A place for careers to thrive
Mau Magtoto had only been with Nuevocentro, Inc., the JV between Ayala Land and Leonio Land, Inc. for six months when lockdown measures were imposed across the country. Despite being a new employee, the 34-year old food & beverage and retail specialist knew he would be well-cared for by the company.
“I’m forever grateful, even during the lockdown my salary and benefits were provided. There’s a feeling of assurance. Financially, I was secured. I was able to provide for my siblings, my family affected by the pandemic,” Mau shared.
Mau works as the F&B outlet manager at Alviera Country Club, a six-hectare country club inside the Alviera estate development in Porac, Pampanga. Here, he is responsible for ensuring that guests have the best culinary experience the club can offer.
On the job, Mau helps tie together the invigorating yet relaxing nature of the country club, where guests would be treated to countless amenities: pavilions filled with green open spaces; entertainment facilities with a gym, dance studio, and wellness spa; and a 6-lane lap pool and a lounge pool, among others.
Even though work arrangements were far from what was normal especially at the start of the lockdowns, Mau felt that his career continued to grow as the company trusted him with new assignments. Once operations resumed for Alviera Country Club, he was given the chance to handle its external business.
“Professionally, I am learning a lot, from fast food to fast casual dining to retail and other hospitality services, now to an exclusive membership club. It’s exciting, I’m gaining new working experiences and meeting interesting personalities,” Mau said. The months in lockdown–and the hardships that came along with it–made Mau internalize the lessons in sustainability that the developers have always advocated for.
“I have realized sustainability is very important. You have to take it seriously, being able to provide and maintain your economic, environmental and social needs,” he observed.
At the end of the day, Mau leaned on his family and close friends to cope with the hard times. He also tried to be as much help as he can be to others by giving them emotional support.
“I admit I can’t provide financial assistance as much as I wanted, but simple ways like asking people I know how they are doing, reminding them to be very extra cautious, telling them to be strong and never give up. Reminding them to stay positive and everything will be alright are ways of letting them know I care. Emotional support is free and fulfilling,” he said.
