Chasing an Angel

C10-2

MENG'S POV.1

Lolly works in a famous five star Resort Hotel located just outside of Manila but whose Sales Department and Credit and Collection offices are in Manila. These offices are on the fourth floor of a five star hotel, also a sister company of the Resort Hotel Lolly is working with. I found out from her that the owners are into tourism related businesses and aside from running two five star and one three star hotels in the metropolis, they have also three resort hotels one just outside of Manila and one each on both internationally acclaimed beach resorts in Visayas and Mindanao.

Overall, they are six employees in their section from the Credit and Collection Manager down to the three field collectors.

I meet all the three collectors who are already in the office when we arrived.  They are all busy working on their itineraries for the day. They were all smiles and convivial when Lolly introduced me to them as the applicant for her position.

The one named Ben, asked, "Lolly, could I forgo fieldwork today? I'll just stay in the office to do follow-ups and set collection appointments. I'll answer all phone calls too to lessen your work load for the day."

"Hoy Ben huwag mo nga ako paikutin kilalang kilala kita," Lolly glowered at him.

"Naku Lolly huwag mong payagan, mangbobola lang yan dito," chorused too by his two companions laughing.

Lolly turned to me and said, "Meng these three here are all reliable where their work responsibilities are concerned but they are all very committed and no longer available and though I know you're not one they could easily sweet talk to, but just for your info and guidance if needed," and laughed wholeheartedly.

"Wala naman ganyanan Lolly, dito lang kami bilang mga kuya ni Meng wala ng iba, di ba brods?" Ben said raising his right palm as if to swear the truthfulness of what he claimed. 

"Naku Meng huwag kang matakot, dahil kahit masisipag at mababait kami, mapagkatiwalaan naman," seconded Robert.

I easily feel at ease with them and I know I will really enjoy to be a part of this team.

Lolly's boss, the Credit and Collection Manager arrived half an hour later. After Lolly introduced me to him as the one she is recommending for the available position, he requested for my credentials, studied it briefly and asked questions on my personal preferences, my studies and on my work experience. He filled up a form, called Lolly and instructed her to handle everything from there. I learned that his assistant had resigned a month ago and Lolly is taking over her functions while if accepted, I will take over Lolly's position and assume her functions.   

There are three daily guest shuttle service schedules ferrying guests from the city hotel to the resort hotel every day. It leaves both hotels every six in the morning and one at noon then at six again in the afternoon. There is a paid travel route that shorten travel time from an hour to one and a half hour maximum. Lolly booked me on the twelve noon trip so we had an early lunch. His boss already talked to the HR manager as there is a direct communication lines between the properties and I need to report today for interview and related employment concerns. Lolly's recommendations helped a lot for I was no longer required to take a written exam but only a series of interviews with hotel officers to evaluate my capacity to fill up the position. 

As Lolly cannot leave her work, I had to go alone but she assured me that all had been arranged including my transportation in coming back so I need not worry. Lolly told me she will wait for my return in the office. I strongly objected reasoning out that I already know how to go home alone but to no avail. She said being new in the city she would not be comfortable waiting for me at home knowing I will be commuting at night time.

We reached our destination in less than one and a half hour. It is a very beautiful resort, situated in the center of a thirty hectares of land surrounded by mountains and seas. From the town where it is located, you have to pass a winding road carved on the side of the mountains to reach the resort. It is not a dangerous road but the driver has to drive carefully and maintain normal speed to avoid fatal accidents due to slopes and ravine in case the car's engine will unexpectedly malfunction. The resort complex has condominium styled villas owned privately by various owners, a club house exclusive for club members and, a five star resort hotel for tourists. Entrance is exclusive only for hotel guests, club members and condo owners. Condo owners' and Club members' guests are to be coordinated with the gate entrance prior to arrival to be allowed entry within the complex. The resort prides of verdant golf courses, hotel and club swimming pools for their respective guests, a mountain trail for hikers and, two beach areas. Club house manages the smaller one, while the larger one with various guest amenities like a bar and snack stand where guests could order drinks and foods, a gift shop and various water sports activities to enjoy is run by the hotel. The place is ideal for someone who wants to enjoy the wild, the sun, the sea. Guest could explore the surrounding forest through nature trekking, swim on the the beach or hotel's swimming pool and engage in a variety of land and water sports activities. I love the place and if only I would be given a choice, I would prefer to be assigned here instead of in Manila but I know I had no right to demand yet. I am already happy and very grateful that Lolly had opened the chance for me to be able to work in this company.

My supposed to be interview with the HR Manager was more of a briefing about the complex. I learned that each establishment is run by a different management team and we belong to the hotel. However, as these has only one owner and the operations of each establishment is interconnected there is close coordination with each team. I was then instructed to submit and comply with all pre-employment requirements within the week so that I could start working by next Monday.

Our guest shuttle arrive at the city hotel a quarter after seven in the evening and sure enough Lolly is still inside the office patiently waiting for me. I feel lucky for despite the difficulties I had and still is going thru, I had a very caring family, relatives and friends who are with me. I am blessed too with opportunities replacing what I had lost. Overall, it was a hectic day but I enjoyed it and is excited to start working with the group.

Back at our apartment while having our dinner, I told Lolly how the resort site impressed me and how grateful I am to her for helping me find another job that I know I will really enjoy. But I kept to myself my personal preference on the place of work should I had been entitled to choose.