LOVE ACROSS TIME

CHAPTER 6: MEASURING TOOLS

CLYDE KEITH RASGO POV'S

YEAR 2022

In the intricate dance of leadership, the weight of responsibility rests heavily on the shoulders of those who guide a group towards success. Navigating decisions, tending to employees, and balancing the demands of work can be a formidable challenge. In my own journey, I've found solace in making prudent choices for the collective good, yet the delicate art of caring for my team often slips through the cracks.

Amidst the hustle of managing a company, I've regrettably neglected one of the essential facets of leadership – the well-being of my employees. The club, a place meant for camaraderie and relaxation, has become a distant sanctuary as the demands of my managerial role consume my time. When sporadically present, my focus narrows to the wines' quality, a stark departure from the nurturing attention my team deserves.

Yesterday's revelation shattered my expectations, revealing an unsettling reality. The customers' treatment of my employee, akin to a modern-day slave, sent shockwaves through the core of ethical leadership. The question echoes in my mind – is this the right way to treat those who contribute to our shared success?

In the labyrinth of leadership challenges, this incident stands as a stark reminder that neglecting the well-being of employees can sow seeds of discontent. A leader's duty extends beyond boardroom decisions and financial analyses; it encompasses the creation of an environment where each team member feels valued and respected.

As I grapple with this realization, a commitment to rectify this oversight forms within me. The journey toward becoming a reliable leader demands introspection, accountability, and swift action. It's time to mend the tears in the fabric of workplace harmony, to foster an atmosphere where every employee feels empowered and appreciated.

The crucible of leadership tests not only strategic acumen but also the moral fiber that binds a team. It's a continual journey of growth and refinement, a pledge to uphold the principles of fairness and dignity. In addressing the unacceptable treatment of my employee, I strive to reforge my leadership approach, weaving empathy into the fabric of decision-making.

In the quest for a reliable leader, the path is riddled with challenges, but it is through confronting and rectifying these challenges that true leadership is forged. The lessons learned from this experience serve as a compass, guiding me towards a leadership style rooted in compassion, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those I am privileged to lead.

According to the Republic Act No. 6725, 1990. It provides for prohibition of discrimination by any employer against any female employee with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on the grounds of her s*x. It's also stated on the Labor Code of the Philippines, Art. 32 that Fees to be paid by workers. Any person applying with a private feecharging employment agency for employment assistance shall not be charged any fee until he has obtained employment through its efforts or has actually commenced employment. Such fee shall be always covered with the appropriate receipt clearly showing the amount paid. The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate a schedule of allowable fees.

That's why I made them pay for what they did wrong. That's just right for them. There must be equal treatment to each other, especially women.

"Clyde, why do you need to build a business? Why don't you just put this company first?!" My godmother is angry with me.

Ria Virtucio, my godmother, stands as a beacon of strength and responsibility in the intricate landscape of familial and corporate dynamics. At 53 years old, she bears the weight of two worlds – that of a dedicated mother with two children and the stewardship of the Turner family company. Her role takes on a profound significance as she steps into the shoes of the company's owner, assuming the mantle of leadership with grace and determination. The decision to entrust her with this responsibility highlights not only her capability but also the recognition of her unwavering commitment to guide the company through its evolution, ensuring its continued success even as the original owner navigates the inevitable challenges of aging.

As the current custodian of the Turner family company, Ria Virtucio embodies resilience and adaptability. Her dual role as a mother and a corporate leader underscores the delicate balance required to navigate the complexities of both spheres. In taking charge of the company, she becomes a bridge between tradition and innovation, symbolizing the intergenerational transfer of responsibility that defines the lifecycle of family businesses. Ria's journey becomes a testament to the enduring spirit of leadership, embracing the challenges of succession with a blend of experience, wisdom, and a forward-looking perspective.

I am currently here at the company because I told my godmother about my business plan and I intend to hire her as my first investor.

"I don't want a company. It's just a club, I can't handle it well, a company."

