MikeLigalig.com

By Loy Palapos

Fab @ Five is the current theme of Island City mall as it celebrates the fifth year of consummate consumer service. Fabulous at five years.

Spearheading the celebration is Mr. Mario Florig Cirujales (MFC), the Operations Manager of ICM. Younger and more boyish looking than his 49 years, he exudes a kind of affable innocence encapsulating a humility seldom observed among men who tried and succeeded in making themselves productive members of the society.

He does not have any negative feeling, telling anybody who asks, that he worked his way through college. After his arduous quest for a college diploma, he applied at Alturas Supermarket Corporation (at that time in its fledging phase) and was accepted. A few years later, the travel bug took a bite and, desirous to earn fast dollar he flew to Saudi Arabia as an OFW.

The homing instinct took control again, and he was back to Bohol after nine years.

Trying government service as a casual, he realized it was futile to even dream of a permanent status of employment sans the ubiquitous political backer. Back to the private world, he tried other employments, like managing the local office of Laoag International, which folded up after the airline suffered its first crash. Bohol Tropics and Resort Club took him in to supervise its crew, especially the waiters.

It was during this employment that he realized his future was with Alturas, his first company.

Months of exposures and trainings followed: Plaza Marcela, Colonade (Cebu), Alturas-Talibon, and Alturas-Tagbilaran. And he was ripe for the big job: as Store manager of Island City Mall, which opened five years ago. Now, in full control of any situation that may arise during his watch, he has gained more confidence.

Married to Mayfleur Usaraga-Cirujales, and having two sons: Mhar Amiel (7), and Mhar Benedict (3), this late bloomer has found his rightful place in the sun.

LMP: How long have you been with ICM?
MFC: Since it opened its doors to the public on June 26, 2004.

LMP: Your first employment after production was at Alturas Supermarket Corporati0on. Why did you leave?
MFC: The promise of petro-dollars in the Middle East was very tempting. At that time, I was also ready to embark on an adventure, because I was still single. Like a typical Boholano, I also wanted to travel while seeking for my good fortune, if there was any.

LMP: Did you find what you were seeking for?
MFC: In terms of financial reward, it was fulfilling. But there are intangible things money can't buy. For instance, I felt homesick. Saudi Arabia was a completely strange land, with alien culture and value systems. I yearned for home, so after nine years I came back. It was a relief to be home again.

LMP: Was finding a job back in Bohol easy for you, after your Saudi Arabia sojourn?
MFC: Definitely, not. I tried government service for 3 years. Always as a casual. I then learned a strong backer was needed to be a part of the mainstream public bureaucracy. Some strings needed to be pulled before I can be a regular employee, but I did not have the access to them, nor any "godfathers" who could help me.

LMP: So, what did you do?
MFC: I decided to go private again, and had a series of jobs. Partly fulfilling…but something was still missing.

LMP: And you found that missing link at Alturas?
MFC: But I had to spend laborious months to prepare myself. It was not handed on a silver platter. I worked hard to earn the merits I'm now enjoying.

LMP: So, there's no turning back? You are and Alturas getting through and through?
MFC: The Alturas Group of Companies made me what I am now, and I am forever grateful. I will be with AGC, as long as the management needs me.

LMP: So, this is your 5th year at ICM. Have there been any noticeable changes in you?
MFC: A lot. I have learned a lot in my job. I am more knowledgeable with my tasks, more tolerant about other people's idiosyncries and I am more confident in dealing with all kinds of people. I have also acquired an awareness I did not have before. Awareness of my responsibilities to my job, to my superiors, and the customers I serve.

LMP: What are in store for the 5th anniversary celebration of ICM?
MFC: The celebration is for one whole week, with varied activities daily. During the whole duration, from June 22 to 28, we are giving to the public the usual Food Fare; and this time we have more variations of native foods and delicacies. Also on the first day, on Monday, we have our Festival Queen Search, plus "U Cn Ul Danz" Dance Slowdown. This following day is a Song Fest; on the 24th is the Hunk and Babe Grand Finals.

LMP: Is this an on-going project?
MFC: Yes, we started it months ago on weekends. This time we have the finals. EZ Dancing is next; the search for the Cutest baby 2009, and Kiddy Party (complete with puppets and mascots) are scheduled on June 25, Thursday.

LMP: Are these for ICM employees only?
MFC: No. They are for the general public. You will take note that we have balanced our programming, so all ages can participate. We are requesting the parents that for the baby Contests, they will register earlier to avoid the hassles of the rush.

LMP: Usually, a sale is made in a celebration like this. Do you have any?
MFC: Of course! We have a 3-Day Sale from June 26 to 28. Discounts reach 70% on selected items. In our Sale last year some of the most coveted were household furniture and facilities. We expect the same thing to happen.

LMP: I understand, people will know about these through the local newspapers and radio stations. How about those who don't listen neither to the radio nor read newspaper? How are they informed about this celebration?
MFC: We have very long motorcade on June 27, Saturday. We plan to include the whole City in the motorcade. Like in the previous years, Tagbilaran will witness the longest and most number of decorated tricycles along the main thoroughfares as far as Taloto. ICM always has the largest motorcade annually. And the most vibrant!

LMP: What is planned for the anniversary date itself?
MFC: The most lively and interesting "Kwarta o Kaban". This is a big-budgeted Game Show with audience participation. Last year, the Game Show was a highlight which people enjoyed the most.

LMP: You invited a few in-demand national Bands in the previous years. Are you doing it now?
MFC: That would be after the motorcade, at the car park. Ely Buendia of Pupil will perform.

LMP: Is this Buendia the same popular singer whose concert at the Fort in Taguig was halted because of a heart attack?
MFC: Yes. The same talent and his group. He is so in-demand, we had a hard time booking him. All will be delighted seeing him perform again. And in Bohol at that! We are that lucky to win his nod.

LMP: How do you end the celebration on the final day?
MFC: June 28 is a Sunday, the time when ICM is overflowing with humanity. We are having the "Go Green" Event in cooperation with Panaghoy Foundation of Cesar Montano. The Boholano actor himself will be around for the event. So we are expecting a really big crowd.

LMP: I noticed that people have learned to love ICM. The weekend crowd are so massive. Is this an indication that they have learned to patronize ICM?
MFC: How else?! In Tagbilaran City, there's no place like ICM, especially on weekends. I even notice whole families coming and staying the whole day. Varieties of foods are available, catering to all kinds of pockets. There is total entertainment and comfort as they shop at very affordable prizes.

LMP: Do you expect the celebration to be a big success?
MFC: Remember the thousands of people of all ages during the Pinoy Big Brother audition? Remember last month's Tanduay band Concert? All people, not just Boholanos, have made Island City Mall a part of their lives. In fact this year…because everybody, especially the general public, feels fabulous in five years of total customer service, we have as our theme, "Fab @ 5".

It was obvious that during this interview Mario F. Cirujales was, at times, carried along with passion. Animated extremities, vibrant eyes, contagious smiles…they spelled out the optimism that totally engulfed him. Nobody could blame the guy. He was only expressing his great expectations that what he felt in also experienced by all Boholanos… that feeling of euphoria resulting from success.

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