Chapter One

I still can't get the uneasiness i'm feeling inside me, I know that i've been preparing for this day since I was a little kid. And now, all my hard work will be paid off and i'm living the life I've always wanted. Pero bakit?

Bakit hindi ko maalis yung kaba at takot sa puso ko? Feeling ko anytime posibleng mawala ang lahat ng meron ako at magising ako sa isang katotohanang, panaginip lang pala ang lahat.

"Love?" Then theres that voice "Love? You okay?" She approaches me with worry written all over her face but no matter how much she scrunches her face, she'll always be beautiful. She woke me up from all my worries and drag me to where I am today. She's been my source of strength since that day and just by knowing that shes here, I know that everything is going to be okay.

"I'm fine" I assured her and she approaches me, replacing what once worry on her face with a smile.

"Akala ko naman napano kana? For a second there para kang constipated" Pabiro niyang sabi and right there and there I knew that I am truly present in reality. Pinitik ko ang kanyang noo knowing that she's trying to tease me again.

"Aww" tinapik niya ang aking kamay at minasahe ang kanyang noo "Pasalamat ka, Happy day ngayon kung hindi kanina pa kita pinagsusuntok" Pagbabanta nito na agad ko namang tinawanan. There are times talaga na lumalabas ang pagiging one of the boys niya.

"Relax, nasa office tayo. Baka magkaroon ka ng bashers pag nakita nila kung paano mo ko tratuhin." Nilapitan ko siya't nilagay ang dalawa kong kamay sa kanyang bewang "Hindi porke girlfriend ka ng bagong CEO nang kompanya ay off the hook kana" Pabiro kong sinabi kasi alam na alam kong ayaw niyang ginagamit ko sakanya yung fact na marami pa din akong supporters at fans.

"Excuse me Mr. Laquesta, wala akong paki kung sino man yang alipores mong mambabash sakin baka lang din nakakalimutan mong I am still the University belle, at kahit pa graduate nako. They still treat me as one. Kaya nga gamit na gamit yung talents ko sa kopanya niyo." Pagmamalaki neto. Its no secret that she really was our campus belle during college and up until now, to those who knows her family and went with her during college, they still treat her like one. But she never liked it, at kahit pa ginagamit niya yung pagiging ganun niya sakin ngayon, she never liked the attention given to her. She wanted people to recognize her for the talent she has and for the things she actually work hard on. "Pero syempre joke lang yun, baka asarin mo nanaman akong Campus Belle" Pagdagdag neto and that made me chuckle.

She will always be my Jana, the person who never fails to make me laugh and would always pull me up in times of trouble. Siya ang gumising sakin seven years ago and up until now, shes been nothing but my own angel. I've known her for seven years and after two years of being friends I finally realized how much I can't stop thinking about her and how she managed to get inside my heart, I asked her out. I thought I would never love again and then she proved me wrong. Meeting her was a very long story so ikukwento ko nalang ulit minsan, para sa ngayon. I just want to appreciate the fact that shes mine and shes with me.

"Your my belle and I love you" She blushes after my statement then she tries to divert her eyes away from me but I was quick to catch her face preventing her from from away.

"We're in the office any minute now tatawagin ka na para magsalita for your first speech as the new CEO of the company" pagbabanta neto but its no use. I only have one goal right at this minute. Hindi na ako sumagot sa mga sinabi niya at basta ko nalang siyang hinalikan. Hindi ko alam ilang segundo o minuto kaming naghahalikan pero kung hindi dahil sa katok saaking pinto, hindi ko na siguro nabitawan si Jana.

"Sir" Pabulong na sabi ng sekretarya ko sa kabilang side ng pintuan "Sorry po, pero ready napo ang lahat para sa presscon niyo" nakangiting nakayakap saakin si Jana, its obvious how that kiss took us both in another dimension. Judging by the tinge of blush on her cheeks, she is still too embarrass for someone to see us now.

"I'll leave first and get this done with. I'll see you there okay?" I told her and she nods hiding the blush on her face and releasing me. I kissed her head and grabbed my coat to leave but before going out, I took another glance at her and she shows me her most gentle smile.

"Go! I'll be with you soon. You can do it" She cheers me on and doon palang, natanggal lahat ng pag aalala ko.

