Creating Possibilities Across Territories: How Every Language Tells a Story
- lifeatglobe
- Sep 4
- 12 min read
At Globe Telecom, our strength lies in the unique blend of languages and cultural heritage our employees bring from every corner of the Philippines. This feature invites readers into the different lives of our Ka-Globe - Norman, Clauden, Tafline, Darrel, and Weewong, as they share personal stories in their local languages, each paired with an English translation.
Explore how language enhances connections, fosters inclusion, and inspires personal and professional growth. Discover how the Globe Way Values and the spirit of "Create Everyday Possibilities" come alive in their daily experiences, shaping a diverse and empowering workplace.
James Norman Chiong
Senior Manager, Broadband Area Operations Head of Territory 6A Cebu Province - Channel Management Group
Filipino language: Tagalog, Bisaya
It's always a good time with my teammates! Having fun while working hard for Globe and our customers.
Mas naging masaya ang pakikipagkapwa kasi lahat ng kasama ko ay nag-adjust at nag-adapt sa iba-iba naming lengwahe at lokal na kultura. Nakakatuwa lang dito sa Cebu kasi halo halo kmi. Iilan na rin kaming taga Mindanao ang nandito. Magkaka iba ng kultura, ng lengwahe. Merong Bisaya, Ilonggo, Waray, at Tagalog pero tanggap ng buong buo ang pagkakaiba namin ng bawat isa na andito.
Marunong naman ako mag bisaya pero minsan mag salapid ang dila ko lalo na pag malalim na. Ganun dn naman sila dito sa Cebu kasi nga bisaya ang native language. Pag mag tagalog sila nag sasalapid rin dila nila. From Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) kasi ako at tagalog ang salita namin dun. Pero hindi parehas sa Manila. Sa amin kasi merong “gani” “gina”. Halimbawa, kung sa Manila “kaya nga” ang sa amin naman ay “kaya gani.”
It was fun because we all adjusted the same. It's just fun here in Cebu because we get along well. There are also a few of us from Mindanao here. Our cultures are different, our languages are different. There are Bisaya, Ilonggo, Waray, and Tagalog but we fully accept each other's differences here.
I can speak Visayan but sometimes my tongue slips, especially when it's deep. They're the same here in Cebu because Visayan is the native language. When they speak Tagalog, they also slip their tongues. From Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) because I'm from Tagalog and our language is Tagalog. But it's not the same in Manila. We have "gani" "gina". For example, if in Manila "kaya nga" is "kaya gani" in ours.
Ang native na lengwahe ay naiuugnay sa kultura, na nag sisilbing tulay sa isang nakaraan ng isang komunidad, pamana at pananaw ng isang indibidwal.
Nagiging importanteng bahagi ng pagkakakilanlan ng isang kultura, pagtataguyod ng pagkakaunawaan, at pagpapagana ng komunikasyon sa pagitan ng kultura. At pag ito ay kinilala at tinanggap ng buong buo, pagyayamanin neto ang kabuohan ng pagkakaiba iba ng lipunan.
Native language is linked to culture, serving as a bridge to a community's past, heritage, and individual perspective. It becomes an important part of a culture's identity, fostering understanding, and enabling communication between cultures. And when it is fully recognized and embraced, it enriches the diversity of society as a whole.
We build stronger rapport and friendship through moments outside work :) Ang saya!
Para sa akin, ang pagkakaintindihan kahit magkakaiba-iba ang lenggwahe ay nakasalalay sa pagunawa at pagiging bukas ng bawat isa.. Kagaya nga ng sabi ko, kapag ang isang lengwahe ay kinilala at tinanggap ng buong buo maging ano pa man ang native na nakasanayan, ma iiwasan natin ang hadlang sa isa’t isa. Mas magiging magaan ang pakikitungo natin sa kahit sinong tao.
It's up to each individual.. Like I said, when this is recognized and accepted fully regardless of the native language, we will avoid obstacles to each other. Our interactions will be easier.
Click the slider to view more photos. My favorite pose is the peace sign, did you notice?
Ang paborito kong kasabihan ay, "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa."
Naka depende sa atin ang resulta ng ating hinaharap. Hindi natin pwede iasa or ipa sa Diyos na lng ang mga bagay bagay. Dapat natin etong pagsikapan, dapat natin etong pag trabahuan.
God helps those who help themselves… The outcome of our future depends on us. We cannot just rely on or leave things to God. We must strive for this, we must work for this.
