Territorial Assignments

My marketing scope got larger when I qualified the “Understudy Program” which my company offered to those who were quite-baked to assume bigger responsibilities as supervisors. More than 10 consecutive Saturdays were scheduled to accomplish the syllabus. I travelled to and fro Manila for months, spending weekends on trips. I brought the bacon home by grabbing the 1st spot against fellow trainees from all parts of the country. It was (so far) the proudest episode in my professional life!

I still preferred Iloilo as my base as I was too attached to the Ganzons that fleeing away from them would mean another vast adjustment, considering the weight of leading people and hitting monthly budgets.

Iloilo City itself was already congested then. There were rough roads within the downtown which were usually whacked by floods due to its geographical plains (below sea level). I felt scorching temperature there as mountains are non-existent. Being the regional capital and transportation hub, Iloilo is rich in agricultural products and culture. I truly enjoyed my stay there the most as compared to other provinces…I just felt that sense of belonging…the accessibility of everything (even by just walking). Houses and churches’ structures are historical and distinctive; people are splendid!

I could tell, Region 6 (particularly Panay) was well-travelled (by me) than my own (Region 5). I was once focused on Antique provinceduring my first year; I didn’t actually like the place…remote-dusty-stiff. Better than Dinagyang (Iloilo), MassKara (Bacolod), and Sinulog (Cebu), Ati-Atihan Festival (in honor of the Infant Jesus) in Aklan was really enjoyable (with tribal dances, music, and costumes), wherein the public could participate.

Bacolod (Negros Occidental), notable for MassKara Festival which bears the alias “City of Smiles”, was closer territory to me (next to Guimaras). Whenever I did the visit, I returned to my base in the evening by a fast craft. Though I considered the city more organized, neat and green (than Iloilo)… still there’s no much difference as far as the people and culture are concerned.

My first Boracay (Malay, Aklan) trip was quite embarrassing. I planned the spree with my salesman (Jo) yet turned out to be…my supervisor (Francis) was behind it. How could cutting ‘working hours’ possible if your boss was the trip’s organizer? It was absurd for me to join since Boracay wasn’t my assigned area.

The night before the trip, Francis asked me to join them and revealed- he knew the plan. My excitement of at least making the most of that jaunt had faded. I was half-blinded of Boracay’s beauty due to awkward and robotic feeling towards my boss’ presence. Funny!

Few months had passed and I finally revisited the island for leisure and pleasure. I was there by batch---with Mike Borromeo and my Ilonggo colleagues---with Doc Cachero and Floyd Bacabac--- with some boarders and common friends.

…the Island is unsurpassed... still has the BEST beaches (for me)!

We had our district meeting in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) and the entire idea was terrific! The City could attract any visitor… its promenade (akin to Roxas Boulevard in Manila), the popular Siliman University and the Dumaguete belfry. The truth is...I’ve been vocal about the beauty of this City… better than other Cities, I believe.

Guimaras Island is the closest province from Iloilo City proper. It would only take you 15 minutes by pumpboat to cross since it’s physically separated only by a narrow channel. From there, you can see both Negros and Panay islands. Mango trees are dominant (some 50,000 are planted); thus, It’s well-known for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world.

I was in Cebu on several occasions. My initial visit was again related to our District Meeting. The following trips were associated with work-obligations…yet my first stop was in the famous Magellan’s Cross and Sto. Nino Shrine. I just couldn’t believe the realization that Cebu, which I used to see/learn only from books/post cards, was highly-included in my job itineraries… I even had to stay there for weeks and months.

#iloilo #panay #bacolod #dumaguete #cebu #guimaras #boracay