FICOBankers Beat the Summer Heat in San Fabian

FICOBank’s 2012 Summer Outing brought all FICOBankers together and turned this biennial bankwide team-building activity into a hotter blaze that even beat the summer heat. Needless to say, Aristotle was quite right in his short and snappy statement: “The end of labor is to gain leisure.”

Having a break from loaded work, and experience enjoyment and relaxation instead, FICOBankers participated with full vigor to enliven this big event, which was held at the Boating World Beach Resort in San Fabian, Pangasinan on April 28-29, 2012. Aboard three buses and over 20 cars were almost 300 FICOBankers who paused for a while, put aside their worries and enjoyed the summer’s sun and fun.

Four groups, as represented by four colors with 70 members per group, started the burst of flames of the summer with a warm-up cheering from each team. The adrenalin-pumping games came afterward, which were joined by the energy-filled FICOBankers, to unleash everyone’s wild side, such as: over and under, paper plate relay, sack race and fill the pale. These team-oriented, but camaraderie-laden, activities helped each FICOBanker in improving his/her skills, e.g., collaboration, time management, leading and control, and goal attainment. Also, the interaction between and among the front-line personnel and the back-office staff of the Bank created a stronger bond, especially those who rarely see each other at work, which, in the long run, will build working relationships more personal and intimate. As such, a good and solid working atmosphere—the primary objective of the Bank in conducting this summer outing—will be eventually realized.

After the breathtaking competition, the officers and staff of FICOBank had so much fun, as they made the most of the amenities of the beach resort, like the swimming pool, videoke machines and water rides, e.g., jet skis and kayak boats. Others spent time eating, drinking, laughing, playing and bonding with each other—a picture of a perfect family under the bliss of summer.

As the heat of the sun started to settle down and the breeze of the amianan wind began to fill the air, a sumptuous dinner was served. Subsequently, a fellowship night was held, where the proclamation of winners took place and a live band served as a bonus to complete the setting. The Blue Team rightfully clinched the championship. It was followed by the Yellow, Green and Orange Teams, as the second, third and fourth placers, respectively. Blue Team was co-led by SVP Emilio U. Rico, Jr., Dr. Robert R. Palac, Mr. Dionicio A. Marquez, Jr., Ms. Juvy M. Galutera, Ms. Susan O. Peroja, Mr. Jerry Edwin Q. Madriaga and Mr. Jay Allan R. Santos. The TV host and reporter of ABS-CBN Baguio, Ms. Yumi A. Panelo, masterfully steered the said sports fest.

A short program took place on the last day, where the officers, both in the Administration & Support Services Group (ASSG) and in the Operation & Banking Services Group (OBSG), of FICOBank were presented, one after the other, and commended for their loyalty and dedication to the Bank. In her closing remarks, the Bank’s Executive Vice President & COO, Ms. Soledad S. Cabantac, expressed her gratitude for the success of the 2012 Summer Outing, in particular, and for all the blessings that have been received by FICOBank, in general. She encouraged all FICOBankers, especially the younger ones, to work with love and commitment, and to do the best they can to achieve greater heights—organizationally and personally.

The 2012 Summer Outing was indeed a fun-and-learning experience, and a very memorable one per se. FICOBank recognizes that one of the most productive and effective measures it may carry out to cultivate positive attitude toward work is to allow its employees to relax and unwind once in a while.