Eillen “Apples” Barredo-Mangubat’s career began not with a dream job, but with a practical choice. Facing limited job opportunities in her hometown, she accepted a temporary position as a clerk in one of UCPB’s remote provincial branches in the early ‘80s.
As a fresh graduate, Barredo-Mangubat initially set her sights on a glamorous career as a medical representative.
“What was really tempting with the med rep job were the glamor and perks attached to it. I topped the written exam and interview, but I never really got into the groove of it. One thing I learned from that experience was not to covet anything beyond what I’m actually capable of doing. At that time, I had yet to learn to drive. That’s where they got me reeling with disappointment,” she recalled with a small cackle, as she also remembered how tediously she knocked on door after door of companies who might be willing to accept a fresh-out-of-college accountancy graduate.
Now, the president of one of the country’s biggest lending companies, the charming Ilongga, can only thank UCPB, which was her training ground for 14 years, for the skills she learned. Her over ten years of loyalty saw her rising from being a contractual employee to becoming the operations manager of the bank branch.
Career path
In 2006, Barredo-Mangubat started afresh with AsiaLink Finance Corp. as the new operations manager, after being poached by one of her professional coaches Robert Jordan Jr., back when the company was still a family business.
At Asialink, Barredo-Mangubat encountered numerous challenges as the firm was still in the process of establishing its reputation in the finance industry. With limited organizational structure and resources, she was resolute in her determination to help build the company from the ground up.
“I told the HR I have no knowledge of handling so many people since what I dealt with in the past were just a handful of bank employees. But I was handed the job, and part of that is trying to have a coherent strategy of handling finance people,” she said.
From handling 120 employees, she now has a pool of over 2,000 employees and is growing exponentially as the company also expanded its assets and transactions in the past years.
Barredo-Mangubat admitted that organizational and financial challenges motivate her to stay on her job as well as the people around her.
She likened the company to her family, where she finds joy and fulfillment. The occasional turbulence at work and in her personal life give her all the more urge to prepare for the better.
“That is why, it pays to be ‘masinop’. Being frugal and organized are two virtues that are expected of finance business. But it’s actually been ingrained in me, coming from a big family,” she said.
Challenging times
Her virtues were put to the test during the pandemic when their employees, by the thousands, were affected due to limited mobility. Collection was a huge problem, but they were one of the first to pivot to digitalization.
She quickly recognized the necessity of pivoting to online processes to maintain communication with clients during lockdowns.
Her empathetic leadership style not only demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of clients, but also reinforced Asialink’s reputation as a reliable partner in the SME sector.
Today, under Barredo-Mangubat’s guidance, Asialink has expanded its branches significantly and evolved into a major player in the financing industry, catering primarily to small and medium enterprises.
“So, from 80 branches, we’ve grown to 126, and we’re aiming for 200 plus. By the end of this year, we’ll end up with 250 branches. That’s our target. Looking ahead to next year, we plan to open approximately 20 more branches. However, we’ll need to significantly increase our sales personnel to support this expansion,” she said.
Devoted mother
As a devoted mother, Barredo-Mangubat raised her two girls to be independent, resourceful and hardworking.
“I am particularly proud of being the mother of two very responsible human beings. My eldest, who is getting her master’s degree overseas, has somehow found a way to earn her keep. I noticed that she’s been spending less than what we usually provide for her. Her getting a job while studying is a proud moment for any parent. Having these kids learn how to fend for themselves is an achievement in itself,” she said, consumed by the fact that her “babies” are now grown-up adults.
In her youth, Barredo-Mangubat embraced an active lifestyle, playing football in college before dabbling in bowling and billiards—sports that might not be typical for women, but ones she grew to love as they gave her a competitive outlet and a way to relieve tension.
“After graduating, I turned to more indoor activities like bowling and eventually billiards. Lately, with limited time, I’ve picked up camping with my family. We started last year, going to places like Tanay on weekends. Traveling has also become a favorite hobby,” she said.
A child of the ’70s, Barredo-Mangubat likewise enjoys reading, a favorite pastime of Gen-X kids before the advent of the internet, although she admits it takes her time due to dry eyes.
“It can take me two days to get through a single chapter,” she laughs. The pandemic even rekindled her interest in cooking.
Like her professional journey, Barredo-Mangubat’s educational achievements highlight her dedication to institutions that matter. From UP High School in Iloilo to UP Visayas College of Accountancy, Mangubat has spent her formative years in places she truly values.
