The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
- Name: Jake Mar Balza
- Role: Lead Designer
- Location: Cebu, Philippines
- Favourite Song: Any Metallica, System of a Down, or Incubus songs
- Hobbies Outside of Work: Playing basketball or table tennis
Jake Mar Balza | Lead Designer
Can you give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Longitude?
A typical day at Longitude starts with a quick team stand-up where we align on priorities and share progress on key projects. My role involves a mix of spend time reviewing client/internal feedback, coordinating with stakeholders, and mentor junior designers.
What I really enjoy about working at Longitude is the balance between strategic thinking and creative execution. The environment is fast-paced but thoughtful, and there’s a strong culture of learning and open communication. No two days are exactly the same, which keeps things engaging and rewarding.
What inspired you to join your profession?
A strong interest in boats initially led me to pursue design roles, where the process of transforming drawings into real-world structures sparked a deeper passion for engineering. That hands-on experience broadened my perspective and eventually guided me into the oil & gas and subsea engineering sectors – ultimately leading me to where I am now, as part of the Longitude team.
Can you share with us something exciting that you are currently working on?
At the moment, we are helping our colleagues at Longitude USA with the transportation and installation elements of a large LNG facility project in Louisiana. This collaboration has been advantageous for both offices and has already yielded beneficial results.
Looking ahead, what do you think is key to driving sustainability in your industry?
Looking toward the future, I think that sustainability will depend on a combination of innovation, collaboration, and accountability in the industry. A progressive engineering approach to emerging technologies is a must for any business today. Equally important, is the nurturing of a collaborative culture that reaches across disciplines, organisations and regions for the sharing of best practices in meeting common goals for sustainable development.
Besides work, what do you enjoy most about working within the ABL Group?
What I appreciate even more than the work at ABL Group is the bonding experienced through the warm collegiality. During informal meetings, team building events, or coffee breaks, there is a remarkable degree of bonding that enhances the work environment. The most remarkable aspect of this team is that members are always available to assist one another in all facets, whether professional or personal