Clauden Cenit
Manager, Facilities Planning and Engineering Territory 3 Lead - Network Technical Group
Filipino language: Bikolano
Ako si Clauden Cenit, taga-Tiwi, Albay. Sa ngonyan, nagtatrabaho ako bilang Territory 3 Lead para sa Facilities Planning asin Engineering sa NTG/CIPE team, sarong posisyon kung saen ginagamit ko an abilidad ko sa strategic planning asin teknikal na supervisyon.
I’m Clauden Cenit, a native of Tiwi, Albay. I'm currently serving as the T3 Lead for Facilities Planning and Engineering within the NTG/CIPE team, a position in which I applied my proficiency in strategic planning and technical supervision.
Bilang Facility Eng’g Lead, naitalaga saku na mag-eksperimento/explore ning iba’t-ibang desinyo kan tore para sa Smallcell deployment na ngangaipuhan nin mas halangkaw na Antenna ACL. Nakipaghuron and naki pag koordinar ako sa mga vendor partners nyato na sina: Tehshin (pole supplier), HT (FTK vendor), asin EFB (SI consultant) para sa POC asin Pole Type approval. An mga representante kan vendor sa aktividad na ini, parehong Bicolano asin pareho kami nang graduar sa Bicol University, an parehong eskwela na pinag graduaran ko, kun saen nakuha ko an Bachelor's degree ko sa Civil Engineering. Si Ely na gikan sa EFB, kilala ko na sanang haloyl na taon pa, dahil nagtrabaho kami mula pa 2015 bilang Structural consultant asin SuperV, habang si Odeza naman gikan sa HT, personal na nakilala sa adlaw kan Type approval, asin nadiskubre ko na siya man ay Bicolana asin gradwar sa pareho na eskwela.
As a Facility Eng’g lead for T3, I was assigned/tasked to explore/innovative tower designs that we can use for Smallcell deployment requiring higher Antenna ACL. I then collaborated and scheduled with our vendor partners namely Tehshin (pole supplier), HT (FTK vendor and equipment supplier) and SI consultant EFB respectively for a POC and Pole Type approval. Vendor representatives on this activity are both Bicolano’s and graduated from Bicol University the same school I graduated and earned a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering. Ely from EFB ive known for a long time since ive been working with him 2015 as our Structural consultant and SuperV while Odeza from HT i’ve just personally met on that day of Type approval, I also learned that she’s a Bicolana and graduated from the same school.
Sa aldaw kan type approval, nagbrainstorm kami para magdesinyo nin tower na pwede itukod sa mas saditt na espasyo asin madali iconstruct. Sa meeting, nag-istorya kami gamit an "Bikolano" dialect asin nag-reminisce kami asin nag-ambagan kan mga istorya kan buhay kolehiyo.
Hali sa type approval, SI design, asin kalkulasyon, na-aprubahan ini sa laog ning 2 aldaw. Nagresulta ini sa matagumpay na POC sa 15m pole sa Brgy Silangan, Quezon City, dahil dgd, nasimulan an “Project Cloud”. An 15m Concrete pole design ginagamit na sa iba pang teritoryo. Ang paggamit kan sarong lenguahe kung saen kami nagdakula/hale ng gigibo ning paagui para makaigwang magayon na rapport,konesyon sa lambang saru. nagiging magaan an komunikasyon asin nagiging mas personal an interaksyon. Nagiging mabilis an pagkaka-kilala, respeto, asin pagtabang para sa sarung layunin.
During our type approval we brainstormed and discussed the objective to come up with a tower design that can be built within a smaller footprint (especially along side walk) and shorter time to construct and install. And at the meeting we talked in our own dialect “ Bikolano” and reminisced and shared stories of our college life.
From the type approval to SI design and calculations/parameters, we were able to provide approval of design to use the pole within 2 days. This resulted in a successful POC of 15m at Brgy Silangan Quezon City and this is where the “Project Cloud” was created. The 15m Concrete pole design is now being used by other Territory
Using our own language and knowing that we came from a same place creates good rapport and connections with colleagues and “it feels like home”.The language bonds us for stronger support as if we’ve been friends or we've known each other fully well Because we speak the same language it's easy to communicate, making interaction warmer and more personal. And quickly established friendliness, mutual respect, and built trust with the same purpose.
