A Billionaire's Love

KABANATA 4

GENEVIEVE

“Our standard working hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, and 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN every Saturday. Employees are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes early to prepare for the day. Late arrivals beyond 8:10 AM are recorded in the attendance log.” Seryosong sambit ni Haze na kakapasok lang sa loob ng opisina.

Ibinalik niya sa kaniyang bulsa ang cellphone na kaninang hawak niya at tumabi kay Kuya Salvius sa harap. “We use a biometric system for daily time-in and time-out. You must clock in upon arrival and clock out before leaving. Manual attendance sheets are only used if there’s a system issue. For overtime, make sure you have prior approval from your immediate supervisor or manager.” Dagdag pa niya.

Ganito ba talaga mag salita ‘to? Walang kabuhay buhay, walang kaemo emosyon. Daig pa robot.

“Employees have a 1-hour lunch break from 12:00 NN to 1:00 PM. You can eat inside the company pantry or go out to nearby restaurants, but always return on time. In addition to lunch, there are two short breaks, a morning coffee break from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and an afternoon break from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. These are meant for stretching, quick snacks, or restroom use. Please observe proper time management to avoid delays in work.” Sambit ni Kuya Salvius.

“As part of a company that operates on a global standard, your salary is designed to reflect competitive rates based on international benchmarks and local cost of living.” Seryosong paliwanag ni Haze.

“For the position of Secretary, the basic monthly salary ranges from ₱230,000 to ₱350,000, depending on your experience, skill set, and responsibilities. Pwedeng tumaas at umabot hanggang ₱450,000 o ₱500,000. This role requires high confidentiality, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate directly with top executives and foreign partners. The position also includes possible performance bonuses and travel allowances for executive events.” Sambit niyang muli.

Nakakalula naman ang sweldo rito, jusko.

“Meanwhile, for the Public Relations (PR) Manager / Spokesperson, the salary typically ranges from ₱600,000 to ₱850,000 per month, or approximately ₱7.2 million to ₱10.2 million annually, reflecting the strategic importance of this position in maintaining the company’s public image and brand reputation. The PR Manager directly oversees media relations, corporate communications, and official company announcements, which is why the compensation is aligned with executive-level standards.” Nakangising sambit ni Kuya Salvius, mukhang natutuwa dahil na exposed kung magkano ang magiging sahod namin ni Gianna.

Grabe pagiging transparency ng Dawson Corp, walang taguan sa sahod kada orientation kaya ‘to?

“Both positions receive salaries through bank transfer, credited twice a month, every 15th and 30th day. In addition to your base pay, the company provides mandatory government benefits including SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and HDMF, as well as private health insurance coverage, annual performance bonuses, and paid leave benefits (vacation, sick, and emergency leaves). After six (6) months of continuous employment, you’ll also be entitled to 13th-month pay and participation in the company’s retirement savings plan.” Sambit ni Kuya Salvius.

Napakabait at maalaga naman pala ng kumpanya, kaya naman pala pang patàyan ang atake ni Haze. Hindi sila maramot.

“Overtime pay and travel allowances are given for approved extra work hours or company-related assignments outside regular office hours. For PR Managers and Secretary, business-class accommodations and per diem rates apply when traveling for official engagements.” Seryosong sambit ni Haze.

Napaisip tuloy ako, ganito rin kaya orientation ng mga dating nag apply as secretary? Grabe imagine sinukuan nila ‘to dahil sa takot kay Haze. E tao lang naman din sana si Haze?

“As the secretary, you will handle both administrative and executive tasks. This includes managing your superior’s schedule and calendar, answering calls and emails, preparing memos, reports, and meeting minutes, and assisting in office communications. You must always keep confidential files secure and maintain an organized workstation.” Sambit ni Haze.

“Tss, basic.” Mayabang na sambit ko sa aking isip. Nanatili lang kami ni Gianna na nakikinig sakanya.

“You are also expected to greet visitors politely, assist clients, and coordinate with other departments professionally. Confidentiality is very important, never discuss internal matters outside the office or on social media.” Seryoso niyang paalala na tinanguan ko lang.

