When I was given employee number 206686, it wasn’t just a digit—it was a dream come true. I had just been hired at Metro Gaisano, now known as Metro Department Store, Cebu’s most prestigious retail haven. Even as a high school student, I had always admired this iconic store, and now, I was part of its legacy. My journey began as a bagger at the bustling Metro Supermarket. Every Cebuano knows how chaotic it can get, but I thrived in the energy. I mastered the art of packing groceries, even learning the baggers’ secret of cutting binding straws without scissors. It was humble work, but it taught me discipline and resilience. After my first contract, I was assigned to the Furniture and Fixture Department on the 6th floor. This was where I discovered my passion for marketing and sales. Metro instilled in me a powerful mantra: “The customer isn’t always right, but they have the right to be treated right.” This became my guiding principle. Whether I was selling a luxur...