Frontline 6:2017 Trial

ON THE

VOL-VI | 2017

A Decade of Family

Editor'sNote So how do we measure and
gauge how satisfied one
AssociRatMe Editor employee can be? What makes
people stay? How long should it
The sentiment below is the be so we can say that a
romanticized version of the company's formula of retention is
realities of (work) life. We've working? A Decade? That's ten
heard and read it numerous long years to be committed to
times. Inspiring words, yes, someone or something. But for
but if there are things that can the employees of IHG, it's more
be said that hold true for the than the passage of time but the
employed, these are: Work is memories and connections, the
NOT play. Your number one sense of family, and the culture
passion is NOT ALWAYS a of belonging. That, as we perform
realistic career. No job is our role in the company, we get
completely perfect. BUT the fulfillment in the knowledge that
more you love your job, the we are able to touch the lives of
more you work hard to get it some of our colleagues. In our
done right. Maybe the fourth day to day interactions, we are
point is the most realistic given the opportunity to get to
mecca that we can ask for know some of the people we
when we are working, interact with on a personal level
especially if we happen to be and are given the opportunity to
rank and file employees. If we appreciate the person within.
can't make it as close to
perfect then there should be Do what you love
something that we hold on to and you'll never have
to make our time worth the
stay with the company we to work a day in
belong to. your life.

A Decade of Family

Not everything is sunshine and roses, Aside from the benefits, having
of course. Those who withstood the spent more time at work than
ups and downs were the ones who elsewhere have made most
were forged by fire and were given the consider IHG as their second
strength to weather the storm. There home. Many have habituated to
were aspirations that were rejected, the pleasantness and culture IHG
heartaches that came with not has brought upon us. IHG's major
achieving our set goals. There were activities allow family members to
some who at some point were be part of it. To many of us here in
uninspired by what's lacking or IHG, ten years is but a fabric of
inadequate. But those in itself taught weaved stories of our shared lives.
us the lesson of pushing beyond our Cheers to more years to come!
comfort zones so we can learn what
more we can give. Being comfortable
for too long makes one complacent.
And the inadequate presented the
contrast of the blessings we received
if we just reflect on them.

WJJcoauoinsnnnttuaeasmcw! taaroniitnldeat,hbdseeaefsmrpoiagpnrnltetlioonorfefjO@yuogsnumtTrwahwoile.orckFrokrymotoonu:trlinaert?

BLISS FAMILY FCROIMENMDITSMHEINPT
ASPIRATION
PASSION

Ranne

LayoutandDesign Kim Writer

CREATIVITY FRONT

PURPOSE What

INSPIRATION

Nino

GeneralCoordinator

Krizelle SUNDAYS GRATITUDE

Writer LOVE BEACH CANDOR FAITHWriter,LayoutaDndiaDneesign

HADPRPYEEANMDLIISNFEGS Jam

Writer

Frianne FAI T HFAMILY Layout,Design,Cartoonist

HOPE

WOR DS

FAMILY FAITH

RM

Editor-in-chief

Associate Editor MOMENTS Misty
Jhing
LINE Staff Page FAMILY PURPOSE

Drives You?

CJ

WriterandCartoonist INITIIANTTIVEGE RITY TM in Charge

PASSION D R I V EWS YHOUA?T

Writer

LayoutandDesign

GCRHAOLWLETNFAHGMEILSY Vaunne FAKMIILANYMDBNITEISOSN zai

MR.& PHPRO
MS.
Behind

the

Velvet

Curtain 2017
By: Vaune

Every beauty queen is  Behind the velvet curtain of
supported by a team what IHG history will record as
comprised mainly of the the A'diyes: Search for Mr. and
following: the hair and
make-up artists, the Ms. PHPRO 2017... the truth
handlers (usually in behind the glamor, hair –
charge of wardrobe), on – fleek, and picture –
and the pageant coaches. perfect smiles? Backstage
 But what is little yet known was a wonderfully chaotic
to many is that these experts
are no ordinary men and riot of lipstick, and the click –
women.  In the avenue of clack of steps rushing from the
their expertise, they are
 remarkably makeup room to backstage,
other-wordly.   then back to the makeup room
Imbued
with stellar again.    
creativity,and influence
that knows no bounds, let us hteaaxpisprehpNlooiynseeusi?rosonv!?n"ngo…!s"gu..dso.saaf"onlnmaf"danutisatg"ha!ps"heaaatwneaekvrnie-y,ermuyaennuantt.gndshkgeinmge
look back at the masters of the
catwalk: The Pageant Experts. 

