My journey as a Yempo employee
by Zion Plaza, Yempo Employee Engagement and Marketing Specialist
I read a quote by Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions determine destiny.” I didn’t fully grasp the weight of that quote back then, but as the years passed, I realized how much it quietly shaped the way I saw my own path. Yempo has been a witness to how someone as inexperienced as I was, grew both in career and in life. Every choice, big or small, has led me here and to share where I am now in Yempo, I need to take you back to where it all began.
Early studies and shift in career path
My journey has been anything but linear. I started out studying BS Architecture because I loved designs and the beauty of organizing. Some people close to me were surprised, questioning why I chose that path when they thought I lacked the talent. At first, I managed well – submitting designs on time, performing well in subjects, and meeting standard requirements. But deep down, I knew I didn’t have the same creative skillset as my talented peers.
While I had moments of self-doubt, it was the constant questioning from those around me that gradually chipped away at my confidence. Over time, I realized that while I wanted a good career, my true calling was to serve and eventually become a mother. That might sound surprising in today’s world, but it was my honest truth.
I didn’t shift courses just because of the doubters; I still believe I could’ve graduated. But I’ve come to understand that success often needs both hard work and talent and perhaps I was late in developing mine. Ultimately, the life I envisioned just didn’t align with the path I was on. So, I made the shift and later earned my degree in BS Business Administration, majoring in Financial Management.
After graduating, I was called to serve as a full-time missionary for our church. I trained in New Zealand, then spent 18 months in Sydney, Australia. It was a fulfilling experience of teaching, learning new cultures, meeting people from around the world, and being of service.
When I returned to the Philippines, my family had moved to Cebu. I began job hunting which was tough. Despite having a degree, going abroad, and good communication skills, I lacked formal work experience, which made opportunities hard to come by. All I had was years of volunteer service.
The job hunt struggles
Eventually, I tried applying to call centers, even if those roles didn’t align with my beliefs like working on Sundays. But I kept failing the first stage until one finally took me to the last interview. I was asked why I preferred not to work Sundays. I explained that it was my sacred day for worship, service, and rest. The interviewer, a huge man who seemed deeply experienced and long tenured, explained that in this industry, applicants must be willing to adjust, and it would only take a few hours on Sunday. It was a heated decision, but my priorities had long been set. He acknowledged I wouldn’t get the job, and I thought that was about it, but instead, he said something that I’ll never forget: “Most people would just say yes and compromise even when it goes against their values. This is the first time I have come across someone like you. You may not get this job, but I believe you’ll succeed elsewhere if you keep standing out.” I left in tears, not just because I was still jobless and lost in an unfamiliar place, but mostly because someone saw value in my conviction.
Finding Yempo
I kept applying for roles and landed an interview with Yempo for a 3-month contractual Administrative Assistant role. The office was in an old, dimly lit building that gave off ghoststory vibes. I rang the doorbell and was greeted by Skippher from Payroll, who I thought looked like a rockstar with his long hair. Inside, fewer than 20 people worked in the small, humble space. I met Nic, the recruiter, who seemed relaxed in casual clothes, and it immediately felt different from other interviews. I shared my volunteer work, including time in Australia, and I learned Yempo was Australian-owned. Then Riza, the HR manager at that time, interviewed me. I admitted I lacked the 2-years’ experience but highlighted my years of relevant volunteer work. The interview was brief, but I left with a surprisingly good feeling. When I got home, my Mama said, “I have a feeling – that’s it.” And somehow, I felt the same way, too.
Next thing I knew, I was hired and my manager mentored me for three months. She was kind and supportive, which made me feel at ease. The Cebu admin team, with just six people back then, made me feel welcome.
Growth in HR
My 3-month contract was nearing its end when Michelle, our CEO, asked me for a quick 1-on-1. She told me she was impressed with my performance and even thought I had prior job experience. She received great feedback from my manager and offered me a regular position – no probation – only if I was willing. I was thrilled and, of course, said yes.
