To some of us in Trinity University of Asia (TUA), his winsome face may look familiar and his name may ring a bell. Well, you guys are not mistaken because our new Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Director is a true-blooded Trinitian and was part of our institution way back in the 1990s.Dashing debonair “Robby”, as his friends and relatives fondly call him, is one of TUA’s additions in the family who undeniably has a fascinating and noteworthy personality. His blissful family life, good academic credentials, challenging stints with reputable companies and academic institutions, and exposure in a wide array of fields, coupled with memories of a challenging childhood, has molded him into a notable chap that he is today – successful yet humble despite his numerous achievements in life, seasoned yet eager to explore new challenges, and dedicated yet cool to listen and laugh at one’s amusing tales.
Rosauro Manuel is the second in a brood of five. Born in December 1, 1961, his parents brought him up in Quezon City together with his siblings. His fondest recollection of his juvenile days was when he started selling newspapers in La Loma at the age of ten. From a humble newspaper boy, much to the surprise of his parents, he later became the distributor of newspapers in the La Loma area when he was just fifteen years old. That experience may be far from what typical boys of his age enjoy but he believes that it has strengthened his character and molded him into a better being.As what Robby’s parents impressed upon him, a person should obtain the right education to succeed in life. He had his primary and secondary schoolings at Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School and Lourdes School of Quezon City, respectively. While taking up a degree at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, his priority was somewhat diverted due to the excitement of facing a new challenge, that of having his first job at a well-known computer firm. However, recognizing the importance of education in the formation of one’s character, he continued pursuing his degree, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, from UP Diliman at Trinity College of Quezon City (TCQC). Once again, he proved that every battle could be won if one would persevere and put his right foot forward. Though he was already married and has three beautiful kids then, and indeed busy as a bee juggling his time between his work, family, and studies, he still managed to consistently land in the Dean’s list. As his career kicked off at SPI Technologies, Inc., he finished his bachelor’s degree with flying colors.
Consequently, Robby’s sheer determination catapulted him to a very successful and rewarding career at SPI Technologies, Inc. The various positions that he held in the said firm and his exposures on technically related activities like programming, systems development, and project development, among others, broadened his knowledge in the field of Information Technology (IT) and prompted him to fully embrace his profession. His efforts eventually paid off well when he was promoted as the Production Support Services Division Head in the same firm, thus further honing his management skills as he steered five technical departments namely: Software Development, Spec Analysis, Processing, Quality Control, and Statistics & Scheduling.The lure of the academe brought Robby to back to TCQC (now TUA) in 1990. For almost eight years, he shared his knowledge and expertise with his alma mater where he later became the Computer Science (CS) Department Head. He was one of the key persons behind the success of the IT program in the College. Under his tutelage, the CS Department had reached its heyday. As a curriculum expert, he proposed the ladderized program in Computer Science from which our numerous students had benefited. As an educator, he taught different CS subjects with ease and grace must to the admiration of his students. As the thesis coordinator, he encouraged and guided the students in designing and developing systems that he believed would be useful to the College. As the department head, he had a way of motivating his subordinates to excel and give their best in imparting knowledge to the students. These were but some of the credits to his name during his stay in the College.
To explore other avenues, momentarily Robby left his alma mater in the 1998 and focused with his consultancy job at First Magna Corporation, where he was further exposed to the development of technical applications. As he continued working as a consultant in the aforementioned firm, bigger challenges came his way. He was tapped by the Far Eastern University (FEU) – East Asia College (EAC) to hold key administrative positions in 1998. Then, promotions came one after the other. He was appointed as the Management Information Systems (MIS) Director in 1998 until 2005. Then, he concurrently held the positions of Human Resource Director and Facilities Director for three years starting from 2003. After spending some time as director in said offices, he was promoted as the Acting Dean of the College of Computer Studies. Having proven his unwavering dedication and leadership, months after being the MIS Director, his career continued to flourish when he was appointed Registrar and ITE Graduate Program Director from middle of 2005 to 2006. His involvements with FEU-EAC for almost eight years provided him with a broad understanding of ICT and enhanced his management, academic, and technical skills.
Despite Robby’s very busy schedule, he was able to finish his degree in Master of Computer Science at the De La Salle University (DLSU). Currently, he is taking up a doctorate degree in Educational Management at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He also keeps himself updated with the current trends in ICT by attending various seminars and trainings. Moreover, he is affiliated with two national IT organizations: the Philippine Computer Society (PCS) and the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE).
Truly, a wealth of opportunities awaits a dedicated and hardworking person. So, when an opportunity knocked on Robby’s door to work as Project Manager of the Information Technology Services at Lawson PSSC Inc., he grabbed it without an ounce of uncertainty. He saw it was a chance to be more adept at leading edge technologies in ICT. Obviously, lady luck seems to be smiling at him for he had once more made it at Lawson.
Robby would not have gone this far if not for his real inspirations -- his wife and children -- who are with him every step of the way, pouring out their love for him. The all-out support of his loving wife, Bong, and the sweet smiles of his daughters Monica Leigh, Marielle Lois, and Melyssa Lauren invigorate and inspire him.
Apart from his passion for computers, he enjoys playing basketball and chess during his spare time. Just like a typical head of the family, he sees to it that he spends quality time with his loved ones by engaging into sports together like bowling and badminton.
As David McCullough puts it, "Real success is finding your lifework in the work you love." At a time when his services are badly needed in TUA, he finds his way back if only to show his genuine concern and love for her. As a matter of fact, when his family and friends learned of his plans, they wondered why he would give up a high-paying consultancy job in favor of one where remuneration falls short in comparison. But he loves hurdling challenges. Not that he sees the job ahead of him at the university as purely a challenge; what thrilled him in accepting the directorship of ICT and the chairmanship of the CS Department is the vision of TUA President, Dr. Josefina Sumaya, to put up a College of Computing & Information Sciences and establish the university as a Center of IT Excellence. This vision struck him and set his track. From tranquil water, he decided to tread his way to rough yet challenging voyage. As TUA's new ICT Director, Robby is now faced with a bigger challenge of realizing the dream of the University President. Nonetheless, with his kind -- one who eyes his goals seriously and pursues them incessantly -- he is very much capable of steering the wheel towards a successful journey.
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