They arrived with almighty
prowess.  The red carpet rolled
out on their path (at least, in
our minds, we had imagined it
that way).  Their every step,
nearly blinding, but not to
death, in the gleam of the
evening stage lights (and
much glitter and bronzing
powder).  These marvelous
creatures were called: "The
Coaches".  

Towering over all these...
The Coaches stood
composed, magnificent
in the colorful discord.
 Each of them, focused
and present.  On the
outside, what people saw
were those false
eyelashes that could
keep the sun out.  Or
hair extensions your cat
would probably be
intimidated by.  Some of
them even came to the
set prepared with LED –
laden vanity mirrors,
complete with soft lights
at the background.

But there was an art to
what they did.  The
contouring, strobing,
and baking techniques
which they so
effortlessly and
effectively maneuvered.
 Like the painter, careful
with every stroke on his
canvass, they were, to
be honest, a delight to
watch.  

And they were creators, not just because we are all beautifully
in the aesthetic of what they different from each other.  What
did.  They knew how to reshape rush of overwhelming negativity
the way we perceived beauty, you usually got fixed on because
and made it law that there isn't of what you thought your
a one – size – fits – all formula insecurities were.  How you
for what is beautiful... that you began to loathe them, or fear
can't compare yourself to him or them, and even tried to cover up
to her,  those "imperfections".  



The Coaches' reminder struck clear So maybe it wasn't the
and fierce as crystal and ice: it's makeup technique, not the
okay to be imperfect you, because perfect posture, it was Being
only YOU can be YOU perfectly. you, and being me... that was
 At least, if you're human and you what they really wanted us to
live in this world we call "real".  If take home, and take to heart.
you were Malibu Barbie or Ken,
then yes, you could consider being To the A'diyes 2017 Mr. and
perfect.  But they aren't real, so Ms. PHPRO organizers,
they can be perfect in that plastic supporters, glam teams,
- fantastic way.  You and I? We're candidates, and coaches,
as real as can be, and that in you have truly been an
itself is beauty.  Neither the
catwalk can tell us otherwise. inspiration. Thank you. To
IHG PHPRO, and

worldwide... Stay You. Stay
beautiful you.

Clean. PHPRO A'Diyes Green Engage Drive

Eat. Armed with broomsticks, dustpans, garbage
bags and gloves, PHPRO volunteers for
L   ve. the Green Engage Drive took to the
streets in surrounding areas of the
By: Misty Marrero IHG Building to wage war with
Photo Cred: LA Adriano all that unsightly garbage
         and JOhn Pucay last March 10 on a
bright and early
morning.

Before the
real work
started, our
volunteers had a
light breakfast of hot
drinks and pandesal
followed by a quick
exercise to wake up those
groggy muscles. The little
moments of fun and laughter
during times like these are
truly priceless that you
surely would not want

to miss.

The entire group was divided into four and assigned

to the following areas: John hay, Yellow Trail, Loakan Road and

Scout Barrio and Loakan Road. It was a

perfect morning to take a walk while

picking up the whites and unusual

colors that stick out in the

greenery. As you bend and

pick up the trash, you

wonder how people can

simply throw away

their garbage

anywhere they

please. A bad habit

that we have to break

among our fellowmen

one way or another.

While walking along the smaller
streets of Scout Barrio, residents make
conversation out of curiosity. Times like
these do you really feel IHG pride as you tell
them of the day's clean-up drive activity.
Some jokingly said that there is more at the
back to clean-up. Naughty tita.

Soon it was time to get back as we finished
cleaning through our designated areas. Thoughts of
the Boodle Fight meal waiting for us occupied our minds
as we trudged back home to IHG. The sight of food was
one to behold and take pictures of. The long table was set
so magnificently headed by TM Jel. Mounds of rice with

grilled pork liempo on top spelling out the phrase
IHG PHPRO A'DIYES GREEN ENGAGE DRIVE
with sides of boneless bangus, red egg and
fruit.

But the sweet reward had to wait
as the Yellow group cleaned
much more than designated
because the garbage was just
too much to leave behind. So
when they finally arrived, we all
rejoiced and armed ourselves
with plastic gloves this time as
we waged war with our hunger
with the help of the feast in front
of us.

