Concluding this special series on the Gokongwei Group Heroes, we once again celebrate the individuals who have taken every opportunity to embody the conglomerate’s core values and serve with purpose and heart.
Here, we delve into the personal growth and development of JG Summit Holdings’ Arnold Hilario, Robinsons Retail Holdings’ Maria Cristyna "Cristy" Hulguin, Robinsons Land Corporation's John Wendell "Dell" Campaniel, and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation's Lovely Wina Cezar.
Through their struggles and triumphs, these four heroes have not only taken care of their companies and people but also embodied the Gokongwei Group values of integrity, stewardship, and entrepreneurial mindset, inspiring us all to strive for personal excellence, both within the conglomerate and far beyond.
Arnold Hilario - The Determined Hero of JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
Arnold Hilario, the head of JG Summit’s Fleet Management Group, has dedicated over 30 years to the company, becoming a steadfast figure in leadership and service. His career reflects a deep commitment to purpose, guided by the values of quality and responsiveness, no matter the challenges he and his team encounter.
Arnold has cultivated a culture of equality, collaboration, and shared accomplishment by leading a team that is integral to the success of the varied business units they support. Recognizing that his leadership reflects his team’s performance, he empowers his colleagues to excel, encouraging them to go beyond the ordinary in their work. His approach, marked by an “extra touch,” has had a lasting impact, particularly for field personnel who count on reliable fleet services to maintain operations.
One of the defining moments in Arnold's career was during Typhoon Ondoy when 132 company vehicles were submerged. His team successfully saved 109 of those vehicles. But as Arnold recalls, their efforts extended beyond equipment recovery. "Behind that figure are the number of colleagues that we also rescued. I believe that's our social responsibility," he said. Although outside their formal duties, these actions reflected the team’s deep commitment to the welfare of their peers.
Arnold also demonstrated adaptive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many company suppliers faced unprecedented challenges. He implemented measures to ensure the company's obligations were met with integrity, guiding the team through adversity and reinforcing their belief that they could thrive even in difficult times.
His leadership style prioritizes swift results and unwavering support, whether for rank-and-file employees or senior executives. Arnold views success as a collective achievement, one that thrives on internal development and shared passion within the team. His ability to foster strong partnerships with service providers stems from a belief that as the company grows, its partners must also grow, thereby upholding the Gokongwei Group’s driving principle of shared success.
Integrity has remained the cornerstone of Arnold's leadership philosophy throughout his career. He views it as essential to protecting the reputation of the Gokongwei Group and safeguarding the welfare of both employees and clients. "You cannot be a leader without integrity," Arnold emphasizes. Instilling this value within his team, he leads by example, ensuring that his team always acts morally and ethically, particularly in challenging situations.
Arnold’s commitment to integrity extends to supplier relationships, where he carefully selects reliable partners and promotes transparency. His leadership during the response to Typhoon Ondoy and the pandemic showcased the team's collective embodiment of integrity, reinforcing the value in practice.
The Gokongwei Group Hero Awards honored Arnold and his team's dedication to doing what is right. His personal journey serves as a testament to the lasting power of integrity and service-driven leadership. He hopes that the example set by his team will inspire others to "pay it forward" to their colleagues and customers, continuing the cycle of positive impact.
Cristy Hulguin – The Resilient Hero of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.
In November 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda ravaged Tacloban City, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Cristy Hulguin, operations manager at Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., was among those who faced this disaster firsthand.
Despite the option to remain in the relative safety of her hometown in Bacolod, Cristy chose to be present in Tacloban, driven by a sense of duty and stewardship for her team and store. "I must be there because it's my store," Cristy reflected. By being physically present, she could provide immediate direction, assess needs, and implement solutions, ensuring her team's safety and the continuity of operations.
The devastation she encountered was overwhelming. In an instant, lives were lost, including that of a supervisor who Cristy had spoken to just a few hours before. Despite the personal toll, she remained steadfast. Taking ownership of the situation, she prioritized the safety and well-being of her team while ensuring the store's security amidst the chaos. Her presence on the ground was instrumental in safeguarding both people and assets until the situation stabilized.
When it was safe, Cristy boarded a C-130 aircraft to Cebu, where she delivered a first-hand report to Robinsons Retail’s Central Office. This timely communication allowed the company to deploy contingency measures, ensuring immediate support for affected employees. Once the employees’ safety was secured, Cristy and her team shifted their focus to reopening the store—critical for Tacloban's recovery, especially with the city’s unstable market prices.
Cristy proudly recounts that Robinsons was the first to reopen its doors, offering much-needed goods to the community and playing a pivotal role in the city's efforts to rebuild.
Her leadership in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda underscored key lessons in disaster preparedness, enhancing the company's readiness for future crises. The experience reinforced Cristy’s belief in showing up for work, particularly during times of uncertainty, while maintaining a balance with safety. "We must keep learning," she emphasizes, seeing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
With over two decades of service, Cristy has remained unwavering in her commitment to Robinsons Retail. She leads by example, embodying hard work, care, and responsibility. Her ability to stand tall through adversity has made her a role model for her colleagues, influencing the company's culture and reinforcing the importance of resilience and empathy in times of crisis.
As a Gokongwei Group Hero awardee, Cristy’s exceptional contributions have been duly recognized, highlighting her as one of the unsung heroes who played a vital role during Typhoon Yolanda. Her actions have not only impacted her team but have also left a lasting mark on the company, promoting a culture of "malasakit"—a deep sense of care and responsibility.
