JUANderful Series: Buhay Empleyado — Jake Villanueva
Tags: Zybi Tech, Juancash, Employees, Juanderfulseries

JuanCash is the newest Digital Wallet in the Philippines. Launched last July 2019, JuanCash aims to revolutionize the financial technology industry. Not only that we are proud of opportunity we provide to the masses, we are also proud of our team players, making sure we deliver the best service to every Filipino. Meet our company Spokesperson/Head of Partnership and External Affairs, Mr. Jake Villanueva!

1. Tell us something about yourself:

John Kristoffer A. Villanueva, 28 years old, they call me Jake more often. I graduated from De La Salle University with a degree of International Studies major in American Studies, I graduated 2012. I wanted to be an Ambassador or Diplomat sana, kaya ko kinuha yung course na yan. I tried my luck, pero investment, finance and technology industry ang umayon sa aking kapalaran, don’t get me wrong, it’s fun! I love the fintech industry!

2. How are you and your family during this pandemic?

Just like everyone else, mahirap, mabagal, stressful and nakakapraning. Para bang isang malaking PAUSE ang nangyari ngayon. Pero sa totoo lang, sa sobrang bilis ng takbo ng mundo noon, nakakalimutan natin ang mga importanteng bagay gaya ng pamilya at pakikipagkapwa tao. Kung kaya naman, sa panahon ngayon, napakaimportante na prayoridad natin ang ating kalusugan at pamilya. I always believe sa angking abilidad nating mga Pilipino. “RESILIENCY” is what they call it, no matter kung ano man ang pagsubok na dumagsa, kakayanin natin. Ang Pilipino ay madiskarte, kung kaya naman, I stay being positive always pray to God na matapos na ito.

3. Tell us your day to day activities in JuanCash:

Bilang ‘Head of Partnerships and External Affairs’ ng JuanCash, ako ang kumakatawan sa JuanCash bilang spokesperson. Events man, sa media o pagpapalabas ng mga artikulo patuon sa usaping pinansyal o teknolohiya. I need to be an all-rounder whether technology, marketing, partnerships, regulations and current events, dahil hindi biro maging spokesperson. I start my day drinking cold coffee (Yes, ayaw ko ng hot coffee sa umaga!), meetings, alignment sa ibat ibat departamento ng JuanCash para gumalaw ang lahat ng proyekto ng kumpanya. I also look for different opportunities for JuanCash. If you have any, please reach me through linkedin!

4. What interests you working for JuanCash?

Gone are the days na lahat ng bagay ay kelangan gawing mano mano. Tipong simpleng pagbabayad, loan at pagbili, marami ng naglipanang mga apps at teknolohiyang available. With JuanCash, the management is open to ideas to challenge the norm. WE DEVELOP STRATEGIES AND INNOVATION, ONE DAY AT A TIME, FOR EVERY JUAN. Gusto ko din ang mga tao behind JuanCash. Since FINTECH company kami, iniisip siguro ng tao na napaka techy naming lahat at all serious. Sa totoo lang, I get to enjoy working with colleagues who has the same energy as me. Tulong tulong at may pagkakaisa.

5. Outside work, what do you usually do?

I am often online sa Facebook, chatting with my friends and family if I am not busy. I read a lot of books, from economics, business to biography. Sometimes Netflix pag nasa mood lumamon habang nanonood. Haha! I also listen to music both sa youtube and spotify. I play badminton on weekends, pang alis stress. I like to think quick on my feet, kaya I am always on my A game pag badminton.

6. Share something random about yourself:

I did some time doing commercials, movies and mall shows when I was younger. Noong bata ako lage ako ineenroll sa voice lesson and piano lessons ng Mommy ko. Kaya siguro I developed a lot of confidence sa pakikisalamuha sa tao. I am also very outspoken; I normally ace recitation in every class I had from pre-school to college. Oh! One funny story, my kindergarten teacher called me “Kiti Kiti” one time, dahil sa sobrang kulit ko siguro and ligalig, 6 years old ako noon, and sinagot ko teacher ko. Ayun.. Pinatayo ako sa corner habang umiiyak ako.. Haha! I am very friendly also!

7. Sabi nila, don’t judge a book by its cover. But if you’re a cover, who can judge you?

Every Juan is entitled to freedom of speech hence could reach to a point of judging someone. I think it’s fine. Sabi nga ng isang artista dati, “DON’T JUDGE ME. I AM NOT A BOOK! LOL. Spread positive and good vibes lang sana lage!

8. Pag ang tao na dating possessed ay muling pinasukan ng masamang espirito, siya ba ay “repossessed”?

Technically pwede yang ‘repossesed’ na yan. Pero ang concern ko talaga dyan, hindi yung pagkaka repossess sa tao. ANG TUNAY NA ISSUE DYAN AY, HINDI MAGALING YUNG ESPIRITISTA O YUNG MANGHIHILOT. ANG HINALA KO DYAN, KULANG SA ANTING ANTING OR NALAMIGAN KAYA HINDI EFFECTIVE YUNG ORASYON NIYA… GIGIL MO SI AKO. HAHA!

9. What was the last gift you gave someone? Why?

I gave my mom a very nice wallet and a big Ipad (dahil request niya and pre-pandemic of course, mahirap maglustay ngayon! Aba!). When I was a kid, my mom gave everything to me. Kahit naman siguro sino, would try and give their best para sa kanilang mahal sa buhay para mapasaya. Napaka rewarding sa akin na makita ngiti niya and excitement when I gave that to her.

10. If you have superpowers, what would it be and why?

I’d like to fly regardless whether at the speed of light or slow as a turtle. I think the world is too big to explore in this lifetime. I’d like to take the opportunity to explore and experience everything. “The universe rather” kung kaya pa nga eh. Haha!

Final Question:

What is your advice to every ‘Juan’ during these challenging times?

It’s very important that we look at the glass half full, rather than half empty. The very best method of healing is communicating with our loved ones; with what you think and how you feel. For after all, more than anything, our mental health. emotional being and overall health is the greatest gift we can have in this lifetime. Life is beautiful! Help when you can, spread positivity and love all the time.