Apples Mangubat: The Inspiring Rise of a Financial Leader

Apples Mangubat, President and COO, Asialink Finance Corporation

The sun-baked streets of Iloilo City shimmered under the relentless Philippine sun. Ten-year-old Apples Mangubat wasn’t spending her summer days glued to a screen or lounging by a pool. Instead, she was a budding entrepreneur of youthful ambition, a tiny titan of commerce navigating the bustling marketplace. A cooler, overflowing with colourful popsicles, was her throne, and a worn stack of comics served as her first investment portfolio. This wasn’t merely child’s play; it was the crucible that forged Apples into the formidable leader she would become – the President and COO of the thriving financial institution, Asialink Finance. Her journey, from ice cream vendor to financial powerhouse, speaks volumes about the influence of hustle, heart, and a childhood spent dreaming big. 

From Popsicles to Passion: The Making of an Entrepreneur

Apples’ entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t a fleeting summer fancy. She spent most of her time doing extra-curricular activities in school and was fond of playing sports. While school didn’t ignite a passion within her, responsibility and a natural ability to connect with people were her superpowers. She thrived in the bustling marketplace, her smile as bright as the popsicles she sold. This wasn’t just about earning a few pesos; it was about understanding market needs and catering to them with innovation – a cornerstone of any successful business leader. Recognizing a dearth of entertainment options for children in her neighbourhood, the future financial prodigy, Apples Mangubat, cleverly extended her business ventures beyond popsicles and became the neighbourhood comic book mogul. She meticulously curated a collection of well-worn comics, renting them out to eager young readers.

“I also remember when I was young, I liked playing pretend and enjoyed pretending I was a working girl at a big company. I could say that I was unintentionally manifesting my future as a leader in a company like Asialink,” Apples reflects. “I was not the best in school, but I consider myself responsible and disciplined.”

An Unexpected Turn

Life threw Apples an unforeseen obstacle when her dream job as a medical representative, fuelled by the allure of a company car, fell through because she did not know how to drive.

“I really wanted to be a medical representative just because it comes with a service car. And so, I applied to be one. After all the examination and screening process, only two of us were left for the job. Unfortunately, I was not chosen because I didn’t know how to drive. Being a medical representative requires you to travel around and knowing how to drive is surely an advantage. After that unsuccessful attempt, I thought I did not have a lot of choices. But I being relentless applied in several banks in Iloilo City and that’s how my career in the finance industry started” – said Apples. Undeterred, she sought new opportunities in Iloilo City’s limited job market, which led her to the world of business. While seemingly unrelated to her past endeavours, the core principles of building relationships, understanding needs, and managing resources resonated with Apples. Little did she know, this unexpected turn would ignite a lifelong passion for her work.

The A.P.P.L.E.S. of Success

Apples’ career path wasn’t a smooth ascent to the top. The economic turmoil of the pandemic threatened to cripple Asialink, along with countless other financial institutions. But Apples, forged in the fires of her childhood hustle, wasn’t built to crumble. She rallied her team, drawing strength from her core values – a personal acronym she affectionately calls ‘A.P.P.L.E.S.’

• Attitude: Apples believes the right attitude is the foundation of any successful team. She fosters a positive and collaborative environment, where open communication and mutual respect are paramount.
• Passion: Her unyielding passion for finance is infectious, inspiring her team to approach their work with dedication and enthusiasm. Challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth, not insurmountable obstacles.
• Perseverance: Leadership isn’t always glamorous. There are times for tough decisions and navigating difficult situations. Apples’ perseverance keeps her and her team focused on the long-term goals, pushing through setbacks with unwavering determination.
• Learning: The world of finance is constantly evolving. Apples emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, both for herself and her team. They actively seek out new knowledge and embrace innovative solutions.
• Empathy: Being a leader also means having empathy towards others. Apples built a strong relationship with her team because she puts herself in their situation and understands their challenges.
• Self-Awareness: Great leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses. Apples’ self-awareness allows her to make informed decisions, delegate effectively, and foster a team environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Guided by these principles, Apples and her team steered Asialink through the pandemic, ensuring the company not only survived but emerged stronger. They adapted to changing regulations, implemented creative solutions, and prioritized the needs of their clients. “One of the biggest challenges I faced during my career was navigating through the pandemic,” Apples explains. “During this time, a lot of companies, especially financing companies, went under. Considering we were not allowed to operate for a few months, our staff still worked hard, taking it one day at a time. Despite the challenge, we were able to rise above it. We managed to keep the company afloat; we were able to pay our creditors and, most importantly, the service of Asialink to the Filipinos did not stop.”

