Ana Aluyen: From Store Floor to Business Unit Head—A Story of Grit, Growth, and Purpose
In 1995, Ana Lourdes Limbaga Aluyen began her career at Jollibee as an Assistant Store Manager in Zamboanga City.
Three decades later, she leads one of the Jollibee Group’s major brands as Business Unit Head of Chowking Philippines.
Her journey is one of steady progression, built not on shortcuts but on experience, resilience, and a deep understanding of the business from the ground up.
Over the years, she moved across roles in operations—store management, area leadership, regional business units—taking on increasing responsibility while navigating both growth and crisis.
Through it all, one thing remained constant: a culture that both challenged and supported her.
“I was valued as an individual… leaders challenged me and supported my growth,” she shared.
That combination of trust and expectation became a defining force in her career.
She recalls being given stretch roles not just to fill positions, but to develop her capabilities and prepare her for larger responsibilities. Each step forward came with both pressure and opportunity, pushing her to grow not just as a leader, but as a person.
Like many who rise through the ranks, self-doubt was part of the journey.
As her responsibilities grew, so did the questions: Can I do this? Am I the right person for the role?
What helped her push through was a strong sense of responsibility not just for the business, but for the people behind it.
For Aluyen, leadership is ultimately about accountability and care.
“If we fail, I take the blame. If we win, celebrate the team.”
It’s a philosophy shaped by years of leading teams on the ground, where success is shared, and leadership is measured by how well you enable others to succeed.
One of the most defining moments in her career came during the Zamboanga siege, when she and her team worked to ensure the safety of employees and support the community. The experience reinforced a belief she carries to this day: that performance and compassion are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.
Today, as she leads Chowking Philippines, she continues to bring that same mindset—empowering teams, building confidence, and celebrating collective success.
Her story is a powerful reflection of what is possible within the Jollibee Group: a company where careers are built over time, where leaders are developed from within, and where opportunities are shaped by both performance and potential.
Her advice to young professionals is simple, but deeply rooted in her own experience:
“Dream big. Live with purpose. Go for it.”