Officially Yours ( Book 2 )

Chapter 10

Jema.

We went straight to the reception area.  Michelle informed the staff of our appointment and that we are from the CDM company.

The receptionist checked the secretary of Mr. Alvarez first.

I turned around because I feel eyes on my back.   Of all people, I didn't expect yung face na nakita ko. 

Nagkatinginan kami ng ilang segundo.  Walang kumukurap.  Yung tipong kami lang ang tao dito.

Bakit lagi yatang ganito ang situation tuwing magkikita kami.

Before we can say anything, I heard the receptionist told Michelle that Mr. Alvarez is now ready to see us.  Kaya napilitan akong tumingin sa team ko.

But my mind is still asking why and what is Deanna doing here?  She's all dressed professional too like us.

The receptionist then said to Deanna;

"Ms. Wong, you can also see Mr. Alvarez now.  Please join the CDM on the way up."

What?  But she's not in our group.  Baka akala ng receptionist magkakasama kami. 

I think Deanna is confused like me but she stood up na rin and followed us to the elevator.

Tinitignan tuloy sya nila Jia, Kyla and Michelle.  Nagtataka din sila but they remained quiet. 

Napunta yung tingin ko sa folder na dala ni Deanna.  I saw the logo on top with the word,  AWE. 

This is the new company name ni Fhen.  Dati kasi AFE ang name tapos nabalitaan ko na pinalitan na.

I'm not sure kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng initials pero obvious namang Emnas yung E.

Baka Wong yung W.  Kasi nandito si Deanna, parang portfolio yung dala nya.

Pagpasok naming lahat sa elevator, sumenyas patago si Kyla at inginuso nya yung folder na dala ni Deanna. 

Lahat naman kami ay napatingin dito.   We're all like, "what is she doing with us?"  Sa mga mata na lang kami nag usap-usap na apat.

Baka naman nagkamali lang yung secretary ni Mr. Alvarez. 

Why would she set up a meeting with the two companies at the same time?

Deanna is tapping her foot while inside the elevator.  Maybe she's not comfortable being with our group.

We reached the fifth floor in no time.  The three angels went out before me.

Deanna is on my side quick.  We started going na to the conference room.

"Hey, so you have indeed switched company.  Do I know which one you transferred to?  Mukhang bigatin ang kumpanya ninyong apat ah." she asked while walking beside me.

"Oh, not really big, maliit na kumpanya lang.   Ikaw, kay Fhen ka uli nagwo-work?" sagot ko habang nakatingin sa folder na dala nya.

"Yeah, something like that.  She's not available today so she asked me to represent her in this meeting." she replied.

Does it mean she's staying here for good again?  What's her plan?  How about her girlfriend, Elaine?  

Am I really that interested pa sa buhay ni Deanna?   After three years, hindi pa talaga ako naka moved on that's for sure.

Is it really our fate to see each other again? 

Sabagay, matagal ko ng ipinaubaya sa kapalaran ang kwento ng aming buhay.   May reason siguro kung bakit kami pinagtagpo uli.

Parang sumakit tuloy ang ulo ko.

Ugh, not this time.  I can't afford to have headaches baka magka lapses ako sa presentation.

Concentrate Jema.

We finally reached the conference room.  Nandun na sa loob si Christine, yung secretary.

"Good morning Christine, kumusta na?" bati ko sa kanya.

"Hi Jema, morning too.  Eto sexy pa rin kahit super busy." sagot nya.

Mabait itong si Christine, I have met her many times na dito sa office nila and sometimes outside pag may mga social gatherings related to business.

"Have a seat, papunta na rin si Sir dito." she added.

Then she saw Deanna.

"Oh, Deanna Wong from AWE, right?" she asked her.

"Yes, that's me." Deanna replied.

"Have a seat too.  Fhen called and informed me that you are
representating her today.  She also mentioned that you're partners in the business so that's no problem.  You can decide on the spot if needed." she added.

Ohh, so partners na pala sila.  Wow, I didn't expect that.  Alam ko family business nila Fhen ito.  But they're cousins naman kaya siguro naisip ni Deanna mag join na rin.

You might think that my company and Fhen's are the same.  Yes, we are both in advertising but we use different mediums.

AWE is an advertising agency.  I worked there, remember?  Their concept is to be part of the marketing mix.  Pag nakuha na nila yung client, gagawa sila ng creative ad for the product para ma-introduce na ito sa mga tao.

Di ba idol ko nga si Jack Ma.  One of his rule is that, "you should learn from your competitor but do not copy".

So, CDM is a digital marketing / advertising agency.  We focused in results-based marketing in the digital world.

We promote brands and products online or through other digital channels. 

Dyan papasok si Michelle since forte nya yang social media.  Si Jia yung gagawa ng captions, dadagdagan ni Kyla ng mga funny ideas para mas matandaan ng mga tao.  Ako ang nasa final stage, sasabihin ko sa kanila kung okay na or kulang pa.

But of course may mga inputs din ako.

Kami ang mga pioneers dito sa CDM.  Lima lang kami nung una, ngayon 20 na.

Before I start my business, eto na yung mantra ko

You don't build a business.  You build people.  Then,  people build the business.

Kaya I take care of them.  I make sure na well compensated sila.  Pag may big accounts na nakukuha, may mga bonuses lahat.  From the top up to the rank and file, pantay lahat sa bonus.

May naka-schedule na kaming outing this summer pero I told them na pag nakuha namin itong Rebisco account, pwede nilang isama ang family nila sa company outing.

But enough of that. 

If Deanna is here, it means that their company also submitted a proposal for this account.

Our companies will be competing against each other.  

I felt sad naman.  I know that business is business.  Walang kapatid, kamag-anak or kaibigan when it comes to business. 

Pero yung malaman ko na sila Fhen at Deanna pa pala makakalaban namin, I'm not comfortable. 

May pinagsamahan din naman kami kahit papano.

I looked at Deanna.  Talagang pinaghandaan nya yata itong meeting.  I can feel na tensed din sya.  Sya ba naman ang ipadala ni Fhen dito.

I will be presenting pa naman ngayon. 

Should I be subtle on my presentation? 

But I can't do that.  My team is relying on me so I can't let them down.

Sorry Deanna.  Let the game begins.

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Hello guys.  Short update but still an update.  Busy lang po.  Bawi ako next chap.

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