A heartfelt tale of gratitude: Albert Soriano’s journey with the Jollibee Group

Jollibee Group employees have been the heart of the company since its beginnings in 1978. 45 years later, the company looks back on its roots and, more importantly, the people who have grown with it through the years.

Albert Soriano, now 53, has woven his life story into the fabric of the company's growth since joining the company in 1990. He started as one of the first employees of the company’s commissary in Santolan, Pasig, which was newly opened at that time. His enduring commitment to the Jollibee Group has seen him through both personal and professional challenges, including his son's life-changing heart surgery.

Throughout his remarkable 33-year journey with the company, Albert has gracefully adapted to various roles, stepping in wherever needed, whether it was in the bakery, as a delivery aide, or in production. His dedication and willingness to evolve have been crucial in helping handle the increasing demands of a company that has grown immensely over the years. Today, he works at the company’s state-of-the-art commissary in Canlubang, Laguna.

“Noong nagsimula ako, wala pa sa 100 ang Jollibee stores. Hanggang sa nag-evolve at dumami ‘yung products,” Albert recalls. (“When I started, Jollibee stores have not reached 100 yet. Then the brand evolved and offered more products.”) This meant more work for the production crew.

“Dumami rin ‘yung trabaho pero kaya naman kasi automated na. Sa umpisa nag-adjust kami kasi kailangan ng technical knowledge pero noong nasanay na kami, mas magaan na siya. Sa manual kasi kailangan mag-exert ng lakas,” he said. “Ngayon, kaya na ang mas malaking volume ng production.” (“Our work increased, too, but we could do it because of automation. At the start, we had to adjust and acquire technical knowledge but when we got the hang of it, work became easier. When we did manual operations, we had to exert physical effort. Now, we can take on bigger volumes in the production line.”)

Albert's journey with the Jollibee Group has not only been personally fulfilling but also instrumental in securing a bright future for his family. With three children, he has been able to provide them with education, a home, a car, and financial stability. The added benefit of free meals at the commissary has eased the burden on daily expenses.

Unforgettable support for his family

Albert’s connection to the Jollibee Group goes far beyond the workplace. Employees have developed close connections over decades of shared experiences that last long after they split ways. Albert's network of coworkers was a key source of support throughout his most difficult moments.

Albert’s youngest child, Clint Tom, was born with a congenital heart disease. “Na-diagnose siya noong one-year-old siya, tapos almost every week nasa Philippine Heart Center kami,” he said. (“He was diagnosed when he was a year old, then almost every week, we had to go to the Philippine Heart Center.”)

Albert was grateful for the understanding and assistance of the management and his co-workers. His bosses saw him struggle for years and would often check on his family. They eventually asked if he was ready for his son to undergo the dreaded operation.

“Sabi ng doktor, 50-50 ‘yung operation. Mas masakit sa amin na nai-ignore namin ang sakit niya. Kung talagang para sa amin siya, sa amin siya,” Albert said. (“The doctor said the operation had a 50-50 [chance of success]. But it was more painful to ignore his condition. If he is truly meant for us, then he will be.”)

With this, the company rallied around Albert's family with unwavering support.

Jollibee Group Foundation helped with Clint’s heart surgery, restoring hope to a worried family. “Noong operation ng anak ko, talagang tumigil ang buong planta,” Albert shared. “Lahat ng empleyado naging prayer warrior.” (“During my son’s operation, the whole plant stopped operating. All the employees became prayer warriors.”)

What could have been a momentary act of generosity became a lifelong testimony to the impact of the company’s compassion. Even after the procedure, Albert’s teammates helped the family through fundraising to cover the follow-up appointments with the doctor.

Albert recognized Jollibee Group’s unflinching commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families, and it sparked a deep sense of loyalty within him. He vowed to give his best in return. Now, Clint is 27 and healthy. He works in video production in Ortigas and visits his parents in Canlubang on weekends.

Over the past three decades, Albert has been a pillar of strength and a guiding light for his colleagues. Whether it be mentoring young apprentices or assisting seasoned workers, Albert's deep-rooted commitment to the company has left a mark on Jollibee Group just as the company has left a mark on him.

“‘Yun ang maganda kasi hindi tayo iniiwanan ng Jollibee [Group]. Kapag umaangat siya, kasama tayong umaangat,” Albert said. (“That’s what is beautiful about it, Jollibee [Group] doesn’t leave us behind. When it succeeds, so do we.”)

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jollibee Foods Corporation.