I do not use the word "great" loosely when describing Tante. Observe the fellow as he conducts his business. He is the "Queen Bee" that buzzes about, the magnet that pulls many a high-brow customers to buy Vivian Tam dresses, Anne Klein pumps, Kate Spade slip-ons and Rafe’ Totengco bags by the dozen. Tante is a constant positive energy; his eyes sparkle and his voice is effusive with emotion. He is totally in tune with his clients; his pulse is right on the money with regards to what sells and what languishes; he is one of those lucky few who absolutely loves his job–and this has paid off for both the Ocampos and Flores in spades!
"I started out in 1990 as a sales clerk for Sari-Sari," relates Tante. "I was such a naïve person then. Madali akong matakot! I knew that it was an entry level position but I told myself that I would be the best sales clerk there was and guess what? I was!"
Clearly devoted to his bosses, it took only a few months for the young Flores to go up the Sari-Sari ladder. In 1995, fate led him to manage MIX, the upscale shop that deals exclusively with foreign labels. "At first Sir Ricco and Ma’am Tina expected me to have similar characteristics as our clients–reserved, English-speaking and sophisticated. Pero that was not possible with me! Hayan! Eventually they were resigned to the fact na as I am, nabebenta ko ang mga damit. Happy naman sila!" says Tante.
A true lover of style, Tante considers his boss Tina Maristela-Ocampo a great fashion inspiration. Also among the list of women he admires are actresses Julia Roberts, Wynona Ryder and the late Princess Diana.
"I really love my job so much that if I am not able to take care of my customers myself, na de-depress ako sa gabi," he recounts. "Kung minsan, a loyal customer goes to the store and I am not present, someone else handles her and I feel bad that I was not there for that lady when she needed me."
In between photo takes, a young socialite enters the store and I lose Tante for what seems to be forever. With a customer base that spans a range between 16 to 60 year olds, it is amazing how Tante intuitively reads each client’s predilection. In fluid movements he passes each rack and picks up a camisole, a vintage dress, a chiffon blouse and several black gauze pieces and offers it to her. Right on the money! After selecting other items, Tante and the lady edit the collection and arrive at their final choices. A virtuoso performance by the conductor of fashion retail with a blaring cash register ring as a grand finale!
It has been a long, steady climb for Tante. Most cherished in his heart is the fact that through his difficult journey his parents are now very proud of him and that his numerous nephews and nieces love him deeply.
As a group of young teenagers enter the grand door of the shop’s entrance, Tante quickly rises to entertain them. He returns and leaves me with a kiss and parting words: "All I have to offer my clients is my sincerity in giving them the best service possible," reiterates Flores. "I consider myself very lucky. God has been good to me. He made me a part of MIX, a part of something that I truly care about. Not many people are fortunate enough to have a job they love."
Amen to that!