Newport World Resorts takes pride in the workplace
Honors diversity, promoting awareness, and fostering unity
By MB Lifestyle
Published Jul 1, 2023 08:09 am
The annual Pride Month commemoration is a powerful reminder of the progress made toward fostering a more inclusive society. As the world celebrates, Newport World Resorts beamed with pride, hosting events and initiatives that honor diversity, promote awareness, and foster a sense of unity.
A slew of festivities filled the property, beginning with the first-ever Manila Pride Ball held at KAO Manila, where some of the country’s top drag performers and celebrities gathered at the glamorous ball-themed party. While thousands of theatergoers witnessed the colorful curtain call of the hit Filipino musical "Ang Huling El Bimbo" in every show performed this June, showcasing the Pride flag and a beautiful message of inclusivity through song lyrics.
Newport World Resorts’ celebration of Pride Month showcased an informative discussion during the Thrillax Talks: Know Your SOGIE with Talent Development Officer Geibrielle Alcantara and Leadership Development Manager and Certified SOGIE Trainer Marissa Atienza.
Apart from events held across the property, Newport World Resorts provided a platform for its LGBTQIA+ employees to have their voices and stories heard. The two sessions of "Thrillax Talks," the newest speaking engagement platform for employees. One session opened important conversations on SOGIE and another heard the inspiring fatherhood joy of a single gay dad. Through dialogue and sharing of experiences, ideas, and insights, colleagues had the opportunity to foster understanding and empathy for not only members of the LGBTQIA+ but everyone throughout the organization. As the leader of these initiatives, Chief HR Officer Terri Llamas shares that “Our goal is to ensure that our employees feel like they can be their authentic selves and make them feel valued regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs." Beyond Pride Month, Newport World Resorts ensures that inclusivity is championed all year round. Building an inclusive workplace is a long road ahead, and Newport World Resorts takes the right steps forward through its programs and benefits. Over the years, policies have been revised and new ones have been created in order to provide a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and to extend them the same benefits as all other employees. In 2022, Newport World Resorts partnered with a new group life insurance provider, Etiqa, that allows the enrollment of common-law partners, regardless of sexual orientation. Having 4,700 employees, the company also understands that each has different needs and priorities. For example, HMOs have limitations, wherein one cannot enroll non immediate family members. To give them more flexibility in their options, the Choices program was implemented, allowing the conversion of unused benefits into points. Moving forward, Newport World Resorts continuously expands its world by tapping into every talent pool possible. Using competency-based hiring and performance management, the focus will be on the individual’s knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and skills demonstrated to fulfill the role instead of identity or gender. According to Llamas, “We choose to see the potential and talent in others. We have employees from LGBTQIA+ and various backgrounds such as solo parents, those coming from the province, and high school graduates.” Taking one crucial step at a time, she plans to equip all employees with workshops on diversity and inclusion, beginning with its leaders. “We believe they are the key to building a culture of belonging by making the employees feel welcome, respected, and valued by defining, setting the tone, and rewarding the culture we want to foster.” In the workplace, it matters to have an HR representative from the queer community so that all the company’s policies meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ employees. Championing the voice of his community in the workplace is England Alano, the HR director for Talent Acquisition, Culture & Engagement. “As a member of the LGBTQIA+, I am honored to be given the trust to handle the company’s culture and employer branding. I have never felt that my SOGIE has limited my career growth. My career has been continuously progressing and I’m grateful to the company for the opportunities given to grow professionally, regardless of my SOGIE.” Aside from performing a job that is tough enough, he had to emerge stronger from the ill judgments thrown towards the initiatives for inclusivity. With these, he hopes in the future to have an engaged group that will bring LGBTQIA+ employees together. “I wish to have a sense of community through all year-round initiatives that will bring awareness and help create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.” It is crucial to infuse the workplace with the spirit of inclusivity that goes beyond Pride Month. Newport World Resorts takes pride in its sincerest initiatives to go beyond performative efforts and actively advocates for and supports its LGBTQIA+ talents, as well as people of all backgrounds. An inclusive workplace is where everyone can advance in their careers, and work as their true selves. A larger-than-life experience awaits at Newport World Resorts. Become a Thrillmaker today, you know you want to. For more information on Newport World Resorts' “A World of Career Opportunities” Career Fair 2023, visit the [official website](https://www.newportworldresorts.com/).
