Palm trees, ocean breeze, salty air, sun-kissed hair, a good break from the toxic traffic, a sense of paradise, the pause that refreshes…who wouldn’t want all that?
Well, that’s exactly what we relished last weekend, June 6 and 7. What a treat!…a weekend getaway to one of the best places one can visit on a summer, the Cintai Coritos Gardens in Batangas — a Bali-inspired resort that offers a bounty of enjoyable facilities and a serene ambiance that is sure to evoke a peace of mind.
More than just escaping the heat in the metropolis, it gave us a good turn to get close among each other, more than what we have already been. The two-day/one-night stay we had was easily filled with what else, but laughter (more like guffaws), fun-filled games, and intimate conversations.
To fire up our competitive nature, we divided ourselves into two rival groups: Ferdie’s Angels and El Gamma Chica. The fight to the finish was to perform the better and most brain-banging cheers which will consider the energy level and attitude of the cheering squads. The more formal criteria included the quality of the choreography, creativity, coordination and synchronization, costume and props. With both teams exerting their hearts out, Ferdie’s Angels ran away with the winning nod from the judges.
After that exhaustive cheering bout, we challenged ourselves to what we regaled as KSearch Asiathlon 2015 where we were tested on our physical, emotional and mental strengths. After nine very challenging and mind-blowing games, El Gamma Chica reigned supreme, but not without a strong defence from the other team. It was a close fight throughout.
Then it was time to indulge ourselves with the sumptuous food. After which came the best part, swimming! Time to show off those hidden curves in our best summer ready outfits! What a great time we had! Couldn’t help recalling an old quip that “when life gets you down, you know what you gotta do, just go swimmin’!”. If we could only make the time stop at that point so we could cherish the moments longer, we would!
The awards night itself was awesome. There were eight Special Awards given out to seven consultants and to our own VP, Ms Karmeli Kintanar. Pat Cruz ran away with the “You Did your Best” award who prioritized the enjoyment of overall cheer dance routine above anything else, while the “Best Smile of Hope” went to Cathie Quimson who sported the “ngiting may pag-asa” throughout the competition. I did somehow won the “Witty Award” for exhibiting mastery in logic and quick intuitive process while the “Most Valuable Player” award which went to Caryn Ingco for being an inspiration in exhibiting fairness, respect, and fellowship throughout the competition. Jean Tayco won both the “Early Bird” and the “Congeniality” awards. Who else but only Van Fabian could handily be recognized for the “Effortless Beauty” award. The “Food Enthusiast” awardee was Kuya Ferds while Ms Karmeli was the runaway winner for her “Summer Ready” outfit.
It was, overall, a fabulous and memorable break for all of us. We’re all pumped out from the experience. So for all the challenges ahead of us back in the office, we’d say “bring it on!”
Reported by:
Jennefer Cases
Search Associate/ KEP Coordinator