I know that from this day onwards, things will get better and better.

"Son" Pangiting pagbati sakin ng aking ama kadating ko sa waiting room. He gives me his famous tap on the back tsaka niya ko niyakap. "Are you ready?"

"Hindi ba dapat ikaw yung tinatanong ko niyan?" Pabiro kong sinabi sakanya.

I was always close to my father even though growing up, I hardly ever saw him. Super workaholic kasi si Dad, after all he is Antonio Luis Laquesta, ang nag iisang nagtaguyad at nagpalago ng MA Corp. Dahil sa pagiging ng workaholic niya, nagawa niya na ding magpatayo ng apat na branch sa US, Japan, Hong Kong at London, kaya bata palang ako nalulung na ako sa pakikipag halobilu sa iba't ibang klase ng tao.

Our business is pretty much focused on providing a secure and safe system to every association or organization that needs a secure network for their work. In short, lahat ng sekreto ng government at ng iba't iba pang kompanya, naka store sa aming system. Though sa paglago ng technology now a days and sa pagdami ng mga computer engineers, each company can just go and provide their own security system but because sobrang kilala na yung kompanya namin and dahil na din siguro sa ilang taon na hindi pagpalya ng sistema namin, business owners and even government officials, sa amin parin sila nagtitiwala. We always produce and do quality perfected system, kaya kahit anong paglago ng technology, hindi kami nanghihina.

Sobrang dedicated si Daddy sa trabaho niya, dahil din siguro itong business nato, galing sa mismo niyang pera. Second son kasi si Daddy and if nasa panahon niya tayo, it is always the first child who gets everything. Laquesta Group of companies was founded by my Lolo, Roberto Alejandro Laquesta. Very strict si Lolo when it comes to business and syempre he couldn't give it to anyone else except his first born son, Joselito Laquesta. Nothing was left for my father except his own savings and with that, he started his own little business.

Dad used to tell me na ilang beses siyang nawalan ng pag-asa na lalago yung business na tinayo niya, since back then no one really understands his vision, plus dahil isa siya Laquesta, naging doble yung pressure na pasan niya, everything became so hopeless. Lolo was not even helping him and uncle Roberto was being an ass that time so theres really no one he could trust. But my dad was fighter, he didn't give up, he didn't give in, day by day he worked hard and day by day he makes sure that he gains someone trust by satisfying them with his work. Up until this day, ganun pa rin si Daddy. Everything na meron kami ngayon is not because I'm a Laquesta but because I am his son. The things that I have now is all because of his hardwork and passion. Kahit pa sobrang late na siya kung umuwi nung mga bata pa kami ng kapatid ko, he always make sure na alam namin at naiintindihan namin yung mga pag sasakripisyo niya.

He's the reason why I became such a young man and now that he is giving me his lifework, all I want to do is prove that I can do more and bring more for the company. Now that we have different branches around the world, gusto ko pang palaguin ang kompanya at patunayan na din sa aking Lolo, na hindi kahihiyan ang tinayong kompanya ng aking ama.

"I'm ready. Its time that I entrust to you all my lifework. You made me proud son at alam ko na kung ano man yung na achieve ko for the past years, mas mahihigitan mo pa ko" my dad encourages me kagaya ng pageencourage niya sakin all throughout this years.

"I promise i'll do my best dad and thank you for trusting me" My dad smiles in adoration.

A soft knock interrupts our conversation,.

"Sir. Ready napo sila sainyo" pag remind ng manager in charge and so I had to fix how I look and so did my father. Though I hate being around to many people, this are one of those event I cannot pass and since I'm literally the highlight of the day, being absent is not an option.

As I enter the room, snaps from different camera took me by surprise. My father walks beside me then he puts his arms around me shoulder making all the media people go on frenzy taking both our picture and trying to get a good shot on how loving my father is to me. Our own people leads us both to the podium where the Mr. Tamayo, the vice president of our company and my mom awaits.

My mom, well, like any other mother in the world, siya na siguro yung matatawag kong number one kong supporter at tagapayo. She's the person na handa akong samahan kahit anong oras man yan at kahit anong gawin kong disappointment, she'll always be there. And kagaya ngayon, shes also there waiting to welcome me and support me all the way.

