Muy Bonita Ciudad de Zamboanga

Reading the newspapers and watching the television newscasts on the armed hostilities in Zamboanga City saddens me

And why wouldn't I feel bad about it?

You see, I was once assigned in Zamboanga City when I was a medical representative connected with SmithKline Beecham (before its merger with Glaxo Wellcome)

That brief two year interlude in the City of Flowers would always be one of the best highlights of my younger years

  

It all started when I was summoned by my boss one bright sunny day in September 1997. I was told of an incident involving my counterpart. In other words, I was to be banished to faraway Mindanao because I wasn't doing my job while I was assigned in Cebu City. Instead of doctor calls and pharmacy visits, I was so engrossed with my nightlife

Perhaps, the change of scenery and the slower & quieter pace in my new territory would do wonders for my professional and personal life

Upon setting foot in Zamboanga City, My worst fears simply vanished. All the speculations and the silly innuendos proved to be unfounded.

My territory coverage included Zamboanga City and the exciting islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi- tawi

  

Western Mindanao Medical Center

Contrary to popular belief, Zamboanga City is a wonderful city and its people are are so friendly .

The doctors in particular were very accommodating. I made new friends as well. I had a better grasp of my job, my attitude improved.

I started Year 1998 with a big bang!  With my renewed optimism and enthusiastic approach towards work, I began hitting my sales quota and in fact, by March 1998, I   topped the three- month nationwide Rulid- Relifex Sales Blitz Contest 

Who can ever forget the warmth and the smiles of the Zamboangenos?

I stayed at the Atilano Compound where I was able to forge lifelong friendships with fellow medical representatives. 

Weekend Breaks at Scenic Pasonangka 

Memorable nightlife at Garden Orchid Hotel and barhopping along the city's entertainment district  

 The best food ever especially from Alavar’s! Curacha with Alavar’s Sauce. It’s Seafood Galore

Movies at Mindpro Mall and huge bargains at the Barter Markets

spicy Maggi Noodles! 

Outings at Sta. Fe Beach

Zamboanga City also had its own panoramic promenade by the sea named RT Lim Boulevard 

The best counterpart too Jason Geronimo and his lovely wife Claudette

But nothing can beat those days spent at Atilano Compound with Eduard, Judy, Venus, Suzette, Raquel, Edgar Allan, Dennis, Noynoy, Tom, Mardy, Jepoy, Dino, Tabs, Dave, Bong, Randy, Nash

Of course, there were the occasional spats, heated arguments and the cold- shoulder treatment but which family doesn't encounter any of these?

By the time I was to leave for my home province Bohol as my new assignment, a bout of depression suddenly hit me when realized that perhaps it was to be the last time for me to see Zamboanga City

I was so touched when I arrived at the Zamboanga airport for most of my friends and my housemates were all there waiting for me to bid them adieu

Saying goodbye at the airport

A few minutes before boarding time, I couldn't help but burst into tears at a corner in the airport

Amidst the good- natured ribbing, wishes of good luck and a safe journey and reminders not to forget them and in between the hugs and kisses, there was the pervading air of melancholy

I had to extricate myself from them and reluctantly as I walked towards the terminal gates, tears fell again (Thank God for sunglasses)

Adios Zamboanga! Till We Meet Again

My Med Rep Memoirs

SMITHKLINE BEECHAM MEDICAL REP

To even get past the rigid interviews, series of exams and getting along with the door keepers would be quite an achievement already. 

So making it as SmithKline Beecham Professional Sales Representative would always be one of proudest achievements.

It literally opened doors for me.  

It all started with an interview with Mr. Steve Villaluz who would eventually be my boss when I was to be assigned in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Thank you Boss Steve for giving me that break

I MADE IT TO SMITHKLINE BEECHAM!

SmithKline Beecham made sure that the board & lodging of the probationary employees who were non- Manila residents (that includes me) were taken care of. 

SmithKline Beecham was one of those multi- national companies that included trainees in the payroll. Our six- month probationary period included already the three months of training

Along with around 40 bright eyed and idealistic hopefuls, I made my way to the company manufacturing plant in Cainta, Rizal for our first- day of training where we were given an orientation & briefing followed by the issuance of  our SB employee ID's

Nineteen years have passed and I still have my company I.D.! 

THREE MONTHS OF TRAINING 

Who can forget our SB Training Tandem composed of the very strict Romel Singco and the very cool Diane Solis? 

I still remember how we all squirmed in our seats every time they entered the room. Romel must have been the most hated and he must have secretly enjoyed seeing us dumbfounded and scratching our heads when he asks the most difficult questions during the rigid and spartan three- month training. 

Every week, we would be trembling as the names of those who failed to make the cut- off scores were revealed. It was automatic expulsion from the training, no questions asked. 

On hindsight, I realized that it was to maintain the company's solid reputation in the pharmaceutical industry

Thanks to Romel and to Diane for making sure that we were ready for our respective territory assignments 

The training started in May 1994 and lasted until July 1994

When our training ended and after the exchange of obligatory hugs and farewells, it was time for reality and off we flew to our respective territory assignments

SB Batchmates Dec 1994 Caylabne Resort Training (clockwise): Arnel, Eugene, Jonjie, Neil, Edwin & me

DUMAGUETE CITY: May 1994- December 1996

My first assignment took me to Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental where I was supposed to go and visit Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, Holy Child Hospital, Silliman University Medical Center and private clinics. 

Dumaguete City is a relatively peaceful place with its idyllic charm and laidback lifestyle. It was also an opportunity to cover the towns as well. I remember Jimalalud, La Libertad, Tanjay, Bais City, Pamplona, Guihulngan and Bayawan

I made a lot of friends there. I thought it would be forever but my Dumaguete assignment would prove to be a brief two- year interlude only

Dumaguete City and its people would always be remembered with fondness

CEBU CITY  January 1997 - September 1997

( Cebu Doctors Hosital, Diaz Bldg., Metro Cebu Community Hospital, Perpetual Succor Hospital, Lapulapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu North 

ZAMBOANGA CITY   September 1997- May 1999

Zamboanga City, Jolo, Basilan & Tawi Tawi


TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL May 1999 to August 2001

Boss Steve Villaluz

my first assigned territory car, a 1991 Mitsubishi Lancer

graduating from SB Academy's rigid training in Hong Kong

Preening & posing before going to work