BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE:
My BLP experience was one of the highlights of my University life. As an engineering major, this program was initially out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I went through it! It gave me a glimpse of a career in corporate, instead of research, which I ended up pursuing. I became friends with my fellow participants, and their journeys continue to inspire me!
�WHERE I AM NOW:
I am a biomedical engineer for Roche in Germany, where I train other application specialists and engineers globally.
�KATRINA YAP, BATCH 12, BLP 2014
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE
My entire BLP experience was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was exciting because going to Manila on an airplane was only my second, I was going to stay in a grand and very comfortable hotel, and was going to visit different companies and meet their respective chief executive officers. I was also worried and, honestly, also felt pressured because it was my first time participating in a national event and representing my University. It was a delightful experience because of the friendships, the memories, and the connections I've made with my co-participants and organizers. But most of all, I felt immensely grateful for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that taught me to go beyond my comfort zones, just be myself, give my best all the time, acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses, and learn to adapt to an environment I once believed I would fail in.
WHERE I AM NOW
Who would have thought I would land a job related to the concept paper our team presented for the Business Plan competition, which was about the cooperative movement. I am currently the Marketing Officer for the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives-Visayas, a secondary cooperative and a network of cooperative financial institutions, such as primary savings and credit cooperatives. As Marketing Officer, I am tasked with recruiting new members, sales of products and services, social media presence of members, and helping the cooperatives transform through a digital payment system known as the KAYA Payment Platform. Apart from my day job, I also professionally host events, reach out and provide financial advice to customers as a licensed insurance agent, and, with the Grace of the Almighty, serve as co-owner and operations manager of One G-Dumaguete Restobar.
GILBERT M. SEDIGO, BATCH 14, BLP2016
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE:
Being a part of the AmCham BLP was definitely one of the highlights of my university days. I was able to engage and build genuine friendships with the best students from all over the country, who at present continue to do a ton of great and inspiring work in their respective communities and chosen careers. Truly, the BLP experience is like no other. Meeting various CEOs and industry leaders, going on company visits, and undergoing the case study competition have truly helped in my growth as a student leader back then, more so now as a working professional. The BLP was such a worthwhile experience for me that I strongly encouraged my brother, Jude, to apply as well. Now, we are both proud alumni of the program, and in our respective fields, we strive to continue the BLP legacy of pursuing excellence and giving back to the greater community.
WHERE I AM NOW:
I currently work as an account officer for a universal bank here in the country.
GENIN AMISCARAY, BATCH 14, BLP 2016
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE:
I first heard about the AmCham BLP from my sister Genin who was also a delegate of the program 2 years ahead of me. She told me that it was a worthwhile program I should try back then, as it allowed participants to meet various industry leaders and gain exposure to business strategies. She also mentioned about the lifelong friendships obtained through the experience. True enough, BLP exceeded my expectations. The program allowed me to engage in productive discourse with co-student leaders and learn more about the business and social sectors. It also gave me a clearer understanding of what I wanted to do after college. Finally, it provided me lifelong friendships that I value until this very day.
WHERE I AM NOW:
I’m currently based in Singapore as Regional Senior Brand Manager of Procter and Gamble Hair Care, handling multiple markets in the Asia Pacific.
JUDE AMISCARAY, Batch 16, BLP 2018
BLP EXPERIENCE:
My BLP experience was nothing short of spectacular — since day 1 even to date! It created an avenue of life-long connections and friendship that transcend even beyond the duration of the program. It set me the right headstart especially during the early days of my career as I've had something to look back to and get inspiration from as I thread through the complicated web of the corporate culture. I am still thankful for this best immersion I've ever had in my university days, and I'm really excited to see young, full of vigor candidates to experience the same!
WHERE I AM NOW
I currently work as an Assurance Assistant Manager at Ernst&Young UK.
RAF GONZALES, BATCH 12, BLP 2014
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE:
The week-long BLP activities with partners, participants and staffs is a once in a lifetime experience indeed. It is the bridge from university to corporate life that we all need as we enter our senior year in college. I will forever be in awe looking back into those memories. I also had the chance to volunteer several times whenever we hosted BLP visit in our company before I left Manila. Congratulations on BLP’s 20th anniversary! Please continue to inspire the youth in dreaming big and working hard for those big dreams!
WHERE I AM NOW:
I am currently working as a contract HR Advisor (Data Management Specialist) in Chevron UK. Our group is responsible for the overall organizational structure of the company, including M&A and enterprise-wide updates. I worked with our office in Manila for almost 9 years before moving here in London.
JOMALEEN ANDAL, BATCH 7, BLP 2009
BLP EXPERIENCE
I’m very grateful and honored to be a part of AmCham BLP. From the eyes of a college student then, it was a wide real world out there. I thoroughly enjoyed plant/office visits, talks with CEOs, and the whole experience with my co-participants from all over the Philippines.
WHERE I AM NOW
I am an Audit Team Leader of the Commission on Audit. Our team is tasked to examine, audit and settle all accounts and expenditures of the funds and properties of two regional offices of two national government agencies to ensure they comply with International Public Sector Accounting Standards, regulations and laws.