"Now let us all welcome our new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Darren Antonio Laquesto. Let us all give him a round of applause" the hosts announces, calling out my name and now its finally my time to prove my worth.

Since inannounce ni Daddy yung pag pasa niya ng titolo niya sakin last month during one of our monthly meetings, may mga ibang umapila at sinabing hindi ko pa oras at masyado pa akong bata to succeed my father company. But for the past fifteen years, all i've been doing is learning how to work inside my fathers comapany and even during college hinahayaan na ako ni daddy na tumulong sa kompanya kaya by the age of twenty binigyan na ako ng chance ni daddy na patunayan ang sarili ko by making me his Chief operating officer. Kahit pa twenty years old palang ako noon at nagaaral pa din in college, I was able to manage everything aside from that, I have the best team to help me and I made sure that I always push through in every hard situation that I encounter. Dad made a huge bet on me and I am not going to waste it by giving up easily, kaya kahit ngayon na marami nanamang umaapila sa pagpasa sakin ni dad ng trabaho niya, I wont give up easily. I wont say much but I'll just show everyone what I can do.

"Good morning everyone" I greeted everyone, getting rid of all nerve wrecking thoughts inside my mind. "First I would like to say my thanks to both my parents for trusting me with such a huge job." I turned my head and watch as my mother and father hold hands while they watch me make a speech "I must say, its truly n honor to be your son, I can't promise you perfect results but I can promise dedication and hard work" they both nod at my words and that's when I returned my attention back to the media. "Now then, I know that all of you are here with questions and i'm pretty sure that you already researched me from head to toe so i'm not going to talk for long." A few media people went closer so they could record closely what i'm about to say "As the new CEO of MA Corporation I only have two things to say so make sure that you record this because I wont say this for the second time. First is I'll eventually fuck up, i'm young and maybe stupid from time to time but as a business man and with my fathers influence, I have to always gamble, My decision may or may not land opportunities but that doesn't mean I wont learn. Second, if I do fuck up, make sure that you watch me rise up"

Base on my experience and dahil din sa turo ni dad, i've learned to gamble my way into business. Truth is, in this kind of industry that we have and with tons of competitions we encounter, kailangan kong ibigay ang lahat, do a yes or no decision and wait while things go on process. One or two of my decision might fail but that would eventually teach me how to do better. Dad used to tell me that I have to fail a thousand time so that I could become a better businessman. And the amount of years I spent learning and literally making decisions, I've mastered the art of set back and rejections. They are just make me a better man and a much successful businessman.

"With that being said, to all the board members and our companies employees. Matagal niyo na akong nakatrabaho and you know how I work things out so far. I can promise you sleepless nightson days before our clients meeting, also ngayon palang nag sosorry nako because i'll probably make things difficult for everyone and i honestly think you all know that by now" Some of the employee present in the room laughs knowing that i'm pretty true to my words "But I can promise you that I won't stop working and protecting you from losing your jobs. As the CEO I know that its also my job to make sure that every employee stays and well. So kaya natin to" Pangiti kong sinabi sa mga staff na nasa conference room. "As the new era starts for MA Corp, I only have one objective and that is to bring MA Corp at its highest level and make it a number one company that provides unbeatable security, all over the world" and the crowd goes wild, of course, conquering the world takes a lot of trouble but I'm more than willing to go all that trouble just to bring my fathers legacy all over the world "Though we have established a few branch company at other countries I'm still moving forward with expanding the business to places that needs more security than ever. And I'm talking about European countries, all of asia, and of course the rest of the United States" With that proclamation, I ended up my speech by saying thanks to the media people who gathered today and thanking the employees who planned this press conference.

Pero kagaya ng iba pang press conference, after every speech, the press is given a chance to ask me and my family questions. I did prepare for this but since the questions are always random and some journalist are too daring for my liking. The public will always crave for more information and journalists will always have their way to find and dig them out of the grave.

Every time na nagkakaroon kami ng ganitong press conference, our own social managers will prep us how and what coulp possibly the questions thrown to us. Also the media department of our company will gather some of the written questions from the media so that will know what exactly we will be dealing with during the actual press conference. My own social manager, sabihin nalang natin na sobrang into it niya sa kanyang trabaho, natanong at na engrave niya na sa utak ko yung mga dapat kong gawin at sabihin during this press conference.

