28 February 2022
How much do you really know about our Manila Polo Club staff? Amidst our busy schedules and endless activities to do at the Club, we often overlook the people who run the show backstage. To be able to introduce you to the newest additions to the team, we sat down with them to talk about their work experience, the things that motivate them daily, and some other fun facts too! Say hello to Sonny, Shane, Aleah, Veemay and Bliese!
Gen. Domingo J. Tutaan, Jr. (Ret.)
After serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines for almost 38 years, General Domingo “Sonny” J. Tutaan decided to pursue a career in the corporate world. With a background in Engineering, the dedicated military man entered J.G. Summit Holdings for six years and was appointed as their Director for Corporate Security and Safety. He then became a Consultant on Security / Safety and Risk Assessment with the Dangerous Drugs Board, and Beyond Sight Philippines, Incorporated. Talk about work experience!
While he is a master of carrying out risk-free activities [or with controlled risk], this made him the perfect fit for a vital role in the Manila Polo Club. He was handpicked as the Consultant on Safety and Security by General Manager Noel Barrameda himself in October 2021.
What’s an exciting part of your job that you look forward to everyday?
Having security and safety as my main concern in work. The exciting part of the job is being able to address challenges and concerns that occur during the day in a timely and appropriate manner. This makes me feel like a vital arm of the Club and empowered as well.
What are your interests? Do you have any sports / hobbies?
Majority of my interests nowadays include home improvements; typically involving technology. I also play golf, bowling, and badminton. Primary hobbies include surfing the internet and playing games with family and friends.
If you can go back in time and meet with a famous person who has passed on, who would it be and why?
Probably my Dad and Mom since they were a bit famous during their time. My dad was also in the profession of arms and served in the active military service. Unfortunately, my Dad passed away right before I was awarded a field meritorious promotion to Captain in view of my unit’s tactical successes.
Similarly, my Mom passed on just before I got promoted to Brigadier General. I would tell them, “Dad and Mom, I am where I am, and I have accomplished what I have accomplished because of the inspiration you have given me.”
Words YOU live by – and how you apply it to your life.
My motto in life is: SUCCESS is spelled in nine letters – S-A-C-R-I-F-I-C-E. However, I go on with life with my so-called 3 Ps in Life – Prayers, Prudence, and Perseverance.
Shane Tenorio
Shane is the perfect example of a professional and driven employee in her role as an HR associate. With a degree in BS Psychology and experience from her past job as an HR Admin Staff, she joined the Manila Polo Club family 100% confident in her work abilities. She remains to be a valuable asset to our team, with strong problem solving and people skills.
What’s your idea of a perfect day at work?
A perfect day at work would mean being able to have a productive routine and go home with that feeling of personal and professional satisfaction.
What are your interests? Do you have any sport / hobby?
I love to sing, and I am interested in all things art-related. In terms of sports, table tennis! I have been playing table tennis for about a decade now. I can play badminton and beginner’s volleyball too.
What’s something (thing, experience, or person) that makes you proud?
I feel most proud of myself when I learn from even the small things that life offers. It’s the little details that truly matter to me.
Please share some words YOU live by.
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Aleah Alam
Aleah Alam is our all-around creative powerhouse! With a degree in journalism, she’s a great wordsmith which proves to be beneficial in her role. She has always worked in the hospitality industry, and started her hotelier career at The Peninsula Manila. She then worked in marketing communications for luxury international hotel chains such as Oakwood Premier Ortigas, Grand Hyatt Manila and Park Hyatt Siem Reap. During her stints at these companies, she handled branding, communications, digital marketing, media relations, and arts and design! It is no surprise to us that she is very dedicated and moreso, efficient in heading the CCE Department. She joined the MPC family to understand and experience the world outside the hospitality industry.
What’s your idea of a perfect day at work?
I always believed that work should never be a burden – we work because it gives us purpose and a sense of accomplishment, plus camaraderie. So yeah, a perfect day at work for me is one that’s productive with collaborative efforts and of course, fun. There should always be fun in the workplace.
What’s an exciting part of your job that you look forward to everyday?
The chance to allow my creative juices to flow whether in design, video editing, or in writing.
What are your interests? Do you have any sport / hobby?
I love to travel! I have lived in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the majestic 15th century Angkor Wat Temple was essentially just my backyard, and that was truly amazing! I love experiencing different cultures, and appreciating ancient ruins and architecture. I have been to: LA, San Diego, Vegas, Bangkok, Bali, Phuket, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Milan, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mexico City, Tulum — where I got to explore the wonderful ruins in Coba and swim in enchanting cenotes! I can’t wait to travel again!
In terms of hobbies, one of them would be firing. I own a Glock 9mm, but I prefer to use a 40 caliber whenever I go to the shooting range. I also try to surf whenever I find the time.
If you can go back in time and meet with a famous person who has passed on, who would it be and why?
Nikola Tesla. I would love to pick his brain (and take a lot of notes) about his inventions – specifically Wireless Energy Transmission, which is supposedly a sustainable source of energy that can help power the world without a carbon footprint from fossil fuels. Imagine a world with clean, limitless, and free energy? That’s really amazing.