HELEN JOYCE HALABASCO-MISTULA, BATCH 6, BLP 2008
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP Experience
BLP is one of the highlights of my student life because it is through this experience that I met my inspirational leaders – Mr. Dave Morin, Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu, then US Ambassador Ms. Kristie Kenny and the late philanthropist Ms. Gina Lopez. Listening to their stories inspired me to dream big, chase them and make a difference in the world. I will be forever grateful to AmCham for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Congratulations on your 20th year and may you continue to prosper and touch more lives of talented and ambitious future leaders.
Where I am now?
I am currently based in London as a Senior Manager in the Capital Markets sub-service line of Ernst & Young. I specialize in US SEC-registered companies, particularly supporting clients across EMEIA in accessing the US and Global Capital Markets and in implementing transformation strategies such as US SOX404 compliance.
Randy Ventanilla, Batch 7, BLP 2009
BLP Experience
AmCham BLP was a great experience! It gave me the opportunity to mingle with the Best of the Best from different universities nationwide. I learned a lot from this leadership program, especially from the visits to various companies and from the meetings and discussions with executives and CEOs.
Where I Am Now?
I am an Executive Director at HC Global. We provide fund administration, back office bookkeeping, accounting, consulting and tax support tailored for your business needs.
RONA LAXAMANA-ALFONSO, BATCH 6, BLP 2008
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BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE
As an accountancy student, I knew that everything I learned from college was never enough to prepare me for the working world. Having spent 10 days in the BLP made me understand that there were still a lot I should work on if I plan to climb the corporate ladder. In those 10 days, I managed to experience what it’s like to network and learn from the biggest names in the industry. I owe it to AMCHAM and the BLP experience for being one of the reasons why I am where I am today.
WHERE I AM NOW:
I’m working as a Senior Assurance Associate in Isla Lipana & Co., a PwC Network firm. I handle the audit and review of companies under the financial services industry practice, specifically those under the Insurance and Banking and Capital Markets (BCM) sector. I’m currently on an overseas assignment in PwC Luxembourg in the Alternatives - Real Estate Industry as part of the Firm’s Global Mobility Program.
JORDAN LASCOTA, Batch 15, BLP 2017
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP EXPERIENCE
I’m grateful for the gift of perspective, something that AmCham’s Business Leadership Program (BLP) instilled in me —— that there’s a bigger community out there which I can learn from and give back to.
WHERE I AM NOW
Business Planning Officer, Metro Drug, Inc. - Zuellig Pharma
FACE Core Group Member, IATA Future Air Cargo Executive
PORTIA LUZANDE, BATCH 12, BLP 2014
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP Experience�Being a rookie who joined an elusive student program in a National level made me realized that I am really lucky to be able to participate knowing that I came from the province. It was my first time to meet CEOs and Executives of different companies that made a huge impact to where I am now (taking a career in Sales and Marketing). I am also beyond thankful for the network that I made with the Top Students during my year that shares the same purpose and the people behind BLP. By that, I was able to find my passion towards working in the corporate world and will continue to be an inspiration to students who strive hard and make excellent decisions. Yes! Indeed, The Best meets the Best.
�Where I Am Now?
I am currently working in Sales and Marketing handling Western Visayas KA at Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc.,I am responsible to handle the sales operations of Key Accounts in the area, Trade Marketing Programs and Handling Sales Personnel.
�MARLO R. ASTROLABIO, Batch 13, BLP 2015
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP Experience�BLP experience paved way for me to have a better understanding of the different industries of the companies we visited. Being a university student back then, its a different kind of learning journey as we get to learn each company's culture and values. Apart from that, I've also gained life long friends and connections.��Where I am Now�I am currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia working as SAP Finance and Controlling Consultant for DKSH Corporate Shared Services Center. I am responsible to handle business rollouts for our new merger and acquired entities as well as develop application solution designs for our multiple company locations across the world. I collaborate with our business stakeholders to ensure timely identification and resolution of issues and challenges. ��Rachel Nava, Batch 6, BLP 2008
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP Experience
BLP gave me the opportunity to further enhance my leadership skills and to get a clearer view of how leadership models differ from one organization to another. I recall during our batch, we had our chance to capture 1st hand perspective and experience coming from different Senior Leaders from their respective organizations. This experience paved way for me to have better leadership insight.
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Where I am now
I am currently working as Country Head for Recruitment for one of the largest Australian-based Telco company, TPG Telecom. My responsibilities include country-wide Recruitment, Employer Branding and Employee Engagement activities for the company.
Dwight Anderson Duario, Batch 6, BLP 2008
BLP 20th year Anniversary
Testimonial Series
BLP Experience
Even after 11 years, the week spent with AmCham BOP (it was called Business Orientation Program back in my time) is a fresh memory that I hold fondly in my mind. I went to factories, visited offices, and attended masterclasses / talks in the company of like minded leaders who were hungry to learn from the "best of the best" in Philippine business. We then capped off each jam packed day with working on our business case with teammates from all over the archipelago, igniting not only the competitive spirit within us, but also the collaborative dynamic of students regardless of university. I went home with memories and friends that I still keep in touch with until today, and am deeply grateful to AmCham for all the opportunities it afforded us.
Where I am now
JC Young, Batch 9, BLP 2011