The drive soon came to an end
with several of us taking home

some of the food. :) It was a
good day. Mostly because we

knew the streets were a bit
cleaner than yesterday. The
drive somehow made us reflect

on ourselves as well. We
reflected on what we have done

to help save and protect the
environment We also reflected
on the times we failed to do our
part. We can all help in our little

ways by throwing our trash in
proper areas and segregating
as best as we can. Little ways
that matter big to Mother Earth.



"This is not
about charity,
it's not about
generosity, it's
simply about
sharing to the
community
where we
are",

IHG PHPRO Last 10th of April, 
 Gives Back on a sunny day, kind
hearted specialist,
Krizelle enthusiastic TMs, facilities
administration, doctors from
BGH and nursing students of 
Pines City Colleges all gathered to 
be part of a medical community
service program in Tuba National High
School (TBNHS), Nangalisan, Benguet
spearheaded by the chairman Efren Corpuz,
Emelyn Tampoa and Mae Cheong.

The event was able to help 167 locals by providing
medical service, 31 locals through dental, 10 for legal
counseling, 50 for grooming by Stache Barber Shop and Derek
Inway, a volunteer from the last Mr and Ms PHPRO pagean. A fun
kiddy lecture on dental health was also given to 32 kids where they
learned how to take care of their dental health with the help of hygiene
and wellness kits provided as well.

Other donations were given as Nadz Flores for making sure no
school supplies, clothes, cash, one worked on an empty stomach
toys and optical frames. Most of and Renz Pangilinan for taking
the medicines and vitamins were care of transportation. This event
given by our beloved Jessie won't be a success without the
Santorum. Donna Bognot also support from our OMs and our
shared her knowledge of rag ever radiant director Hazel Tin.
making as a possible source of
income or simply for self-use. Throughout the event, everyone
Licensed Pharmacist Abigail was hyped up to serve better as
Fusilero also shared her expertise Hazel said, "This is not about
to the attendees. charity, it's not about generosity,
it's simply about sharing to the
No event would be complete community where we are", which
without food. Special thanks to  is the true meaning of this event.

Photo Credits to John Pucay and A'diyes Page

By: Ranne Castillo
Photos by: Dexter Ortaleza

The Color Run was founded
in March 2011 as an event
to promote healthiness and
happiness by bringing the
community together. IHG
PHPRO aims the same this
year as we celebrated the
A'Diyes Color Run last May

27. In fulfillment of our
Winning Ways-Room for

You and Work Better
Together, the event
aimed to balance work
and wellness, to jubilate

life with family and
friends through running

while being showered
with ablaze colors.

HR Department In addition, there was a "Boomerun"
contest to involve the interested
Autobons participants through social media.
PRIME Team
Using the popular app Boomerang, a
Team Giordani montage of images on repeat were
UK posted on their social media accounts.
It was really fun seeing all the entries
appear on your feed. You can search
the entries by the hashtags used

#ColorRun #IHGBaguioat10
#TeamColorRun

#WorkingCollaboratively $ADiyes
#LifeatIHG. There were so many
colorful entries with unique and
interesting concepts but only three
teams were chosen to win. The
winners were the HR Team, Autobons

and Giordani!

As for the Team Color Run, it was held at
Camp John Hay last May 27, 2017 from 6am
to 8am. Each group of participants had at least
3 members, male or female, at least 10years
old and above. A'Diyes Core members Anna

Morte, Jarvis Aboy, Marcy Lapitan, Leslie
Felix, Mike Valedz and Administrative

Assistants lead this successful event. The
course ran 3 kilometers from the IHG entrance

to Camp John Hay's Gate 2 and back. The
Winning group won three thousand cash and
top ten groups got specially embroidered bath

towels. So after accidentally eating and
inhaling some of that colored powder, the
crowd dispersed while thinking of another
perfect day of friends, family and fun at IHG.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel $4.00
the world with your family? Just pure fun,
happiness and lasting memories to create PHPRO OPEN HOUSE: 
together? Well, that was the theme of this
year's Open-House.  EXPERIENCE THE

On the 10th day of June, our PHPRO WORLD OF IHG
center opened its gates to warmly
welcome our family and closest By Frianne
friends. It all began by visiting the Big
Ben of London and having a glimpse of
the Tiki Huts of Indian-Americans just
down the road.  

Kids began running around while their
parents tried to keep up with their energy as
they tried to convince them to take a cute
photo near the tower or inside the huts. Just
nearby at the Pantry Extension, the kids got
their very own activity area where they
were able to showcase their creativity by
drawing and coloring. Not just that but they
also got to jump around and scream in their
very own mini bounce castle. But then, you
can't help but overhear the dads loudly
cheering on something at the other side of
the room. Oh yeah! The NBA finals was
happening at the same time live from the
US.

