One More Chance with Globe
- Christopher Buaya
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
If you were given one more chance with the company that shaped your life, how differently would you choose to love it this time? Hear it from Ka-Globe Christopher Buaya on how a telco job became his calling and his comfort in tough times.
If I had to capture what Globe has been in my life, I’d start with this line: it wasn’t a straight path, but it was guided by purpose, faith, and second chances.
I’ve been with Globe for more than 14 years now (counting my second round), but my story really began in the year 2000.
I first joined Globe in September 2000 as an Associate Systems Engineer, handling 24/7 Systems Operations at the UN MSC Manila Switch—the very first mobile core switch of Globe. That role became the turning point of my telco career. Globe opened doors for me across various technical domains, from regional operations to core planning and engineering, and later to Network VAS integrations. Each role pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenged me to grow, and shaped the profession I am today.
In September 2007, I made one of the hardest decisions of my career—to leave Globe.
An opportunity outside came unexpectedly, and I took a leap of faith, praying, “Lord, Ikaw na po bahala sa akin—sana po makabalik pa po ako sa Globe.”
It was a time of mixed emotions. Globe had been my home for seven years, yet I felt called to take the opportunity and trust the journey. I believed Globe was a God-given company and held a special place in my heart, fostering a deep hope that one day I would be welcomed back.
I left Globe with a solid foundation, which included valuable experience in appliance platform integration, commissioning and decommissioning, and project management. I am very grateful for the experience and skills I gained there.
My heart never really forgot Globe. After three years of working with several multinational companies, that hope became reality. In April 2011, I rejoined Globe—and on that very first day, I made a personal promise:
I wanted to retire with the company that gave me not just a career, but food, shelter, stability, and the foundation for my family.
That’s what made me stay.
Globe has always felt like home.
Coming back deepened my appreciation for what makes Globe different for me: trust, empowerment, and growth.
2017 when we visited the AdaptiveMobile HQ in Dublin Ireland
Over the years, Globe has allowed me to take ownership—of systems, decisions, and even representing the company in critical initiatives. That level of trust motivates me to give my best, to think beyond my role, and to act with accountability.
When a company trusts you, you don’t just work for it—you stand up for it.
Globe never allowed me to stagnate. Over the years, I’ve been given opportunities to evolve with technology, to move across functions, and to take on roles that demanded both technical depth and strategic thinking.
More than skills, Globe helped shape my mindset. It taught me resilience, accountability, and the value of collaboration. Growth at Globe isn’t just about climbing a ladder—it’s about becoming better at what you do, and better as a person.
Love for a company becomes real when you feel cared for—not just as an employee, but as a person and as part of a family.
One experience that truly made me feel valued happened when I was able to help an OFW friend in Geneva whose Globe SIM (and GCash account) was suddenly deactivated. Despite exhausting the usual support channels, his issue remained unresolved.
As a Globe employee, I was empowered to help differently through Ally Bot. I raised an internal Ally ticket, closely monitored the case, and coordinated with the backend team until the issue was identified and resolved. When my friend messaged me saying his Globe SIM was finally restored, the relief and gratitude he expressed meant everything.
2024 - ITU-T SG11 with Boss Froi and Melvin in Geneva Switzerland
Globe wasn’t just caring for the customer, it was caring for me too. By giving employees access to tools like Ally Bot, Globe enables us to be instruments of care. It reminded me that #AlagangGlobe isn’t just a slogan, but something we live out, especially when it matters most.
But Globe’s care doesn’t end with customers or employees—it reaches our families.
Globe provides medical assistance to me and my family, and during times of illness, that support brings something priceless—peace of mind. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about medical expenses allows me to focus fully on what truly matters: recovery, family, and being present.
This malasakit became especially meaningful in 2023, when my mother had to undergo surgery. During that difficult time, Globe shouldered every medical expense through our HMO program, covering all the bills down to the last cent. There were no uncertainties, no added stress, just quiet reassurance that we were not alone.
In moments like that, I realized that Globe also looks after the people we love. It’s one of the many reasons Globe will always be more than just a company to me.
Beyond building my technical expertise, Globe entrusted me with opportunities: the chance to travel, represent the company, and speak on a global stage. I was able to share Globe’s best practices and learn from industry leaders by participating in international standards organizations and Globe partners such as Huawei HQ in Shenzhen China, AdaptiveMobile Security HQ in Ireland, ETSI in Nice France, GSMA in several parts of Europe, and ITU-T HQ in Geneva Switzerland. These experiences allowed me to contribute to discussions that perhaps help shape global telecom standards, while also bringing valuable insights back to Globe.
At the GSMA MWC Shanghai
Being given that level of trust to represent Globe internationally was a major career milestone for me. Not everyone is given this chance, and I remain deeply grateful for the confidence Globe placed in me.
Over the years, Globe recognized my contributions through promotions, affirming the value of continuous learning, consistency, and commitment. One of the most meaningful moments in my career came last year. That transition represented more than a change in title—it was a reflection of Globe’s confidence in my leadership, experience, and ability to contribute at a higher level. It was both humbling and deeply motivating.
And then there’s the most unexpected blessing of all—love.
Globe is also where I met my wife, Aileen. She was a Globe subcontractor at the time, and we met—of all places—inside an elevator!
It was accidental, unexpected, and unforgettable. What started as friendship grew into love, and today we are blessed with two children.
If my journey with Globe were a kind of “love story,” I’d describe it as a story of sweet second chances.
Globe gave me the opportunity to leave, explore, and return—stronger and wiser. A second chance isn’t a reset; it’s a chance to build something deeper and more meaningful. When I came back, I brought with me experiences from outside that I was able to apply to Globe’s transformation initiatives.
In fact, one of my first big projects when I returned to Globe was the MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) a.k.a Project Chia. I was part of the Chia Core Team that contributed to the success of the first MVNO pilot in the Philippines—ABS-CBN Mobile. That experience affirmed that Globe didn’t just take me back—it trusted me.
Second chances don’t just happen. They’re chosen by hearts brave enough to love again—and I’m grateful Globe chose me.
Even during the busiest, toughest times, there’s something that keeps me going: a deep love for what I do.
I’ve always been curious—constantly researching, testing, developing and exploring new technologies, even behind the scenes in the lab. I enjoy working on ideas quietly, refining solutions, and finding better ways to improve systems and processes. That drive for research and development never runs out.
As I think about my own second chances and seasons with Globe, this is the message I want to leave with my fellow Ka-Globe:
Loving what you do—and where you work—doesn’t always mean smooth days or easy seasons. Sometimes, it means choosing to stay, choosing to grow, and choosing to believe in the bigger purpose.
Globe is more than a workplace. It’s a place where second chances are real, growth is intentional, and care extends beyond titles and roles. When you give your best, Globe finds ways to give back—through opportunities, trust, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
To my fellow Ka-Globe: when you lead with purpose, passion, and heart, the love you give to your work always finds its way back to you.
As you read Christopher’s story, think about this: what makes you keep saying yes to Globe?
For more stories like this and a closer look at life at Globe, follow us on LinkedIn and stay connected with our Ka-Globe community.
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