SUMM-EEEEE-R! Empire East Energizes Through Fun and Exciting Team Building Activities

May 10, 2024, Woodside Farm & Waterpark in Cabuyao, Laguna — One of Empire East Land Holdings, Inc.’s main themes is embodying the “Live, Work, Play” lifestyle. It’s evident not just on its projects across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, but also on how it treats its employees. It holds company-wide team building activities every year to help employees relax, strengthen bonds with co-workers, and most of all, have fun. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company hasn’t held team-building activities in years. Moreover, the company’s multiple office locations have made communication among departments challenging. Which is why employees were doubly excited when the ‘Empire East Employee Energizing Escapade’ was held.

Empire East President and CEO, Atty. Anthony Charlemage Yu was the one who truly insisted on holding this event to foster pride and team spirit. “This is the first team-building held for so long, and we can see that hundreds of members from different departments participated and had fun. Fostering community and connectedness is one thing we value in our company. Through these values, we’re able to move as one towards a common goal.”

This team spirit was embodied from the very beginning when all 600 members divided themselves into 

In Empire East Employee Energizing Escapade, the participants were grouped into four teams based on color: White, Blue, Green, and Yellow. Right off the bat, all teams displayed their creativity, humor, and unity when deciding on their team names. 

For instance, the white team’s name is Team SnowWHITE, deriving its name from one of the most popular fairy tales. 

The blue team is called Team BLUEnaKIDS, which is inspired by a commercial of one of the country’s famous milk brands.

The green team’s name, Team BeerDe is a witty pun that was also used in entertaining ways throughout the event (hearing “Team BeerDe go!” would certaining earn some interesting reactions). 

Of course, the yellow team, Team Bini-Lad, didn’t slouch on the naming department either, as the name’s origin is twofold (binilad sa araw = put under the sun) and Bini, a very popular girl group in the Philippines. 

To further help them bond as a huge team, the activities lined up tested their teamwork. 

The first activity was the tried and tested Cheering Competition, where each team demonstrated their enthusiasm through zestful and entertaining lyrics. The competitive spirit was already on fire during the start of the competition, as teams proceeded to trade quips and banter. Some even brought props to further bolster their cheers and to make them even more distinguishable like bandanas, ribbons, face paint, and drums.

The cheers themselves were all full of life, with BeerDe ultimately being the winner.

Throughout the event, the employees get into various activities that test their speed, strength. In the end, Team SnowWHITE and Team BLUEnaKIDS were the champions, Team BeerDe was second, and Team Bini-Lad was third. Still, everyone was a champion, because not only did they participate, but they all would walk out of the venue reinvigorated, refreshed, and ready to face new challenges. 

The activities also served as a bridge between departments within the company. This allowed people to build trust and collaborate with others, especially since they rarely see employees from other departments due to working in other office sites. They get to interact, share ideas on how to win a specific game, and work as a team, which also boosted employee morale. In Empire East, we promote inclusivity; whether the employee is just starting or has a high rank, we want them to feel that they can experience camaraderie with others that will only get stronger the more events like this are held.

In addition to bonding with colleagues from various departments, staff were given the opportunity to swim in the resort’s pools and slides. They get to enjoy the summer heat in clean waters alongside people they’re formed a deep camaraderie with and individuals who they’ll bond with more in the future.

All in all, the company-wide team building event has been much needed time to unwind and enjoy life after living in quarantine. For new employees, this may come off as a surprise, but allows them to grow closer with their coworkers beyond the four walls of the office. Work is crucial, but an individual can give it their all if they’re 100%. Joining an outing helps in staying inspired to work better and collaborate with their teammates. 

Even if newbies just started working with the company, they already had a wonderful experience to remember. 

“Actually di ko inexpect na magkakasama ako sa outing when bago pa lang ako rito,” shared one of the newbies who got to experience team building for the first time. “Nanibago ako, but it’s a good change! The outing is a great opportunity para makilala ko yung mga kasama ko and to be refreshed for the next weeks ahead. I feel my time with Empire East will be very eventful.”

For employees who have been working with Empire East for a long time, this event would also feel new, some would say they only experienced an outdoor team-building event for the first time like the new hires. They get to interact with people they rarely meet and further strengthen their bonds with their co-workers. 

“I’m thankful that the company arranged this outing,” an employee who has been with Empire East for a few years stated. “After a lot of busy days, the team-building activities gave us the time to refresh and interact with others, especially after the pandemic when most of the activities are held online.”

But most importantly, everyone would feel that they really belong, that there are people that they can befriend, rely on, and treat not just as their fellow employee, but also as a companion.  

Empire East continues to be connected, concerned, and committed to building homes for all its stakeholders. However, the company couldn’t have reached the position it’s in now without its employees. Each one of them is vital and has a crucial place in the company. Everyone has an impact on the Empire East’s future, as their tasks, no matter how big or small, contribute to the company’s goals of improving lifestyles and creating long lasting communities. 

For almost 30 years, Empire East continues to stand strong and beautiful through time. The outing shows that every employee is part of the family and that we will strive to stand as one for the years to come. Furthermore, we want them to feel like they not only belong to the company, but also that they can achieve work-life balance in a fast-paced world that continues to digitally evolve.