‘Excellence is about our collective effort’: The winners of Globe Excellence Awards 2024

This year’s Globe Excellence Awards was held on August 22, 2024, spotlighting the hard work that keeps Globe an industry leader. 

Across all awardees, it is clear that strong collaboration and relentless service to customers are what lead to great business results. In the words of Gerhard Tan, who was awarded the Volunteerism Legacy Award, “A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple.”

Meet this year’s GEA winners and read their acceptance speeches below. 

The speeches were edited for length and clarity.

Cyril Vinz Bana, Globe Employee of the Year

Office of Strategy Management and Customer Experience, Globe Telecom

From spearheading the launch of the Territory Program to achieving remarkable growth for the business, Cyril has led Globe to even greater success. His dedication to collaboration, innovative strategies, and commitment to customer experience bring our organization’s core values to life.

I'm truly grateful just to be here, and even more so to receive the Globe Employee of the Year Award. Reflecting on this honor, I questioned the meaning of excellence. Is it simply being the smartest? I'm sure there are others more deserving. When I joined the company, I had to resubmit assignments to Bianca more than ten times. So, if excellence is solely about being the smartest, I wouldn't be here.

Excellence might involve making few mistakes or always having the answers, but I wouldn't be here if that were the case. Three years ago, presenting to KK about the Omni Channel Vendor RFP, I realized the best answer sometimes isn't among the options. 

True excellence, in my opinion, isn't about individual achievements. It's about bringing people together for a common goal. I stand here with hundreds of colleagues, partners, and teammates. Excellence is about our collective effort, accomplishing things together for our customers, community, and company. It's about lifting each other up, especially during challenging times. I'm fortunate to work with incredible people who inspire and challenge me daily. While I may not be the best, I'm here because of the privilege of working with the best.

Excellence is about our collective effort, accomplishing things together for our customers, community, and company. It's about lifting each other up, especially during challenging times.

Thank you Globe for this recognition. To my mentors, Miss Connie and Miss Beck, my deepest gratitude. To my mom, my guardian angel, I wish you could share this with me.

Let's continue to look beyond ourselves and create meaningful value for our customers and for one another. Thank you and good night.

Walter Ricarte, Excellence in Leadership

Finance and Administration, Globe Telecom

In 2023, Walter demonstrated exceptional financial leadership by seamlessly integrating finance with Credit, Billing, and Procurement, and driving the Cost Transformation program to achieve impressive savings of Php 9.2B. He nailed CAPEX management, boosted collections, and slashed fraud exposure to record lows. Plus, he’s all about sustainability and digital innovation – think EV shuttles and AI chatbots for better efficiency. Walter’s strategic, adaptable, and super chill, making him the perfect leader who inspires with integrity and smarts.

Every year, I attend this awards night. I’m always seated somewhere there, minsan sa likod o sa gitna. I’m excitedly cheering for my colleagues and teammates, my friends. But tonight, I am here, and I must say, ang sarap ng feeling when you’re on the stage.

I’m truly grateful and honored to be here on stage to accept this award. This is incredibly meaningful to me. But I’m more grateful for the incredible people who I had the opportunity to work with. To my team – they’re on watching on Workplace Live and YouTube – you are my real heroes. Your unwavering support, dedication, and hard work made all this possible. 

The true measure of leadership is not based on what we have achieved, but how we touch the lives of the people we lead.

To my co-nominees, I also share this award with you. I know we’re all deserving of this. To my leaders, my boss, my colleagues, thank you for always believing in me and giving me the chance to shine. And of course I’d like to thank my family. My wife is with me for the first time. You know they are my source of strength and encouragement. They never get tired of listening to all my stories, even the boring stuff I do in the office. This is all for you.

More importantly, I’d like to mention that it’s not possible to be here without the grace and wisdom of our Lord God. It allows me to lead with compassion. As I accept this award, I encourage each of you to continue to strive to be better and kinder everyday. The true measure of leadership is not based on what we have achieved, but how we touch the lives of the people we lead. So thank you for this award. It’s truly an honor for me. 