"You have to put the company first, we might lose it when it's taken over by her granddaughter." She said and placed a piece of paper on the table.

The moment my eyes landed on the photograph, a shockwave of surprise rippled through me. There, staring back from the paper, was the familiar face of Kirsten, one of my employees. As I picked up the document, curiosity mingled with the astonishment that clouded my thoughts.

The personal information sprawled across the page unveiled a facet of Kirsten's identity I had been oblivious to—she was a Turner, the granddaughter of the very owner of the company I managed. Questions sprouted like weeds in my mind, each vying for attention and seeking to unravel the enigma that Kirsten's employment now posed.

Why, I wondered, would someone with a familial connection to the company's upper echelons choose to work? The name Turner, synonymous with wealth and influence, cast a perplexing shadow over Kirsten's seemingly ordinary role in the workforce. Was her presence in the company merely an elaborate charade, a performance of normalcy by someone who had no need for employment?

The juxtaposition of privilege and labor created a disorienting dissonance in my understanding. Why would Kirsten, ostensibly endowed with financial abundance, immerse herself in the daily grind? Was she, in essence, feigning the struggles of the average employee? The realization of her familial connection to the company introduced a complex layer to her employment narrative, leaving me grappling with the motives behind her choice.

As I navigated through the maze of speculation, I pondered the dynamics at play. Could Kirsten's decision to work be driven by a genuine desire for personal fulfillment, a quest for identity separate from her family's legacy? Or was it, perhaps, an altruistic endeavor to understand the challenges faced by employees at various levels of the organization?

The revelation sparked a cascade of reflections on the intricacies of privilege, the choices we make, and the narratives we construct. Kirsten's story, now intertwined with the legacy of the Turners, posed a paradox that defied conventional expectations. It challenged preconceived notions about the intersection of wealth and labor, prompting me to reevaluate assumptions and recognize the complexities that underscore individual choices.

In the wake of this shocking discovery, the narrative surrounding Kirsten's employment became a tale of contrasts, inviting me to delve into the motivations and intricacies that shaped her decision to tread the path of employment within the very empire her family had built. The journey toward understanding, laden with surprise and contemplation, unfolded as an exploration of the multifaceted dynamics that exist within the tapestry of personal and professional lives.

JERVIN BRYSON RAMOS POV'S

"Is there any other paper besides this?" I asked my maid who gave me the envelope.

It certainly has other roles that are even more important.

"I'm not sure sir. I'll look for it later." She said with her head down.

"Alright. You can leave now." I said that she immediately obeyed.

I am currently here in the room and reading grandfather's letter over.

Is it true that our company is losing money? Besides, I have to marry the girl just so we don't go broke. So, does that mean everything depends on her? That girl is the only one who can help us? How and who is she?

"Sir, I've seen it." My maid said happily and knocked on the door successive.

"Come in." I ordered her.

After she entered, she immediately gave me a lot of paper that was almost equal to a book.

Why are there so many?

"Sir, the girl in the picture is beautiful. She will definitely like---" I stopped her from speaking.

"I don't need your opinion. You can leave." I treated her coldly.

She shyly looked at me before bowing to leave.

After she came out, I immediately picked up the papers and immediately saw the stollen picture of a woman.

She was wearing a black shirt while smiling while talking to the old woman.

Is she the girl who can help me?

I continued reading the papers. The woman's personal information is written there and even her hobbies are also written there. On another paper is written about the company they have.

•••

Castel Freres, Incorporation

Headquarters: Batangas, Philippines

2022 Annual Revenue: $15.90 billion

That's great! That's how much they earned a year ago? Higher than what we have. This is not possible!

I continued reading but the latest report about their company made me even more annoyed. They surpass what we have! I have to find a way to keep increasing our company's sales.

I was about to finish what I was reading when I felt sleepy so I went down to the kitchen to drink coffee.

"Yaya, make coffee for me. Don't put sugar in it!" I ordered while going down the stairs but it was surprising because no one answered.

