Accountant extraordinaire

Superb is quite an understatement to describe Mario Marcelino, the co-founder and outgoing president of Marianas Institute of Filipino CPAs and Accountants. Mar has never failed to wow his fellow MIFICPAns, from the way he exudes professionalism in his work, to his tasteful choice of wardrobe and hairstyle, and to the way he showers love to his family. Mar has virtually become the MIFICPA’s “Accounting Idol.”

As the organization celebrated yesterday its 11th year of existence, the members warmly recount Mar’s relentless efforts to bond the group together and infuse vitality to its programs that resulted in an outpouring of voluntary services and various expressions of support. On an individual level, MIFICPA’s programs during Mar’s term, coupled with his presence, have inspired each accountant member to continue perfecting his or her craft and be an icon of a world-class Filipino professional.

Born in Valenzuela City, Philippines, his parents may have wanted their child to sparkle in the crowd, the reason why they gave him a name that rhymes. And he did sparkle, being a consistent honor student and University Scholar, to finally graduate among the top 10 percent of his batch at the University of the East. He graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration, major in Accounting. Immediately after, he passed the Philippine CPA board exam and later the US CPA examinations. He began his accounting career in a multinational company (then Price Waterhouse – Philippines) at the Makati Business District. In 1991, he moved to Saipan and landed plum positions with reputable companies like Construction and Material Supply, Inc, and Micronesian Telecommunications Corporation. He received Achievement Awards from MTC for Successful Completion of Audit and a group achievement award for participating in improving MTC’s accounting processes and internal controls.

In 1998, he moved to Guam as Purchasing and Inventory Control Manager for Micronesian Brokers Inc. New York was his next destination, taking the controllership position for Lanscot-Arlen Fabrics, Inc. and was later offered a higher position as Operations Manager of New York-based Remark Apparel Group Inc. At present, Mar is back on Saipan for a short stint as Accounting Manager for Micronesian Brokers Inc.

As an accountant and a manager, he is described as a good leader and communicator, details-oriented, analytical, problem solver, able to multi-task effectively, a fast learner, and results-oriented.

Attesting to Mar’s leadership and personal prowess are none other than the ones who know him best—the MIFICPAns:

* Organized – he sees to it that he knows how to find things.

* He lays out before you a detailed step-by-step plan so that you would know how to finish the task.

* He makes life easier. He helps you and is very supportive.

* He doesn’t get stuck with traditions and outdated systems. He wants us to be always updated and abreast with the latest accounting systems and anything out there that we can use. He is all these plus fashionista pa! (fashionable)

* Fighter – he defends what he knows is right.
He has determination to achieve the goal whatever it might cost him.

* Everything he does really stands out. Grabe!

It was on Sept. 7, 1994, at the 2nd Floor of D’Elegance Cafe’ in Garapan, when Mar, along with 14 enterprising Filipino accountants, first met to commit themselves to forming an association to address the various professional problems confronting Filipino accountants in the CNMI. A month after, the articles of incorporation and by-laws were drafted. The stated objectives of MIFICPA are: (1) to enhance the professional skills and efficiency of its members; (2) to provide opportunities for Filipino CPAs and non-CPAs alike to become US CPAs; (3) promotion of brotherhood among the members; and (4) the constructive discussion of the different problems facing the profession.

After another month, the first general assembly was called at Cafe’ Manila in San Jose. In March 1996, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) recognized MIFICPA as the 7th foreign affiliate, thus, giving authority to the association to accept applications and fees for renewal of PICPA membership and professional license in the Philippines for Filipino CPAs.

Today, MIFICPA continuously pursues its goal of excellence as it provides quality services to all business establishments on Saipan and, at the same time, reaches out to all accountants in the CNMI.

The memory of co-founding the MIFCPA touches a soft spot in Mar’s heart, not just because of the association’s outstanding achievements but also due to of its members who have become dear to him. Chief of them is the lovely Racielyn Arzadon, a fellow accountant whom Mar first met in a MIFCPA affair and who later became his wife. They are blessed with two children, Marinel (9) and Mark (7).

To Mar, his family comes first above work and career. If he has a choice, he prefers to be at home with his family watching movies on DVD. Aside from his dream to see his children grow up and be successful, he also hopes to establish his own business. He would jokingly say that he wants to penetrate the showbiz world someday. Unknown to many, Mar has a namesake in Hollywood. The other Mario Marcelino is a Mexican actor who first appeared in the ‘80s in some TV programs like Knight Rider, Falcon Crest, and ER. Recently he was among the cast of Star Trek 3.

The MIFICPA anniversary celebration yesterday was Mar’s last night with the group since he is to leave Saipan today. He and his family are due to migrate to Canada. His departure date could have been earlier but he chose to stay a bit longer to be present in the celebration.

To make the event special and memorable for each one, Mar single-handedly solicited most of the door prizes. As much as possible, he wants that after the party everyone will carry something home. It is indeed very characteristic of him to be kind and generous until the very last day. However, he can rest in the fact that even without a tangible prize in their hand, tucked in the heart of every MIFICPAn is Mar’s intangible and lasting gift of love. Goodbye, Mar, and God bless you. You will surely be missed.