Next Best Offer, Outstanding Achievement in Innovation - Commercialized

Terence Gocheco, Ria Roldan, Nina Telan, Emilie Ann Martin, and Patrick Justin Tanbonliong, Feel Valued Tribe, Marketing, Globe Telecom

In 2023, Globe dropped Next Best Offer (NBO), an AI-powered game-changer that took their marketing from basic to brilliant. Instead of old-school rules-based offers, NBO uses machine learning to dish out personalized deals in real-time, recognizing each customer’s unique needs. Globe’s squad built NBO from scratch, using over 300 attributes to tailor 50 promos. It resulted in a massive 304% boost in keeping churned customers and a 317% jump in upsells, with NBO raking in Php 253M in just Q4 2023 alone.

We dared to dream big. We imagined that we can train AI to augment in the creation of personalized marketing offers. So we, as a team, ideated, developed, and created Next Best Offer.

This award isn’t just for the five of us. So to everyone who played a role in making NBO a reality, from the CLM campaign squads, the capability squads, the analytics experts – thank you and congratulations. This is our win. We made NBO happen together.

We aspire to bring Globe to the next level of personalization and the next best customer experience.

Special thanks to Will Sarmienton and Bianca Wong – your unwavering support and belief in us that we can build it within Globe in-house from the ground up. For being an advocate of the idea that AI and NBO are the way to achieve personalization at scale, and for being the spotlight on the successes of NBO. 

This is just a start for us. Feel Valued Tribe advocates for customer loyalty, and we aspire to champion customer loyalty for Globe. We aspire to bring Globe to the next level of personalization and the next best customer experience. Thank you Globe for this incredible honor. – Terence Gocheco

PAWER App, Outstanding Achievement in Innovation - Non-Commercialized

Holy Allison Cabauatan, Michael Sandil, Liheart Gabatanga, Steven Jeffray Bibe, and Ryan Dy, Network Technical, Operations Systems Support, Business Relationship Management, Globe Telecom

PAWER is the new in-house app that levels up how Customer Field Services Technicians handle Broadband installs and repairs. Building on the old HANDYMAN tool, PAWER packs a punch with real-time updates, network status, and an upsell portal – all at zero cost. Launched in April 2023, it’s slashing manual tasks, cutting truck roll costs, and speeding up diagnostics, all while helping techs boost revenue with plan upgrades. The return on investment is substantial, with a projected Php 308M in cost avoidance by 2025.

Close to two decades ago, when GEA used to be called AGA or Annual Globe Awards, me and three other daring Operations Engineers were seated at the farthest corner as one of the five finalists in a similar category. We were seated but only armed with the regional pride over an idea that we turned into reality.

But truth be told, we didn’t win. So I’ll be the one to tell you tonight that it is truly humbling to be standing here, accepting this award, this time with another band of daring people who believed in an idea. Your amazing PAWER App team: Steven, Holy, Winnie, who’s not with us here anymore, Liheart, and Ryan, including Rolly. 

We’re thrilled that our efforts have paid off not just for CFS and network digitalization but ultimately for our customers. We’re grateful for the trust our bosses and our proponent have placed in us. Sir Dennis Abella, for your constant encouragement and support, and a very special mention to Sir Niles Hawser whom we must credit for cultivating this idea with us during his term. 

As Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Even if it takes two decades, just keep innovating.

Big thanks to this incredible team. Your hard work and expertise made PAWER App a reality. In fact, we just added two milestones this past 2 weeks: the support for the Nokia and Fiber Home. It is truly an honor working alongside each one of you. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to the GEA award-giving body for recognizing the impact of our app. Your support means the world to us. 

Now, as we celebrate this achievement, let's not forget that success is not a destination. It is a continuous journey. And as Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Even if it takes two decades, just keep innovating. Thank God for His blessings and guidance in making all of this possible. Naalala ko tuloy kanina yung cheer namin. “Manalo, matalo, uuwi kami.” But we will definitely go home this time filled with a lot of pride. We're going home to Cebu tomorrow. So kaninyong tanan, daghang kaayong salamat. Cheers. – Michael Sandil

Territory Program, Exemplary Collaboration Award

Commercial, Network, Mobile, Globe Telecom 

In June 2023, Globe kicked off the Territory Program, breaking down the Philippines into eight zones with cross-functional teams acting like local mini-Globe HQs. This new setup boosted teamwork and collaboration, making a big splash in revenue and customer satisfaction. Revenue jumped by PHP 1.5B, network issues dropped from 28% to 18.4%, and collaboration NPS skyrocketed from 44.58 to 63.07, showing how well this Better and Kinder approach is paying off.