Family Life & Accomplishents

Aside from her strength, Apples also considers her family as one of the foundations of her success. Her husband, Geronimo “Jerome” S. Mangubat II is one of the people who supported Apples in her journey to leadership and success. “When I was starting my career in Asialink, my husband would accompany me whenever I worked overtime at the office. He doesn’t mind that I focus on work while he works on taking care of the house and our children. I would say I am very lucky to have him as my partner.” – Apples stated. And despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to attend her children’s extracurricular activities and support them. “Even with my busy schedule I would always find time to attend to all my daughter’s school activities – piano lessons, ballet lessons – you name it, I make sure that I am here to support them in all of their life milestones.”

Since she became the president of Asialink, Apples has achieved multiple milestones for the company. She reorganized the structure of Asialink that empowered more of its officers to step up and improve processes across different departments. She also established partnerships with several banks in the country that increased the company’s credit line. Her leadership also enabled the accomplishment of Computerized Accounting System (CAS) Registration in 2012 that underscores Asialink’s operational transparency and compliance as one of the large taxpayer in the country. In the same year, she led the introduction of Sophisticated Financing and Accounting System (SOFIA), an accounting system that provided ease and efficiency in loan management. While it may seem that Apples already presented many opportunities for collaboration and innovation for the Asialink, that did not stop her from leading the creation of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. It was her brainchild. With the launch of CRM, it was the start of digitalization of loan application for Asialink. 

Apples is not just an exceptional leader in the corporate world but also a dedicated community leader. She was elected as the president of the Philippine Finance Association from 2022 to 2024 where she spearheaded different projects such as meeting with Congressional Chief of Staff to discuss how to improve the Financing Industry, regular meetings with the SEC for the improvement of regulation that would affect the financing industry, establish continuous meeting with the LTFRB to move for inclusion of the financing companies in the government modernization program, regular meeting for Economic briefing and discuss BSP regulation that would affect the Financing Industry and meet with different stakeholders for the Personal Property Act. 

She was also the President of Forbes Financial Consultancy Corp, an advisory firm that provides invaluable financial guidance to its clients. Furthermore, her involvement in community and social initiatives shines through her Past Presidency of the Spouses Association of Rotary Club of Marikina North. She is also renowned for her impactful contributions during her tenure with the Rotaract Club of Iloilo from 1991 to 1992.

In addition to her responsibilities at Asialink, Apples is also the Chairman & CEO of AFC SME Finance Inc., a growing Filipino-owned financing company that provides fast and secured real estate loans. Apples is also the Vice Chairman of Cepat Credit Financing Inc and a Deputy CEO in various collection companies, showcasing her expertise in handling financial recovery processes. 

A Vision for the Future: Empowering Filipino Businesses

The world of finance is a complex landscape, riddled with potential pitfalls. Asialink tackles these challenges head-on with a robust risk management program. They meticulously identify and prioritize potential risks, allowing them to develop effective policies and strategies to mitigate them. Transparency is a cornerstone of their approach – both management and employees are kept informed, ensuring everyone is aligned towards achieving the same goals and avoiding financial storms. 

Asialink’s growth strategy is a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they are committed to expanding their physical presence by opening new branches across the Philippines, bringing their financial services directly to the communities they serve. Secondly, they are actively forging strategic partnerships with other institutions, such as the recent 4-billion-peso investment from Creador, a Malaysian private equity firm. This not only provides Asialink with the capital to fuel its expansion but also signifies the confidence international investors have in Apples’ vision and leadership.  

Asialink’s commitment to financial inclusion goes beyond physical branches. Asialink actively invests in financial literacy programs, educating Filipinos on responsible borrowing practices and sound financial management. By empowering individuals, they empower communities. 

The impact is undeniable. Stories abound of small businesses that secured their first loans from Asialink, allowing them to expand their operations and create jobs. Aspiring entrepreneurs find the support and guidance they need to turn their dreams into reality. Apples Mangubat’s vision is clear: Asialink is not just a financial institution, it’s a catalyst for a brighter economic future for all Filipinos “My advice to aspiring business leaders is the same advice and motivation I give myself: ‘A.P.P.L.E.S.’ Have the right attitude, have passion in what you do, persevere to achieve success, learn and never stop learning, and most importantly, have self-awareness. It is important to have the right character and discipline as a leader,” Apples advises.

Beyond Financial Success: A Legacy of Leadership

Apples’ influence extends far beyond the walls of Asialink. She is inspiring students and business leaders alike with her story of resilience and determination. Her passion for empowering women is evident in her mentorship programs, where she guides young Filipinas on their journeys to financial independence and leadership roles.

From overcoming challenges to achieving success, Apples Mangubat’s story exemplifies the power of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. The little girl who hustled on the streets of Iloilo City, selling popsicles and renting out comics, has blossomed into a leader who is shaping the financial landscape of the Philippines. Her legacy is one of financial empowerment, community development, and inspiring countless individuals to reach their full potential. Her ongoing commitment to mentorship and community development ensures that her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.