10 Years with Shangri-La Group

Who would have thought that an ordinary hotel HR rank & file would make it to the SLIM Global HQ?

Starting out, I certainly would not have thought so. After graduating from university at the age of 20, I entered the hospitality industry without having any expectations in mind.  Now, I am hit by a wave of nostalgia as I rekindle all the moments from my days as an entry-level employee in Traders by Shangri-La, not knowing that fate has prepared an enormous roller coaster ride for me throughout my journey.

The word Puno is a Filipino term that has two different meanings: Pun?—which directly translates to the state of being full—and Punò, which means “tree”.  Staying true to my family name, this simple, four-lettered word encompasses my being. My life is full, and just like a tree, I have several parts that make me whole. With this, let me share the 3 key learnings I have gained throughout my journey thus far, especially the wisdom I’ve gained from staying loyal and committed to the same company for 10 years.

My Trunk and Branches. 

First, be brave. Working gives you unexpected twists and turns in life that may sometimes end up with you tumbling like a tree trunk being axed down. You won’t be getting what you want all the time, and there will be challenges along the way. But it is always our own minds and selves which push us to continue. Have that perseverance and courage to do more when times hit you hard and remember all the reasons why you’re there. Be hungry for knowledge and actively seek out opportunities, be it in formal or informal settings.   Even by just having lunch with a colleague, valuable insights may be learned.

In Shangri-La, you’ll meet the best people who will support you as a family. We are a team. We have made some super achievements, many wins, many awards, many learnings and more.  In your tasks, be creative always and express your ideas confidently. Sometimes, though, your eagerness may result to failures or mistakes, but pick yourself up. Think about how you can improve, listen to everyone’s feedback, extend your branches, and just continue.  Working with the Shangri-La team, it may happen slowly and subtly, but you will surely start to grow and have more courage. It’s really true that if you work for Shangri-La, you’ll be the best version of yourself. No matter where you end up after, tact, courage, and excellence would already have been instilled in you.

My Roots. 

Second, be inspired. I grew up in a supportive and loving family from Hermosa, Bataan. My parents told me to just be a good person and I’ll forever be honouring them.  My extended family, “Titos”, “Titas”, my cousins, "Kuyas", "Ates", and friends have also imparted in me the Filipino and Asian values which are reflected in everything I do. I was able to receive all the love that I needed growing up and so now, I could share it to others as well. I even chose the Psychology and Human Resources field to be able to touch lives and do what I love most—connect with people.  I remember I would always say yes to invitations from my colleagues, be it at their own wedding, their child’s birthday, housewarming, and even just the casual night out to go drinking. I do this not just to socialise, but because I learn from them and also get the chance to understand their own lives and the roots of their personalities.

Working in Shangri-La, I have found that these values, which are connected to my own roots, inspired me. Knowing that we treat each and every colleague as family  makes work smoother and easier. It’s really not just pure business after all; it’s a work-life harmony that allows us to improve and live good lives. I don’t expect for anything in return, because if we honor our roots, take it as inspiration, and do good, eventually better things will return to us tenfold.

The Sun and Water. 

Third, be grateful. God is always with us no matter what. In any storm that comes our way, just pray, keep that faith, and carry on. One of the biggest storms which hit us, however, is the COVID-19  pandemic, which negatively affected jobs in all industries around the world, and which also really hit me to the core. We may not realise it, but despite everything, we’re still blessed enough to have our family safe and healthy on our side and live by God’s grace daily.  I’m praying that the sun will rise again soon with a promising bright day that will allow us to bounce back stronger together.

Shangri-La has also become my sun  and water, guiding and nourishing me throughout the different chapters of my career. I owe now one-third of my life to this company who provides not just basic needs and support for my family and I, but also that sense of fulfillment as a person. It has become a constant part of my life, with lots of memories to reminisce and be thankful for involving it.

Just like a tree that goes through different seasons, I grew as a person through a decade’s journey with Shangri-La.  I am grateful for all these chapters, be it good or bad ones, as well as the people who became part of it. There are a lot of people I came across who I’m truly grateful for, and if I tried to enumerate each and every one of them, I might be marked for spam content in my social media platforms.  But you all know who you are and do know that I am praying for all of you daily—my DHRs, TMs, HR teams, trainees, GMs, my personal idols, the owners, my mentors, the management, our partners, all my colleagues from Traders, EDSA Shang, JEN Manila, JEN Singapore Tanglin, Shang Social, Regional HQ, Corporate Global HQ, all my taskforce acquaintances, and everyone who has been part of my personal and professional development.

Punò for a “Tree” 

What I am now is the culmination of my parts: my roots  which is my friends and family, my work experiences and my Shangri-La colleagues which serve as my trunk and branches, as well as my promise to myself to always stand tall despite the storms I may encounter. These have all played a part in moulding who I am, but I still need more water and  sunlight, which I can only get by continuously striving to educate myself and trusting God to keep on pushing me forward. As a young leader, I dream that someday I will be able to bear and harvest even more fruits of my labour whilst upholding honour and excellence.  Ultimately, I aim to be just like a tree that keeps on growing and progressing.

If I would be given the chance to start over my career and return to the year 2011, would I still choose Shangri-La? My answer is a definite yes. Right now, there is only one organization that holds my heart and that I am deeply in love with, and it’s Shangri-La. My first official working day at Shangri-La is dated the 30th of May as well which happens to fall on my birthday.  So yearly, I’m excited for the twin cakes!  Is it serendipity? Maybe. But no matter what force was behind it, it will always be one of the greatest blessings I have ever received in life. 

Thank you, Shangri-La!  What an extraordinary ride it was and I can confidently say that I am excited for more. Cheers to 10 years and beyond!

Thank you to everyone who have read up to this point. May everyone always be safe and God bless us all.

PS: I would like to request everyone to follow the JEN by Shangri-La account on Instagram! Behind it is an awesome team, assisted by a very kind and loyal Punò.  Click here> https://www.instagram.com/hoteljen/ Thank you!

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