As the dads watched their game while juggling to babysit their kids, the
moms were busy falling in line for free food. We enjoyed sweet treats of ice
cream and cream puff, tasty steamed dumplings and siopao, fresh fruits, and
the famous hotdog sandwiches. All of which individually represent our
remarkable hotel brands. Falling in line may seem boring at first but the
historic Eiffel Tower of Paris and the Opera House of Sydney were scene-
stealers. You can't just not have a selfie especially under that Eiffel Tower.
You could see people trying to be creative with one pose to another. Every
single family had their own unique way of taking a picture-frame worthy
family photo both under the tower and at the photo booth nearby.

Everyone had something to do, grandma even got to play
BINGO and won one-two-many times. Not just that but
she even got to win a prize just for bringing her Senior
Citizen ID. I mean talk about luck! All of us millennials
were just staring at the BINGO board trying really hard
not to show our disappointment. I mean, how many times
can one person win such a game?

As the sun began to die down, the kids were slowly drifting
to sleep on their parents shoulders. Our dear parents, kuyas
and ates began saying their goodbyes to our dearest
friends who showed up. By the end of the day, blood-related
or not, we will go our separate ways; but the joy of just
sharing the day together made things even more memorable.
Ohana is ohana and nobody gets left behind.

As they say all good things must come to an end at some point.
As we ended another gathering to celebrate our 10th
anniversary this year at least we were able to create new
memories while celebrating the value of family and friendship.

'Til next time PHPRO! See you soon everyone!

Photo Credits to LA Adriano, Dex Ortaleza and Tracy Villanueva

When The
Alarm Goes Off

BY: ROSEMARIE OCTUBRE

RRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIININNNNNGNGGGG!!!!!!!!!!

Nope. It's not the alarm. Oh no it is. Time check: 2am.
Wait. I have some leave credits. I have some phone
credits,too. Should I call in? No. Must. Fight. Temptation.
Must get up. Must go to work. But my bed is so
comfy. And it's cold outside. No. I can do this. So I
drag myself out of bed. Take a bath to awaken my
senses. Get dressed. And step out into the dark.

Relate much? I know how everyone goes through this
everyday. I know how a struggle it is to get to work
knowing what awaits: heavy call queue, stress over
metrics, an ADEV session with your owning manager about
those metrics. Numbers, numbers, numbers. But what
pushes you out of the comforts of your bed to the cold
air conditioned office? Sure, the need to earn a living. To
put food on the table. But any other job does that, right?
What makes IHG , what makes PHPRO , more than
an average workplace? Here are my thoughts:
FEELS LIKE HOME

I have been in the  B   P  O 
 industry for over a   d ec  a  d  e   .

Different companies, different accounts,
same set up. Take in calls from customers
7.5 hours a day,5 days a week. Graveyard,
mid, and morning shifts. Technical support
or customer service. I've done it all. But all
these other companies provided me was a
place to work. Where I earned my keep
for the day and come back the next day
to do it all over again.

I've been working for IHG
 for over  4   y e  a  r s    now.

I have booked thousands of hotel rooms
for hundreds of nights for thousands of
guests. But in reality, I have provided homes

for guests while they are away from
home. In turn, IHG gives me a home while I
am away from home. The warm smile and
the cheerful greeting from the shuttle van
drivers and security guards in the morning.

The barrage of "good mornings" and "how
are yous" the minute I step into the office.
How I've made friends with everyone in the
blue tent. How I became friends with my
teammates and baymates

(special shout out to my
"uyaw bay" ladies ).

FEELS LIKE HOME

aHfteorwaltlhtehyessteilyleaarres.f r  ie n d s .
How easy it is to talk to someone whenever
problems arise. Or just to talk and be
listened to. How I can be myself here. I used
to write when I was younger, but life
happened. And here's PHPRO, giving me
another chance at it.

It may not be THE perfect
workplace. I bet there is no
such thing as a perfect
company. But looking back, I
can say, without doubt, that

cnomo poathreers ctoo m IpH a Gn y .

So no matter how hard it is to
I am  h a. ppy   leave my bed every 2 o' clock in
the morning, .
Happy that the minute I walk
through the doors of PHPRO,

I am home. Again!.
- Rosemarie

FEELS LIKE HOME



Six years ago, my journey with

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) began.

