Work, Love, and Everything in Between: A Ka-Globe Love Story
- Christer Jalbuena and Paola Joy Garcia-Jalbuena
- Feb 14
- 5 min read
Finding love in the workplace is not something everyone expects, but for Christer and Pola, it was a possibility that became reality. Their journey from colleagues to partners, and eventually to husband and wife, is a testament to how work can bring people together in the most unexpected ways. Here’s their story, in their own words.
Pola: I started working as a Globe Concierge Front Desk Officer two days after I graduated. I was a contractual employee for the first 2.5 years and have been a regular employee for about seven years now. I was with the OPS division as Cost Control and later transferred to the Budget Management and Capex Settlement Team under Shared Services.
Christer: I've been with Globe for 9 years and 8 months now, as a Shift Engineer in San Juan & Valero MSC under NTG/OPS/HEO. Currently, I am the Site Head/People Manager for Batangas and Tiaong Data Center.
Pola: When I joined Globe, the work culture immediately struck me—people here are super passionate about their jobs, but they also know how to balance work and life. The open-office setup and the general vibe were just cool.
Christer: As a fresh grad, it was clear why it’s one of the best companies to work for. The Purpose and Values were evident, and our leaders always emphasized a process-driven and ownership mindset, which set us apart.
The couple that runs together, stays together. 🏃🏃♀️
Pola: We met at work when I was still a contractual employee. I was assisting the Host Exchange Operations Director and helped organize their team-building event. That’s when I first saw him—I thought he was cute, tall, dark, and handsome.
I knew from the very first moment I saw her
Christer: I first noticed her during a quarterly NTG OPS kick-off, and my first thought was, "Ui chix, pwede :3.” She didn’t notice me at first, but during our department team-building event, I made sure to introduce myself. Later, I followed her on Instagram, and that’s when we really started connecting.
Pola: We followed each other on Instagram, started liking each other's posts, and from there, things started to unfold.
Pola: During our first date, I thought he only wanted to watch Thor: Ragnarok because of Globe’s free tickets, but after our second meetup, I knew he was different. He took me to a Christmas light show. It was such a simple but thoughtful moment, and I started seeing him differently.
Christer: For me, the aha moment was instant. I knew from the very first moment I saw her.
Pola: We kept our relationship on the down-low for about a year. Since we didn’t work in the same location, it wasn’t hard to keep things professional. We only saw each other during town halls, Christmas parties, and other work events.
Christer: We weren’t exactly hiding, but we made sure to maintain professionalism when we were at work or in Globe’s offices.
Pola: Working in the same field meant that I understood his work challenges and schedule changes, which was a significant advantage to our relationship. Initially, he worked as a shift engineer with graveyard / early morning shifts, and I adjusted accordingly.
Christer: The biggest challenge for me was when I was secretly retaking my ECE board exam. I wanted to pass it for my parents and myself, so I focused all my energy on studying and was unavailable most of the time. I didn’t tell her at first because I wanted it to be a surprise. I’m glad I passed.
His drive motivates me
Pola: Our teammates were very supportive, just like Globe. During the pandemic when we both got COVID. We didn't encounter any major difficulties, and the company's efforts made us feel valued. Both of us were quarantined, and we didn't have to pay any expenses. Our office also had people checking up on us regularly.
Pola: Christer is ambitious, and he juggles many responsibilities. His drive motivates me. Even though we work in different fields—him in tech and me in finance—we still find ways to support each other.
Christer: She often asks me about my projects and processes, and I ask her about financial matters like SAP Ariba and filing memos. Our different expertise makes us better together.
Pola: Moving in together was a big adjustment for me since it was my first time living away from my parents.
Christer: I had been living alone before, so I had fewer adjustments to make.
Pola: We had to figure out our home dynamic, but it was also fun—like coming home to your best friend every day.
Christer: As one of our mentors said, marriage is a lifelong journey of adjustments. I’m ready for that.
Christer: What I enjoy most about working at Globe Telecom is the presence of the Circle of Happiness, where employees feel empowered. The company provides good benefits and programs that support both employees personal and horizontal growth. It's a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment
Our relationship is about celebrating wins together
Pola: We he became a site head for Tiaong, Quezon and Batangas, it meant we only saw each other on weekends or when he had Manila meetings, since it was far. So from time to time, I'd go to Quezon to stay with him and his family so we can spend more time together. It's a blessing that he's no longer a shift engineer and not on a graveyard body clock and he also advanced in his career, and I support him completely.
Christer: I'm always looking for ways to improve things, create value, and solve problems efficiently. Whether it's managing data centers and telco sites, handling assets, or running our family business, I'm resourceful and adaptable. I bring this same approach to my roles as People Manager, FA, and husband, focusing on building strong relationships and providing guidance and value.
Experiencing our first winter together ❄️⛄
Christer: My favorite work memories were simply doing hatid at sundo for her.
Pola: For me it was during the company team building when I first noticed his “boyfriend potential”. Another is when he surprised me with flowers at the office for Valentine's Day, and he also presented my S2G award in front of the SLZ team which was also funny because they were teasing. Additionally, whenever Globe gives us CIP, we always celebrate with a nice meal together.
Pola: Our relationship is about celebrating wins together—big or small—and helping each other grow personally and professionally. We find joy in small things, whether it’s sharing a coffee or planning future adventures.
Christer: We complement each other’s strengths. With my tech background and her finance expertise, we learn from each other every day. Every moment is an opportunity to grow together.
Our different expertise makes us better together
Pola: If you’re developing feelings for a colleague, approach it with honesty, respect, and professionalism. Set boundaries to keep work and personal life separate, and make sure your relationship enhances, rather than distracts from, your career.
Christer: Keep it chill and fun. Maintain professionalism, communicate properly, and support each other’s growth.
Christer: We’re celebrating our second Valentine’s as a married couple, reminiscing about our second year together. Keeping it intimate and special at home is the best way to spend it.
Pola: We’re waking up early to shop for flowers before traffic gets bad. Then, we’ll have a candlelit dinner at home with wine, steak, and potatoes.
Christer and Pola’s story is a beautiful reminder that love can blossom anywhere—even at work. Their journey of understanding, compromise, and mutual support shows that when the right two people meet, they create everyday possibilities together.
Have you experienced a similar love story at work, or do you believe in love in unexpected places? Share your thoughts in the comments, like this post, or tag someone who might relate to their journey! Let’s celebrate love in all its forms!
Thank you, lovebirds, for sharing your story 💙💙💙
Join us on our weekly run sa Globe Power and Speed ms Pola!
congratulations!