Prove Me Worthy

00

I pursed my lips as I tapped my pen on the table. Patuloy ang pagpaliwanag ng architect sa bagong project. It was a 400,000 sq. ft. mall. Hindi ito bago para sa kompanya kung saan ako nagtatrabaho pero importante pa rin na sundin ang tamang proseso lalo na at isa itong lugar kung saan maraming tao ang pumupunta.

Umabot ng tatlong oras ang meeting namin. Nilapitan ako ni May, ang aking assistant, para ipaalam ako na pinapapunta ako sa opisina ng CEO. Tinanguan ko lang siya.

Naglakad ako papunta sa elevator. Nang makapunta sa tamang floor ay diretso pa rin ang lakad ko, ngayon ay papunta na sa opisina. Nakita ko ang tinginan ng mga tao. Nginitian nila ako. Sanay na sila sa madalas kong pagpunta dito.

It has only been about two years and a half when I was promoted as a COO which surprised everyone because I was initially only offered the position for structural engineer and humbly worked as that only for two years. Also, I have no connections to any wealthy family involved in this business. However, I found it hard to reject the promotion since the owner has been nothing but a good and wise mentor in my career.

Tinanguan ko ang assistant niyang si Anne nang sabihan niya akong pwede na akong pumasok kaagad. Her familiar black and gold interior greeted me. She was signing some papers. I cleared my throat.

"Pinatawag niyo daw po ako, Madam?"

She raised her head only to look back down to finish signing. When she was done, she took off her glasses and leaned back on her seat.

"No matter my passion for this business, signing documents will always tire me out," she grumbled. Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya.

At age 67, Maria de Gracia is a force to reckon with in the field of construction. She made a name for herself in the field dominated by men. Nasa ikalawang taon ako ng kolehiyo nang makilala ko siya. Pumunta siya sa Cebu para sa isang conference. The emcee's introduction for her was prodigious and astounding. It left me speechless, becoming hopeful for my future.

"Being the perceptive person that you are, I am certain you didn't think success would come without a price, Madam," I stated.

Tumango lamang ito. "Indeed. But that doesn't mean I can't complain," she smirked.

Inayos niya ang kanyang pag-upo at iminuwestra sa aking umupo sa harap ng kanyang lamesa. Sinunod ko ito.

"May party para kay Mama ngayong gabi sa bahay," panimula niya, stressing on the second syllable with the word Mama which I always thought sounded so elegant. "You're invited. Guests will only be our family."

My mouth slightly dropped, not hiding the surprise. I have met her family only during company parties. She raised her brow. I cleared my throat. "Hindi po ako sigurado kung okay lang na pumunta ako. Birthday parties of your parents have always been a celebration for your families, Madam, which I am not part of."

She narrowed her eyes. Her gaze meant to make me as uncomfortable as possible because I know she is examining me.

"If you're worried about it fueling the rumors, don't. Alam kong matalino ka, Engineer. Alam mo kung bakit kita ginawang COO," she explicated. "O baka hindi mo gustong paniwalaan dahil hindi ko naman kinompirma?"

Hindi ako nagsalita hindi dahil wala akong masabi kundi dahil alam kong hindi pa siya tapos.

"I never confirmed anything because I wanted to see your performance progress into the years. You were still fresh into the field and it was too early to conclude your loyalty to the company," she continued. "When I promoted you into a position you weren't interested in nor were you supposedly a candidate for, people were too loud so I let your work prove itself worthy for the position. The board who were once not so accepting with my decision, now has been left satisfied by your accomplishments."