Clifford Gasis
Cliff Gasis was destined for a career in engineering after he had pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering in the University of Santo Tomas. In fact, before entering the Club, he took on jobs at Mitsubishi Electric, Rockwell Land, and JFE Techno Manila as a trusty Facilities Engineer and Design Engineer as well. There was no question that his background suited the role we needed here at MPC. However, among other job opportunities that popped up for Cliff at the time, he decided to join our family mainly because of his admiration for the management, with whom he met during the interview process. Now, we’re happy to see Cliff almost everywhere— taking care of our facilities and flashing his big smile as he greets Members and fellow staff with a refreshing “Good morning!”.
How do your friends describe you?
I am the happiest, jolliest, and the most cheerful person they know. I love to make people laugh, even if it means saying a corny joke out loud! HAHA!
Share your most exhilarating moment so far.
The most exhilarating moment in my life so far would be when I passed the board exam. I really wanted to be an accountant before college, but there hadn’t been any engineers in my family at that time. I took on the challenge to be the first engineer among us. That’s why when I looked at the list of the passers in the 2017 mechanical engineering licensure examination, it really brought a lot of joy, not just for myself but for the whole family.
Do you have any sport / hobby? Please list down below.
I used to play badminton from elementary to high school. I played basketball too! I was never the MVP, but I was awarded as the Most Defensive Player. Kahit kasi sa free throw, binabantayan ko. HAHAHA [This was because I would even guard players who were at the free-throw line.]
Tell us something interesting about you that we’re not supposed to know – an embarrassing story, a fun fact only close friends and family know
Back when I was 3 or 4 years old, I used to wash my face every morning from the toilet. I couldn’t reach the sink because I was too small! Minemakesure naman ng tatay ko na malinis yun bago ko gamitin kasi miiyak ako pag di ako dun nag wash ng face [My father would make sure that the toilet is clean before I use it because I would cry if I don’t get to wash my face there]. HAHAHA.
Veemay Mayo
Veemay always wanted to pursue a career in the Food & Beverage or the hospitality industry. Though opportunities in that specific facet of the economy are difficult to come across these days, Veemay felt so fortunate to stumble upon MPC’s job posting in LinkedIn. Without hesitation, she applied confidently and now works in our Recruitment and Training Office.
The psychology graduate and former Recruitment Officer at the DTI- Design Center of the Philippines is our ball of sunshine who loves to make others realize that simple acts of kindness can be tiny sparks of hope for someone who is struggling internally.
What motivates you to get up and go to work every day?
Aside from my family and the Lord’s guidance, I am motivated by my strong desire to build an inclusive society, where trust and collaboration is fostered. I also love learning new things and challenging my current skills.
What’s an exciting part of your job that you look forward to everyday?
Appreciating the vicinity of Manila Polo Club, greeting other people at work, meeting new applicants every day and hearing their personal stories. While listening to these people, I get to learn a lot, and reflect on the values of perseverance and courage.
I also find getting to know my workmates on a more personal level and creating a harmonious relationship with them very exciting.
Tell us something interesting about you that we’re not supposed to know – an embarrassing story, a fun fact only close friends and family know
Fun fact: I don’t eat pork dishes unless it’s dry or has no “sauce” or “soup”. (e.g. I eat pork bbq but I don’t eat pork sinigang)
Please share some words YOU live by.
“If you think you can or cannot, you are right either way.”
Our mindset plays a vital role in carving out our destiny. I always tend to let go of the things outside my control and focus on the things that are within my capacity of handling. If I do not do so, it will only make me ruminate over something that I cannot change. In turn, that will limit my ability to work productively and efficiently.
Bliese Dela Cruz
Bliese is everything you look for in an HR Assistant. Not only did she major in Human Resource Development, but also spent her years building an impressive track record, being an Office Clerk and HR & Payroll Officer before joining MPC. With her great communications skills, determination and mastery of the job role, it is no doubt that she delivers excellent services to the Club.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your past jobs that will help you with Manila Polo Club?
In my previous job, working in an environment where superior didn’t value their subordinates, I learned that humanity in the workplace should be implemented. Strict deadlines that didn’t explain instructions enough taught me how to take initiative and resort to self-learning.
What are your interests? Tell us more about it.
Travel, of course! Other interests include: volunteering, community service, charity work, worship, camping, hiking, sports, cooking and long drives.
If you can go back in time and meet with a famous person who has passed on, who would it be and why?
If I were to go back in time and meet someone who has passed on, it would be AJ Perez. He was a household name in the showbiz industry because of his boy-next-door look, baby face and magnetic smile. He was also a great actor and my biggest childhood crush. He passed away in a tragic car accident on the way to a public appearance when he was 18 years old, and I am still shocked with how young he was when this happened. I would like to sit and talk with him about what he had planned in the upcoming months or years had he not gotten in that terrible accident. It would be nice to know the roles he was about to play or dreamed of playing.
Words YOU live by – and how do you apply it to your life?
“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” I apply this by listening to advice, smiling through the good times, and accepting when things are not for me— to work towards achieving my dreams instead of complaining or being sad.