Good evening everyone. I am Nice La Frades, the OSM partner for Territory 7. I share everyone’s feelings of happiness, immense gratitude, and deep humility as we accept this wonderful recognition on behalf of the entire Territory team spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

The territory set-up has truly been a game-changer for all of us. It has brought all of us together. If you look closely at each one here on stage, we are composed of people from different groups. We have NTG, CMG, CVO, OSMCX, and all the other partners we have been working with towards a collective goal. With that, we have been attuned to the unique needs of each of our areas, allowing us to be more agile and more responsive. And of course, within us, the territory setup has ignited a renewed sense of passion and commitment to what we do here in Globe.

We have been attuned to the unique needs of each of our areas, allowing us to be more agile and more responsive.

With this recognition, we are inspired to be better and kinder and to deliver the best service possible for our customers. From Territory 1 to Territory 8, kami po ay patuloy na tatayo at tataya. To God be the glory.

Project Hopia, Outstanding Achievement in Wonderful Service - Group

Luigi Aimes Tan, Max Casaclang, Anna Brebante, Regina Angeli Canlas, and Mellie Rose Valimento, Marketing Communications, Globe Telecom

Project Hopia was a game-changer for TM, revamping the brand with a fresh campaign that celebrated Filipino joy, stability, and teamwork. The standout anthem “Team Tayo” by The Juans and SB19 turned heads, leading to TM's highest-ever monthly revenues and snagging the Gold Anvil Award. This campaign not only boosted daily top-ups and digital engagement but also set a new bar for in-house creativity and brand impact.

Project Hopia was born out of love for our customers, and nothing would be possible if not for the collaboration of the different teams across Globe.

First, we'd like to thank our marketing leads and all of our leaders. Thank you for believing in us and trusting that your in-house marketing team can deliver a campaign that will resonate with our customers. We'd like to thank all of the teams we have worked with: this is never going to be possible without the TM Business Unit headed by Darius, Bea, Eric, Maui, Kim, and all of the members of that wonderful team. Hindi po talaga ito magiging posible without you and all of the tough conversations we've had in our meetings. They were all worth it. Thank you so much to the MSH team and to Corp Comm.

The most memorable campaigns are the ones that were most challenging. And totoo. From Anvil to the Globe Excellence Awards, we made our customers hope with Project Hopia.

When we were doing the campaign and we were faced with a lot of challenges, I recall what Crisela told us. The most memorable campaigns are the ones that were most challenging. And totoo. From Anvil to the Globe Excellence Awards, we made our customers hope with Project Hopia. Hopia like it! – Luigi Aimes Tan

Claudine Villanueva, Outstanding Achievement in Wonderful Service

B2B, Globe Telecom

Claudine is an Account Manager for Hyper Scalers, managing big accounts like Google and Netflix. She went beyond her role when Google wanted to establish a landing station in the Philippines. Claudine created a solid business case, convinced Google, and managed the project for three years, resulting in a P200M revenue boost for Globe in 2023. Google commended her dedication, and she continues to excel with projects like Starlink, earning clients' trust and respect.

I am deeply honored to be recognized and to receive this award tonight. It stands as a testament not just for my hard work but to the collective efforts of my amazing and incredible B2B team, Miss KD, Sir Cocoy, Miss Jane, especially Kei Superable, and our NTG partners. Their commitment and support are a real driving force behind our success. I'm also grateful to my clients for their trust and collaboration. This is inspiring because they really trusted us. 

When we work with heart and integrity, we don't just achieve great things but we uplift those around us.

Lastly, I want to dedicate this award to everyone who's striving to make a difference. When we work with heart and integrity, we don't just achieve great things but we uplift those around us. Once again, thank you for this incredible honor and I'm deeply grateful.

Adopt-A-Kid, Outstanding Achievement in Volunteerism - Group

Ged Gutierrez, Dexter Manreza, May Samher Suaiso, Marisol Apsay, and Josephine Duque, Acquiro under Asticom Group of Companies

Volunteers support underprivileged kids in five San Mateo, Rizal communities, self-funding the efforts and providing clothes, food, and toys. Their Adopt-A-Kid initiative also aids 1,000 kids and 300 PWDs and seniors. The kids' artwork is auctioned to Acquiro staff, raising an estimated ₱39,000 for the communities. Volunteers visit the communities annually and maintain regular contact year-round. This initiative started in 2020, driven by strong commitment to making a difference despite pandemic challenges.

