HONORING THE PAST, LEADING THE FUTURE: Puno plants a new era at Alabang Country Club
‘It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.’
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‘It’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.’
Share
There’s a renewed sense of optimism at Alabang Country Club. At the heart of it is Francis Edward Puno, the newly elected president, who brings a fresh but familiar approach to leadership — someone who knows the club well, has walked its halls, and is deeply invested in its future.
For Puno, this role isn’t just a title; it’s a personal mission.
“Running for president is a meaningful way to make a difference,” he says.
“I’m passionate about the club’s success and ready to tackle the challenges ahead — things like membership satisfaction, facility improvements and bringing our community closer than ever.”
With a professional background in business and previous experience on the board, Puno steps into the presidency with both strategy and heart. His focus? Building on the club’s strong legacy while preparing it for an exciting, sustainable and community-driven future.
Helping Puno shape the future of the club are other members of the board in chairman Herminio Coloma Jr., vice president Jesulito Manalo and treasurer Palermo Soriano as well as directors Joaquin Bengzon, Ferdinand Raquelsantos, Antonio Climent, Mariano Diokno Jr. and Nilo Cruz with Atty. Aristotle Batuhan as legal counsel.
At the core of Puno’s leadership is a bold, yet grounded vision: To be the premier destination family club for luxury, leisure, and community, offering an unparalleled experience through world-class facilities, excellent service and a vibrant social environment that fosters lifelong connections and friendships.
It’s not just a mission statement — it’s a mindset. And it’s reflected in every decision Puno and his board are making.
One of the biggest initiatives on the horizon is the launch of the club’s 50-year celebration, culminating in the milestone year of 2028.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on everything we’ve built,” Puno explains. “But just as importantly, it’s a chance to look ahead — to create a version of the club that honors our heritage while embracing modernity.”
Having already served on the previous board, Puno isn’t starting from scratch. He was involved in several key projects focused on enhancing the member experience, one of the most notable being the renovation of the club’s lounges.
“We’ve made real progress, but there’s still work to be done,” he says.
“We’ll continue what we’ve started. This isn’t about tearing down what’s been built — it’s about building on it.”
That approach — respectful of the past, ambitious for the future — is central to Puno’s leadership style. It’s also what’s guiding the rollout of new initiatives, from infrastructure improvements to sustainability programs.
At its heart, Alabang Country Club is about more than just sports or facilities — it’s about people. That’s something Puno understands deeply.
“This club fosters a strong sense of community and belonging,” he says.
“It’s where people build lifelong friendships, expand their networks and create lasting memories with their families.”
That sense of connection is one of the club’s biggest strengths, and Puno is committed to nurturing it. The club’s social calendar continues to grow, with more events catering to members of all ages — from casual mixers to holiday celebrations, sports tournaments and themed family days.
“Our members describe the club as an escape,” he adds.
“It’s where they come to relax, to recharge and to reconnect — with themselves, with friends and with their families.”
Under Puno’s leadership, the club is doubling down on being a truly multigenerational space. He’s especially passionate about creating experiences that resonate with families.
“We’re putting more energy into mixed-generation activities — things that bring parents, kids, even grandparents together,” he says.
“We want to create traditions that families will carry on for years.”
From kids’ programs to family-oriented events, children’s pools to junior tournaments, the club is becoming a place where the youngest members feel just as welcome and engaged as the adults.
And for young athletes, there’s even more on the horizon.
Puno is also looking beyond the walls of the club, especially when it comes to sports development.
“We’re asking each sports head to launch a junior development program that aligns with the objectives of their respective National Sports Organizations,” he explains.
“It’s not just about having fun — it’s about nurturing real potential.”
This vision aligns with a broader objective: helping to shape the next generation of athletes and leaders, while contributing to the national sports ecosystem.
Of course, maintaining a club that’s approaching its 50th year comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to infrastructure.
But Puno isn’t shying away from the task.
“We’ve allocated increased budgets specifically for facility maintenance,” he shares.
“Some areas haven’t been touched in decades, and it’s time we give them the attention they deserve.”
The improvements won’t stop at aesthetics. Plans are underway to launch sustainability initiatives such as solar lighting, water recycling, and better food and waste disposal systems. For Puno, these aren’t just upgrades — they’re long-term investments in the health and future of the club.
Another area where Puno is raising the bar is governance.
“Financial reports are regularly prepared and shared with members,” he says.
“But we’re also working on making these more accessible — possibly through our website — so everyone has a clear view of where we are and where we’re headed.”
He emphasizes that accountability doesn’t stop with financials.
“The board is accountable to the members — and as President, I take that responsibility seriously.”
Many of the club’s recent events have been initiated and organized by the members themselves — something Puno fully supports.
“These events are expressions of our members’ passions, interests and creativity,” he says. “Our job as the board is to support their objectives and make sure they have the spaces and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.”
It’s a collaborative approach, and one that speaks to the kind of environment Puno wants to nurture — one where members feel empowered, involved and valued.
What sets Puno apart is his genuine love for the club — not just as a leader, but as someone who enjoys its everyday moments.
“I love doing the rounds,” he says.
“Catching up with members, checking in on staff, even just walking through the open spaces — it’s a refreshing experience. It reminds me of why we’re all here.”
It’s that human touch that makes his leadership feel not only strategic but sincere. He’s not just running a club — he’s helping shape a community.
As Alabang Country Club moves into this new chapter, there’s a strong sense that something special is taking shape.
With Francis Edward Puno at the helm, the club is in the hands of someone who knows its values, understands its needs, and is committed to its continued growth.
“It’s not about doing everything at once,” he says.
“It’s about doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.”
