Peak Support Q&A: Ira Tejada

Ira is Peak Support’s Director of Finance and Accounting. And that isn’t surprising as she’s always been fascinated by numbers and Math was even her favorite school subject. Ira likes the color black because according to her, it is the color of her life – a summation of all the joys and sorrows, and love and aches. The one chore that she does well is vacuum cleaning. Her desk can be messy, but her floor should always be spotless. She is and will forever be a fan of the band Simple Plan. If she could stay anywhere for free for a month, it would be in Siargao – a top surfing destination in the Philippines. Ira might be a leader, a perfectionist, an adventurer, and calculated risk taker, but most people don’t know that she cries easily. Read on to get to know Ira a better.

What are you most looking forward to this 2023?

My child’s first day in primary school. I think a lot of parents can relate why this event is a milestone.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions for 2023?

My top resolution will be to respond to personal messages as soon as I receive them. I am a horrible reply-er. My friends know that it can take at least a month before I respond to a how are you question, then once they respond, it will take another month for me to message back.

Who’s somebody that you can talk to all day and not get bored?

My son. In a talking contest, you will likely concede to him, that is how talkative yet engaging he is. I am always fascinated by how his small brain contains different kinds of information at the same time and still be ready to take in more. Because of this fascination, I can easily trade any day just to spend time talking to him.

What food were you forced to eat out of politeness?

This is an easy one. I can eat anything edible and pretend that I like it. Thank you to my love for serving me anything spicy that I think I might’ve already burned some of my other taste buds.

Can you perform any magic tricks?

If being a mother, partner, daughter, sibling, law student, and a happy Peak Support team member all at the same time can be considered a magic trick, then that is my entry for this question. Otherwise, none.

How often do you stay in touch with high school friends?

Once a year? And usually during holidays only. I used to be someone who’s actively social and present. However, when I decided to have a child and start law school while keeping a full-time job, I decided to prioritize. I shut down my social media accounts, I categorized my friends and kept active towards those who are truly in my circle.

If you could describe your hometown in just one word, what would it be?

Bukidnon for me is HOME. My heart still yearns for my Mama’s homecooked meals, Papa’s steaks and sashimi, Sunday brunches, and the cold breeze that hugs me all day. I’ll never get used to the concrete jungle that is Manila even if I’ve lived here for eight years now. Don’t get me wrong, I am where I want to be, but my hometown will always have my heart.

Do you think you’re a better talker than a listener?

I can be both depending on the situation. Whenever someone engages, I tend to assess first the purpose of the engagement by listening to the person or asking leading questions. After I get a sense of why I was engaged, I then warp into attentively listening or graciously sharing. In every conversation, I put value in understanding because I believe that it is only when you truly understand the speaker that a conversation can be meaningful and synergistic.

What is the most heartwarming thing anyone has ever said to you?

“Give me time.” Whenever someone gives me their time unselfishly, I feel special and loved. Time for me is the greatest currency and it is the most expensive thing that I can give and receive.

Your top tips on how to take care of one’s finances.

1. Assess what your goals are. Remember that you save to spend. So know first what you want to spend your hard earned money on.
2. Plan on how to get there. You must have a practical and attainable plan as to what portion of your income you deposit in a bank and never touch.
3. Save by sticking to your plan. That’s why it is important that your plan is practical and attainable. Impractical and unattainable plans will lead to more spending and less savings.
4. Spend. You’ve earned it

Do you prefer to deal with your emotions alone?

Yes. I am a cry-baby. I’ve learned to control my emotions and deal with them alone.

What was the last thing that made you laugh so hard?

I cannot remember because I laugh a lot. I am so easy to amuse and please. I am at the stage where I don’t want to complicate life, so if something is funny, I laugh.

Do you post videos of yourself doing a trending social media dances?

My social media life is intentionally boring. Aside from being a busy woman, I figured that the less I post in cyberspace, the less people can use to hurt me and my family.

When was the last time you wore a gown?

February 2022, at one of my best friend’s wedding. I flew to the south just to attend the wedding on a weekday.

What sport are you a big fan of?

None. I used to play volleyball and softball during my primary school years and badminton during my secondary school years. My family loves basketball, but I just sit in the corner and read a book. Can reading become a sport please?

Check out our previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Patricia Panibio

Peak Support Q&A: Jacob Cheshier

Peak Support Q&A: Sam Pacunla

Peak Support Q&A: Jesse Elgene

Peak Support Q&A: Trixie Martirez

Peak Support Q&A: Brenda Poquette

Peak Support Q&A: Jack Bolden

Peak Support Q&A: Jose Arenas

Peak Support Q&A: Dianne Guansing

Peak Support Q&A: Christian Lou Manguiat

Peak Support Q&A: Shiela May Ordaniel

Peak Support Q&A: Monica Isidro

Peak Support Q&A: Edmund Perez

Peak Support Q&A: Cez Jaucian

Peak Support Q&A: Al James Abalos

Peak Support Q&A: Autumn Heard

Peak Support Q&A: Marlou Abalona

Peak Support Q&A: Lana Charlton

Peak Support Q&A: Aimee Fermo

Peak Support Q&A: Daniel Gutierrez

Peak Support Q&A: Alyssa Hedrick

Peak Support Q&A: Mari Lou Nina Pineza

Peak Support Q&A: Jim Ray Gacita

Peak Support Q&A: Maria Cecilia Acido

Peak Support Q&A: Manuel Co Jr.

Peak Support Q&A: Bianca Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Shirleen Telis

Peak Support Q&A: Roland Allan Papa

Peak Support Q&A: Marichel Natividad

Peak Support Q&A: Hannah Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Carlos Cornista

Peak Support Q&A: Francis Eronico

Peak Support Q&A: Raezalaine Tayag

Peak Support Q&A: Bryan Rosario

Peak Support Q&A: Patrick Pilares

Peak Support Q&A: Honey Faith Belnas

Peak Support Q&A: Jonathan Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

Peak Support Q&A: Kevin Calatrava

Peak Support Q&A: Leizl Joy Yee

Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

Peak Support Q&A: Kaci Barker

Peak Support Q&A: George Tillotson

Peak Support Q&A: Mark Pabriaga

Peak Support Q&A: Iar Indus

Peak Support Q&A: Mimi Abelarde

Illustration by Justin Teh