"If you all have questions the floor is now open provided that we all do this accordingly" I sat next to my father who was smiling from my own speech. We waited until someone got up for her sit and went to the mic to ask her question.

"This question is directed to Mr.Darren Laquesta" She speaks up and one Sarah, one of our media people gives me one of the microphones. "Good morning sir, "I'm Cynthia from Entrepreneur Mags" she smiles in her introduction then she reads out her question "Sir I have come to understand that you've become the companies COO for the last three years and during this years, you've done a remarkable job, so do you think that this is the right time for you to leave your former job and become the head of the company?" after she speaks of her question, nakita kong pumasok si Jana without getting any ones attention, well no one else but my anyways.

"Cynthia right?" presscon 101, always remember whose asking you great questions. "I believe that it doesn't really matter now if its time or not, I mean this company has tons of capable employees that could definitely succeed my former job without a hitch. I may be the owners son but that didn't made me complacent or even confident that i'll get the job. I have to work my ass of just to prove my worth. Being the COO for the last three year taught me a lot of things and i'd definitely use those learnings now that I'm the CEO of the company. Needless to say, I'll do more astonishing things now than I did before. Plus, with our new COO of the company I don't really have to worry about anything" I smiled knowing that my successor is pretty good herself.

"On that note, we were informed that a new COO will be presented on your next board meeting but is there a chance that you give us any clue who will that person be?" Cynthia asks in addition.

"Well as for the identity of the next COO, that should sill remain as a private thing since the selection process is sill going on. Our companies media managers will produce a statement about it and you'll get everything you need by then" I answered in accordance to our protocol. Half of the things I said were true except the selection process. Since day one, we already have someone in mind and now that i'm on my rightful place, eventually she'll get hers.

Cynthia said her thanks then another gentlemen comes in front to present his question.

"Peter from CDN news, I'd like to dedicate my question to former CEO Sir. Antonio" another mic was given to my dad "Sir, for years now the media and the people know your relationship with owner and founder of Laquesta Group of Companies, now that your brother is out in the public and has no heir so whatever, what could be the possible future of your fathers company?" he asks and theres that loud beating of my heart. Sarah and her team was also shocked that someone was asking this question out of no where.

A few weeks ago, a huge news woke the whole business world and made a huge impact in our family.

'Joselito Laquesta, CEO and son of Roberto Alejandro Laquesta found humping lover on streets while wife Donna celebrates success of her art gallery'

Lahat ata ng tabloid magazines ganun ang headline and it would have been better if it wasn't for the fact that yung lover na tinutukoy nila is yung secretary mismo ni uncle. The whole family knows that my uncle is gay, Tita Donna was just my Lolo's idea para mapagtakpan na bakla si Uncle. When Lolo found out he reached out to my dad, kaso according sa tatay ko, matagal niya ng alam na bakla si Tito and kahit pa ganun, kapatid pa din ang paningin ni daddy sakanya. Muntik na kasi idisown ni Lolo si Tito pero if ginawa niya yun, tuluyang babagsak ang Laquesta Group of companies. A ship needs a captain to sail ika nga, so my Uncles real gender was kept secret.

I guess hindi na napigilan ni Tito ang kanyang sarili kaya ngayon alam na ng buong mundo ang tunay niyang pag katao. No judgement on our part though, gaya nga ng sabi ni Daddy, he is still family. Kahit pa pinahirapan niya din dati si Daddy.

Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, pwede namin hindi sagutin yung tanong but then of we don't say anything that could also lead to another talk on the news and magazines. So the only way for this things to come out nicely without harming or offending anyone is to answer the question.

My father coughs for a second then he clear his voice. I'm betting that this kind of questions are making him feel uncomfortable.