I started working as a Priority Club Rewards (now IHG Rewards Club)
Customer Service Representative in PHLRO based in Makati City. At first, it
was challenging for someone who has just graduated from college. The
flexibility needed on shifting schedules and the patience required to fulfill the
responsibility of ensuring guest loyalty despite demanding concerns are
overwhelming. However, the culture of family and support helped me
embrace those changes and challenges.

After roughly a year, I was given the chance to work as a Hotel Help Desk

Specialist which enabled me to understand more the relationship between our
hotels and our loyalty program.

After another year, I applied and was graciously HO
given the chance to work with the Escalations
Team which is the customer retention team of
IHG Rewards Club (IHGRC), then Priority Club
Rewards. We handled escalated calls from IHGRC,
took overflow calls from various lines such as
those from Ambassador Members, Hotel Help
Desk, Meetings Department, and Reservations, and
answered both general and specific agent
inquiries.

We also worked as liaison officers for the is whe
Atlanta office where we responded to
escalated emails and mails from the corporate hea
office. It was a very complex stint which
required versatility, patience, and passion. Here, is
I appreciated our loyalty program even more
because of the chance of widening my horizon
and knowing how rewarding it really is.

Despite its cool weather, Because I wanted to pursue a Master's
PHPRO’s reception was warm, Degree, I thought Baguio would be a
suitable place for higher education. It
smilewith one greeting another with was then that I realized that it was
time to say goodbye to PHLRO and
a , even if they don’t open more doors of adventures. I
personally know one another applied and was, fortunately, hired as a
just yet. From then on, Reservations Sales Specialist here in
PHPRO. My transfer to Baguio was a
I felt home. leap of faith since I had no family
members, relatives, or close friends
OME here back then..

ere the         " In spite of being
anxious for being totally
art new to the place, I can still

s vividly remember
my first day in the office."

As adventurous as I am, I explored more rooms to grow. One day, I

received an email inviting me for an interview for a hotel operation post

at our very own premier hotel in the Middle East, the Crowne Plaza

Doha- The Business Park. I went through the interview and assessment
good problemand was blessed to have passed both. It gave me a
to

have of either accepting the enticing offer of working abroad or

pursuing my higher education and staying locally in PHPRO.

I consulted my parents, friends, and my
Team Manager (TM) that helped me arrive
at a difficult decision of taking the offer
and opted to experience
actual hotel operations.

I remember what my TM told me during that
time when I consulted her, "If it's not for you,
you can always go back. You have a home here."
It felt like a parent telling you, “Go see the world!
Grow! If you fail, you can always go home.”

So I went on to process my documents. After

roughly half a year, I left PHPRO and flewto

tQ  wau auontg radkhr e.t rePmste htera siconin.nddaTilneelypcg,eh,wnnriodcerealkinllgiynci,geoi,tuincwsuaarlstehusolipkrteeaelclaat,bparounazddzgleood

put into place when I learned how the hotel
works while having a background in central
reservations office (CRO).

b"Iafckit.'sYnoout hfoarveyoauh, yomoue chaenrea."lways go

However, there are good things that are  not meant to last forever. My

heart seemed to whisper that it belongs to Baguio and needed to let go
of Doha. But like an old love, all the learning there was inculcated in my
mind. More than that, the admiration to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)
will forever be engraved in my heart.

While half of the world was celebrating, I

flew back home on a New Year's Eve.

After five months of waiting, I was
rehired in PHPRO as a Reservations Sales
Specialist and had since flourished into a
better performer fueled by fiery passion
and shaped by learning experience.

Looking back into my journey, I can As my journey in IHG

hsaoymteh,abteicnaPuHsePRreOa,lliyt ,nIeTveIrSfeltHliOkeME. continues,

I have learned that a home is not I knowatnhbadet athcuehtrieafuwllleilslntbrgeuemgsogreles
merely a concrete four-wall structure

but a place where people make you that will come my way,

feel that you belong. but one thing that I'm really
grateful for is that I finally found
PHPRO is home for second chances to where my

do the rsihgohwt thgienngu. iInteics aa rpelacteowpuhsehre heart really is-
people PHPRO, my home.

you to be the best that you can be. It

iasimwhheigrheewr ainrdeowlims oiftloepspos.rtIut nisitineostto
only a place of comfort of being

yourself, but also a place where you

can celebrate differences with others.

