Beyond Loyalty: The Art of Alignment

February is often associated with grand romantic gestures, but love takes many forms. It’s in the dedication to a craft, the respect we give ourselves, and the commitment to the people who matter most. For Mac Santillan, Senior Manager for Service Performance Management and Analytics, his 10-year milestone with Globe isn’t just a career achievement—it’s a story about showing up always, in all ways that led to alignment.

We sat down with Mac to unpack the pivots, the mentors, and the mindset that turned a job into a meaningful career.

Ten years. It’s a milestone that carries weight.

When you stay somewhere this long, people often attribute it to loyalty. But as I reflect on this decade-long journey, I realize that "loyalty" doesn't quite capture it. Loyalty implies staying regardless of the situation, sticking it out just for the sake of it.

What I’ve experienced is something different, something rarer: Alignment. It means moving in the same direction as the company, driven by the same values. That distinction is important to me.

One of our team gatherings at The Globe Tower. Good food = good mood!

When I look back at the origin story, I remember my very first week vividly.

It was 2015, and I had just joined as a Data Quality Expert. At that time, we were just starting to establish formal data management practices and processes together with an external partner. That was Globe’s early attempt at building a unified data governance and quality council, under what was then the Enterprise Data Office (EDO).

Memories last forever! Truly thankful to my leaders and teammates for the support all throughout. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

I still remember our “office” at TGT 14th floor—nasa isang medyo secluded room kami - ‘The Project Room’, 🙂 kasi wala pa talagang proper space at that time. But those were very fond memories. Dahil doon, sobrang naging close kami as a group. We were building something from the ground up, and there was a strong sense of purpose.

My initial impression of Globe was: this is a company that is serious about transformation, even if things were still messy and evolving.

The Pivots, Stumbles, and The Stretch

The "Mac from 2015" was very high-energy—go-getter, eager to prove himself, and honestly, medyo aimed to please. Mac today is more strategic. More intentional with decisions, and more confident in who I am and what I bring to the table.

Hehe! Throwback to when we had a birthday surprise to my colleague. See that chocolate cake? :)

That confidence didn't happen overnight. It was forged in the not-so-good moments that forced me to stretch. My transition from being a “data guy” to becoming a telco person—especially when I moved into NTG—was a huge stretch.

Telco is a different animal altogether: highly technical, fast-paced, and operationally intense.

What helped me overcome that stumble was immersion and leveraging my advantage—my background in data management and analytics. I leaned heavily on curiosity. I asked questions, sat in discussions, and tried to understand the business and telco side as much as I could instead of pretending I already knew everything.

Learning never stops at Globe!

Globe supported me through learning platforms (Globe sponsored my agile certification), mentorship, and an environment that allowed me to stretch safely.

One important lesson I learned was giving myself grace—accepting that learning takes time. Curiosity keeps me relevant, and kindness—especially toward myself—keeps me grounded.

I feel like I am at my best when I conduct the agile transformation program. I also get to learn a lot from Ka-Globe from different groups.

There was a specific moment where this concept of "alignment" crystallized for me.

One of my fondest memories was when I was tapped to lead an agile transformation program within our division in NTG (practiced Agile Coaching - coached NTG Build Squads). I was lucky enough to acquire my Agile Practitioner Certification from PMI during that time. A personal milestone for me!

The best conversations happen when there's good food. :D

My personal core value is Service—to be of service to my team and to the organization. That transformation wasn’t just about frameworks or processes; it was about helping people work better, collaborate better, and grow.

It mattered to me because it aligned both my personal purpose and my career values. Hindi siya pilit. It felt natural—parang ito talaga yung dapat kong ginagawa at that point in my journey.

Mentors Who Shaped the Path

I wouldn't be here without the right people at the right time. Yes marame! — but two people stand out.

Year-end parties = raffle prizes hehe!

My former boss in EDO Data Quality, Rhex Santos, once had a very simple but powerful conversation with me way back in 2018. I asked him, “What do I need to do to get to the next level?” His advice was:

“Find your NICHE. Look for where your skills can truly add value. Leverage your strengths, build your network, and strengthen your personal brand. That stuck with me.”

A few of the fondest adventures with the Strategy and Program Management team.

Another is Sir Ting Serafica, who consistently reminded me that my team acts as the “glue” that binds different groups together. That insight pushed me to pursue becoming a People and Culture Champion for our division—because CULTURE, COLLABORATION, and PEOPLE matter just as much as results.

One of our offsite engagements where we visited one of our cell towers

Funny enough, my entire career path led me to my current role naturally. My background in data management and analytics, combined with years of working closely with decision-makers, helped me understand both the commercial and technical sides of the business. Bridging that gap puts my team and me in a unique position—we translate insights into action. That’s the joy.

The Person Behind the Professional

When the laptop closes, I need to recharge. My non-negotiable is the gym - 6th floor sa The Globe Tower hehe 😆

I never go a week without working out—resistance training and cardio. It taught me delayed gratification and what I call aggressive patience. It keeps me physically fit and mentally sharp. Also basketball, I play in our Globe sports leagues too.

Meeting are not complete without groufies - for the gram as they say!

Outside of that, I love to cook, travel/staycations with family and I’m a very proud sports dad. My son plays football—we’re almost always on the pitch every week—and my daughter plays volleyball naman. Those moments ground me.

My motivation, my everything - my family

My family is my WHY—plain and simple. The WFH setup played a huge role in sustaining this 10-year journey. It gave me more time for what truly matters, while still allowing me to give the best version of myself at work. "Grass is greener where you water it."

Pandemic days when everything was held virtually. We stayed connected to keep the momentum.

If I could give one piece of advice to a new hire joining Globe today who wants to build a long, meaningful career here, it would be this:

“Take it day by day. Be curious. Ask questions. Meaningful careers take time and patience. And most importantly—give yourself some grace.”

As for me, in this next chapter, I want to use my energy more wisely—with more clarity and healthier habits. One big goal is to create more impactful and meaningful work. I may not fully know what that looks like yet—but I know myself enough to trust that when it’s right, I’ll recognize it.

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Mac’s decade-long journey reminds us that a fulfilling career isn't just about the years you put in, but the heart you put into them. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your personal values meet your company’s mission, allowing you to love what you do, love who you are becoming, and love the life you are building outside of work.

We’d love to hear from you: Have you found your alignment in your current role? Comment your own story below!

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