MDI Novare
Led the BFA module team on Meralco's Bayad Center project.
About the company
MDI Novare (now NOVARE) is one of the Philippines’ largest technology consultancies, driving digital transformation for enterprises across software development, cloud, and data. I consulted through them on Meralco’s Bayad Center — one of the country’s biggest bills-payment platforms.
My journey there
My journey with MDI Novare happened in two chapters.
I initially joined as a Senior Software Engineer, primarily contributing to frontend development. The engineering organization was significantly larger than what I had previously experienced, with multiple teams working across different systems. It was also my first fully remote role, which challenged me to communicate more effectively, document my work clearly, and collaborate with teammates I had never met in person.
After completing two contract renewals, my engagement came to an end. A few months later, I received a message from the team asking if I would be interested in returning—this time as a consultant. I gladly accepted.
My role shifted from individual contributor to technical lead for the BFA backend module. I worked closely with the IT Manager, participated in technical planning and stakeholder discussions, delegated work across the team, reviewed implementations, and helped guide the module from design through delivery. It was a different kind of responsibility, one that taught me that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about helping the team move in the same direction.
One of the things I appreciated most about MDI Novare was the people. Even though we only worked together remotely, the team built genuine relationships beyond our daily meetings. We collaborated professionally, supported one another during difficult tasks, and shared conversations outside of work. Even today, many of us still keep in touch through social media, something I didn’t expect from a fully remote team.
Closing thoughts
Looking back, MDI Novare became one of the most influential experiences in my career — not because of the technologies we used, but because of the environment I grew in.
It was where I learned how large engineering teams operate, how documentation becomes just as important as code, how responsibilities can be delegated without losing ownership, and how communication becomes the foundation of successful remote collaboration.
Most importantly, it taught me that leadership begins long before someone gives you the title. It begins with earning trust, taking ownership, and helping the people around you succeed.