It is where people work together to

achieve a shared goal and live with the

mantra that everyday,

better is possible. ~Clarissa 

THE
CHAMBER'S

LIGHT

By: Nikko Bryle Mendoza

Somewhere, there’s a place where       
pre t  e   n s  i o  n     is     u n  n   e e   d e   d   , frustration is

vanished, and discrimination is non-existent -
an abode where O   N   E ’S     H   A  P   P   IN   E  S   S     A  N   D 
FULFILLMENT IS A   L   L    T  HAT MATTERS
 - there is where every individual finds the key
to the paradise of contentment, and whenever

they step into its prestigious floors,
THEY KNOW THEY'RE HOME.

FEELS LIKE HOME

 A     h   o   m     e     is more than just the walls

and its doors and windows; it is more than

the men and women people encounter

every single day. Home is about the

genuine understanding and the emotional

connection - feeling the essence of a

family, embracing and celebrating one

another's differences.  It is where a man builds

remembrances that would define

what he would become when the

door opens to the world’s reality. It

is where dreams begin to flourish,

plans begin to be laid out, and

ideas are turned
into realities.

FEELS LIKE HOME

Just like home, every person feels

the sense of belonging in IHG-PHPRO

eeavcerhygoenneuitnoe asmfialemwilyelcomes

that is altogether different but nonetheless

strong, from the moment one takes sight of its

unique facade, up to the moment one leaves the

shadow of its seven-cornered structure.

Someone’s caring hand touches a

doubtful heart and trust in oneself

and others is ignited.  A cheerful voice is enough to encourage a

IitwpttmnHhrhesoaeeiruGtylndrmscs’iuonsbpemgnhehnwaaec.tslviienntaueitrnmecsisncgeingtuewoisdhseitofdsul fearful mind to become firm and resilient
against any difficulties that might occur.
One voice is powerful enough to prove
that failure is not the end, but is merely a
new page of the book . Years have gone
by and the traits have been passed from
one generation to another. Strong

relationships have been established.

FEELS LIKE HOME

    Through the years, I H   G   - P   H  P    R   O     

            has become a shelter for souls of

varying colors. It has lent its helping

hand and shaped them into stronger

and more vibrant individuals, ready to

spread their wings and fly to the

greatest heights. Like a home, these

souls have found the nurturing they may

never have found outside; they found

From being s t r  a   n g   e r s to security from woes, and assurance
being t r u  s  t  -   e a r  n   e r s   , a new from qualms. 

family has been born, where

memories and lessons in life can

be used as instruments to mold

one into a better version of his

once searching soul. 

The candle that once lit a

dark and shallow chamber

has burst its brightness to

a wider horizon and will

soon make a beautiful

metamorphosis like stars -Nikko
in the midnight sky.

FEELS LIKE HOME



Feels Like

Home

Song written by:

Niño

Have you found a place?
Where the years are days
Where people Do Things Right!
And the best of you's the best you can be
Pledges never torn
Friendships never worn
Where heart and deeds collide
And you feel how much they care 'bout you
and me 

We soar high
We'll make it to...
We'll make it to the sky
Watch us fly
Keep on going...
Keep on going tonight... 

FEELS LIKE HOME

I can never find
A better place than here
And here is where I wanna be 

It feels like home
Where you'll never be alone
I can guarantee, you'll find family here at IHG
One in heart and one in song
As we walk the same direction
In this journey, We Are Family
And it feels like home to me 

Learned the signs and ways
So, we keep our pace
And Win in all we do
Stepping through your doors
I feel I'm home again
And you keep us strong
And you keep us one
In the cause we live up to
Make a difference, and be the Difference you intend 

We soar high
We Work Better
We Work Better when we're
Side by side
When we're Together
When we’re Together, tonight! 

I can never find  
A better place than here
And here is where I'll always be 

FEELS LIKE HOME

It feels like home
Where you'll never be alone
I can guarantee, you'll find family Here at IHG
One in heart and one in song
As we walk the same direction
In this journey, We Are Family
And it feels like home to me 

It feels like home
(It feels like home here at IHG)
One in heart and one in song
We are Family 

Intercontinental Hotels
Intercontinental Hotels
Intercontinental Hotels Group 

We are IHG
Soaring higher
Standing stronger 

It feels like home here at IHG
Say hello to the world of IHG/ Say hi to place where I am me
Nothing better than this company/ IHG is the place to be
Go IHG/ It's time to rise/ It's time to roll/ No time to lie
Fly by, we high/ We ride or die/ Inside our cry/ Outside we smile
WE are together/ Near or far/ We are Family/ That's what we are
Through ups and downs/ Smiles and frowns/ Be#1/ Let's get the
crown! 

