Protected: How the Top CEOs in the Philippines Achieve Work-Life Balance

Amid the ongoing pandemic, these influential business icons share how they've achieved the much-coveted work-life balance.

The Harvard Business School Owner President Management Program—or Harvard OPM, for short—is one of the best 3-year programs that the school offers for presidents and CEOs all over the world. As the current Chairman and founder of Harvard OPM Philippines, I'm proudly sharing with you the insights of my fellow Harvard OPM members—the country’s top leaders whom I've had the privilege of being with in this program.

JOSE MAGSAYSAY JR: CEO of the Potato Corner Group

How do you manage a work-life balance in this pandemic?

I work at home and stay [at] home almost always if I am not doing one of my hobbies. This way, I am able to spend time with my wife. In the house, she is my executive assistant.

What are your hobbies?

Archery, trail riding with my motorcycle, sailing, and playing with our dogs.

What is a motto you live by?

“Live life like it is your last day on earth.”

ROLANDO BONIFACIO HORTALEZA: Chairman and CEO of the Hortaleza Group of Companies

(Hortaleza Corporation, Prime Global Corporation, Prime Global Finance Corporation, Barrio Fiesta manufacturing Corporation, Prime Global Food Express, HBC Inc.)

How do you manage a work-life balance in this pandemic?

I consider myself semi-retired. [In fact], I am deliberately transitioning the reigns of our family corporations to my sons while being supported by professional managers. [Thus], I now have more time for personal pursuits and hobbies, which probably would equate to what others would call a work-life balance.

But in this day and age of connections and the digitalization of our lives—accelerated by the pandemic—what is more important is work-life integration. I am a believer in creating synergies and dimensions between all areas that define life—work, home/family, community, personal well-being, and health.

The ability to shape one’s workday in a work-life integration scheme is ideal for me, as it allows me to do gentle pivots rather than place hard boundaries between different areas of my life.

What are your hobbies?

Aside from my regular workouts, I have been doing a lot of trekking and boating lately. I [also] love the thrill of discovery—of both explored and unexplored coves and areas in the Philippines, [as well as in] other countries.

What is a motto you live by?

“Life is all about opportunities.”

I see opportunity in every aspect of life. Challenges for me are simply the Cs of life—waiting to become full circles and to be transformed into the Os of opportunities. Those who achieve success are those who are always battle-ready for all kinds of challenges.

[Plus], I believe that life in fact is the greatest opportunity that we have been given.

CRIS ALBERT: CEO and Owner of Isportlife Fila

How do you manage a work-life balance in this pandemic?

We spend a lot of time jointly at home, the beach, and [during] work. Funny that we are all compatible: the kids appreciate discussing and calculating the possibilities of our future [with us].

Sundays are my most intimate bonding moments with God and family. I am [also] focusing on [my] mental health explicitly, [and] loving myself more. It's an arduous voyage to take, but [the] internal healing is what makes us beautiful.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are always connected to my future intentions. I am enthusiastic about digital marketing [which will help] scale our business, and so, reading became a hobby [of mine].

I like interiors, [plus] travel arranging, and planning for the future keeps me sane. Feeling beautiful inside and out is [also] a priority to me—from daily wellness routines to compiling my wardrobe... [it's] pure joy!

What is a motto you live by?

"We reap what we sow."

"Accept aspects of our being that we can't change and live with those realities sensibly."

"Don't look back; there are enough opportunities today."

ROBB DELGADO: Founder and Group Chairman of the Transnational Diversified Group

How do you manage a work-life balance in this pandemic?

My mindset is to think about "harmony," as life is complex with [its] many variables. My family and company try to adhere to the Four A's:

• Anticipate: to be pro-active
• Adapt: resilience
• Agility: quick
• Align: shared values with family and community

What are your hobbies?

Strive to be healthy—exercise, [and] eat and drink only what is good for the body. No sweets, no soft drinks, no sugar, no dairy, very little meat, [and consume] only organic and non-GMO fruits and veggies. Promote ESG [Environmental, Social, and (Corporate) Governance], health, and wellness.

What is a motto you live by?

"Do good things today to merit a better day tomorrow"

RHIZA PASCUA: CEO of Music Management International Live

(The Philippines’ premier talent provider and concert promoter)

Harvard Business School, Master of Business Administration 2008 and Owner President Management 2018

Law School, Class of 2024

How do you manage a work-life balance in this pandemic?

Law school has taken much of my time—for about a year now—but doing online classes and working from home still allows me to spend time with family.

In a way, the pandemic has made life easier. I don’t need to travel for work, so I’m at home. My family is my life, so being at home with them has brought a good [work-life] balance.