Aziel Luke stood at the head of the conference table, surrounded by his team of engineers and contractors. The meeting was about to begin, and Aziel could feel the tension in the air. This project was important, and everyone in the room knew it.

He cleared his throat and began, “Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining me today. As you all know, we have a tight deadline to meet on this project, and I believe we can do it with the help of our new team member, Ashleigh.” He gestured to the young woman standing next to him, her long brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytai. Ashleigh smiled nervously and gave a small wave to the group.

Tumingin muli si Aziel sa kanyang mga kapwa inhinyero at kontratista.

“Ashleigh will be joining us as my new secretary, and I expect you all to treat her with the same respect and professionalism that you show to each other. She will be an integral part of this team, and I trust that you will work well together.” dagdag pa ni Aziel sa kanyang sinabi.

Aziel could see a few raised eyebrows and skeptical looks from some of the engineers. He knew they were used to working with seasoned professionals, not a fresh-faced secretary. But he had confidence in Ashleigh, and he knew she would prove herself in no time.

Napuno ng bulungan ang silid habang nakatingin kay Ashleigh. Huminga ng malalim si Aziel at kanyang sinara ang nakakarinding bulungan.

“Now, let's get down to business. We have a lot to cover today, so let's not waste any more time.” Tumayo si Aziel at clinick ang remote control, at ang kanyang presentasyon sa screen ay nag-iilaw sa harapan. The room falls into silence, all eyes fixed on Aziel.

“As you all know, we're here to discuss the upcoming project, Skyrise Towers.” nag flashed sa screen ang gusali na kanilang ipapatayo.

“Mr. Aziel, this project seems highly ambitious. Are we sure we can handle it?” Mr. Tan asked him doubtly.

Aziel confidently answer his question about the building. “I understand the magnitude of this undertaking. That's why we're all here today – to brainstorm and evaluate the feasibility of Skyrise Towers. We have a unique opportunity to redefine the city's skyline.”

“But, Aziel, the timeline seems extremely tight. Are we considering all the factors?” the other engineer nervously asked.

“Absolutely. That's where Ashleigh, my new trusted secretary, comes in. She has conducted extensive research, analyzing the logistical challenges and time constraints of the project.” taas noong sagot ni Aziel at tiningnan si Ashleigh.

“Is she an engineer graduate? Does she know anything about how to build buildings?” natigilan si Aziel sa sinabi ng isang engineer.

Napayuko si Ashleigh at napaisip na tama naman ang kanyang sinabi.

“With all due respect, Mr. Vasquez. She maybe a new about this but–” hindi natapos ni Aziel ang kanyang sasabihin dahil pinutol ito ni Ashleigh.

“Sorry Sir Luke,” tumingin siya kay Aziel at yumuko. Tapos humarap sa mga tao. All eyes turn to Ashleigh, who stands up, composed and professional. “I have collaborated with the team to ensure that every aspect has been taken into account. We have considered the construction challenges, available resources, and efficient coordination between different departments. The timeline may be tight, but it's achievable with the right strategy.” napatango naman ang ibang engineers at contractors sa sinabi ni Ashleigh.

“It's reassuring to know we have someone like Ashleigh supporting the project. Although she's new but it seems like she seems to know something about the engineer jobs.  Now, Mr. Aziel, what about the budget? .” pagpupuri ng isang engineer kay Ashleigh.

“The budget will be challenging, but not impossible. We have already identified cost-saving opportunities and potential sponsors. By efficiently managing expenses, we can keep the project within a reasonable financial realm.” Aziel confidently answer his question.

Mr. Tan raised his hand and ask a question with curiosity. “Mr. Aziel, what's the timeline for decision-making? When can we expect a final plan?”

Huminga ng malalim si Aziel bago sugutin ang kanyang katanungan. “Our goal is to have a comprehensive plan ready within two weeks. This will provide ample time for further evaluation and adjustments before we commence construction.”

