggy dog stories; and ultimately…one physician who has the best medicine---laughter!
Tita France- Somebody who’s on pins and needles… often prepared in any battle. A good cook, my counter-O.C., family’s brute force, Marian devotee, silent worker, practicing preacher, and definitely a good Samaritan.
Charm- now a doctor…has the most contagious disposition of all. Her being straightforward marks her dependability; her eloquence demonstrates her aptitude…the grey cells just work perfectly! Charm is ever demonstrative as her dad.
Stanley- The towering height who oftentimes zips his mouth except on watering holes; he’s never a somber.
Trixie- The ultramodern nurse who built her own family in liberty and now inhabiting across the ditch to pursue a greener pasture. Even before she befell a wife to Paul, I’d witnessed at least their seventh heaven relationship. She’s truly compassionate and unpretentious.
Tito Jr.- Tito Dingdong’s brother with a bag of nerves…a true-blooded hypochondriac (has preoccupying fear of having a serious illness); and somebody who just couldn’t easily trust somebody.
Tita Letty- Another sympathetic heart who devotes 101% of her time to Tito Jr.
Arl- Only product of Tito Jr. & Tita Letty, is the brain and brawn of her clan…a bar fly…a stylish pro…a dark horse…a wanderer. We once lived within Dubai’s flat corners…and her presence is ever noticeable.
Sheryl- My kumare...the unassuming mother…blatant conversationalist…and affable niece of Tito Dingdong.
Mikee- Sheryl’s brod…the cousins’ dear…and one who could be docile and rough.

There are lots to mention…the acceptance of Tito’s siblings (Tita Beverly, Tito Jeffrey, and Tita Rolyn) and significant ones who’d made my stay so comfy (home and hearth), was far-fetched.
Their brief vacation in Bicol with us during the lent had built noteworthy relationships among our families. If I had a nickel for every time…I would still choose to rub elbows with them (as I age) repeatedly.

ILOILO, no ifs or buts

I was shortlisted by a couple of Pharmaceutical companies…and I had sworn off the scale to grab any initial offer (without grudge) regardless of its market standing.

When I was offered the job by an Ortigas-based company, rigid trainings followed. Since it was on the map (while staying at Mom Chit’s house in Project 3, Quezon City), the entire process was almost stress-free. I topped the batch yet the prize was somewhat unkind... “ILOILO ASSIGNMENT?...where the hell was that?”

Geography wasn’t my forte then; however, I knew Iloilo was far-off from where I used to voyage. That night after the irrevocable announcement, restlessness was felt. Finally, I grabbed the territorial assignment the following day as I believed-“nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Moving to the Visayas region was akin to reincarnation. I was totally the lone stranger in an equally strange environment. My colleague, John Obidos, had fetched me from the airport and brought me to the dormitory that was next to his place; he did the nickel-tour as well as I knew nobody except him.

No ifs or buts, I just pulled out all the stops (marketing vaccines)…and I reaped nearly 5 years of well-baked competencies and commitment which advanced my personal and professional attributes. Through its span, I began to love everything that’s associated to Iloilo--- the people, dialect, island, delicacies, churches, talaba (oyster), old houses, downtown, beaches, jeepneys, culture, and tradition. I even thought of building my house & business there.

Seeing my family & friends only on two important occasions (Christmas & holy week) every year was, more likely, my accustomed self that left no choice but being away and productive.

 …my life could have never been exciting without that half-decade Iloilo journey.

Notes:

The City of Iloilo is the capital of, but independent from, the province of Iloilo. It is the economic hub of the Western Visayas region, as well as the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area.

Iloilo was historically one of the major agricultural centers of the Philippines, exporting sugar, copra, bananas, mangoes and other natural resources during the Spanish and American colonial periods.

CAREER-SHIFTs

Life right after college wasn’t easier…in fact- a long row to hoe. The pressure of pursuing a chosen career was tantamount to bracing adulthood with haste and waste. It’s somehow true that our parents’ grip is unfastened once we prove to oblige their goals no matter how far and long it would take.
I had few comprehensions while living within a not so avant-garde upbringing. I looked up to simple individuals and that merely provoked me to get rid of the cobwebs of fantasizing unattainable purposes.
I lived the simplest life that making a mountain out of a molehill was unfeasible. Basically if we dwell with limited resources, we share by halves…we share inadequately. Whatever employment demand then had to be seized in order to make self-gratification; supporting family members and establishing career path was somewhat in place.

I did nurse Lola Minda, my grandma’s sis, before I finally unearthed mixed interests. Detaching myself from heading several organizations had to be initiated. I began to feel alienated when I had to reap experiences with corporations…youth’s correlations had to end…and it was extremely heartrending.

I hopped from Real Estate to Telecommunications to Publishing to Pharmaceutical Industries. In my quest to imitate what my cousin, Kuya Joff, was up to…I just “locked & loaded” my marketing abilities where I gained my valued competencies.
Leaving behind my friends didn’t end there…I had to do the same to my family after looking before I leaped. I was all alone when I assumed the first professional challenge in my life…not in Bicol---not in Manila---not in Luzon, but in Visayas.

EGGS in ONE BASKET

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