Tuesday, May 06, 2014

FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

Friendly Communities
carmel villar



It’s a woman’s world at Woman’s Crib®, a company that provides services and products for women of all ages in all stages of her life.  And because it is a company for women, about women, it is expected that the work force would be women.  Well, yes, in a way.  Most of the staff is women.  But the administration is made up of all men! A male owns the company, the Chief Operating Officer is a male as well as the Chief Executive Officer.
In one of the conversations among women staff, Glaiza asked, “do the bosses really understand what women need?”
“Perhaps,” answered Vienne. “Look at the company! It seems to be doing well.”
The company is doing well, indeed.  It is a young company of two years so far, the company is earning far beyond their expectation. 
At Christmas time, Glaiza and Vienne were assigned to organize a Christmas party for the company.
“Is the Christmas party for regular employees only? asked Glaiza.
“We should include everyone, including the casual and the contractual employees.”
“As well as our contractors?”
“Let’s take this time to thank everyone involved in the company.”  Having agreed on the concept for the company’s Christmas celebration, they presented the plan to the bosses who approved the plan.
Christmas season is the busiest time for the company.  It is the season where demand for women things is at its peak.  Although Glaiza and Vienne were busy with the preparation for the Christmas celebration, they never skipped a beat in their office workload and responsibilities.
By the time the Christmas celebration took place everyone in the company heaved a sigh of relief that they were able to meet the quota sale for the year.
“Does that mean we have a bigger bonus?” asked one of the staff jokingly but half meaning it.
“Maybe the bosses will be more generous and give us a 14th month!” another staff mused.
After the usual festivities, the exchanging of gifts and after everyone was full, the Executive Officer stood up and announced, “We have reached our quota!” Everyone cheered. “We even surpassed our quota by 250%!” Above deafening cheers, he said, “Because of all you efforts and our unexpected performance, you will get not only your bonus, but half of your 14th month pay!”
But no one heard the announcement. Ely, the company’s secretary-receptionist cried in pain, “I think the baby’s coming out!”
“What? But you’re not due until first week of January!”
“Oh. no! I think the water bag has burst!” This set all the girls in hysteria. Even the three male bosses just stood transfixed in their position.  Then Ely gave a piercing scream, “the baby’s coming out. Ohhhh!” The COO jumped and ran out of the office. He fetched his car.  The Executive Officer carried Ely out of the office into the COO’s car.  Vienne and Glaiza accompanied Ely in the car.  The COO drove them to the hospital.  The Christmas celebration was put to a halt when everybody followed to the hospital on board the cars of the other two bosses.
They all paced at the hospital waiting room as they waited for news.  Glaiza realized that Ely’s husband had to be notified.  Soon Ely’s husband joined them.
“It’s a baby girl!” the doctor announced as soon as Ely’s husband approached the delivery room.  Everybody cheered, even the hospital staff on duty. Ely’s husband couldn’t believe what he heard.  He came to the hospital fearing the worst for his wife.  He didn’t expect that the news of the birth of his first born child would greet him as he entered the hospital.
“What are you waiting for?  Go to Ely?” prodded the owner of Women’s Crib.
They all waited until Ely and the child were brought to the room.  Glaiza and Vienne arranged for her room and her admission. Another staff arranged for the Ely”s and the baby’s clothes and things be brought to the hospital.
When Ely could see them, they all trooped to Ely’s room.  They greeted her, mushed over the baby and congratulated the father.  Meanwhile, Ely was apologetic, “Sorry for ruining our Christmas celebration!”
“Oh, there’s no need to apologize,” said the owner of the company.  “In fact, it’s been said that the birth of a baby almost always bring good luck.”
“Oh, like when a baby is born in an airplane!”
“Exactly.  And because of that, your bill is on the company,” declared the owner.
“Wow!” There were more cheers and congratulations.
“You will all stand as sponsors,” declared Ely’s husband.

“I think Ely and the baby need to rest,” the executive officer announced.  They all bade their farewell.  At the door, the CEO said, “see you after 45 days?” He gave Ely a salute before closing the door.

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