The room is filled with nodding heads, and a renewed sense of determination fills the air.

“Now, let's delve deeper and discuss each element of the project. I want to hear your insights, ideas, and concerns. Let's make Skyrise Towers a testament to our innovative engineering feats.” Aziel added.

“How many floors does this building have?” Aziel cleared his throat.

“The building has 125 floors with a typical floor plate of 2, 560 sqm.” sagot niya at tumango naman ang isang engineer na nagtanong.

“How can you assure that this Skyrise Tower building stable?” one of the contractors asked him.

“Overlapping blocks rather than stacking them directly on top of one another increases stability. Structures also need to be balanced. They must have a strong foundation and a relatively low center of gravity, so they don't collapse or tip easily.” sagot ni Aziel.

“Moreover, we should use high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the test of time. This includes selecting durable types of wood, concrete, steel, and other construction materials that are known for their longevity.” Aziel added. Napangiti naman si Ashleigh sa sinabi ng kanyang boss.

“But the strongest building materials kinda expensive, Mr. Aziel,” nag-aalalang tanong ng isang engineer.

Seryoso siyang tiningnan ni Aziel. “Yes, it maybe expensive but nakakasiguro naman tayo na hindi basta-bastang mag-collapse ito. Because the materials we will be using is steel because this is the strongest construction material available unless you count exotic materials like titanium. It is so much stronger than wood that the two cannot be fairly compared.”

Natahimik ang lahat ng tao sa silid walang ni isa ang magbalak na magsalita.

“In addition, we need to build firm foundations in order to prevent the building from collapsing during an earthquake or any calamities,” dagdag niya sa kanyang sinabi.

“I guess, itong Skyrise Tower na ito ang isa sa pinakamataas na building dito sa Pilipinas.” masayang sabi ni Mr. Vasquez.

“I can't wait to build this project with you Mr. Aziel and also to your new secretary, Miss Ashleigh.” ngumiti si Ashleigh sa sinabi ni Mr. Tan.

As the meeting came to an end, Aziel thanked everyone for their hard work. He then turned to Ashleigh and said, “You did a great job today, Ashleigh. I'm glad to have you on board.”

“Naku po, Sir Luke ako nga po ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil pinagkatiwalaan po ninyo ako kahit wala akong alam sa ganitong trabaho. Hayaan niyo po Sir Luke mas pagbutihan ko pa po, I am very happy and thankful to be a part of this team.” masayang sabi ni Ashleigh kay Aziel.

Aziel couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. He knew that with Ashleigh's help, they would be able to meet their deadline and successfully complete the project.

As the meeting progresses, the atmosphere becomes energized, with a collective passion to make Skyrise Towers a remarkable achievement.

Sabay na lumabas si Aziel at Ashleigh ng conference room. Pagdating sa opisina ni Aziel mabilis na pinagbuksan ni Ashleigh ng pinto si Aziel.

“Thank you,” nginitian siya ni Aziel.

Nang tuluyan na silang makapasok sa loob ng opisina ay nagsalita si Ashleigh.

“Grabe Sir Luke, ako ’yung kinakabahan kanina sa loob ng conference room,” sabay tingin niya kay Aziel. “Napapagod utak ko dahil kanina,” hinilot niya ang kanyang ulo.

“So, meaning hindi mo kaya ang trabaho ng secretary?” tanong ni Aziel at mabilis naman siyang umupo kaharap si Aziel.

“Sir Luke, wala po akong sinabing ganyan ah. Mas gusto ko nga po’ng napapagod ang utak ko eh,” pagpapalusot ni Ashleigh.

“Its already time, pwede ka ng mag out.” sabi ni Aziel sa kanya na hindi siya tiningnan.

“Sige po Sir Luke, nagugutom na rin po ako eh, uuwi na po ako. See you tomorrow po, Sir Luke.” pagpapaalam niya at lumabas ng opisina.

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