Where is that old maid?

"Yaya! Please hurry!" I ordered but she still doesn't obey.

Is that old man so deaf that he can't hear me?

"Yaya! Where have you been? I've been giving orders here for a while!" My voice was muffled because I felt like no one was listening to me.

Arriving in the living room, I saw a paper placed on top of the Wooden Round Dining Table European Style, a resignation letter.

So, she resigned and left suddenly! Great! I am alone in life again. After all, this is what I want. No one will interfere with me and no one will bother me. When you're alone, you're happier. You can do what you want to do. It's really good!

I put the letter back on the table before making coffee.

How to mix? I haven't done this in a long time.

I grabbed a cup before pouring in hot water, then scooped up a scoop of pure coffee before calculating if it was right.

"I think it's too much."

I reduced the coffee on the spoon.

"It's like a little bit"

I scooped again.

"So many!"

I reduced again.

"Why so little? You should only take a little less, Bry!" I complain to myself.

It might be too much and it will be bitter so the mixture should be just right. It's like making wine, the mixture has to be just right for it to taste good. That everyone will like what you did and appreciate the hard work in making that wine.

Wait! Do they use a measuring tool to make wine? What if I use that thing?

I searched for measuring tools that I could use and found six tools.

Protractor, ruler, measuring tape, square measure, and pencil compass.

I put it on the table and looked at it one by one.

Which of these is used to mix well?

Is it the protractor?... It's too small, besides, is the degree measured? I do not think so.

Maybe the ruler... Does the coffee have a length and width? I don't think so, it's small.

What about the measuring tape?... It's used to measure distance or size, can it be used in coffee? Hyst.

I stared at the square measure. Can it be used in coffee? This is used for checking the correctness of right angles and unit of measuring area. Maybe it's not possible, right?

I only have one option, the pencil compass. It seems like it can.

I put the spoon down on the plate with only coffee.

This is the correct way to brew coffee.

I took the compass and used it there. I slowly turned it around with a spoon. I am too careful not to spill it or hit it.

After I swirled I put the coffee in a cup with hot water before stirring it.

I bent down to look at the coffee and the water mixing.

It's cool! I now know the right way to brew coffee. Maybe this is what the professionals use to get the mixture right. Is it also used in cooking? Tss, maybe it's possible.

After drinking coffee, I went up to my room again and as soon as I entered, I felt annoyed because the papers I was reading earlier flew away.

"Hyst! I just left the window open!" I said annoyed before closing it.

After I did that, I pick-up the papers one by one but I stopped when I noticed a paper that was strange, I had not read it before.

"What could it be?" I asked while looking at the paper.

I read it carefully and was almost surprised to learn that it was an agreement between our company and Castel Freres, Incorporation.

Written there are the agreements that must be followed once the contract is signed.

AN: The following contract is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are just author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Thank you!

**UNION COMPANY CONTRACT**

This Union Company Contract, entered into on this __________ day of _______ 2022, in ____________, Philippines, between:

Party of the First Part:

Name: ______________, of legal age, Filipino citizen, and legatee of Castel Freres, Incorporation.

Party of the Second Part:

Name: ______________, of legal age, Filipino citizen, and CEO of Zinfandel Philippines Manufacturing Corporation.

**CONSIDERATION:**

In consideration of the sum of $10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion US Dollars), with the equivalent sum total of Five hundred forty-seven million, three hundred thousand ten Philippine Pesos (₱547,300,010.00), hereby acknowledges receipt of the said amount.

In a gesture symbolic of mutual accord and financial commitment, the Party of the First Part, hailing as the legatee of Castel Freres, Incorporation, enters into this agreement by providing a substantial sum of $10,000,000,000, equivalent to Five hundred forty-seven million, three hundred thousand ten Philippine Pesos (₱547,300,010.00), to the Party of the Second Part.

