Haribon's R&R

As I mentioned in my previous blog, we at Haribon Foundation just had our Rest & Recreation activity at D' Farm Resort in Bacolor, Pampanga.

As part of the organizing team, we had to be at the office as early as six in the morning of July 9, 2009. I was in charged of the one-and-only game a.k.a. team building activity.

We required all employees to be at the office at 6:30 am for the activity. Despite complaining for an early call time, most of the staff were already in the office even earlier than me. I guess, they were excited as well :)

The activity was for them to prepare lunch for the whole group, ala-Amazing Race type of an activity. We had three groups, each one tasked to prepare a set of menu for the group's lunch at the resort. Thus, the early call had to be for them to be able to go to market, buy the ingredients, pack it for the trip. Part of the game is for them to be back by 8:00 am the latest for us to leave at exactly 8:30 am.

I guess, all had fun...this was just the beginning of it!

We had a few number of guests, all of them family members of staff. My husband and son came in a few minutes before the bus arrived. We rented a Victory Liner bus to transport all to the resort. It was such an experience for our son. As soon as he saw the bus, he went running towards it, eager to ride. It was his first time to ride a bus and he was obviously so behaved. One can really see that he's trying to savor the experience himself. His excitement showed on his face, he can't take the smile off his face! He even told us every now and then that he was "Happy!"
We also had games ala-Cebu Pacific style while in the bus, the bring me game, we gave a few prizes as well to lucky winners, most of which are items donated by suppliers. Thanks by the way!

Upon arriving at the resort, we gave the staff a few minutes to feel the place while we prepared for the materials they will be using for the continuation of the amazing race-cooking game. Once set, we gave the signal for them to start preparing for our lunch. Though not so much of a surprise, since we knew that we had staff who are good cooks, we had a sumptuous lunch. The Blue team prepared inihaw na liempo, ensaladang talong and ensaladang mangga...yum yum. The Red team prepared adobong manok and noodle soup. While the white team prepared pinakbet and fruit salad for dessert.

While the staff were preparing for lunch, guests especially the children already jumped into the pool. It was past 10 in the morning when we arrived at the resort and the heat can really be felt...Our adorable son won't stop pulling his daddy's hands leading to the pool. My husband on the other hand, can't resist him, so despite the scourging heat, both of them joined other kids in the pool.

Our son really had fun! After lunch, I joined them as well. It was really fun seeing our son having fun. He even went sliding with his daddy, though he didn't go back because he was submerged for a while after the slide. His inflatable boat capsized too but it didn't stop him from staying in the pool, though he was more cautious after the experience.

After lunch it was a free time for all, we had the choice to go dip in the pool, or take a nap, others played mahjong while starting out with the hard drinks we packed. Still others tried the other facilities available in the resort, most of the boys played the billiards, others went basketball, there was also a table tennis available. Some also tried fishing for tilapia and hito which was served during dinner. But the most sought after was the karaoke, wherein almost all tried to render at least a song. Those with good voices and those who are strong willed rendered more ;)

The R&R was only an overnight trip but we sure had fun, Haribon as an organization and we as a family. It was truly something we can look back both for the organization and for us who brought our families with us.


Thanks to Haribon for this simple yet meaningful experience and we're looking forward to having another one next year (hopefully) :)

Haribon's R&R

It's been quite a time since I've posted my last blog. I've been busy with work lately...with lots of deadlines to beat especially for project related outputs.

This coming 2nd week of July, Haribon will be having our (long overdue) R & R (rest and recreation) activity. The last one was in Bohol in 2006...three years overdue! But this time, it's a budgeted R&R. Since we are a non-government organization (NGO) we're trying our best to prudently spend our resources yet also trying best to give our employees a fair share of fun.

We're having it at D' Farm Resort in Bacolor, Pampanga. It's a private resort with enough space to house a little bit more than 50 pax. This time too, we can bring along family members, of course at our personal costs.

D' Farm Resort is divided in two areas, the Mangoville and the Heroesville, since we are renting it as an organization, we occupied the whole resort. Both areas has its own adult and children's pool. One area has a basketball court. In between the 2 areas is the billards table which can be used free as well as a separate hall-type conference area to house us in case of rain...hoping though it won't so as not to spoil the "company outing" mood. There is also a videoke machine which can also be used for free. There are some arrangements though being made to complement the needs of the organization.

As early as last week, most of the staff are excited already of this R&R activity as most of the staff now were not yet aroung during the Bohol R&R.

I'm excited as well, since I'm part of the organizing committee, making sure all details are covered to ensure that this activity will be a successful one and meaningful for the staff despite the constraints in budget.