How JCI Manila Turned Workscale from a Wild Idea into a 900+ Employee Powerhouse

Dan Michael Gallego

Starting a business is kind of like jumping out of a plane and hoping you packed a parachute. You’ve got the vision, the drive, and maybe even a solid plan—but without the right people backing you up, you’re in for a bumpy landing.

That’s where JCI Manila comes in.

Let’s be real—business isn’t just about numbers, contracts, and fancy PowerPoint decks. It’s about people, trust, and taking leaps of faith. And if there’s one thing JCI Manila teaches you, it’s that the right connections can turn a good idea into a game-changer, from startup to unstoppable.

For Mon Bergonia, founder of Workscale, JCI Manila wasn’t just a networking group—it was the launchpad that took his business from a bold idea to a 900-employee powerhouse.

The JCI Manila Effect: More Than Just Handshakes

JCI Manila isn’t your typical business club. It’s a brotherhood. A place where relationships are built on trust, not just transactions. Deals don’t just happen in boardrooms; they happen over coffee, late-night brainstorming sessions, and genuine friendships.

When Mon launched Workscale, a manpower solutions company, he knew he had something special. But having a vision and making it happen? Two very different things. Enter Jack Salamia of AOC/Philips Monitors Philippines, the guy who decided to take a chance on Workscale when it was still finding its feet. He entrusted Workscale with his marketing personnel, essentially turning them into a real-world proof of concept. That first leap of faith? It changed everything.

Then came Mark Villarruz of Power Mac Center, who saw the potential and brought Workscale on board. Having a major tech player in their client portfolio was a credibility boost like no other. Suddenly, Workscale wasn’t just another manpower provider—it was the manpower provider. And just when things couldn’t get better, this partnership led to a deal with Shopee Philippines and SPX Express.

Yep. A multinational e-commerce giant. That’s when Workscale officially hit the big leagues.

JCI Manila Limitless and Spark trainers with Mon Bergonia and the Workscale staff.

The Mentorship That Made It Happen

Beyond the business wins, JCI Manila was also a masterclass in leadership.

Take Donald Lim of DITO Holdings, for example. His advice? Scale smart, not just fast. Thanks to his insights, Workscale grew at an insane pace—without collapsing under its own weight.

And then there’s Alec Velasco, who’s been opening doors for Workscale at DITO Telco. Let’s just say, exciting things are in the works.

Oh, and let’s not forget Charlie Paw of Digits Trading. When he brought Workscale in to handle the manpower needs of multiple retail brands, it wasn’t just another deal—it was a game-changer that’s still going strong today.

But here’s the real secret: Workscale is powered by JCI Manila members. Mon works alongside JCI Manila members like Jack Salamia, Vincent Bryan Co, Justin Francisco, and Symon Tash Ancha, all of whom play key roles in Workscale’s success. It’s not just about business—it’s about building something together.

JCI Manila Limitless and Spark trainers with Mon Bergonia.

Leadership Lessons That Transformed Workscale

JCI Manila isn’t just about business connections and scoring deals—it’s about becoming the kind of leader people actually want to work with. It teaches that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about influence, accountability, and service.

At Workscale, this philosophy runs deep.

Lesson #1: Lead by Doing. JCI Manila leaders don’t just bark orders—they roll up their sleeves and get things done. At Workscale, leadership is hands-on, ensuring that every part of the business runs with integrity and excellence.

Lesson #2: Adapt or Get Left Behind. Running a business is basically dodging curveballs daily. Thanks to JCI Manila, Workscale learned how to pivot, problem-solve, and make high-stakes decisions—fast.

Lesson #3: Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions. People do business with people they trust. In JCI Manila, deals aren’t forced—they happen organically because members believe in helping each other grow.

At its core, Workscale is more than a manpower solutions company—it’s a walking, talking example of JCI Manila’s core values:

• Faith: “Faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.” Workscale isn’t just about profits—it’s about helping businesses and employees succeed.
• Brotherhood: “The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations.” JCI Manila’s culture of trust and collaboration is the reason Workscale thrives.
• Economic Justice & Free Enterprise: “Economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise.” Workscale is proof that a business built on trust, ethics, and service can win big.
• Ethical Leadership: Integrity isn’t optional—it’s the standard. Workscale stands out in the industry because of its commitment to transparency and doing things right.

JCI Manila members spreading holiday cheer at the Workscale Christmas Party! From left to right: Dave Mariano, Eric Ke, Mon Bergonia, Ervinne Que, and Jazper Tiongson.

Stop Waiting. Start Doing.

With over 900 employees (and counting!), Workscale is just getting started. And none of this would have happened without the relationships, lessons, and game-changing opportunities that JCI Manila provided.

For anyone looking to build something big, take this as proof: JCI Manila isn’t just a club—it’s the best investment you’ll ever make. Workscale’s success isn’t just about smart strategies or lucky breaks. It’s about people. The kind of people who:

• Believe in your potential before the rest of the world does
• Give you a shot when you need it most
• Push you to grow into the best version of yourself

When asked what advice he’d give to JCI Manila members looking to turn their passion into a thriving business, Mon had a simple but powerful answer: “Stop waiting. Start doing.”

Mon knows this firsthand. Workscale didn’t start with deep pockets—it started with deep trust. “I had no big funding, but I had strong relationships. JCI Manila wasn’t just a support system; it was a game-changer. The people I met here opened doors, gave advice, and believed in my vision even before it fully took shape.”

His biggest tip? Use your network. “Ask for help, learn from those who’ve been there. Your reputation is your currency, and in JCI Manila, that’s worth more than money.” And about challenges? “They’re part of the ride. Embrace them, solve real problems, and always deliver. The best businesses don’t just make money—they make an impact.” His final words? “The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time? Right now.”

And who knows, if you’re looking for your own big break? Maybe it starts with a handshake (or a beer) at the next JCI Manila event.