Monthly Employee Highlight: Reginald Mirandilla

During the interview, he never once showed signs of losing his composure. At each question asked, Reginald would pause briefly to reflect on his answers, then communicate them calmly and deliberately.

In our conversation, when we explored somewhat philosophical inquiries like the essence of success and the objectives that give life meaning, Reginald humbly yet honestly shared his perspective. "Even if you don't possess much, you can still choose to be content and grateful. It's more of a choice than the circumstance. It could be that misery is often rooted in the craving for so much more than you need, in greed."

Interview by Abigail Chung

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Part 1: Reginald at ARS / Global Emergency Management

Abigail (Ab): Briefly introduce yourself: What your role is at ARS/Global Emergency Management (abbreviated as ARSGEM going forward) and how long you've been at ARSGEM.

Reginald (Re): I am an Accounts Payable Administrator since last January. It's been about 7 months since I joined the company.

Ab: What are some unique parts of your role at ARSGEM?

Re: It's about finding the balance between being strict and flexible. In the world of accounting, getting the rules right is essential. Yet, there are moments when you come across situations that require a touch of flexibility (while still staying within the rulebook) to cater to the stakeholders' needs.

Ab: How does teamwork play in your job?

Re: You might believe that working in accounting means going at it alone, but that's not true at all. Without a doubt, teamwork plays a crucial part in my job. My main duty involves making sure we handle invoices from vendors the right way so we can pay them on time for all the different projects we're tackling. Since I'm dealing with invoices from different projects, I have to team up with Project Managers and Assistants on different tasks. This includes making sure the invoice is really for us or checking all the papers that come with it before making payments. I don't have all the details about the projects, so whenever I'm unsure about something, I ask our Project Managers and Assistants. When we talk and share what we know, I often get to see things from their side, which gives me new ideas and ways of looking at things.

Ab: That was actually exactly my assumption that accounting work would be highly intrapersonal, rather than interpersonal. Among the many different components, which one do you consider the most vital for achieving a high level of teamwork?

Re: Communication skills. It means you can listen and deliver your points effectively. This is essential in building rapport with your coworkers. When you and your team share a common understanding and respect, your job flows without unnecessary hitch.

Ab: I believe this is the first company you have worked for since you came to Canada. Was there something that surprised you since you worked for ARSGEM?

Re: Yes, you're right that this is my first job here in Canada. I landed here in December of last year, so it has not been a year yet. I appreciate that as a family-owned company, family values are largely reflected in the work environment here. In the Philippines, the country I am originally from, family is a huge thing in our culture. I am grateful that in our company employees are not treated just as 'employees' but as valued members of a big family.

Part 2: Reginald and His Philosophy

Ab: So you said you came to Canada last year. What made you come here?

Re: Before I made my way to Canada, my gig was in Dubai, working as an accountant for a big company in the energy, oil & gas industry. They had all these sub-companies under their wing and I was the number cruncher for a total of 6 different companies. For the 7 years working there, during busy seasons, there were several days when I wrapped up one marathon number session past midnight only to start another bright and early the next day. The other big reason for coming to Canada was the permanency. In Dubai, there is no such thing as permanent residency, and becoming a citizen there is next to impossible. I wanted to live in a country where foreign workers can get a permanent status within a reasonable time frame and work-life balance is respected more.

Ab: Did you have any family members in Canada to influence your coming here?

Re: Yes, I have some extended family members here. My parents are in the Philippines but they will come to Canada to visit me next year. I can't wait!

Ab: You said earlier that 'family' and 'family values' mean a lot to you. Do they influence your philosophy when it comes to having your own definition of success?

Re: Definitely. Success or leading a successful life means something different to each person. For me, it's about finding happiness, feeling satisfied, and having inner peace. Climbing the social ladder or raking in a fortune doesn't hold much weight for me, because my happiness mainly comes from the people I cherish. What matters most is being there for my family and friends. I would like to always keep some flexibility in my schedule to be with them during important milestones in their lives, or simply whenever they need me.

Ab: Give me some visuals here. Let's imagine a perfect day. What does it look like to you?

Re: (After a long pause) In the morning, when I wake up, I would like to have a hearty breakfast with my family. Then I would work because I love my job. The work shouldn't be too long because it will only end up ineffective and unproductive in the end. After work, I would like to spend relaxed time with my family and friends, possibly going for a long walk with them.

Ab: Why walking? Do you like walking?

Re: Yes, in fact, walking/trekking/hiking is my most favourite physical activity. I've already completed walking quite some lengthy trails in Toronto, including one from Old Mill Station to Hwy 401 and Lawrence to Riverdale Park East. In fact, I shredded off 10kg of weight I had gained during the Covid lockdown by walking.

Ab: How would you like to spend your vacation?

Re: I would travel to a foreign country. I absolutely love travel, and so far, I have visited about 14 countries already including Georgia, Turkey, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. When I visit a new country, I always join a walking tour because it is a great way to find hidden gems only locals would know. There are many free ones, so I absolutely recommend anyone to try it out.

Ab: What's the city or country you want to visit next time?

Re: Amsterdam.

Ab: If you had to start a new career path, completely unrelated to your current field, what would it be and why?

Re: I would be a pilot. It was my childhood dream. I was not able to keep pursuing it because it was too expensive.

Ab: What kind of pilot? A fighter pilot like Maverick from the movie Top Gun or a commercial airplane pilot?

Re: A commercial airplane pilot. I don't like fighting so a commercial airplane is good enough for me.

Ab: This is a topic on the far-off future, but what legacy would you like to leave behind after you pass away?

Re: I would like to pass on kindness. For me, kindness shares a deep connection with compassion. Navigating through life's various obstacles and trials, we all need compassion. It's remarkable how a simple act of kindness can directly save someone's life in many instances.

Part 3: Fireball Questions

Ab: What's the best purchase under $100 you've made in the last few months?

Re: I was able to buy some decent clothing only for $10 each at a local store. It was absolutely a great deal and I loved all the purchases I made.

Ab: Favourite ice cream flavour?

Re: Cookies n' Cream.

Ab: Favourite singer(s)?

Re: Right now, Bruno Major, Kodaline & The Lumineers.

Ab: Favourite type of dish?

Re: Anything with beef.

Ab: If you can live anywhere, whether realistic or fictitious, where is it?

Re: Switzerland. I am dreaming of retiring there!

Ab: What's something you're grateful for today?

Re: I am always grateful to be alive and well!