Sherwin Ople

He does not make promises but keeping one in his heart became a beacon of hope for those he loved the most. Never did it cross Sherwin's mind that one day, he will be able to keep that promise to his younger brothers and sisters.

Sherwin belongs to a brood of 10 to a housewife and a janitor in Tawason. That is why it was not easy for him to get through his schooling. He worked as a helper in an eatery owned by his aunt just to get by when he was accepted in CITE. His parttime job supported his meal and transportation allowance. In 2004, he graduated in Electronics Technology and secured a job at Functional Inc. where he had his in-plant training.

Sherwin worked as a service technician for banking equipment, platter machine, photocopier, and money counter which Functional Inc. distributes and services.

Apart from good salary and commissions, what else made Sherwin stick to the job for five years?

"I was challenged with (the nature) of my work. Everyday I meet different work problems and troubles (with regard to the products) and talk to people who are bank managers and supervisors," he said.

Among Sherwin's service clients are all Cebu branches of Banco de Oro, China Bank, SM money counters, UCPB, and Tsuneishi Technical Services, Inc. He also frequents in Ilo-ilo, Bacolod, and Davao since Functional Inc. covers the Vismin areas.

Sherwin is supporting two of his siblings in college. One is taking up Nursing and the other one is taking up Education. Both are twins and are now on their third year at the University of Cebu.

"It pays off. It was not a plan to help them get through college, but I realized that I wanted them to have a good future," Sherwin proudly said.

The joy it brings him seemed inexplicable that he looks forward to every single day in his work. In the near future, he wanted to pursue an engineering course and put up an internet cafe for business.

"I believe that if you are responsible, you can achieve whatever dreams you have," he revealed.

Sherwin can be contacted through his e-mail address: bhadz43@yahoo.com.