‘BIDA’ IN BRUNEI: FROM CREW MEMBER TO BUSINESS CHANNELS HEAD
Trust the timing of your life. I can relate to this saying. Every one of us has our own time — to shine, to be successful, either at work or in business. As long as you do your best to achieve your goal, I believe your best time will always follow.
Described as a God-centric and family-oriented gentleman, Glenard Santidad always places his faith and family first and foremost. Through the years, guided by his priorities and qualities, which includes his passion and commitment towards a successful outcome and being a natural leader, he has risen to become the Business Channels head of Jollibee Brunei.
A local from Atimonan, Quezon and the youngest of four children, he was raised by his widowed mother after the patriarch passed on as a brave soldier in a war in 1991. “My mother is a housewife. I admire her for being a very strong, hardworking and resourceful woman, raising four kids the best way she can,” Glenard shared.
To augment family income, he joined Jollibee Philippines in 2001, stationed at the Alabang Junction branch. He was a part-time yet dedicated crew member, which was no easy feat, as he balanced this with his computer technology studies in college.
Sometimes, I take a short break to recharge, so I can be more innovative — thus more productive.
One fine day, Glenard’s former manager Rodel Alcantara offered the young upstart a crew leader post in Jollibee Brunei. “I immediately accepted the once-in-a-lifetime offer, as I believed this would help my family and I in terms of finances,” he revealed.
Through the years in Brunei, he dutifully studied the local language — comfortably conversing in it today — all while closely coordinating with his team to further spread the Jollibee brand across the country.
In time, he was promoted as the Business Channels head. “My main duty is to ensure business continuity of all channels. I also support the stores in achieving the monthly target sales. I provide consultancies for all 20 outlets regarding proper planning and innovation in all channels, such as DriveThru improvement and delivery expansion,” he expounded.
In time, the family-first Glenard had the ideal opportunity to continue his educational journey as he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management degree at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. This was through its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, an alternative way to gain a degree for working professionals. The ETEEAP accounts their experiences, which gives equivalences to the knowledge and skills they have already acquired in the field. “I graduated last November 2023. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life,” he confessed.
During his free time, Glenard enjoys games of badminton, hangs out with friends over cups of coffee, or share homecooked meals while watching a Netflix show.
When pressured, he focuses on a positive outlook to manifest a successful project. “Sometimes, I take a short break to recharge, so I can be more innovative — thus more productive,” he added.
Finally, the Filipino Jollibee Brunei trailblazer admits that the most fulfilling part of the job is knowing customers are pleased with the brand. “Seeing them owning Jollibee as if it is local makes us proud as Filipinos, as we spread our talents — and be admired in this industry worldwide,” he ended.
We sat down with Glenard to hear his thoughts:
ON JOLLIBEE BRUNEI BESTSELLER
One of our best sellers is our very own Jollibee Chickenjoy! It is well-known in the country and always brings happiness in every bite.
ON CULINARY PREFERENCES
The taste palates of Filipinos and Bruneians are similar in most ways. I would say that Bruneians prefer spicy food, while Filipinos lean on the sweet side.
ON LOYAL PATRONS
Jollibee Brunei is a mainstream business. Thus, citizens and residents are the majority of our regular customers. The estimated ratio is approximately 80:20, with 80 percent locals and 20 for all other nationalities, including Filipinos.
ON CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
First was in 2009, when I was appointed as the Store OIC in Jollibee Giant Mall, now called Rimba Point. We delivered the first coveted Gold Star Award for the store. Second was in 2015, when I was promoted to group manager. Finally in 2022 with my current post. It was a huge opportunity for me, as I now oversee the sales growth across all our channels.
ON CHALLENGES
As a Quick Service Restaurant, one of the incredibly challenging parts is to sustain our Number 1 position in the country. We need to be consistent in providing the highest quality of products and services.
ON BEING A SUCCESSFUL LEADER
First of all, be a good follower. Show respect. Follow rules. In turn, your team, will give due respect. They will support you and the company to deliver the expected results. Appreciate every member by making them feel valued.
ON MOTTO:
Trust the timing of your life. I can relate to this saying. Every one of us has our own time — to shine, to be successful, either at work or in business. As long as you do your best to achieve your goal, I believe your best time will always follow.