I became an Employee Benefits Administrator, and I was nervous not about the role, but because I was assigned to one of the most dreaded tasks in any company – government errands. Everyone knows how stressful dealing with these tasks can be, and even now, certain places still bring back those memories. Every time I pass Subangdaku flyover, for example, I remember a fateful day of field errands, me pep-talking myself while in tears, after being berated over an undelivered SSS loan check. I often absorbed employees’ frustration, unsure how to fix things, but I kept going hoping that eventually, everything would fall into place. Now, I can smile and even laugh when I think about it.
I not only learned my job but also gained valuable life lessons such as patience, kindness under pressure, and the value of asking questions. I soon understood employee relations, workplace policies, and how to work with all kinds of people.
Later, I took on another new task when I became a key member of the team moving us to our beautiful new flagship office. I was in charge of overseeing the site fitout and providing regular updates to stakeholders to keep the project on track. Then I took on Yempo events and the Social and Welfare Committee (SWC). The company had been struggling to run events effectively and as I was regularly commended for my organization skills, management believed I could bring some much needed to structure to this function. But as I was about to have my first child, I considered resigning. In those moments of doubt, my wise father gave a piece of advice: “Stay at Yempo”.
The pandemic shift
Then the pandemic hit in 2020, turning life upside down. Yet, amid the chaos, I found hope – I kept my job during lockdown, welcomed a healthy baby, and embraced motherhood while working from home. Those five years in HR became a season of growth.
By 2023, as Yempo was rebuilding engagement and with employees working remotely, we had to rethink connection. My role shifted to Employee Engagement Specialist, a perfect fit for my love of events and organizing. Compared to the emotional weight of employee relations in HR, engagement work felt light and joyful. That same year, I was expecting my second child and again thought of resigning. But Yempo supported me with a part-time setup letting me work while staying a hands-on mom.
That same year, my personal life took a dramatic and painful turn, and I asked Yempo if I could return full-time. They welcomed me back without hesitation. For the next 2 years, I thrived but soon felt stagnant and not challenged. With the support of my new manager, Ben, I began exploring new possibilities, which led me to transition from HR to Marketing in 2025.
Now, as an Employee Engagement and Marketing Specialist, I still lead SWC while taking on fresh, exciting marketing tasks. After years of working alongside other departments, Marketing felt like uncharted territory, but Yempo’s leadership guided me, turning my lesser strengths into learning opportunities. Today, I genuinely love what I do as it gives me purpose and makes me look forward to work every day.
The bigger picture
Looking back, every step – my studies, time in Australia, my values, volunteer work, and pursuit of my ultimate goal – wove together into the path that led me to Yempo. What once felt like separate chapters is now one story, with Yempo as the place where those choices came together. Each role brought its own struggles, which is why Yempo has never been just an employer to me. It’s a place that listens, adapts, and supports you through seasons of life. When I needed experience, they gave me a chance. When I needed understanding as a mother, they gave me flexibility. When I needed growth, they gave me opportunity. At Yempo, you don’t just clock in, you evolve.
Others might have overlooked a small, growing company like Yempo, but the team saw its unique potential. Over the years, it has grown to an organization with more advanced equipment, bigger events, and more departments, yet its values and culture remain unchanged. Yempo is still on a growth journey, but since it was a tiny start-up, it genuinely valued its people. I’m living proof and so is my family and the people who knew me because they’ve seen how Yempo created room for growth for people like me.
Yempo stands out in offshoring because it never lost sight of what matters – its people. While many focus solely on numbers, Yempo balances client excellence and employee well-being. That’s rare and it’s why I’m proud to represent a company that not only supports global businesses, but also uplifts Filipino talent in a sustainable, human way. Yempo has always been adaptable – as proven during the pandemic. The flexibility, combined with strong leadership and a genuine care for people, is what will keep Yempo thriving no matter how the offshoring industry changes.