In celebration of its 25th founding anniversary, the Master of Science in Management (MScM) Program under the School of Management (SMN) held its first-ever virtual alumni homecoming entitled “Tara Let’s!” last October 23.
“I feel proud of the achievements of the graduates of UA&P, particularly the School of Management,” said University President Dr. Winston Padojinog in his opening speech. Dr. Padojinog once taught in SMN and served as its dean for years prior to his appointment as president of UA&P. He congratulated the MScM alumni for their achievements and encouraged them to remain faithful to the UA&P mission.
“With the right mindset, now is the best time to change ourselves, to remodel ourselves, and to change the environment around us… Let us not allow the environment to define us; instead, we should define our environment. It is precisely during these times that we should restore and spread hope and optimism by thinking beyond the crisis, thinking in the long term, and responding to the unserved needs of society.”
Three alumni shared how they initiated positive change in their workplace. Kevin Tan (ABHPCMGT, 2002), CEO of Alliance Global Inc., talked about the story of his company’s innovation, resilience, and success in the face of adversities.
“We were hit hard, but we simply rolled with the punches, so to speak,” Tan narrated. “After enduring all these challenges, we regained our bearings and drew inspiration from my father’s vision, our Chairman, Dr. Andrew L. Tan, to bounce back a lot stronger. We dug deep into our creative minds and banked on one of the few things we hold dearly to overcome adversities – our hunger and desire for innovation.
For me, adversities serve to define how your success story will be written once things go back to normal. For us at Megaworld, we see this as an opportunity to find and introduce new ways of doing things while also helping create empowering and progressive communities of Filipinos who embrace innovation, resilience, and a future-ready mindset,” he concluded.
Nicolette Bambao (MScM, 2004) is currently the Wonderful Employee Experience Director at Globe Telecom. She explained the value of “leading change with a purpose” by talking about Globe’s Circle of Happiness, which starts from taking care of the people.
“We keep our employees engaged, enabled, and energized…. It does not matter where we are. It does not matter which function we’re in, for as long as we find opportunities to really solve problems, take care of people, take care of each other, we will always be able to contribute to that bigger vision,” Bambao said.
Crystal Lee-Gonzales (MScM, 2006), who co-founded Pickaroo (an online grocery and food delivery service), shared with the alumni three important things to remember: mindset, humility, and determination.
“You just have to have that mindset of succeeding. You have to be your own cheerleader because no one can give you hope if it doesn’t start with you. Having that positive outlook no matter how hard it is very important.
Have the humility to accept that you cannot control life, that you cannot control everything around you. The only thing you can control is how you react to things and how you learn from them.
Decide to make things happen. Have the ability to just do it and not be scared of the outcome. You need to evolve; if you don’t evolve, just like the dinosaurs, you might grow extinct.”
The homecoming, punctuated by songs, polls, and videos, was also attended by present faculty members and former professors of SMN: DTI Usec. Perry Rodolfo, Dr. Joyce Dy, Dr. Ray Pangilinan, Dr. Steffi Manhit, Dr. Robert Roque, and Dr. Avic Caparas. Dr. Jose Rene Gayo, the first dean of SMN, left this message to the attendees:
“The School of Management started 25 years ago with a clear vision to be a school of management, and not just a school of business, that prepares leaders in business, government, and social enterprises. Listening to our alumni tonight, I am happy to say that we are on the right track.”
Dr. Anna Maria Mendoza, SMN Dean, commented, “We hope this is the first of many homecomings which will give us more opportunities to stay in touch with each other and to familiarize you with what is happening with your alma mater.”
“Tara Let’s!” was hosted by Paolo Tanjuatco (MScM, 2004) and Dore Dimaunahan (ABHPCMGT, 2007; MScM, 2010). The next SMN homecoming is scheduled on December 6.
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