March 7, 2023, 2:00 PM - Flavors Restaurant, Seda Hotel, Quezon City, Philippines - Private Room
Daniel arrived at Flavors restaurant with plenty of time to spare before he meets with Ms. Beth and the lawyer from DM Law and Accounting Office. He had chosen the restaurant for its private room, which would provide a quiet and discreet location for the signing of the necessary documents. The restaurant itself was located on the top floor of the Seda Hotel, overlooking the bustling city below. The interior was modern and sleek, with wooden accents and warm lighting that added to the cozy atmosphere.
As he waited for his guests to arrive, Daniel sat at the table by the window, taking in the panoramic view of the city. Daniel sipped on a glass of iced tea whilst reviewing the list of applicants he had shortlisted for an interview the following day.
At precisely 2:00 PM, Ms. Beth and the lawyer arrived, and Daniel stood up to greet them. After exchanging pleasantries, they moved to the private room that Daniel had reserved. The room was spacious, with a large rectangular table in the center that could seat up to 10 people. The walls were adorned with framed photographs of local landmarks and tourist attractions, adding to the Filipino-inspired theme of the restaurant.
As they settled down at the table, Ms. Beth introduced Mr. Joe Stone, the lawyer from DM Law and Accounting Office who would be handling the registration of Daniel's start-up business. Daniel greeted Mr. Stone, and they all took a moment to peruse the menu. The menu itself was a fusion of Filipino and international cuisine, with a wide range of dishes to choose from.
Daniel called the waiter over to take their order. After perusing the menu, they decided on a selection of Filipino-inspired appetizers and entrees, including Sisig, Sinigang, and Pancit. For drinks, they ordered a bottle of Basi del Diablo, a local wine known for its fruity and distinct tangy flavor. The waiter was courteous and attentive, making sure that they had everything they needed.
As they waited for their food to arrive, they delved into the paperwork for the business registration. Mr. Stone explained the different requirements needed, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration, Social Security System (SSS) registration, Mayor's permit, ASC registration, etc. They went through each document thoroughly, making sure that everything was in order. Daniel had done his research beforehand, so he was familiar with the process.
"So, Mr. Daniel, what would you like to name your company?" Mr. Stone asked, breaking the silence.
Daniel paused for a moment before replying, "Hmm... I was thinking of naming it 'Inklusive Creatives and Advertising.' I want to create a space where all ideas and perspectives are welcomed and valued."
"That is clever! You are indeed good with your words Mr. Daniel," Ms. Beth said with interest. "I love the inclusivity angle. It's refreshing to see a company that values diversity and inclusivity."
After much discussion, Daniel signed the papers, which will be filed to officially register his start-up business.
Ms. Beth and Mr. Stone congratulated him on his new venture. Daniel felt a sense of relief and accomplishment wash over him. This was just the first step, but it was an important one.
As they ate, they became more familiar and at ease with one another. Their ages were not much different after all. Ms. Beth is 29 years old, while Mr. Stone is 28. They chatted about their personal lives and interests, discovering common ground and shared experiences. They talked about the current events happening in the city and the country, sharing their thoughts and opinions. As they were talking, Mr. Stone asked Daniel what led him to open his agency.
Daniel sighed and paused for a moment, but after a few seconds of reluctance, he eventually shared his experience of working for a certain broadcasting and media corporation that unfairly wanted to let him go. He explained how the company used underhanded methods to justify their decision, evaluating him based on a department he helped out with, despite it not being his actual job description. This caused his ratings to plummet, which the company used to justify its actions. Out of anger and impulse, Daniel resigned.
"That's against labor laws. You can actually file a complaint against them with DOLE and NLRC," Mr. Stone said, frowning slightly after hearing Daniel's story.
Daniel appreciated Mr. Stone's support and concern. "Thank you, I appreciate it. I didn't even know I could do that."
"Well, it's up to you," Mr. Stone replied, taking a sip of his wine. "But just remember that you have options. It's important to stand up for your rights and not let anyone take advantage of you. If you ever decide to pursue it, I do have a friend who specializes in labor-related cases. I can connect you to him if you want."
Daniel nodded, feeling grateful for Mr. Stone's advice. The conversation then shifted to lighter topics, and they enjoyed the rest of their meal together, sharing stories and laughter.
After finishing their meals and signing the necessary documents, they said their goodbyes and agreed to meet again after the law firm finished the registration process. Daniel felt relieved that everything was finally falling into place, but he couldn't shake off the thought of pursuing a complaint against his former company.
As he drove back home, his mind wandered between the pros and cons of filing a complaint. On one hand, it would be satisfying to set things right and seek justice for what happened to him. On the other hand, it might take up too much time and energy, which he needed to focus on building his start-up.
Daniel knew that whatever decision he made, would have consequences. He also knew that he needed to weigh his options carefully before taking any action. He decided to sleep on it and think about it more after he finishes dealing with the preparations for the agency.