An pagkakaiba-iba kan lenguahe may dakulang papel and inpluwensya sa pag cultivate nin kultura asin “sense of belonging” sa laog kan kompaniya. Nagdudulot ini nin mas maayos na pagtarabangan kan lambang departamento, kultura, asin mga lugar, kung saen an kada saro may kapasidad na mag-ambag. Naggigibo ini nin marhay na pag iriba-ibahan na ang labang saru nakakamati nin respeto, nagkakaigwa ning psychological safety, asin empowered.
Diversity in language plays a powerful role in cultivating a culture of diversity and belonging within the company. This results in better collaboration across departments, cultures and geographies, making everyone feel more included and capable of contributing. And creates an environment where feel respected, build psychological safety and empowered
Smiling and enjoying life as I work. This is just one of the possibilities that Globe gives me.
“Ang Bikolano Uragon.”
Uragon kami, magigiting, asin may kapasidad na magpursige maski pa may mga kadipisilan/pagsubok sa buhay. kaya parin kami magbangon asin magpursige. Sa mga salitang 'Uragon ka!' an ibig sabihin mi ay an pagpapahiling nin respeto asin pasalamat sa abilidad na gin-gamit kan sarong tawo. An tataramon na 'Uragon ka!' nagpapaabot ning paghanga ng sainda asin nagsusuporta kami sa lambang saru na ipagpadagos ang tamang gibo.
“Bicolano’s are Uragon”. We are resilient, brave, capable and can excel despite challenges. When we say “Uragon ka!” we are affirming someone’s skills and encouraging them to keep it up.
Para sa ako, an 'Create Everyday Possibilities' nangangahulugan nin aktibong paghanap nin oportunidad sa asin padagos na paghinguwa na mas mag improve. Napapahiling ini sa pag suggest min bagong ideya asin mas lalo pa pigpapatibay ang eksperyensya kan lambang saru sa paagi nin suporta, pagpahiling nin kabootan, asin propesyonalismo.
For me, "Create Everyday Possibilities" means actively seeking opportunities in every task and consistently looking for ways to improve. It involves offering new ideas and enhancing experiences for others through support, simple acts of kindness, and professionalism.
Tafline Demicais
Manager, Area Operations Head for Samar under Territory 6A - Channel Management Group
Filipino language: Cebuano / Bisaya
Akong ganahan sa akong trabaho kay ang sense of ownership.
As an AOH, ikaw man gud ang tag iya sa negosyo sa area. Pun-an pa nga imong ka trabaho mga friends pud nimo, gikan sa NTG, CFS and even kauban sa CBO, ako na ni silang mga kauban sauna pa nga lahi pa ang akong role sa Globe. So, dali ra gyud ma lihok ang mga trabahuon – paspas og tawhay.
What I love about my work is the sense of ownership. As an AOH, you own the business in the area. Plus, the people you are working with are also you friends, from NTG, CFS and even your groupmates under CBO, we have known each other from my previous roles at Globe. Therefore, the things that need to be done are delivered fast and peacefully.
My Territory 6 family in many events and engagements. I will always be proud to call myself as a thriving and happy Ka-Globe from this group.
Importante gyud ang language kay sa tinuod lang, Cebuano gyud ko but karon naka assign sa Samar and kinahanglan gyud ko mag adjust sa Waray2x na language. Kay naa man gud sense of belongingness kng ilang dialect imong gamiton pag communicate sa ila. Diri man gud nila makita ang imong sinseridad sa imong pag trabaho sa ila.
Language is very important. I am a born and bred Cebuano but currently assigned in Samar and I have to adjust and learn the Waray2x language. This is because there is a sense of belongingness if we use their local dialect in communicating with them. This is where they will feel your sincerity in terms of working with them.
Making sure we serve our customers right and make a difference in their lives through our products and services.
We care like an owner. Kay kng ikaw ang tag iya mo follow naman tanan, imo gyud siguradohon na satisfied and lipay imong customer, di gyud ka manikas, and as much as possible paspas ka mo lihok.
The Globe Way Value that resonates with me most is caring like an owner. Because when you are the owner, everything follows. You will have to ensure that your customers are happy and satisfied, you will not cheat/steal, and as much as possible everything will be done quickly.
Feeling truly fulfilled with my role in Globe. This place is not just an avenue for growth, but it also helped me found my real purpose - which is to serve our communities.
Kumbati.
Buot pasabot ani kay laban, fighting. Mao lang ni na pulong ang nagahatag na kog kusog mo padayon matag adlaw nga akong gina atubang sa along trabaho og sa kinabuhi.
Kumbati. This word means laban, fighting. This word gives me the strength my daily grind at work and in life in general.