Wala akong social media, at mas lalong wala akong kaibigan aside from Kuya Salvius and Gianna para may makwentuhan.

“Respect is a core value in our company. Always address your superiors properly and interact with co-workers courteously. Keep your phone on silent during working hours, and avoid loud conversations or gossip inside the office.” Sambit ni Kuya Salvius kaya bahagya kaming nagtinginan at nagsenyasan ni Gianna habang nagpipigil ng tawa.

Kay Kuya Salvius pa talaga nang galing yun ah?

“Maintain cleanliness, especially in shared areas like the pantry and comfort rooms. Eating is allowed only during lunch or break time. Follow email etiquette. Use professional language, check grammar, and keep messages brief but clear.” Dagdag pa niya.

“Be punctual and dependable. Repeated tardiness or absences without notice will affect your evaluation. Treat company property with care, use office supplies wisely and save electricity when not in use.” Sambit ni Kuya Salvius habang tumatango tango lang kami ni Gianna bilang tugon.

“Supposedly all newly hired employees must undergo a three-month probationary period. During this time, your attendance, attitude, and performance will be closely monitored. After three months, HR and your supervisor will evaluate whether you qualify for regular employment status. If you perform well and meet company standards, you’ll become a regular employee with full benefits and career opportunities.” Paliwanag ni Haze.

“But it Genevieve's case, hindi na kailangan. Napatunayan na e.” Nakangising sambit ni Kuya Salvius na ikinagulat namin ni Gianna.

“Wow.” Tanging nasambit ni Gianna sa sobrang pagkagulat.

“She’s now a regular employee here. Sana makatiis, sana makagal.” Pag bibiro ni Kuya Salvius na ikinangiti ko.

Nakakataba naman ng puso malaman na regular employee na ako kahit first day ko palang sa trabaho.

“Anyway, last reminder. Always remember that your appearance, professionalism, and attitude reflect the company’s image. You represent not only yourself but the whole organization. Be confident, punctual, and respectful at all times.” Nakangiting sambit ni Kuya Salvius.

“We want you to feel comfortable and motivated here. Work hard, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude. Sundays are for rest and family, use that day to recharge so that by Monday, you can come back refreshed and ready to give your best again.” Dagdag niya pa.

“Welcome once again to the team, we look forward to seeing you grow with us.” Seryoso at sinserong sambit ni Haze na ikinagulat naming tatlo.

“Thank you.” Gulat kong sambi. Tumango lamang si Haze at tuluyan ng umalis.

“Tapos na ang meeting.” Biglang back to normal na sambit ni Kuya Salvius, akala mo hindi naging seryoso at mabait kanina nung andito si Haze.

“For the first time.” Biro ni Gianna kay Kuya Salvius, samantalang wala naman akong nagegets sa mga sinasabi nila.

“I don't get it, anong for the first time?” Takang tanong ko.

“Ikaw ang sumira sa world record. Pinaka mabilis naging regular employee, ang pinaka matapang na tumatarget kay Haze, at ang dahilan kung bakit bigla siyang nag ibang anyo.” Tumatawang sambit ni Kuya Salvius.

“Imagine Kuya, kaya naman pala ni Haze maging maamong hayop, este tao?” Biro ni Gianna.

“He's still a human pa rin kasi, Masyado lang tayo nasanay sa aura at personality niyang tahimik. Hindi siya ganyan noong bata.” Seryoso habang napapailing na sambit ni Kuya Salvius.

“I am proud to say na nakahanap siya ng katapat niya.” Natatawang dagdag niya.

“Mapapa amo mo yan Genevieve.” Biro pa ni Gianna.

“Nieve nalang guys, masyadong mahaba name ko.” Natatawa kong sambit.

Ang gaan sa pakiramdam na malamang regular employee na ako, at mas masaya dahil ganon ang naging reaction ng isang cold heartless na Haze.

I am not really easy to scare, to push away, dahil naniniwala ako na lahat ng tao may tinatagong kabutihan. It's just that hindi lang tayo aware sa napag daanan nila, sa naging dahilan bakit mas pinili nilang maging malamig at walang puso.