CONDITIONS OF THIS CONTRACT:

1. Payment Period:

The temporal landscape of financial commitment unfolds over a three-month horizon, commencing from the precise moment of this contract's execution. The Party of the First Part solemnly agrees to remit the specified sum within this defined window, ensuring a harmonious financial transaction.

2. Default Conditions:

However, should the wheels of time cease to turn in favor of timely payment, a cascade of conditions ensues:

A. The Party of the First Part, acknowledging the weight of responsibility, consents to the transfer of ownership of Castel Freres, Incorporation, to the Party of the Second Part. This strategic maneuver stands as collateral to secure the financial interests embedded in this contract.

B. With a sense of obligation and commitment, the Party of the First Part binds themselves to unreservedly comply with and adhere to any instructions or orders issued by the Party of the Second Part. A gesture denoting not only financial responsibility but also a pledge of unwavering obedience in the face of contractual intricacies.

C. In a twist that intertwines the realms of commerce and personal lives, the Party of the First Part embraces the commitment to enter into a marriage contract with the distinguished CEO of Zinfandel Philippines Manufacturing Corporation. This condition, though unconventional, stands as a testament to the gravity of financial dealings and the intertwining of personal destinies in the pursuit of corporate stability.

**OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:**

3. Governing Law:

This document, a testament to financial engagements and interpersonal ties, is subjected to the legislative purview of the Philippines, with its terms and conditions aligning with the legal fabric of the nation.

4. Entire Agreement:

Beyond its verbosity, this contract encapsulates the entirety of the understanding between the Parties involved, extinguishing any pre-existing discussions, negotiations, or agreements that may have preceded its inception.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** the Parties hereto have executed this Union Company Contract as of the date first above written.

Party of the First Part:

______________________

[Printed Name]

[Signature]

Party of the Second Part:

______________________

[Printed Name]

[Signature of Legatee of Castel Freres, Incorporation]

As I read through the lines of the contract, a tapestry of disbelief and uncertainty woven into my thoughts, I found myself teetering on the edge of skepticism. The gravity of the clauses etched in ink on the parchment challenged the very fabric of my understanding of contracts and their inherent purpose.

The nagging question echoed in my mind: Could this be a genuine legal document? The notion of a woman, Kirsten, being bound by an obligation to pay a staggering five hundred forty-seven million, and the alternative consequence of a forced marriage, seemed like an improbable script lifted from the realms of fiction. Contracts, I mused, are meant to embody legal bindings, not orchestrate the intersections of personal lives and fortunes.

The surreal nature of the conditions left me grappling with the authenticity of the entire affair. Was this an elaborate ruse, a scheme concocted to pull me into a web of bewildering circumstances? Or could it be that the legal world had complexities I had yet to fathom, where financial transactions intertwine with personal destinies in unexpected ways?

The notion that such a document could be deemed 'cool' echoed with a peculiar resonance. It was as if the surrealism of the situation had clouded my judgment, blurring the lines between what is practical and what is fantastical. The lure of a peculiar intrigue gripped me, prompting an almost impulsive desire to seek out Kirsten and unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of this contract.

As I contemplated the next steps, a deep introspection gripped me. Should I dismiss this as an absurdity, a deviation from the norms of conventional contracts? Or, conversely, should I delve into the unknown, probing the depths of this intricate agreement, and potentially uncovering a narrative that transcends the boundaries of typical contractual engagements?

The urgency to find Kirsten and unravel the truth became a compelling force. In the crucible of uncertainty, a confluence of curiosity and a quest for clarity urged me to confront the enigma head-on. The journey ahead, laden with the weight of unanswered questions, beckoned me to navigate the intricate labyrinth of legality and personal choice.

In the grand of life, this peculiar contract emerged as a thread, inviting me to contemplate the intersections of law and personal destinies, the boundaries of financial transactions, and the unexpected twists that reality can manifest. As I prepared to seek Kirsten and decode the intricacies of this surreal document, I understood that the journey ahead held the promise of unraveling not just the contract's mysteries but also the deeper complexities woven into the fabric of human interactions.

***

Written on: July 23, 2023.