We are incredibly grateful tonight. First, we want to thank God for His blessings and of course GEA for this wonderful recognition. Thank you to our Asticom family and our amazing volunteerism team here. And of course a special thank you to our lovely lady somewhere at table five – Boss Kai and the Mancom team for their endless support. Thank you to our families as well for the love and support. 

Our Adopt-A-Kid initiative is more than just raising money. When we started, some might have thought these children, who have Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other challenges, were to be pitied. But spending time with them, na-realize namin na they don't need our pity. They showed us what real strength looks like. Through our art sessions, these kids have found a way to express themselves. Painting isn’t just fun for them, it's actually therapy. It helps them share their feelings and show us the world through their eyes. 

it's not just about charity, it's about recognizing that we are all connected and everyone deserves a chance to shine.

As humans, we have a duty to help and uplift those like them. So it's not just about charity, it's about recognizing that we are all connected and everyone deserves a chance to shine. Mayro'n lang akong kwento. Bago kami umalis, sabi ng isang bata, “Kuya, babalik kayo ha? Maghihintay kami.” Those words hit deep. These kids, so pure and full of hope, are waiting for us. Waiting for the love, care, and connection that we can offer. They don't have much but they hold on to that hope with everything they have. We can’t let them down – they remind us why we do this and why we must continue. Thank you everyone. Let's continue working together to spread love, compassion, and kindness.

Gerhard Tan, Volunteerism Legacy Award

Network Technical, Globe Telecom

Gerhard is a community service legend, passionately involved in multiple organizations like Globe Telecom, PTC-YES, and Engineers Without Borders. He's led impactful projects like the ShareDUGO blood drive, raised 1,128 bags since 2017, and co-organized "Each Juan, Teach Juan," providing WiFi kits for online learning during the pandemic. Gerhard's Project KALINGA includes disaster preparedness, feeding programs, and community gift-giving. He also launched "One Billion Trees for One ASEAN Community," aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. His unparalleled dedication makes a massive difference in countless lives and the environment.

I didn't expect that there would be a Legacy Award, but thank you very much for recognizing my effort and my team's effort in propelling the Good Shepherd attitude and creating a Globe of Good for everyone.

A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple.

As I always say to my team and other engineers who are part of our organization, a simple act of caring creates an endless ripple. This always emanates and inspires other engineers and non-engineers who are helping me and helping my team propel Globe of Good. Thank you very much for this award, from the bottom of my heart. This will always be a legacy I will leave. 

Mai Ventura, Outstanding Achievement in Volunteerism

Information Services, Globe Telecom

Since 2006, Mai has been highly involved with the Gawad Kalinga Payatas community, starting by organizing weekend activities for kids. By July 2009, she turned these sessions into the Payatas Molave Sibol School. Now, over 300 kids have graduated, and the first batch is in their 3rd year of college. Even during the pandemic, Mai and her team ensured the kids continued learning. Despite a gap year, Sibol School is back in action, still driven by Mai's dedication and support for the community.

When my good friend MC Heneral surprised me with a nomination, while I appreciated the gesture and really believed in the advocacy, my thought then was, “But I'm not doing rocket science here.” 

It's so funny that we are so accustomed to thinking it takes blood, sweat, tears, torment, and despair before we feel success when it comes. While we did meet challenges in the 15 years of the Sibol School, I realized this to be true. Everything we do with love never feels difficult. 

I share this award with my fellow finalists. May we continue to pursue these that inspire us to be the best version of ourselves. Let's all volunteer in each other's volunteer activities. I share this with my friends, family, even random acquaintances who have heard about the Sibol School and have shared their time, talent, and treasure. It is through them that we continue year in, year out. 

Everything we do with love never feels difficult. 

I share this with the Payatas Molave community who have welcomed Teacher Mai working with them all these years. One of them is my plus-one tonight, Ate Regie. She is my loyal sidekick and is one of the nanays of the first batch of the Sibol graduates in 2010. Salamat po ate Regie. And lastly, I share this with all the kids, all 300+ of them who have passed through the doors of the Sibol School. It is my wish that their time with us is such a wonderful, happy part of their childhood that will inspire them to do good and do well in life. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

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