When ‘Kulit’ Is a Superpower

Some people change the mood of a room just by walking in.

In The Globe Tower Cebu, that person is Charlie. He’s the type who can turn pre-event panic into a group laugh, a tense meeting into a real conversation, and an ordinary workday into something people actually remember.

For Pride Month, we’re spotlighting the “fun” side of our spectrum—not as comic relief, but as a real force for connection, courage, and being heard without prejudice.

Meet Charlie: the energy you feel before you even see him

Had a lot of fun in this studio shoot!

"My name is Charlie John Maratas, though I usually go by Cha, Char, or Charlie (he/him). I’m a proud homosexual, an outgoing soul, and a B2B Channel and Partnerships Development Expert who has been with Globe for 4 and a half years, handling Channel and Partnership Development for Omni Channel – Visayas.

I bring the same fun-loving, energetic version of myself to both my work and my personal life. Outside the office, I spend most of my time with family and friends, pushing my limits with boxing and Muay Thai, and seeking out untasted foods and new adventures."

Ultimately, I’m all about community—I love surrounding myself with people who bring the same genuine vibe and high energy to the table.

"My friends say what makes me “fun” is that I’m always ready to hype people up, keep the mood light, and turn even the most ordinary day into something memorable."

Being heard, not dismissed

There’s a stereotype that when LGBTQIA+ folks crack jokes or bring high energy, they’re “pang-comic relief” lang, not to be taken seriously. For Charlie, that’s not the story.

So much love for my officemates turned friends and family! <3

“I try to tailor my humor to whoever I'm talking to. But even if it happens that I will be brushed off or ignored, it’s a non-issue for me. "

We all have different tastes in humor and conversation. If someone wants to miss out on a great idea or a top-tier joke just because of a stereotype, that's on them.

"I’m all about matching good vibes, so if the energy isn't there, I just move on to the next fun thing—no hard feelings, and definitely no extra effort to prove myself.”

Instead of shrinking or over-explaining himself, Charlie chooses where to place his energy and who gets access to it. His “fun” is about knowing his worth and refusing to chase validation from those who don’t see it.

Turning chaos into connection

Work can get intense, especially in events and high-stakes executions. That’s where Charlie’s brand of “kulit” becomes the glue that holds people together.

With my Ka-B2B! Loud and proud Ka-Globes, sporting our 917 shirts for field day!

“Honestly? My presence alone already makes a huge difference—especially during high-stakes event executions when everyone is panicking and the anxiety is through the roof. That’s not the time to blend in; that’s my cue to shine."

Whenever we are confronted with an unfavorable situation, I always calm myself first. Channeling my inner Catriona Gray, I look at the chaos and focus on ‘seeing the silver lining in every situation.’

"I bring in my natural ‘kulit’ and humor to ensure that ‘negativity could not foster’ on my watch. Instead of adding to the panic, I’ll crack a well-timed joke or inject some lighthearted energy to break the tension.

It completely resets the room—people stop stressing, start laughing, and we get the job done together as one synchronized, happy team.”

For Charlie, joy is not an escape from reality but a way of facing it together. His humor and warmth don’t erase the pressure, but they make it bearable, and remind everyone they’re on the same side.

How Charlie keeps his spark

Even the most “fun” people have heavy days. When things get too much, Charlie knows when to pause and refill his own cup.

Had a delicious meal with my CPD peeps!

“My ultimate ritual is to press pause and tune in to myself first. I take a step back, calm my mind, and just observe the room. "

Instead of absorbing the heavy energy around me, I practice the fine art of selective ignoring—I block out the noise so I can protect my own light.

"And once the mental reset is done? It’s time for the real healing: retail and food therapy. Truth be told, I have a very serious sweet tooth, so getting a sweet fix right after a stressful event is an absolute must for me.

Whether it’s a decadent slice of cake, a good cookie, a milk tea, or a pastry—it is completely non-negotiable.

Looking neat and sleek but still makulit. Haha! :)

After treating myself to a scrumptious meal and that mandatory sugar rush, I’ll top it off with some random shopping to score my absolute obsession right now—a new Hirono figure from Pop Mart. Unboxing a little joy and satisfying my cravings is exactly how I keep slaying, no matter how heavy the day is.”

Charlie’s way of "keep going and keep slaying" is simple but intentional: protect his mental space, honor his need for joy, and come back brighter for himself and for others.

What it looks like when people really listen

For someone whose personality naturally fills a room, being heard is part of how his team moves, every day.

After work hang outs are the best!

“Throughout my four and a half years with Globe, that ‘Uy, nakikinig talaga sila sa’kin’ moment isn't a rare occurrence, but a daily reality. In concrete terms, truly being heard looks like active, seamless collaboration every single day, not just a spotlight during Pride Month."

When we pitch ideas or solve problems, it’s never about my gender preference; it’s always about the intention to deliver excellence. I love that my teammates make sure my voice matters so we can get things done.

"At the end of the day, respect is genderless, and respect goes way beyond preference. When a workplace embraces that, we don’t just hit our targets, but we learn to coexist, collaborate, and be better, kinder Ka-Globes every single day.”

Pride doesn’t always show up in big speeches or bold outfits. Sometimes it’s the teammate who keeps everyone laughing when things are falling apart, the one who refuses to dim their personality, and the one whose ideas are heard just as clearly as their punchlines.

Through Ka-Globe like Charlie, we’re reminded that making space for every kind of love also means making space for every kind of energy. When joy, humor, and honesty can exist without prejudice, we don’t just keep going—we keep slaying, together.

To know more about our diversity and inclusion agenda, make sure to follow Globe Telecom on LinkedIn.