Ellice Biel Adornado

Ineffable – this is how I describe my whole internship experience. This feeling, though inexplicable in words, has lingered in me since the moment I got accepted in Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI), part of the business empire of the business magnate Mr. Lucio Tan.

I was assigned in the HR department despite being a Finance major. My anxieties grew when I found out that I was Asia Brewery’s first intern under their new special internship program wherein big projects are given. To add, my set up was different from a usual intern because my project could be home-based.

However, all these worries suddenly faded when I was oriented about my internship program details. I was directed very well by my supervisors, and they were very accommodating. The project dealt with compensation and benefits and is usually done at managerial level. The output will be used by the HR department and some top management members for their analysis. I worked this out at home, and the project seemed an enigma to me at that time, not to mention my lacking background in HR and what expected output my supervisors need.

After I had finished my output’s first version, I was asked to present it to some HR Managers (from ABI-Ortigas, Makati, and Cabuyao, Laguna) and to the Vice President for Human Resources. Because of my dedication to my work and my willingness to learn, I earned positive feedback. However, my internship experience did not conclude there as I was asked if I would want to extend my services to them. Being a person thirsty for knowledge and professional growth, I grabbed the chance. 

In Asia Brewery-Makati 

With the Vice President for HR and HR Managers

The next project they gave me is normally done by HR professionals and is a long-term one. This will have a major impact in the organization as this would increase productivity among people from all Asia Brewery branches – Laguna, Ortigas, Makati, Davao, Pampanga, Misamis Oriental, among others. This time, I was required to report at least once a week to also improve my interpersonal skills. The whole ABI complex was so huge that it would need me to walk two blocks before I reach my office. While these may seem daunting to deal with, I am enjoying my work because I know that every time I set foot in the office, I will learn. Despite having more experienced colleagues, they are very approachable, and this is the company’s culture. Also, I was given a chance to have a plant tour, and it gave me an idea how the products are being manufactured. This made me love the products and the organisation per se even more. 

In Asia Brewery-Cabuyao, Laguna

During my extended internship, I presented my first project again; this time to the Vice President for Admin, VP for HR, HR Manager, and Admin manager. After that, I got a chance to sit in on an executive meeting, and this is where I met some of the Top Management members. It was a very honourable experience because I witnessed how an executive meeting works, and I got to know some of them. Moreover, I also presented my second project to the HR Manager, VP for HR, AVP for Admin, and the Senior Vice President. Finally, there was one time I helped a colleague with her work. Those moments were priceless.

With the HR Manager, VP for HR, AVP for Administration, and Senior Vice President

As of now, I am still enjoying my ineffable internship experience. Because of this, I am planning to pursue a career in HR because one of the things I greatly want to do and care about is to inspire and help other people.