To Infinity, Then to Globe

Last August, Gen Z Ka-Globe came together for the Ayala Inclusive Circle, a community across Ayala Group cultivating a safe space for authenticity and connection. Feberly Baritua, Product Experience Manager from Product Engineering and Digital Growth (PEDG) and one of the participants, shares how she went from conquering the cosmos to conquering our customers' needs.

I’ve always aspired to be part of something larger than myself, to leave the world a little better than I found it. 

Growing up, I held tight to these dreams. They were the light that kept me going, even when life wasn’t exactly ideal. We didn’t have much — we were what they call class D/E. I knew from an early age that if I wanted a better life, I would have to work for it. I became a scholar and a student assistant to get a degree. These experiences taught me that dreams are not just lofty ideas but things you must hold onto, even when the odds are not in your favor.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always been fascinated by space. It’s limitless, full of possibilities — just like the dreams I held onto so tightly. As an engineer who loved physics and communications technology, it felt like a calling. 

So, I found my way into the satellite industry, where I became a spacecraft engineer, solving anomalies in space systems. I combed through mountains of satellite data, looking for signs of degradation — those early warnings that something might be wrong. My job was to keep our satellites healthy, running like they should, orbiting safely up there in the silence of space.

Day 1 as a spacecraft engineer, standing in front of a satellite antenna at Asia Broadcast Satellite in Subic, Zambales — where my journey into space technology began.

I was the Lead Spacecraft Engineer for two of the company’s six satellites, handling on-call anomaly response and preparing critical procedures for satellite operations. I even pioneered the satellite operations training program for our department, mapping out a path for better responses to the unusual challenges space threw at us.

A glimpse of the satellite antenna farm at my previous company.

But you might be wondering, if space was so exciting, so full of possibilities, why did I leave? Why did I take a leap into product management at Globe?

The truth is, I loved what I was doing, but after three years, I started feeling a pull toward something different. I wanted to make an impact in ways I could see and feel. It wasn’t just about solving technical problems anymore; it was about touching lives in a tangible way. The satellite industry was incredible, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that my purpose lay elsewhere.

It wasn’t just about solving technical problems anymore; it was about touching lives in a tangible way.

That’s when I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I had to make a change, but change is terrifying, isn’t it? Especially when you’re stepping into something unknown. I decided to leave spacecraft engineering without having another job lined up. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt that pull inside me growing stronger each day — the same pull that had guided me throughout my life.

Shortly after I resigned, life took an unexpected turn. My mother suffered two consecutive strokes, and suddenly, I found myself in a place of uncertainty: caring for my mom while trying to figure out my next steps, unsure of when she might fully recover. It was a time of deep reflection, where everything felt suspended in the air, and I felt like a ship adrift.

Celebrating my graduation with my biggest supporter, my mom, Delia Baritua. Receiving a leadership award that day was not only a personal triumph but also a tribute to her unwavering encouragement and belief in my potential.

Just when I thought I’d lost my way, Globe appeared on the horizon — a beacon of hope in a darkened landscape. The opportunity to join as a Product Manager wasn’t merely a job; it was a lifeline thrown to me at the perfect moment. Globe offered not only the means to support my family during a time of rising medical expenses but also the promise of purpose; an invitation to contribute to something meaningful, something I could see and feel in the lives of others.

At Globe, I began my journey as a Horizontal Product Manager under the PIC - Internet and Digital Team. My focus on internet ubiquity made it seem as if my entire path had come full circle. I was part of a mission ensuring that Filipinos, regardless of their location, had access to the internet, a basic necessity that connects us all. It felt like the stars had aligned, and I was once again working with satellite technology, crafting criteria for selecting partners to expand that access across the nation.

Immersing myself in the Fiber Lab, where I delved into the intricate journey of how Globe Broadband Fiber reaches homes.

Celebrating a milestone with my incredible Internet and Digital team, holding my Rookie of the Year award after just seven months at Globe — a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence.

But this journey has not been without its trials. Over the past 2.5 years at Globe, I have witnessed a landscape of constant change: new products, shifting teams, and evolving responsibilities. Yet, through every challenge, I have persevered.

Bittersweet moments with my Horizontal Product Management team during our despedida — honoring the journey we've shared as we embrace new beginnings amidst organizational change.

Embracing change together as our PEDG: Product Management and Experience Architecture - Service, Care, and Delight team stands united during the announcement of our new department and teams.

What has anchored me through these waves of change are the leaders who believed in me from the very start — Jepay Vallejo, Jun Bunag, and Chat Bunag. Even after reorgs transformed our teams, they remained steadfast, checking in on me, asking if I was okay or if I needed anything. Their doors were always open; one-on-one sessions became a safe harbor whenever I felt lost in unfamiliar waters. Their unwavering support meant the world to me, reminding me that I was never truly alone, even in my moments of doubt.

With inspiring leaders by my side — Jepay Vallejo and Jun Bunag — grateful for their unwavering support and guidance as I navigate my journey at Globe.

In this relatively short time, I’ve been stretched, challenged, and encouraged to grow. There have been moments of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. But there have also been moments of immense gratitude, wisdom, and excitement.

And still, the adventure unfolds. It’s still scary sometimes, but it’s also exhilarating. I’ve come to realize that true growth is born from the leap — when we allow ourselves to trust the journey, even when the landing is still wrapped in mystery.

I stand firmly in this moment, knowing that I am right where I need to be — creating, learning, and crafting a lasting impact, one courageous step at a time.