As we celebrate National Women’s Month this March, eWalkthrough, through its #WomenWednesday series, shines a spotlight on the women of First Balfour. Since 2020, we have highlighted women making a difference across departments and disciplines by sharing their stories, insights, and journeys.
Continuing this year’s series is Analyn “Ana” Masa, Joint Venture Human Resources (HR) Lead for a Hyperscale Data Center project in Quezon City, whose 17-year journey at First Balfour reflects dedication, resilience, and a passion for empowering people by shaping teams and supporting major projects across the organization.
Tell us about your role. As the Joint Venture HR Lead for a Hyperscale Data Center project, I provide both strategic oversight and hands-on support to help our teams thrive. I work closely with project leadership to ensure that our people strategies align with project timelines, operational needs, and overall business goals. Beyond managing HR operations, I focus on workforce planning, people management, and initiatives that promote both employee well-being and project success. My role allows me to blend strategy with daily collaboration, keeping our people at the heart of everything we do.
What’s a typical work day like for you? My day usually begins with a quick team huddle, where we discuss priorities, address concerns, and align on goals. It’s also a chance for me to provide guidance and mentoring, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered to do their best. I then turn to messages and emails from staff and workers before diving into a range of HR responsibilities—from workforce coordination to supporting operational needs across the project. Every day presents new challenges, whether responding to urgent issues or helping teams navigate complex situations, which makes the work dynamic, engaging, and deeply fulfilling.
What inspires and empowers you in your work? Seeing employees grow, develop new skills, and achieve their professional goals is incredibly fulfilling. It is empowering to know that through my role, I help create opportunities for others to succeed, and I also find it motivating to develop solutions that benefit both the organization and its people. Beyond work, my greatest inspiration comes from my family, my parents who instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance, and whose support continues to drive me every day to give my best.
What challenges (personal or professional) have you overcome that made you who you are today? Throughout my career, I’ve managed the workforce for some of First Balfour’s largest projects, overseeing up to 5,000 personnel and navigating the full lifecycle of manpower—from project mobilization to final demobilization. Leading at this scale brought countless challenges, from coordinating complex operations to guiding diverse teams through high-pressure situations. Each obstacle tested my resilience, sharpened my strategic thinking, and shaped my leadership style. Those experiences didn’t just teach me to manage projects. They taught me to lead with confidence, adaptability, and purpose, lessons I carry into every challenge I face today.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a woman in your career? A woman’s positive and supportive mindset can be both influential and transformative when brought into any space. I bring this mindset by fostering a collaborative and respectful environment, helping to build stronger teams and encourage open communication. Staying positive, proactive, and solutions-focused, especially in high-pressure situations, creates meaningful impact while supporting the growth of both the people I work with and my own professional development.
What vision do you have for women at First Balfour? I hope to see more women at First Balfour empowered to take on leadership and decision-making roles, as their strengths, perspectives, and ideas have the power to drive innovation and collaboration. I envision an environment where women continue to be encouraged to grow alongside the company, fostering an even stronger and more inclusive future for all.
Ana participating in First Balfour’s Barkada Trail Run at La Mesa Nature Reserve in January 2024.
Ana holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Management, from Guagua National Colleges, where she built a foundation in leadership, organizational management, and people development. This academic grounding naturally led her to human resources—a field she has grown to love and pursue with passion.
Her career at First Balfour is a testament to dedication, growth, and a passion for people. Now serving as the Joint Venture HR Lead for a Hyperscale Data Center Project in Quezon City, she began her journey with the company as a Document Controller for the LRT Line 1 North Extension and Texas Instruments projects. Over time, she transitioned into a Project HR role, supporting major projects such as the Clark Data Center, the Rehabilitation of LRT Line 1 Rectifier Substations Project, and the Batangas Combined Cycle Power Plant, steadily expanding her expertise and impact across the organization.
Outside of work, Ana is an avid traveler and explorer, finding joy in discovering new places and immersing herself in different cultures. She also maintains an active lifestyle through walking and running, which help her manage stress and maintain balance between professional and personal life.
Left Photo: Ana (rightmost) together with her family during one of her travels in Auckland New Zealand. They are (from left) her sisters Aiza Masa and Grace Padrigo, and her parents Rosita and Roberto Masa.
Right Photo: Ana exploring Hong Kong Disneyland during one of her travels.
Consistency and transparency define Ana’s approach to work and leadership. By being honest, reliable, and open, she builds trust that strengthens collaboration and nurtures positive relationships with colleagues and leaders. For Ana, fostering clear communication and trust is not just about teamwork—it’s about creating an environment where professional growth and shared success flourish.
A firm believer in the strength and resilience of women, Ana champions empowerment and support among colleagues. “When we uplift each other, we open doors not only for ourselves, but for the next generation of women leaders,” she says, embodying the values she brings to every project and interaction.