FEELS LIKE HOME

mwoorrek tphl aacnea

*STORIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAPPEN TO BE
COLLEAGUES IN PHPRO

*Stories Collected by the Family Committee and On the Frontline
Diane Pumihic

The Social Committees of PHPRO, along with its intention to recognize passions
outside of work, has dedicated a special committee called Family Committee to
foster the culture of family and support among each other. The Family Committee
is currently being spearheaded by TM Efren Corpuz and is co-chaired by MJ Felipe
of the UK Brands Department. The recognition of family as an essential element to
the core of PHPRO employees is priceless not only for those who have already
established their own families but also for colleagues who treat each other like
family.

It is a fact that PHPRO does not only consist of great individual employees but also
fortified with great families who happen to be colleagues. Family members
related by blood or affinity who are co-employees view the workplace more than
a space for work. It is also a definite place to meet family who’s separate busy
schedule would most likely make all meetings and catch ups impossible if they
work in a different company. The workplace becomes the place to meet, a place
to work and a place to grow.  

Together with the Family Committee, On the Frontline has put together three short
narratives of family members who value career growth, professionalism and
gratitude as they work their way as family and as individuals in the same
workplace. Let us look into the special bond you can only find in family
strengthened even more as colleagues. 

Shared BonSdis, Itnedr iPvoidwuearl Strengths:

TM Mitch and Dee

For siblings Dee and TM Mitch, working at When asked if they ever felt being
IHG is more dynamic when family is compared, TM Mitch replies: “I didn't feel
around. that we were being compared but I know
Dee is a part of the PRIME Team while that there will always be an unspoken
Mitch is a Team Manager. Both excel on comparison wherever we go. It is a matter
their roles while being consciously of perspective. For as long as you are
responsible for their actions. Dee says: "I happy, contented and secure of your
love the idea of working with family here. status, then no pressure! It was never a
You will always have the feeling that aside competition with my sister. I am always
from your manager, there is someone who here to support her and I will always be
can give you advise. True advise from proud of her and what she has become."
someone you trust and someone you love.”
And she brilliantly adds: "I know that my Dee seems to have the same view but she
sister and my brother-in-law (Pepper) considers expectations can be a
perform well and that they worked here in challenge. She admits: "I guess the only
IHG first before I did. I did not want to be challenge is that others expect us to have
the downfall of whatever they have the same career growth. I don't feel
already achieved and I would like to add pressured though, because I know that I
to their success if I can. I keep in mind that can take my own pace. I am not in any
whatever I do will affect them so I try my competition with anyone but myself.” 
best everyday." 

Photo Credits: Sir L.A Adriano I guess the only
challenge is that others
expect us to have the
same career growth. I

don't feel pressured
though, because I know
that I can take my own

pace. I am not in any
competition with anyone

but myself.

Comparisons can truly be a tough pill to terminologies which make their
swallow but knowing your own strength connection distinct. Dee looks up to TM
and being genuine with your passion Mitch for being a tactician who always
can wash down any shades of puts her heart and mind on everything
comparison, good or bad.  Dee and TM she does while TM Mitch sees her
Mitch are strong on their own as younger sister Dee to be tough but
individuals or as colleagues and the sentimental. These sisters have an
workplace has helped them strengthen understanding of each other’s strengths
their bond as sisters. Between work and at work and they help each other best
family, they share a lexicon of PHPRO by being on their own for the most part
lingo--words like AWOP, Genesys, and letting each other grow on their
preferred and allocated, and their very own strides.
own   

Strictly Professional,
Tough Love for Rough Brothers

TM Mike and Emman 

Photo Credit: All photos of MIke and Emman on this Brothers Mike and Emman are the
page are gathered from tagged photos from their perfect strangers who know each other
friends at Facebook very well in the office. They are
brothers. 

Comparing ages, Mike is senior to
Emman in years but Emman has an
earlier start at IHG. Mike followed after
hearing good news. This tough duo,
despite being biological brothers, aren’t
exactly seen as accomplices at work
unlike typical siblings. In fact, many find
it surprising when they discover that
Mike and Emman are even related.
Some long time colleagues also took a
good while to know the kinfolk of these
two.  

