The entire management and supervisory teams of Orient Freight International, Inc. flew to Busuanga in Palawan recently to participate in a four-day Team Effectiveness Program conducted by the HR Division of Team Rayomar. The teams were housed and hosted by sister company Marina del Sol Resort & Yacht Club, nestled high in an intimate and sparsely populated area that further highlighted the island's breathtaking natural beauty amidst lush flora and fauna.

The program was aimed at gathering the team together in a social and fun setting, but with an objective of fostering better rapport and working relationships amongst the participants by having them participate in exercises and activities intended to promote better communications and teamwork in order to address current and future challenges.

The overall theme of the team building activity was centered around a video presentation of Isaac Lidsky who delivered a soul-searching talk and expounded on the virtues of an original quote by noted blind author Helen Keller: "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision".

The event also intended to serve as recognition and an appreciation gesture for the excellent financial performance of the company in 2021 despite the ongoing Covid challenges. Particular focus was made on further reinforcing the Filipino value of malasakit, roughly interpreted as rendering a service that is beyond what is normally expected of one's duties and for the general good of all, without expectations of any benefit or reward in return.

Highlights of the group's itinerary were the physically challenging 724-step ascent to the top of Mount Tapyas, the 45-minute boat ride to remote Black Island and signature Coron tourist sites Kayangan Lake and Twin Lakes Lagoon.

Our special appreciation goes to the Human Resources Department of Team Rayomar for ably organizing and facilitating the team building events as well as the management & staff of Marina Del Sol for their very gracious hospitality, service and the sumptuous but healthy meals that were served to all throughout the entire stay.