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They wore anting-antings (amulets), chewed nga-nga (betel nut),
masked their faces with ground coffee and carried native backpacks
filled with vegetables as offering to the bulol (local god) for a
bountiful harvest. They were not farmers or tribesmen, but managers
and supervisors of Starbucks Coffee who came to the Meralco
Development Center recently for a leadership camp and teambuilding.
The event was best described as “extraordinary”—just like the
extraordinary impact of the Starbucks brand on Filipino lifestyle.
“We thought of the Filipino culture and we
wove the activities around it. We customized the program bearing in
mind that this is a well-known brand embraced by Filipino coffee
lovers,” said Amor Curaming, associate director of Meralco
Management Leadership Development Center’s (MMLDC’s) Academic
Services department.
Aptly described as “unique,” the
team-building activity had an Amazing Race-style program with a
tribal theme. Two hundred participants from Starbucks stores all
over the country performed traditional rituals and customs that are
rarely observed nowadays. The tribal theme reflects how Filipinos
have incorporated the coffee-drinking culture into their daily
lives.
“We all had a great time and we’re very
impressed,” said Joel Cruzado, Learning & Development manager
of Starbucks, who was part of the team that created an exact replica
of a Zamboanga vinta, which jived with the name of Starbucks’ very
own Philippine blend, Kape Vinta.
Amor said the tribal teambuilding event proved
to be a major success for the Starbucks group, which is known to be
very progressive and has done all kinds of activities in the past,
that it is now “brewing” plans for next year’s team-building
event.
Team-building activities are increasingly a must
in companies that want to foster harmonious working relationships
and strengthen teamwork among superiors, subordinates and fellow
employees.
These activities can run the gamut of races and
obstacle courses that amuse and guarantee a fun time for all,
although some of them may be wanting in terms of addressing the
needs of the company.
“The companies are not just looking for fun
and excitement. The bottom line is what they take home with them. We
at MMLDC want to give them an experience that addresses the core of
their problem,” Amor said.
She added, “Our approach is complemented by a
team of competent facilitators who are not just upbeat and open to
various kinds of activities but are also highly trained in
organizational development so they can connect any fun activity to
an actual work situation. Like a doctor that gives prescription, we
also provide recommendations.”
And the thematic team building such as the
tribal theme experience of Starbucks is an added value that sets
MMLDC apart from the rest.
For more information and inquiries on how MMLDC
can provide a thematic teambuilding to your company, call 632-8111,
e-mail:mmldc.marketing@meralco.com.ph or visit Web site at www.mmldc.org.
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