Work Smart, Play Hard
An InLifer’s energy and passion knows no bounds. While weekdays are mostly about work, weekends are peppered with outdoor activities and pet bonding moments.
InLife supports its employees' well-being and helps foster camaraderie within the community through Employee Networks such as the Hiking Club, Cycling Club, and The Good Pets Club. These clubs acknowledge InLifers’ interests and passions beyond work. They have various activities like weekend hiking and biking events, and get-togethers for pet owners and their cherished furry friends.
Adventure in nature
During office hours, Aldrin M. Valentona heads the Information Security and Data Privacy Architecture and Support Department. Outside his role as the leader of InLife’s digital defense team, he leads the Hiking Club.
Aldrin shared that he’s nurtured a passion for hiking mountains since his college years. “When I learned that there are adventurers in the InLife community, I started organizing hiking events which led to the official forming of the hiking group. Hiking for me is an escape from the busy life at work and a way to refresh my mind.”
The Hiking Club members have completed basic mountaineering workshops. They have trekked Mt. Kasahingan in Nueva Ecija, Mt. Maynoba in Antipolo, Mt. Batulao and Pico De Loro in Batangas.
“The Hiking Club is an outlet to de-stress and engage in a worthwhile activity to improve physical and mental well-being. It encourages employees to do some exercises and appreciate the outdoors, and build friendships outside of work,” Aldrin said.
“We are getting more participants in every climb that we organize, and majority of those who have joined our hikes are looking forward to the next event. Our goal is to encourage more participants to our hiking events and to inspire our members to organize hiking activities for the club,” he added.
Herschel A. Mahaguay from Finance Division pointed out that the Hiking Club highlights the value of hard work and camaraderie, and at the same time cultivates love for the environment and the community.
“The Hiking Club aims to instill the values of hard work, perseverance and camaraderie among the members and to the whole InLife community through outdoor adventures. It also aspires to maintain a quality program for the members to improve their physical and mental health, and to strengthen their commitment to eco-friendly practices and corporate social responsibility endeavors,” she said.
As part of the Financial Assets Team, Herschel looks after the Variable Universal Life funds and ensures the company’s compliance to Philippine Financial Reporting Standards 9 (PFRS 9 - Financial Instruments). As an adventure seeker, Herschel treats a hiking event not just as a physical activity but an achievement that brings her closer to nature.
“Being in the summit gives me a sense of accomplishment that I can reach everything just by taking a step and moving forward with courage. Additionally, hiking gives me a rewarding view of nature which I appreciate during the trail and in the summit,” she said.
And as an employee volunteer, Herschel recently participated in Insular Foundation’s trek to a Last Mile School in Rizal to distribute school supplies to students who were mostly from the Dumagat tribe.
Fitness, fun and friendships
Rodelle M. Carpio’s interest revolves around two wheels. “Biking allows me to discover new places with fellow employees while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” the Systems Analyst from the Information Technology Division said.
Rodelle pointed out that the Cycling Club fosters a healthy work-life balance by encouraging physical activity outdoors. “Our cycling events go beyond fitness and enjoyment. Through our events, we strengthen relationships with colleagues across different departments and district offices,” he said.
The Cycling Club has pedaled leisurely around Binondo, Manila and energetically for 150 km from InLife Corporate Center in Muntinlupa City to InLife’s San Pablo District Office.
“We are planning more rides that cater to both casual and intermediate cyclists within the InLife community and expand our participation in company-sponsored charity events,” Rodelle said.
Companionship and love
Architect Noriel “Uye” C. Flores from Real Property Division oversees the space planning, improvement, as well as branding renovation of offices.
Uye professed his love for pets and interest in socializing with other fur parents. He has five dogs (a Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Aspin and two Dachshunds) and an Arowana who are part of his family. “Most of the day, they are mischievously playful and are so sweet and gentle at night.”
He proudly shared that The Good Pets Club is going strong with 188 InLifer members nationwide. “Our Pets Club aims to create a nurturing environment where InLifers and their pets can thrive together, and promote responsible pet ownership, education, and community engagement,” he said.
The Good Pets Club hosted a weekend get-together for pet owners and their cherished furry friends at the InLife head office which included fun trick performances and a pet costume parade. The club also conducted a ten-week Photo Challenge showcasing InLifers’ love for their pets.
Elvis Baturi Jr. from Audit Division noted that The Good Pets Club serves an avenue for InLifers, whether a pet owner or not, to cultivate the bond between humans and animals.
“The Good Pets Club employee network is a fantastic way to connect with fellow pet lovers and share the joy and challenges of pet ownership. Taking care of pets is special because they bring so much love, companionship, and happiness into our lives. They teach us responsibility, empathy, and the importance of routine,” Elvis said.
The furparent of two extremely energetic but super cuddly dogs shared that his days are never boring with his pets. “I hope to expand our vision into becoming a guardian for the less fortunate furries out there on the streets and ripple this advocacy not only within the InLife's employee force but to everyone,” Elvis said.
The Employee Networks celebrate InLifers’ interests and passions beyond work. With every hike, biking event or activity with pets, the clubs strengthen friendships among InLifers.