Cristy believes that embodying "malasakit" is essential for success not only in business but in all aspects of life. Her journey inspires her colleagues and the community by reminding them that through compassion, resilience, and leadership, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
Dell Campaniel - The Resourceful Hero of Robinsons Land Corporation
John Wendell "Dell" Campaniel, one of the pioneer employees at the Grand Summit Hotel-General Santos City, has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment and resilience. His ability to navigate personal and professional challenges has been instrumental in his growth within the organization, earning him respect as a key contributor to the hotel’s success.
As head of engineering and safety, Dell is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of the hotel around the clock. Embracing a proactive approach to leadership, he continually sharpens his technical skills to deliver better service. A commitment to stewardship – being fully responsible for the resources entrusted to us – has been particularly evident throughout his tenure, positively impacting the hotel, its employees, and its guests.
Dell's deep sense of "malasakit" for the company was particularly highlighted during his investigation of a potential water line leak. His meticulous monitoring of resources and operations led to the identification of the issue and its swift resolution, saving the hotel significant costs in water expenses.
Understanding the importance of duty, Dell has consistently prioritized the hotel’s needs. In one notable instance, despite personal obligations, he rushed to the hotel during a power outage, helping to restore electricity and mitigate disruption to both operations and guest experiences.
Innovation is another hallmark of Dell’s leadership. He spearheaded a trial for a new swimming pool treatment chemical, rigorously assessing its effectiveness. His initiative led to operational improvements that resulted in cost savings while maintaining high-quality standards.
In the aftermath of the November 2023 earthquake in General Santos City, Dell's composed and methodical approach ensured a thorough assessment of both the safety of the hotel's staff and guests and the structural integrity of the building. His calmness under pressure was a source of reassurance during a crisis.
Dell's dedication extends beyond his technical responsibilities. He firmly believes in knowledge sharing and initiating training programs focused on safety and security. His leadership has fostered a culture where safety is a collective responsibility, empowering staff to actively maintain a secure environment for all.
Beyond his technical acumen, Dell’s role as a dependable team player sets him apart. As the breadwinner of his family, his motivations fuel his professional drive, making him a reliable presence whenever his team needs him. His commitment to collective success and the support of his colleagues speaks volumes about his character.
Always rising above the challenges set before him, Dell remains an inspiring figure for his peers. He exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, embodying qualities that resonate throughout the Gokongwei Group. In his humble acknowledgment of the conglomerate-wide recognition, Dell credits his colleagues at Grand Summit Hotel, stating, "Everyone in the hotel is a hero."
Lovely Cezar – The Uplifting Hero of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the education sector—particularly teachers—faced immense challenges, yet their invaluable contributions often went unrecognized. Among those who rose to the occasion was Lovely Wina Cezar, an administrative associate at the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) and a former technical instructor. Through her dedication to learning and sharing knowledge, Lovely made a profound impact on both her students and colleagues during a time of unprecedented difficulty.
From 2014 to 2022, Lovely served as a technical instructor for the "Iskolar ni Juan Program," an initiative that provides accessible, quality education to young people, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. Her commitment to cultivating the next generation of skilled workers through education reflects the essence of stewardship, a core Gokongwei Group value that she embodies in her work at GBF.
Lovely found the most rewarding aspect of her role to be witnessing her students' success after graduation. For many, securing employment meant being able to contribute to their families, which gave them — and their instructors — a profound sense of fulfillment. As she observed, her students' gratitude for the scholarship program was a testament to the life-changing opportunities the initiative provided.
These students regarded Lovely as more than just a teacher; they saw her as a mentor, a confidante, and a friend. Known for her kindness, generosity, and positive demeanor, Lovely's approachability made her a trusted figure in the Technical Training Center. Her willingness to go beyond the traditional responsibilities of a teacher, from helping students navigate deadlines to providing emotional support, endeared her to many.
Lovely's empathetic nature shone through during moments when students opened to her about personal struggles. In one instance, she listened patiently as a student shared her childhood trauma. Recognizing the importance of mental health — especially in the context of the pandemic — Lovely extended compassion and understanding, realizing that teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about learning from and supporting her students in their journeys.
Her colleagues also commend her for her remarkable dedication and attention to detail in her work at GBF. No matter the size of the task at hand, Lovely consistently demonstrates care, enthusiasm, and a readiness to assist others whenever needed.
Having transitioned from teaching, Lovely reflects fondly on her time as an instructor, where she found fulfillment in passing on her experiences and witnessing her students’ growth. "I'm not the only staff member who is passionate and hardworking—there are many among my colleagues," she humbly notes. Yet, her passion for teaching remains evident in her ongoing efforts to foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and gratitude within the Gokongwei Group.
Norway Medina, GBF’s administrative officer, aptly summarizes Lovely's contributions: "GBF is fortunate to have Lovely Wina Cezar, who provides wholehearted service to the company."
Looking ahead, Lovely remains committed to inspiring hope and encouraging students and colleagues alike. She hopes that graduates will carry forward the lessons they've learned and that her peers will continue to embody GBF's core values, believing that they will inspire others and, in time, discover the inner heroes within themselves.
With this, the roster of the first-ever Gokongwei Group Hero awardees is complete. For more sources of inspiration, check out the career journeys of the previously featured Gokongwei Group heroes, including Edwin Allarey of Robinsons Bank, Matet Matalog of JG Summit Olefins Corporation, and Lito Burgas of Universal Robina Sugar Milling Corporation in Part 1, and Leny Tomas of URC Packaging Group, Arman Palmis of Cebu Pacific, and Eleazar Hermida of 1Aviation in Part 2.
