JIEGO
“Mr. Sy?”
Jack, one of the company’s most loyal employees popped his head in between the gap on the door. The grey strands of his hair become more and more visible as each day passes. I nodded as he stepped inside the office, the same office my father, the legendary Mr. Daniel Sy, had.
“what is it, Jack?”
He handed me a brown folder.
“Here’s another one. Just dropped this application now.”
I nodded. I didn’t need to ask what was inside the folder. Two days ago, the company’s secretary for the CEO retired and an announcement on hiring the next one was all over media. Hours after the announcement, the office was flooded with applications. This folder right her may be the 13th one I received for this day.
“thank you, Jack. I appreciate it.”
Jack gave me a smile and walked out of the office. My eyes lingered on the new folder I received. I picked it up and a formal 2x2 picture of a lady welcomed me on the first page, together with her basic information.
Her name’s Tina Joyce Fuego. From the looks of her resume, she seemed qualified for the position. Despite the lack of employment experience, her college grades were excellent and she’s young, which means her mind works the best way. Not that I was judging Mrs. Francisco, the retired secretary, but there are just tasks that requires youthfulness and agility. This lady looked promising.
With the green pen from my pen stand, I wrote “PROCEED TO INTERVIEW” on the upper right corner of her resume and placed it on my drawer where 4 other application folders were marked as such. Among the four of them however, this is the one I'm looking forward to meeting the most. Young, academically excellent and above all, closer to my age. I bet we'll get along pretty well.
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Lunch came and I got out of the office. There’s this simple and quiet eatery across the company where I spend my lunch times at. It was a self-service eatery with local delicacies for a very cheap price. While the company has its own canteen where free foods were served, I prefer coming here. It’s like a break from the rich life, a warm comfort of being able to experience the simple pleasures of the past.
When I reached the elevator, Jack came up to me.
“Aren’t you going to the canteen for lunch again, Mr. Sy?”
I shook my head.
“No, thank you. You guys enjoy your lunch though.”
“where do you take your lunch, sir?”
“somewhere. It’s kind of a secret.”
Jack chuckled, his gummy smile showing. Inside the elevator, he pressed ground floor and 3rd floor where the canteen is. As the door closed, we were quiet. He was humming a song I didn’t recognize.
The walls of the elevator were made with mirrors and I have three reflections of me in different angles. I turned my head to my right and looked at my getup from my head down to my feet. The person I was 3 years ago would not dress like this. That person I once was has quickly became a stranger in his own skin. Guess there’s more to three years of business school than learning the foundations and how-tos of the corporate world.
When the realization coupled with the reflection hurt, I looked away. Just in time when the elevator door opened. We’ve reached the third floor.
“this is me, Mr. Sy. Have a great lunch break.”
Jack gave me a small bow. After two more floors, I got out of the elevator myself. I was greeted by our front door receptionist and I nodded at her. I walked straight to my private parking lot and the valet gave me the keys. I didn’t need the car, I only unlocked it so I can place my bag inside. I’m used to not leaving it at the office.
I got out and crossed the street, walking a little.
The eatery owner, Manang Gloria saw me approach and waved. I waved back, smiling.
“Sir, we have chopseuy for today. Also we have pakbet, sinigang and kare-kare!” – she said excitedly
“that sound delicious, Manang. Can I get a serving of pakbet and sinigang, please? two cups of rice also.”
As she noted my order, I paid at the cashier.
I sat on the usual seat I occupy. It was right in front of the overhead television of the place. Three ceiling fans were used to lessen the humidity of noon. A water dispenser with clean glasses were on far right for everyone’s use. A large cooler was also placed right next to it, where a variety of soft drinks were also available.
After less than 5 minutes, my orders arrived and I started eating.
As usual, the food was great.
TINA
“thank you, Manang Gloria.”
The kare-kare was mouthwatering so it was the one I ordered, despite my stomach’s protest of also trying the pakbet and the grilled liempo. I’m financially-tight right now so I guess those other cravings can wait.
From the chair I was sitting, the SY Group of Companies towered with pride. The more than 20 floors stood tall through the years. Since Mr. Daniel Sy died, it lay low with its operations but an article on Business Times stated that it is now with a new CEO. It was on that article I knew who it is. It’s Daniel Sy’s son, Jiego Sy. It was like a fictional book, if you think of it. The son was lost for more than twenty years, only found after the death of his father. Sad but at the same time, fortunate. Now the whole company and other estate of his father would be his. Too bad the article didn’t contain his face, it only said the son looked strikingly like his father.
And I just submitted my application to be his secretary. Fingers crossed, I would be accepted.
It would be a great stepping stone to get the career promotion I always wanted since I graduated. To work for one of the most successful companies in the country is my step one.
I closed my eyes and uttered a silent prayer.