IT'S PAY-BACK TIME

Teaching is one of the world's noblest professions. In the Philippines setting, the teachers goes beyond his classroom and the school premises. He becomes a Jack-of-the-trades in community affairs, whether it be for livelihood, religious activities, or manning election precincts that, more often than not, put into office a number of power-hungry misfits. It is widely accepted that here the right of suffrage cannot be practiced without the teachers. Which makes them vital components of progress, being looked up to as precursors of goodness in local society.

Manuel del Rosario Molina is a product of a teaching couple. His father, Eustaquio Molina, hailed from Loay, and was a public school teacher in Carmen before he retired. His mother, Carmen del Rosario, was born and grew up in Lapu-Lapu City , until she left her birthplace and, because she was also teaching, joined her husband as a public school teacher in Bohol . Until both decided that she concentrate her time raising their ten children. A wise decision, for the couple knew their primordial responsibility is the family.

Manuel, nicknamed Boy since his youth, is the eldest in the family. The sister next to him, Fe M. Go, is in shell-craft business in Cebu . Esperanza M. Jumamoy, Caridad M. Reambonanza, and Nenita M. Macalolot are based in Calatrava, Carmen. Rosario M. Andoy is the incumbent Punong Barangay of Calatrava. Oscar, the seventh among the children, is now settled as a farmer in Clarin. Wilfredo works in Cebu . Belen M. Cempron and Teresita M. Lapez inherited the inclination of their parents. The former is a public school teacher in Carmen, and the latter teaches in the Victoriano D. Tirol, Sr. Advanced Learning Center

Boy was born in Carmen on February 8, 1944 . He finished his first six years of education at the Carmen Central Elementary School . He enrolled at St. Anthony Academy , but finished the four-year secondary course at the Holy Cross Academy in Tubigon. Right after, he went to Cebu City and studied at the University of the Visayas, where he finished a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Major in Pilipino.

It was while engrossed with his work at the Mactan International Airport that the dashing Boholano met a beautiful student at the University of San Carlos . The persistent suitor pursued the lady from Banilad, who was then taking up Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. His persistence paid off. They got married; and even if she obtained a diploma for her course, she was persuaded by her husband to be a full-time housewife, to care for their children and their home. It was a decision both did not regret making. While Grace had all her time attending to the needs of their children and her husband, Boy was able to concentrate on his career. His business grew, primarily because of his hands-on policy.

Right after graduation from college, he seek employment in the private sector. The management of Pilipinas Orient Airways saw in him a bright prospect. He was taken in, and from 1967 to 1972 became a Station Supervisor. In 1973 he transferred to Philippine Air Lines as a Station Agent. In 1974, another more lucrative offer came. He worked with Bahaghari Forwarder as a Delivery Agent manning the Cebu Branch until 1977.

By this time, his mettle in the forwarding business began to be widely acknowledged. American Express Forwarders offered him its Manila Branch. He became its Manager from 1977 to 1979. Still more lucrative job openings came his way. He accepted the job as OIC Sales Supervisor of the San Fernando Plant of Cosmos Bottling Company, a position he held from 1979 to 1984.

Asia Brewery Bottling Corporation beckoned him for his managerial style. The offer was too tempting to refuse. He became its Sales District Manager of its Pasig-Manila Plant from 1984 to 1986. Boy Molina was at his prime in productivity. Even his circle of friends and associates increased considerably, while his responsibilities peaked.

It was during this time when he looked back to his years of employment and accomplishments. He became aware of some limits to his professional growth. While the pay and benefits were sky-high, there was no complete freedom especially in the aspect of decision-making. After consulting with his family, relatives, and friends he opted to free himself from the encumbrance of heeding to the decision of his superiors. He formed his own company.

He conceptualized and registered Gram's Freight Services, Inc., a VISMIN Commission Agent, of Em's Freight Services and Various Forwarders. That was in the year 1986. His acumen as a forwarder paid off. The company grew tremendously, and it is still doing brisk business until today. He is presently the CEO, President, and General Manager of Gram's Freight Services, Inc.

Boy and Grace are blessed with 5 children. May Gracel M. Sawyer, the eldest, finished MIS (Management Information System) at Assumption College . She helps manage the Gram's Freight Services, Inc. August Manuel, Jr. graduated from San Beda College-Alabang with a degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. He also works at Gram's. Grace Ann also graduated from SBC with a degree of Business Administration and Marketing. She handled Gram's marketing. Angela Grace has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, major in Media Productions, from Assumption College-Makati. Her line of specialization is put to good use at the family-owned enterprise. The youngest, Julthis Manuel, finished Computer Animation at Asia Pacific College , and is also a second courser in Nursing, while working at Gram's

With all of their five children directly involved on a hands-on policy at Gram's, Boy and Grace have now all the time in their own hands. They would have lived comfortable lives, sans worries; but Boy sensed that he could still be more productive. Not for the sake of his family, but for the sake of his hometown, Carmen.

He realized the vast potentials of Carmen, especially in agriculture and eco-tourism. His visits to his hometown convinced him that his birthplace has been bypassed by progress. He would be happiest serving Carmen as it grows. He possesses all that a real leader needs: his management skill, administrative expertise, his guts, and his compassion for his townfolks. Now, he knows… it's payback time and he is ready for the challenge.

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