The Filipina Women’s Network, a non-profit professional global organization that recognizes women of Filipino ancestry, recently awarded Ms. Maria Victoria M. Acosta the distinction of being one of the world’s most influential women. It is an honor that befits Ms. Acosta, whose lifelong journey in her corporate and personal life can be summarized in two words: faith and service. These values make Ms. Acosta influential.
With steadfast faith, she serves God, her family, community and country. At home, she is the ideal wife and mother. Within her community, she serves at Villa San Miguel as the Head for the Education and Formation Ministry. At work, she promotes the Philippines, inviting investments from all over the globe.
Ms. Acosta entered corporate life with a challenge to take on—one given by Dr. Andrew L. Tan, Megaworld Corporation’s Chairman and CEO. She went on to spearhead the marketing of Megaworld to the global market. Faith and skills were her capital into turning this vision into a reality.
Like in any start-up organization, Ms. Acosta encountered numerous trials. She started with only three staff members, and together they faced the whole world as a market to conquer. From deciding which country offices to open, to visa processing, to the legalities of an international office, establishing an international team proved to be daunting at first. But for Ms. Acosta, it was also very motivating. Back then, her drive didn’t stop at selling globally. She also hoped to make a difference in the lives of overseas Filipinos.
At the time, Ms. Acosta’s primary motivation was: how could Megaworld International help Filipinos enjoy the fruits of their labor? She knows that one of the ways to grow one’s money is through wise property investments, a pearl of wisdom she must impart to fellow Filipinos abroad. More importantly, this motivation is guided and driven by the mission and vision of Dr. Andrew L. Tan, Chairman and CEO, as well: to give clients the very best value for their real estate investment. For Megaworld, this is not a mere vision for it has already pioneered the Live-Work-Play-Learn concept in township development, providing future homeowners a master-planned and complete community that adds value to a real estate investment.
For the past two decades, Megaworld International has opened several offices abroad, establishing its presence in over 60 territories. More importantly, it has countless satisfied clients, which helped its sales networks to earn extra income and has created employment opportunities for nearly a hundred backroom support employees in the Philippines.
The turning point was during the period of time spanning from 2011 to 2013 when the sales of Megaworld International grew by leaps and bounds. Inspired by the bible verse: “May your barns be full with every kind of store. May our sheep increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; may our oxen be well fattened.” Psalm 144:13A (NAB), Ms. Acosta initiated the strategy, I.N.C.R.E.A.S.E.
I – INTENSIVE RECRUITMENT
N – NEW TERRITORIES
C – CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
R – RENEWED TEAMWORK
E – EXPERT TRAINING
A – AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION
S – STRATEGIC GLOBAL BRANDING AND MARKETING
E – ENHANCED PROCESSES
Ms. Acosta, in addition, took a novel approach in managing the division’s structure. She increased the number of Vice Presidents to spearhead selling in four major regions, which are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. With more VPs, the rest followed. Megaworld International grew its number of sellers, added new territories and built its team of support staff. The result was the aggressive promotion of the Philippines as a viable investment and retirement choice. This, by extension, led to a jump in sales.
On Megaworld International’s 20th year, Ms. Acosta continues strongly on her path, armed with the Latin phrase ne plus ultra, “the highest point that can still be achieved.” As seen in Ms. Acosta’s performance, any challenge can be overcome through strong faith, as well as sincere service to one’s country and countrymen.
All things considered, Ms. Acosta doesn’t strive to be influential. Rather, her sincere dedication to share her time, energy, talents and faith serves as an inspiration to others.
About the awardee:
Ms. Maria Victoria “Marivic” M. Acosta is currently the Senior Vice President of Megaworld Corporation, and has been the Managing Director of International Sales at Megaworld Corporation since September 1999. She has 30 years of marketing experience in real estate and consumer products. Prior to her appointment in Megaworld Corp., she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Empire East Land Holdings Inc. from 1997 to 1998 and served as its Executive Director for Marketing from 1996 to 1997. Earlier, she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Raffles & Co. Inc. from 1987 to 1995. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing.
