Lunches with Cedie

It was November of 1986, and Mom and I had gotten home from an extended trip visiting relatives in the States.

- MONCHET DIOKNO OLIVES

With the government network. It was very much a DIY setup, secondhand furniture and equipment but filled with positive energy. I was to report to Hermie Ocampo, personnel manager (the term HR came much later), for my orientation. I still didn't have a unit to report to, as much was in a state of flux. I only knew Pia Lopez-Baños, who worked at Merchandising (Corporate Communications today), and she would ask me to have lunch at the old pelota court-turned-canteen. I was introduced to Cedie Lopez Vargas, who took charge of purchasing. She knew of my sisters; I believe, as she, too, went to Assumption. Perhaps I looked lost, but Cedie would check in with me, and even lent me a broadcasting book to skim through while I waited for my assignment. I began work with Public Affairs, headed by Cheche Lazaro. After my stint there, I was sent to News under Larry Ng where I earned my chops doing news production.

From that moment in March of 1987, Cedie and I became, I would like to say, lifelong friends. We grew close during the network's cowboys and Indians days. We lived through a major earthquake, coup d'états and a huge fire. To this day, we sit around and talk about those fun-filled days of wanton recklessness. And when we tell a hilarity, she would say, "That's right!" From the early days as "kids" in the warehouse, Cedie and I always spoke of what the future would be like. Our careers took on the role of guiding us through the challenge. Cedie has a gift that allowed her to dissect events and provide guidance. She was extremely circumspect. I would, as I still do today, ask her for advice. The tone was meticulous and metered. She would dispense this sage-like view, helping me through the quagmire of a new corporate citizenship. There was always a pregnant pause before she spoke, ensuring that the words spoken all tied in together.