Ms. Ester Asinas: You'll be missed (RIP).

Valentines Day 2011

I never had a chance to truly work with my supposed “new boss”. But in the rare occassions that I did (HP contract assessment along with Ms. Pinky Abellarda), it was truly engaging and unforgettable. She knew her craft very well and was very firm in what she believed to be right. When no one has taken leadership, she stood up and provided direction for everyone to follow. She does not take no for an answer. She tackles IT problems so eloquently and elegantly and provides practical solutions to complex IT issues. It would have been an honor to have worked directly for her but fate has its own way of leading me to where I should be.

I actually had the chance to work for Ms. Es ( as everyone fondly calls her). I did not hesitate and said yes right off the bat. The last time I met with Ms.Es was when she invited me to her office for an interview . That was the first time I witnessed how welcoming and supportive she truly is. She showed me where my supposed room will be, enumerated the perks that I will be receiving and kept me informed how the process of transfer was being done. It was truly touching as she called me every now and then to update me of the status of my transfer. I was truly elated and excited to be part of that department - to be in the Information Systems Department of the Universal Robina Corporation.

However, fate has its own way of directing me to the planned path. A week before my transfer, my visa came in. It was truly hard for me to break the news to her but, I thought that it would be a good decision to tell her immediately to avoid further efforts to process my transfer. I called her up and she was very understanding about my predicament. She congratulated me and wished me luck for my new journey. That was the end of it.

After 9 months, I was shocked by the news that she passed away due to pancreatic cancer. I was truly saddened upon hearing it. Never did it occur to me that the once beautiful and strong Ms. Es has succumbed to a sickness that she knew only 2-3 months ago. It was a very, very sad news. She truly is a nice leader and will surely be missed.

For the family that she left behind, I give my heartfelt condolences. I believe she is now in a better place. Ms. Es, I will continue to pray for you. May your soul rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.