Keeping work strictly professional is the
key ingredient of this highly anonymous
piece of detail. The brothers negate that
it was an upshot of a plan between
them. It was rather a result of an
admirable discipline and respect that
both of them have in common. Growing
up, Mike and Emman were enveloped in
a tough love of a father who trained
them to be real men in the physical and
emotional arenas of life.

RECIPES

... your family will Photo Credit: Sir L.A. Adriano
never turn you down. If
the intention is good towards the company you will have a strong
towards the company workforce, which will help your company win
you will have a strong faster." Emman views work as a common
workforce, which will ground with Mike where the same discipline
help your company win and respect applies as they have learned
faster. growing up. Ultimately, brothers Mike and
Emman view working with family members
 Life lessons hit hard and unforgiving for typical in any industry but treat it
them, especially when it comes to self- professionally. 
assertion. It turns out that individuals
who thrived in tough love have the best It isn’t all tough between these rough brothers
armour during challenging times and though. Outside of work, they share their love
they know exactly how to behave in any of sports quite often more than anything else.
given situation, independently.  In and out of work, one could see either of
these brothers on their lightweight and fast
Although they work strictly as moving bicycles. They also share the same
colleagues, these tough brothers cannot passion towards boxing, basketball, and
deny that blood can be thicker than volleyball among other sports.  
water in some circumstances. This can
be an advantage or disadvantage but
all depends on circumstances. When
asked, Mike says, if given a choice, he
definitely will not have second
thoughts working with his brother. He
says: "I always believe that your family
will never turn you down. If the intention
is good 

When asked the question “What koobecaF ta sdneirf rieht morf sotohp deggat morf derehtag era egap siht no sydalG dna eleiN .ytsiM fo sotohP :tiderC otohP
is your view of family members
working at the same
workplace?”, Gladys readily
answered “A family that works
together, stays together”. Its
sounds cliché but it makes
complete sense. Family is where
one can anchor identity and
support and when a family
stays together, surely good
things will follow. In this age of
diaspora, it’s a blessing to have
family you can easily turn to
without the intercession of
telephone lines, traditional
letters or the internet. It's best
when you can reach out to
them in the flesh without any
hassle. 

Cousins Misty, Niele and Gladys
are thankful to be working
together at PHPRO. As a family,
they are no strangers to being
away from each other. They
know first-hand the emotional
toll of being apart. These
cousins used to live together
when they were young kids until
Misty and her mom decided
to move from Baguio to their
province, Isabela. 

Thankful Together:
Cousins’Pact

Misty, Niele and Gladys

Photo Credit: Niele Estigoy

Niele, Gladys and the rest of the family
would take time to visit them at least once
a year during the holidays. Misty, the
bunsong pinsan (youngest cousin), recounts
the holidays herself crying when it's time to
say goodbye.  She says: "That was the
happiest time of the year for me since it
was usually just me, my mom and my lolo
and lola (in Isabela). I would pray the buses
going back to Baguio were full so they
would have to stay another day."

Today, they value every opportunity they
have together.

 Niele is the first of the cousins to work at
IHG in 2009. Now that her sister Gladys and
cousin Misty are in the same workplace, she
finds coffee breaks golden whenever she
has a chance to share it with them. They
can talk about work and family at the same
time to catch up.

Events in office like the yearly Open House and
Halloween Party for kids are well anticipated by
the cousins. It is the perfect time for Niele and
Gladys to bring their kids, reunite with the family,
and at the same time share moments with
colleagues. Working together as a family at IHG
gives them more to be thankful for including
an exclusive support system, emergency cash
machine, coffee buddy and an instant
confidant. These and other good things about
being an IHG employee makes their hearts swell
with gratitude towards the company. 

We try as much as we
can to support

activities that one
would be involved in.

We all have each
other's back that's for

sure

Focusing the topic on challenges, It is a delight that IHG values work-
Gladys giddily says it was a challenge life balance in all possible aspects—
being mistaken for Misty. But seriously, for guests, for owners and for
comparison can be a challenge but colleagues. This gives more meaning
Niele says: "My sister and my cousin need to the efforts poured into our goal of
less supervision. We try as much as we being number 1. In PHPRO, a culture
can to support activities that one would of family makes the center standout
be involved in. We all have each other's and this is no accident. Colleagues
back that's for sure." Misty and Gladys who are actually family members
both agree. If there's anything, Gladys and colleagues who treat each other
shared that having the same last name like family make up the core of what
as Niele's caused confusion PHPRO really is.
with their codings and DNTs at first but
it’s all part of the amusement.