"Though I have bad ties with my father its doesn't change the fact that he is my father. That same thought goes to my brother. As far as how he'll run Laquesta Group and its future, that will always depend on his actions and I would never doubt his capabilities. Being happy is also important in the line of our work. We hardly have time to enjoy the things we want because our job requires us to always be prepared and ready for anything, so if what he is right now makes him happy then you all just have to expect greater things for Laquesta Group and Companies. We all have our own demons but that doesn't mean we are not humans. We make mistakes and sometimes those mistakes are necessary for us to learn and become a greater version of ourselves" That is my dads number one motto, never ko pa ata na experience and mapagalitan ng sobra kay dad, he would always smile whenever I do something bad. He makes every down moment an opportunity for me to learn something from him. This is why, I admire my father so much. Wala siyang bahid ng sama or pagkamuhi sa sarili niyang ama at kapatid.

"I believe na aware din po kayo ngayon sa paunti unting pagbagsak ang sales ng kompanya ng ama ninyo, is there a chance na mag memerge po ang kompanya ninyo at ng inyong ama?" Padagdag na tanong ni Peter. I have to remember his name from now on, he really throws dangerous questions.

"Could I please answer this one?" I asked Peter since it seems like gusto niyang ipin down yung tatay ko. Of course wala namang choice si Peter if gusto kong sumagot. "I honestly don't see any reason why we should think of merging two high end company. Yes Laquesta Group maybe facing some difficulty now but it wouldn't be like that forever. Lahat naman po ng businesses merong days na mahina ang sales, and just like how we deal with our everyday life, we strive. Plus, of all the years na nakatayo at nagbibigay serbisyo ang Laquesta Group, na mamanage naman po ito always and mas napapalago. I believe that even in their own crisis, they also have employees that are capable of producing great idea that could possibly turn things around in their company. We are in an era of great change and accelerating ideas, you can just look outside for a minute and the next thing you know your mind is producing thousands of great ideas. Merging companies is not always the answer, yes it helps and stocks are great investments but if your company can cope and do its own thing, make things possible, then at least try, right?" I answered the best I can because this could also be a learning process to those young business owners. One of the reasons why a business suddenly goes down is because they have this mindset that once there face continuous struggle, they wouldn't get up. Feeling ng iba kasi kapag yung business mo hindi nag boom eh wala na kayong chance but that is not true at all. You just need enough perseverance and creativity so that ma promote mo ng maayus yung business mo.

I actually feel blessed na sa generation na to ako nabuhay at natuto, there are thousands pf opportunity out there na pupwedeng makatulong sakin para maipromote ko ng maayus ung business ko. There is Internet now, news are easily seen in just a click of a finger and that principle is also applicable with advertisements and promotions. Ang dali daling ma reach ng mga tao ngayon, if you want people to recognize you can just always try to become creative.

"You see, our generation is moving onwards, not backward. If you want to reach and promote or sell what you have, then you need to become creative and competitive at the same time so that you could also ride the tide. Giving up or losing hope is not an answer, especially with all the advancement and opportunities we have right now. There is always a way and I have complete faith that this is just another season for Laquesta Group of Companies, they'll eventually rise again" I completely answered and saw that my media manager, Kenneth, was smiling from ear to ear meaning that I spoke the right words at the right time.

Napatango yung tatay ko sa mga sinabi ko at pagkatapos kong magsalita ay siya din niyang inangat ang kanyang mic para sumagot kay Peter.

"What my son said is true. Its never too late to strive, there is still hope and things can always change. We are in a career that surpasses our own capabilities. We have to stretch and keep stretching our whole being so that we can still ride the tide. As we grow, kailangan natin matuto at magpaturo and minsan hindi lang sa kapwa tao nating nakukuha yun, we have to experience it in order for us to see things on out own perspective so that we'll know exactly what to do the next time it happens. Its just another we have to face it" My father adds and that must have satisfied Peter because he didn't add more question after that.

Pagkatapos niyang mag salita, meron pa sigurong apat na reporter na nagtanong samin pero this time its all about our company and nothing more related to my grandfather or my uncle. Siguro na gets na nila yung idea na kahit anong pag push nila samin tungkol sa issues ng Laquesta family, wala silang maririnig samin na hindi maganda. We will always have the idea of at least protecting them in front of the media. Lalo na malaking pangalan pa rin ang pagiging Laquesta.

