Meet an Insider: Alina Manaig
by Paul Catiang

In March of 2004, John Clements Consultants, Inc. was faced with several presentations to secure accounts with one of the world’s largest oil companies and and a leading global bank. Among the people caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparing the presentations was Alina Manaig of Professional Staffers, and the pressure was doubled by the fact that they had to present to both companies on the same day.

“With so much excitement of what happened, mixed with probably stress with all the preparations and everything, when we got back to the office, I didn't know I was bleeding,” she recounts. “So I went straight to my doctor and found out I was hemorrhaging and it was due to stress. I was advised to rest for 3 weeks to make sure the baby was okay, and when I got back in April, the oil company was already a sure sign and so was the bank.”

Despite the prescribed bed rest, Alina has managed to consistently maintain the quality of her work while bringing her son to term and conceiving yet again. It’s said around her department that her babies bring her luck, and good luck, combined with persistent effort, has worked in Alina’s favor thus far. Still, she believes the success was a team effort, and has provided a list of all those who’ve helped her: “the members of my team, the one who typed out and photocopied candidates’ resumes, the person who sourced these candidates, the consultant who conducted the in-depth interview, the IT guy who fixed the computer just so we could send an email to our client, and the guidance of Ms. Grace Sorongon.” She even credits the messenger who delivered the shortlist and the intern who helped with the reference check. Of course, her husband is also given much thanks, for having waited several times, sometimes past midnight, in the office parking lot.

Alina considers herself blessed both personally and professionally. She’s thankful for her son, who’s healthy despite the pressures and stress of work, and for an understanding husband. She’s also thankful to the three teams she works with on three different accounts. “What’s also rewarding is you get recognition for all the efforts and work you have done for the division.”

And for that, Alina was named Sales Consultant of the Year this 2005 at John Clements’s Annual Sales Conference. Right now, she looks forward to working as she always has, spending weekends with the men in her life.