Salamat, RD Thelma Oliver

“Maiwan ka na, Ai. Magkikita pa nman tayo.”

Ma’ammm. </3 Perhaps because I saw you leaving the Cid Building that’s why I am feeling this twinge. Regional Director’s retirement has been a reason I have been sad these past few days. I know this will be coming, but it didn’t sink in until the time I saw the Crosswind move its way to the airport.

I don’t care about the adjustments I will do soon, or more triple, triple time and organization I will do on the coming days because of a new management and ISO Audit. I know I will work harder, go through it, and somehow survive. It’s just that I am just sad for I simply hate goodbyes, both permanent or temporal. I shared a lot of moments and convos with Ma’am RD, and what I remember the most is her ability to respond quickly and in most intelligent way. She’s a very motherly and kind but very strict kind of boss (you can’t afford to imagine).

Ma’am, thank you for everything you’ve done for me — for months of training that I don’t know if I have done well, for being tough sometimes that reminds me to be brave in all of my undertakings, for the daily reminder of 1 cup of rice to eat, for ironing my hair one time I had a blogging event, for being there when I do overtime, for correcting every single sentence of my minutes of the meeting, for understanding me and my carelessness ?, for always reminding me of my responsibility at church which is to choose an INC boyfriend (Haha), for your stories, for the life lessons, fashion and make-up tips, for the hair salon referral, for the Chao Fan, for the family dinner with me as a thirdwheel and for the tea, once again (Hehe!).

I swear, I won’t allow myself to be this attached and emotional again. RD, God bless po in your new journey outside Philippine Information Agency. I know I failed to express my thoughts and feelings personally because you see, that is one of my weaknesses, but I am beyond happy and I want to congratulate you for conquering several challenges in your years in government service which surely you enjoyed so much. You have set a standard so hard to reach. Thank you for posting a challenge for me as well and I promise to exert my very best to see you smile and nod at me someday.

By the way, following photos are taken during our surprise appreciation dinner for her at Limketkai Luxe Hotel.

Davao 2015

Finally, Davao 2016 happened, which I am grateful to god for allowing us three and PIA Bukidnon to go. I really enjoyed a lot!

Enjoy your Bicol trip with Sir Romy, as well as the other trips booked for other countries. I will always miss you, Ma’am. I am grateful that I met you. You’ve been a blessing to me and to a lot of people, and I know you will be inspiring millions more. Thank you for the trust, for believing in me, for looking over me. Thank you for everything, Ma’am.

I am looking forward for December! Definitely, see you soonest, RD Thelma. <3