Kaya ganun nalang din kabigat dalhin ang pangalang Laquesta, bukod sa dalawang business na ang nabuo at dahil din sa naging isang malaking business yung Laquesta Group at dumami na din yung MA Corp, mas naging challenging ang pagiging Laquesta. However, never akong prinessure ni Dad, sabi nga ng Mom ko before, ako lang daw talaga yung mahilig mag pressure sa sarili ko. Dala na din siguro na maraming tao din yung na iintimidate when they here my last name kaya naging perfectionist nako, alam ko kasi na marami yung nakatingin. Maraming pupwedeng sumira.

Despite everything, I don't regret anything. I love being the son of my father and I want to prosper just like he did. At kahit pa nasa crisis yung Laquesta Group of Companies, I still don't mind being connected to them or being the grandson of Roberto Alejandro Laquesta because one thing is for sure, I got my business gene blood from the Laquestas and not my moms side. Tsaka turo ni Dad, I should always be proud that I am a Laquesta even though Lolo did practically disowned my father.

Sa ngayon, my whole focus is on making my fathers company become the greatest of all. That is my only goal and I don't really care about others problem right now because I have enough of my own. Enough na na yung kompanya muna ng tatay ko yung intindihin ko at enough na munang ibigay ko lahat ng effort ko sa pagpapalagu neto. Whatever it is na plano ng Lolo ko, I don't care because thats his plan not mines. I'm having the best time of my life and I'm going to do my best to keep it going.

Right after the press con, both my parents said their congratulations and asked that we have dinner later in the evening. And kahit pa sinabi ng nanay ko yung words na 'Tayo- tayo lang' i'm pretty sure shes itching to invite everybody and celebrate this day. Ganun kasi si Mommy sa kahit sino saming magkakapatid. She will always throw this dinner parties, inviting all our relatives and friends just to celebrate another success. For her, its her way of saying thanks by sharing what she have but for me and the rest of my siblings, it is sometimes a nightmare. Again, remind ko lang. Ayaw ko ng masyadong matao, lalo na if alam ko na yung mga tao na yun, may mga hidden agendas. Kaso kahit ganun, wala naman talaga akong laban or any of my siblings kay mommy. Once na set niya na yung utak niya. Go na siya dun.

Everyone left while our media managers went with the reporters to check if may dagdag or bawas ba sa mga sinulat or ninote nila during the interview. And also, yung ibang staff nagligpit at naghihintay ng further instruction since today was a real success.

"You have one hell of a speech awhile ago Chief. Iba ka talaga may pa ride the tide, ride the tide kapang nalalaman" Pabitong sabi ni Jana nung lumapit siya sa tabi ko, hindi ko namalayang naiwan din pala siya after ng conference kasi usually babalik na siya sa sarili niyang office para magtrabaho but then shes here.

"I thought bumalik kana din sa office mo" she smiles but then she shakes her head.

"I wanted to congratulate you" she admits then she grins "and also para sabihin sayo na naghihintay na matinding treat yung mga staff kasi successful yung press con today and to tell you aswell na they deserve it kasi ilang gabi din nila pinagpuyatan at tinrabaho to" Muntik nakong matawa sa mga sinabi niya kasi siya nanaman ang naging voice of truth ng mga empleyado ko. This is not the first time na nangyari to and this is also not the first time na nag aagree ako sa mga sinasabi niya.

"You know what, why don't you tell them na pwede na silang umuwi after nilang mag ayos then tomorrow evening, we'll all have a team dinner para naman ma motivate silang mas galingan pa sa pag tatrabaho, does that sound good to you?" She circles her arms on my waist and thats when she smiles widely.

"Its perfect" she gives me her most precious laugh at dun ko naisip na handa nako. I can take on the world, as long as she with me, I can do anything.

"Thank you" I softly spoke forgetting as well that there are still other people in the room.

"For making you treat the staff or for making you remember your cheesy line?" she giggled teasing me.

"Those and for simply coming to my life. Kahit pa nay shitty issues yung family ko, it doesn't matter with me anymore kasi alam ko andyan ka" Her facial expression softens a slight crimson slowly forms on both her cheeks. "You are my saviour, and I will never let you go"

"Is that a promise?" She smiles

"Its a promise" I smiled together with her.

Right at that moment kahit pa may mga nangyaring hindi ka nais nais, I was still satisfied. Because I knew that everything was going to be fine and that I have no other thighs to worry about.

But then its just thought, thoughts can be wrong sometimes. And thats the saddest part of everything.