The Words

Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

Carlos’ Birthday

 

The constructions for the farm as well as for the residential and workplace compound had already started.

Carlos, Robert, Kenji and Willard stayed at the villa at the orchard for a while with Manuel and Rogel.

They were overseeing the constructions. Carlos and Robert were also going about Carlos’ several business endeavors.

Margarita stayed at the mansion. She also coordinated with Robert regarding the legalities of the pediatric clinic and the foundation. She also planned on a surprise birthday party for Carlos’ forthcoming thirty-third birthday.

Carlos had just acquired a private airstrip near Quisia International Aiport. His private jet and his private helicopter were housed there. Carlos really intended to have their home base in Quisia.

Margarita had also helped Robert, Kenji and Willard in the hiring procedure for their new employees and workers.

Most of Carlos’ management and support staff worked for the mean time at the vast study room in his penthouse. Margarita had met them all during her stay at Vienburg.

They still needed to hire more office employees for Carlos Legarda Enterprises. They needed accountants, lawyers, computer technicians, information technology practitioners, and clerks.

Nurses, laboratory technicians, and hospital staff would also be hired. Carlos and Margarita already agreed that the pediatric clinic would be serving those who couldn’t possibly afford pediatric care. Her pediatrician friends who were volunteer their services to the clinic were also to  be accommodated through proper scheduling. Referrals to Filipinas General Hospital were also to be given to those who needed surgeries. There were also to have at least three general medicine practitioners that were to work at the clinic each day with pay to make sure that there was a doctor in the clinic when she was not around. The clinic were to operate on 24/7. This was just one project of the foundation. Scholarships in the field of agriculture were to be given as well to poor but deserving students.

They were also to hire office staff for the foundation.

Household staff should likewise be hired.

Veterinarians, molecular biologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, arboriculturists, and farm workers were also to be hired.

August 8, 2010. Sunday. With all of Carlos’ closest friends and business colleagues as well as Margarita’s closest friends and former work colleagues, they all surprised Carlos in a casual lunch barbecue party for Carlos thirty-third birthday. It was held at the spacious garden of Gonzalo Mansion.

In the morning, Carlos and Margarita went to Quisia Cathedral to attend the mass. Margarita then invited him to go to the orchard. She wasn’t greeting him yet. She pretended not to know. Then they went back to the mansion for lunch.

Carlos was so surprised upon seeing his closest friends and colleagues all in casual attire for the barbecue party. There were also several dishes in a large buffet table. Rhena and Robert were the ones who hosted a short program. They also had a few parlor games.

During the short program

“We are all gathered here to celebrate Carlos thirty-third birthday which was organized by his future wife Margarita,” Rhena started.

Robert added, “You’re right, Rhena. Maggie asked me to keep mum about all these things. You must know how difficult it was for me because Carlos and I are always working together.”