A challenge to Bong Q.

Working for the government posed a challenge to Bong Quintana, assistant vice president (AVP) for Entertainment Department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

After having spent most years in the private sector, at the Philippine Airlines and later as events manager and director of live entertainment in Backroom (my small talent management, PR and events company), Bong was thrust to government service which was a totally different set-up. It helped that he had years of experience at the Philippine Airlines. His being an events man and a director of shows also came in handy, when he took on the offer at PAGCOR. He has amassed enough knowledge and skills which just came in handy when he assumed work in government.

Bong has been with PAGCOR for almost 12 years. He spent four years as director of the long-running musicals Wanders and Flow which were staged at PAGCOR, and eight years as AVP for the entertainment department, a position he now holds.

“Being in government service taught me a huge deal. I identified the quality objectives and key business processes of the department. It provided me knowledge in the process of procurement. It allowed me to deal with many people from all walks of life and gave me a vast perspective on life, work and relationships. There were birth pains in the beginning, but as you progress and embrace the system, you will eventually adapt and adjust right away,” says Bong.

As AVP, Bong says his department will continue to provide Casino Filipino venues with various entertainment offerings for the customers. While it wants its clients entertained, PAGCOR is also focusing on its community service. “The entertainment department of PAGCOR is committed to extend assistance to our Casino Filipino branches and satellites by providing them with celebrity artists for our valued customers and at the same time continue our support for the talented Filipino artists,” continues Bong.

But Bong still feels there are a lot more things to do for PAGCOR. “I am still looking forward to staying longer with PAGCOR. I believe I still have a lot to offer. I know I can do more. There’s so much to explore. There’s so much to discover, disrupt and investing in entertainment is limitless and it is powerful.”

Recently, Bong went back to school at the Asian Institute of Management for further enhancement.

“With PAGCOR management’s thrust to broaden one’s knowledge and continue the quest for excellence, I was fortunate to be permitted by our chairman to take a short course in management development. I am now preparing for my thesis for the completion of my Masters Degree in Business Administration. Continuous education may be overwhelming but it is also very rewarding. We have to keep on learning. We have to keep on searching.”

Bong has adjusted well to government corporate life, but there are things that he misses about working in the private sector. “Coming from an airline industry, it will always be the flying that I will miss the most. Not to mention the friends I once flew with. But at least, I still get to fly every once in a while and keep in touch with my friends from the airline.”

Does he still find time to relax?

“Life has always been busy. But I make sure I find time to chill, relax, unwind and de-stress. Traveling, whether local or international, gives me a different kind of high. Climbing mountains has become a therapy for me. It allows me that rare chance to commune with nature a few thousand feet above sea level. It is humbling up there. You realize how small you are.”

Bong shares his wishes for this year, “I always wish for good health not just for myself but for my family and loved ones, too. I wish to deliver the best work I ever can as head of PAGCOR Entertainment Department. I’d like to climb more mountains and play tennis either with Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal) or Novak (Djokovic).”