putingCRV2005

It all started in March 2002, when Australian-based Alan Blackman proposed a benchmarking program to help improve the processes of PhilamCare Health Systems, Inc. I was working as Department Secretary for the Sales and Marketing Department, reporting directly to Edward Ablan.

I tried my luck. I applied as one of the eager PCare employees to participate in the workshop that Alan was providing. Edward even encouraged me to do it as he truly believed in my capacity and skills. Fortunately, I passed the interview. It was a panel one and was conducted by each of the company’s department heads.

It was an extensive workshop that Alan had us undergo. We were about twenty PCare employees who participated in the three-week workshop. At the end of it, Alan picked up five employees to then work as Process Management Analysts. We were Raul Majarais (Tsong), Ian Requinala (Ianster), Jay Hermogenes (Modelo King), Kiko Gabriel (Okiks), and of course, me (Erika). We were the cream of the crop. And our group was then headed by the ever-genius and coolest boss I have ever come across with, Edward Ablan. (So he became the PMD Manager).

The group surely had been through a lot. From getting unwelcome remarks from different departments’ supervisors, managers, and staff. From criticisms of the upper management which include the company’s CEO, VPs, and AVPs especially on our monthly reports. To triumphant process improvements that we were able to provide and/or support to different departments of the company.

Moving fast forward to one year, Jay left the company then followed by Kiko. From that moment, I felt a little sad knowing that I will no longer work with my closest male workmates who were with me as a team for the company.

Jay and Kiko were replaced by Marvin Vinta. And he was from the company too. Working with him was a good experience too as he sure was a great team worker.

The next one to leave was Edward. Among the people from the group who left, I could say that he was one of them who has the most impact. Him being each analyst’s sole believer and supporter.

In December 2004, it was then my time to leave. I was pregnant, had to settle down, and had to migrate to the US. There was no choice but to REALLY leave. Even though I was still at the peak of my career.

Today is July 11, 2006. I received an email from one of the pioneering analysts in the group-Raul. I was told that Ian has left for Africa in April and Marvin is staying until end of this month.

I was literally stunned at the sad news. I even thought Raul was kidding me but as I read his email again, I realize he was serious. And I could really feel how poignant it must be for him.

Call me emotional but I am writing down this piece because I do feel gloomy by the separate ways we - the analysts and Edward had to undertake. I know it is a cliché to say it but yes, everything happens for a reason. And that nothing is constant except change. (Well coincidentally, that is what our mentor Alan Blackman instilled to us at the end of his workshop. That when we do host the workshop ourselves to the departments/sections before doing our studies, we eventually have adopted the saying too thus, instilling it as well to all PCare employees).

I do miss these guys - EDWARD, MODELO KING, OKIKS, TSONG, IANSTER, AND MARBY. I do not just miss working with them and staying late at night in the office trying to finish stuff for tomorrow’s-early-presentation, but also the FUN TIMES we went through together to either unwind a long hard day’s work or celebrate the success of either each member of the group or the department as a whole.

If there is one moment in my life that I could bring back, that would be no doubt, when I worked as a Process Management Analyst for PhilamCare Health Systems, Inc. (And when I was the muse of the PMD Handsomes as I was the only female analyst in the group).

Excess: I have attached a few pix to bring these wonderful guys back to memory lane.

I miss you, guys. And good luck to each one of us. Do keep in touch with me at