Back to Manila Again: HR Symposium and Cheat Shenanigans?

As an introvert who gets a bit anxious in social situations, the idea of working in HR—a field known for its emphasis on interpersonal skills and extroverted personalities, or in other words, being great with people (HAHA!🤣)—was totally overwhelming for me. HR is not in my comfort zone; it’s not my cup of tea. Yet, here I was, attending an HR symposium at the PICC in Pasay, Manila.

First Time at PICC: A Surprising Delight

I had never been to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) before, so I was curious about what it’d be like. From the outside, I must admit that I found the building a bit underwhelming. But as soon as I stepped inside, I was amazed by its elegance and sophistication. The grand halls, meeting venues, fancy chandeliers, and stunning artworks made the experience truly remarkable.

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A World of Possibilities

The symposium was packed with information, inspiration, motivation and chances to connect with new people. From the insightful keynote speeches to the engaging workshops, I gained valuable insights into leadership, HR management and more. While being extroverted can certainly be an asset, success doesn’t require you to be a social butterfly. Skills like effective communication, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are equally important. Moreover, being adaptable, flexible and responsive to change is essential in today’s dynamic workplace. ❤️

Learning to Adapt Beyond Limits

One of the most valuable takeaways from the symposium was the importance of adaptability. As Charles Darwin famously pointed out, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” In the ever-evolving world of HR, it’s essential to learn new things, embrace change and adapt to different situations. As an introvert, I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by new experiences. However, by pushing myself outside my comfort zone and challenging my assumptions, I’ve begun to develop a greater sense of resilience and adaptability. (Charowt! Adapt ra diay in using sa AI—joke lang, hahaha🤣🤣🤣)

Core Memories from the Symposium

• Ms. Cess Drilon’s Inspiring Story: Ms. Cess Drilon shared a harrowing tale of her 2008 kidnapping, which is a powerful example of adaptability in the face of change. Thrust into a terrifying situation, she had to quickly adjust her mindset to survive. Her resilience, strength and ability to navigate uncertainty highlight the importance of flexibility in times of adversity. Drilon’s story serves as a reminder that adaptability is key, whether in extreme crises or in the challenges of everyday life.

• The Articulate Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio: Mayor Benjie of Baguio was a captivating speaker who eloquently addressed every question posed to him. While I honestly forgot the specifics of what he said, what stood out to me was his articulate and clear responses. His insights and wisdom certainly left an impression!

• The Creative Ms. Margot Torres, Managing Director of McDonald’s Philippines: Ms. Ms. Margot Torres’ presentation was visually engaging and creative. Well, McDonald’s is really a top-notch example of marketing creativity, right? Her topic focused primarily on customers but later connected it to leadership, emphasizing that if you treat your employees well, they will, in turn, be good to both your company and your customers. What really stood out to me was that the presentation went beyond just slides; it included clips of McDonald’s ads that highlighted how the company adapted to various situations, such as during the pandemic, the rise of cyclists, and even the unique carabao kneeling festival, where they allowed carabaos to come through the drive-thru. It was a fascinating demonstration of adaptability in action!

• The Inspiring Insights of Sir Jonathan Yabut: Jonathan Yabut’s keynote speech was the highlight of the symposium for me. I was surprised to learn he was on the show The Apprentice Asia and won. I won’t dig deeper into his topics here, but what stuck in my mind was how confidently he delivered his speech. I also loved his sense of humor. He’s the type of speaker you don’t want to miss a single word from. I was completely engaged, captivated by his every word, just enjoying the way he spoke with such confidence.

While all the speakers at the symposium were exceptional, these four individuals stood out to me the most. Their insights, experiences, and inspiring stories have greatly influenced me. Charowt! 🤣 

Savoring the Culinary Offerings at the Symposium

The food at the symposium was absolutely delicious. I totally caved and had a few cheat days, including this pasta. While I tried to stick to my low-carb lifestyle, I couldn’t resist some of those high-carb goodies. But hey, I was mindful of my overall diet and avoided rice and soft drinks to keep my weight in check. Or maybe lose a few pounds! LOL! HAHAHAHHAHA. Ambot nlng jud! 🤣 🤣 🤣 

Cheating Days and Indulgences

Traveling can be challenging for those following a low-carb lifestyle. To maintain my low-carb goals while traveling, I became a “dirty low-carber.” Lol! Just for some of the time, nyahahah! 🤣 This meant that I still focused on low-carb options but occasionally incorporated ingredients that weren’t strictly low-carb. For example, I enjoyed the fried chicken and chicken fillet at 7-Eleven, but I wasn’t sure of the ingredients in those. If there was flour, that’s a no-no in a low-carb diet (taray, murag korek, hahaha 🤣). But I had no choice but to fill my stomach, hahaha. I also had iced brewed coffee with almond milk, or shall I say, an almond latte, which was yum, by the way… haha!🤣 

On our first day in Manila, my colleagues and I indulged in a samgyeopsal feast. While I tried to limit my intake of high-carb side dishes and cheese, I couldn’t resist indulging in some of these treats. On our last day, we had dinner at the Orange Bucket and enjoyed a delicious seafood dish. The combination of fresh seafood, potatoes, and corn was irresistible. Although the potatoes and corn were high in carbs, I decided to enjoy the moment and not be too strict with myself.

It was my first time trying lobster, and I was surprised to find that it tasted similar to a mix of crab and shrimp. HAHA! I visited Orange Bucket, which felt a bit pricey for a “poor person” like me, but you know what? The service, food, and especially the sauce earned a solid 9.3/10 on my palate! ❤️

Finally, I was excited to try Subway, as it’s not available in Cebu. As someone who had only seen Subway in movies, TV shows, and K-dramas, I was a bit nervous about ordering. I wasn’t sure how to navigate the menu, and the staff gave me anxiety when she asked what to put in the bread, bwahahahaha! 🤣 It was such a funny yet frightening moment trying to decide on my choices of fillings, HAHAHA! 🤣 🤣 🤣 

GAAAAAAAh! I didn’t care about my weight anymore, hahahaha🤣! I was having fun with these high-carb treats, niyaahahaha! But just this time while traveling—when I go home, I have to get back to my diet, hahahahah!

Reflections on My Manila Experience

Anyway, that’s all my Manila memories. Overall, my time at the HR symposium in Pasay was meaningful. I not only learned a lot about HR management and leadership but also discovered valuable insights about myself and my abilities.

Initially, I was hesitant to attend the symposium in person due to my fear of flying. However, I’m so glad I decided to overcome my fear and attend. The onsite experience (rather than the online participation) was truly unforgettable and provided me with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others. I am grateful to LGU Bantayan for providing me with this valuable experience. 🙂