Newport World Resorts’ celebration of Pride Month showcased an informative discussion during the Thrillax Talks: Know Your SOGIE with Talent Development Officer Geibrielle Alcantara and Leadership Development Manager and Certified SOGIE Trainer Marissa Atienza.
Apart from events held across the property, Newport World Resorts provided a platform for its LGBTQIA+ employees to have their voices and stories heard. The two sessions of "Thrillax Talks," the newest speaking engagement platform for employees. One session opened important conversations on SOGIE and another heard the inspiring fatherhood joy of a single gay dad. Through dialogue and sharing of experiences, ideas, and insights, colleagues had the opportunity to foster understanding and empathy for not only members of the LGBTQIA+ but everyone throughout the organization. As the leader of these initiatives, Chief HR Officer Terri Llamas shares that “Our goal is to ensure that our employees feel like they can be their authentic selves and make them feel valued regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs." Beyond Pride Month, Newport World Resorts ensures that inclusivity is championed all year round. Building an inclusive workplace is a long road ahead, and Newport World Resorts takes the right steps forward through its programs and benefits. Over the years, policies have been revised and new ones have been created in order to provide a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ employees and to extend them the same benefits as all other employees. In 2022, Newport World Resorts partnered with a new group life insurance provider, Etiqa, that allows the enrollment of common-law partners, regardless of sexual orientation. Having 4,700 employees, the company also understands that each has different needs and priorities. For example, HMOs have limitations, wherein one cannot enroll non immediate family members. To give them more flexibility in their options, the Choices program was implemented, allowing the conversion of unused benefits into points. Moving forward, Newport World Resorts continuously expands its world by tapping into every talent pool possible. Using competency-based hiring and performance management, the focus will be on the individual’s knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and skills demonstrated to fulfill the role instead of identity or gender. According to Llamas, “We choose to see the potential and talent in others. We have employees from LGBTQIA+ and various backgrounds such as solo parents, those coming from the province, and high school graduates.” Taking one crucial step at a time, she plans to equip all employees with workshops on diversity and inclusion, beginning with its leaders. “We believe they are the key to building a culture of belonging by making the employees feel welcome, respected, and valued by defining, setting the tone, and rewarding the culture we want to foster.” In the workplace, it matters to have an HR representative from the queer community so that all the company’s policies meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ employees. Championing the voice of his community in the workplace is England Alano, the HR director for Talent Acquisition, Culture & Engagement. “As a member of the LGBTQIA+, I am honored to be given the trust to handle the company’s culture and employer branding. I have never felt that my SOGIE has limited my career growth. My career has been continuously progressing and I’m grateful to the company for the opportunities given to grow professionally, regardless of my SOGIE.” Aside from performing a job that is tough enough, he had to emerge stronger from the ill judgments thrown towards the initiatives for inclusivity. With these, he hopes in the future to have an engaged group that will bring LGBTQIA+ employees together. “I wish to have a sense of community through all year-round initiatives that will bring awareness and help create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.” It is crucial to infuse the workplace with the spirit of inclusivity that goes beyond Pride Month. Newport World Resorts takes pride in its sincerest initiatives to go beyond performative efforts and actively advocates for and supports its LGBTQIA+ talents, as well as people of all backgrounds. An inclusive workplace is where everyone can advance in their careers, and work as their true selves. A larger-than-life experience awaits at Newport World Resorts. Become a Thrillmaker today, you know you want to. For more information on Newport World Resorts' “A World of Career Opportunities” Career Fair 2023, visit the [official website](https://www.newportworldresorts.com/).