Darrel Navarro
Retail Manager of Globe Store Zamboanga, Territory 8 - Channel Management Group
Filipino language: Chavacano
Tiene kame un cumpañero na trabajo no sabe conversa Chavacano. Un dia, ya puede le agara rabiao cliente na tan difícil conversa otro dialecto. Entonces, mas ya rabia el cliente. Despues, ya llama comigo el di mi cumpañero para pidi ayuda. “Iyo ya cuidao”, el di mi contestada. Este maga palabara, ya dale conele rason para sonrisa y para confia na el negativo situacion que ay cambia positivo.
I have a coworker at work who doesn’t know how to speak Chavacano. One day, a customer who was already upset became even more frustrated because of the difficulty in communicating in another dialect. Then, the customer got angrier. After that, my coworker called me to ask for help. 'I'll take care of it,' I answered. Those words gave my coworker a reason to smile and to trust that the negative situation would turn into a positive one.
Para mi, si tan conversa yo na mi dialecto, ta tiene yo grande confianza. Mas confortable yo habla cosa yo ta pensa. Entonces, ta puede yo ayuda el maga cliente y cumpañero na trabajo mas embuenamente.
For me, when I speak in my own dialect, I feel a great sense of confidence. I’m more comfortable expressing what I’m thinking. Because of that, I’m able to help customers and coworkers at work more effectively.
Thank you Globe for the wonderful learning experience. 🫶
“Amor con amor se paga”
Ya queda este famoso aqui na Ciudad de Zamboanga por causa de una notable persona na industria de política. Ta recorda este canaton que el amor lang kita necesita para hace este mundo un bonito lugar para vivi.
“Love is repaid with love.” This famous saying became well-known here in the City of Zamboanga because of a notable figure in the political industry. This phrase reminds us that love is all we need to make this world a beautiful place to live in.
Let’s #GoForwardTogether 💙
“Crea posibilidad cada dia”
Un hermoso recordatorio na como un Ka-Globe, tiene kita oportunidad cada dia para hace diferencia. Na cada dia, puede kita alivia un vida. Na cada dia, puede kita dale esperanza. Na cada dia, puede kita dale alegria.
“Create possibilities every day.” A beautiful reminder that, as a Ka-Globe, we have the opportunity each day to make a difference. Each day, we can ease someone’s life. Each day, we can give hope. Each day, we can bring joy.
Edwin “Weewong” Bernas
Manager, Mobile Access Planning and Engineering Lead of Territory 8 - Network Technical Group
Filipino language: Cebuano / Bisaya
Maayung adlaw sa inyung tanan! Ako si Weewong Bernas , isa ka engineer sa Teritoryo Otso.
Good Day Everyone, I am Weewong Bernas, an engineer from Territory eight.
Mas mapadali ang gisabutan ug mas mapaabut ang among tuyo. Parehas sa kung naay angay humanon nga trabaho, pina-abtik dayun ang paglihok, walay langaylangay. Makadugang sa akong pag-ila sa akong mga kauban ug makahatag dugang kahibalo labi na sa akong pagkaPinoy. Sama ani nga bisan asa mi naga-gikan, tsada sya ky mas maila namu among kaugalingon kung unsa ko kadali makigdayeg sa akong mga kauban.
Using our native language makes everything clearer and our objectives more attainable. When we have a clear plan, work gets done more efficiently, without any unnecessary delays. This experience has deepened my appreciation for my colleagues and broadened my understanding of my Filipino heritage. It's amazing how we can learn more about each other, regardless of our backgrounds, and discover how easy it is to appreciate one another.
Group photo with my fellow Ka-Globe in Territory 8
KUMBATI bradee/migo!
Kini nagpahinumdom kanato sa pagpasalamat sa atong pagkatalagsaon ug pagpasigarbo sa lugar natu nga gigikanan.
KUMBATI bradee/migo is a friendly expression that conveys camaraderie and celebration! This serves as a reminder to cherish our individuality and be proud of where we come from.
Bringing Our Authentic Selves to Work in Globe
As we immerse ourselves in these heartfelt stories, we gain insight into the diverse experiences that enrich our community. By celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity of our Ka-Globe, we reinforce the power of bringing our authentic selves to work each day. These narratives not only highlight the beauty in our differences but also strengthen our shared commitment to building an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.
Thank you for exploring these diverse voices with us, and for being part of the journey that makes Globe a truly exceptional community.
Any new words you learned today? Share them in the comments below!
Comments