Chapter 3
"Good morning, sir." bati ko. "Sorry if we came this early. According to the memo, 11am po ang appointment namin sa inyo."
"Ah yeah." kumunot ang noo niya saka na lang nagpatuloy sa pag-aayos ng suit niya. "Saan ba icconduct ang interview?" tanong niya.
"Anywhere you're comfortable po sir." sabi ko.
"Uhm... Would you like to have it in my office?" tanong niya. Lumingon naman ako kay Maqui at nakita siyang nanlalaki ang mata.
"Uhm..."
"It's okay if we'll do it here Julie. If you don't feel comfortable." aniya. Tumango na lang ako saka na muling umupo.
"Kaya mo?" bulong ni Maqui sa akin. Tumango naman ako saka hinigpitan ang ponytail ko bago ako tumingin sa kanya.
"You're only 28 and you are considered as one of the Philippines' youngest business tycoons. What can you say about this title?" tanong ko. Nakita ko siyang nakatitig lang sa akin kaya naman nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"Honestly, I don't know. I'm happy about being called the country's youngest business tycoon though being one somehow pressures me."
"Why?"
"When you are given this title, it somehow gives you the responsibility to maintain the title and to be an example for business aspirants." tumango naman ako saka tumingin uli sa notepad ko.
"Uhm... You're an only child. Is being an only child somehow helped you with where you are right now? I mean, according to my research, it is said that your family owns big companies too."
Ngumiti siya saka tumango.
"Does your research include that I am a spoiled brat to my mom?" tanong niya. Hindi naman ako kumibo saka na lang siya nagseryoso. "I mean... Somehow it was also a way for me to reach this stage of my life."
"Okay." sabi ko. "Your family is into airline business. Is your business just like your family's?"
"No. My business is different. I am the head developer of different housing projects like subdivisions, condominiums and such. Also, our company develops communities and leisure businesses like resorts, theme parks and more."
"How did you come up with this kind of business? Did you study Architecture or Engineering courses?" tanong ko.
"I think you know the answer to that." aniya. Tumingin naman ako kanila Maqui at Patrick at nakita silang sumesenyas na wag akong magpapadala sa kanya.
"Uhm... I'm sorry sir but I don't." sabi ko. Kumunot nanaman ang noo niya saka siya humugot ng malalim na hininga.
"I took up Business Management, Ms. San Jose." halata sa boses niya ang pagkairita. "Do you want to ask me how I got interested in construction?" tanong niya.
Tumango naman kaming tatlo sa kanya.
"There was this girl from highschool who has always been a fan of interior designs. It's very ironic actually. She's a huge fan of these kind of stuff pero hindi siya gifted sa pagdedesign. She's more of a writer than a designer. And I told myself that once I graduate from college and start up my own business ay ako ang tutupad sa mga pangarap niya. Kaya lang..."
"Thank you for your time sir. It's an honor for having us interview you. We'll go ahead." sabi ko at nagmadali ng tumayo at lumabas ng condo.
"Julie!" tawag sa akin nina Maqui at Patrick.
Hindi ko sila pinansin at dire-diretso lang na naglakad papunta sa elevator.
"Julie!" narinig ko nanamang sigaw nina Maqui at Patrick. Sakto ay nagbukas na ang elevator door kaya agad akong sumakay dun at tumakbo naman silang dalawa palapit.
