What better way to beat the heat than to go on a summer outing?
Our Rockstars had an absolute blast at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas last May 11 and 12 for Sprouting 2023! Our Sprouting is our much anticipated annual team-building event and the theme this year was “Dare to be GR8.”
Our Sprouting is scheduled every May to coincide with our company anniversary. The theme felt appropriate since we’re celebrating eight years of Rockstar GR8ness.
It was an unforgettable weekend of non-stop fun and excitement. Read on to find out how we celebrate fun at Sprout, a certified Great Place to Work. Caution: FOMO alert — read at your own risk!
Getting Fired up for a Weekend of Summer Excitement
On the morning of May 11th, our Rockstars rode their assigned company bus to Club Balai Isabel while others carpooled as a team or group (just like we did in Marketing).
En route to the resort, we exchanged stories of excitement and anticipation, refueled with some light snacks and coffee, and snuck in some power naps to re-energize for the long night ahead!
When we finally made it to Kumintang Pavilion, we had our QR codes in hand, ready for a summer getaway to remember.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Once we had all settled down, our man comm members, Kislay Chandra and Renzo Belardo pep-talked us into enjoying the event now we’ve recently reached our Series B funding milestone. The next part of the morning session was an introduction to the event from Jake Aragon, our program facilitator.
Once he had wrapped up, we split up into different groups for the games. As one of the facilitators, I didn’t get to participate directly in the team-building, but it definitely felt heartwarming watching our Rockstars have fun. Everyone was competitive, determined, and dead-set on achieving results. It wasn’t very different from how we operate on a day-to-day basis.
Our Rockstars were grouped into several teams and faced off in six different games highlighting our core values.
- Catch Me If You Can (Grit): Teams throw and catch a ball using blankets, testing their perseverance.
- Go Higher & Higher (Leadership & Passion): Stacking wooden blocks with a round metal device, teams demonstrate leadership and passion, aiming to keep the blocks from falling.
- Fly Your Flags (Leadership & Passion): Two players per team communicate messages using Semaphore flag signals, while others decode and acknowledge receipt with gestures.
- Shape Up (Agility & Innovation): Blindfolded team members navigate a field, avoiding mines, as they retrieve specific objects based on their teammates' instructions.
- Shoot the Loot (Agility & Innovation): Teams use a blanket with colored holes to shoot corresponding colored balls, tilting the blanket strategically.
- Run, Run, Run As One (Integrity & Respect): Team members unite within a large tarp, crossing from one point to another.
We also had a Scavenger Hunt (Integrity & Respect) where teams located hidden items, captured them through pictures or videos, and shared on their Padlet Wall via a provided QR code.
Wrapping Up an Action-Packed Team Building
After lunch, we regrouped at the Kumintang Pavilion to complete the team-building activity. Each team discussed their experiences, lessons, and emotions about their challenges. Finally, we took some photos and got ready to check in before Sprouting Night.
From Sproutlings to Rockstars: Celebrating 8 Years of Success
At sunset, it was the official start of Sprouting Night, hosted by Customer Success Manager, John Lema, and People Operations Associate, Enzo de Asis.
The emcees kicked off the event by greeting everyone and introducing the program. We all recited the Sprout Pledge and were introduced to the recent graduates of Block 100 from Sprout U.
The night wouldn't be complete without celebrating Sprout's eight years of greatness. We all watched a video showcasing Sprout’s journey through the years and listened to the welcome remarks from our Co-founder and CEO, Patrick Gentry.
Fun Awards: Honoring the Best of the Best
During Sprouting Night 2023, we celebrated our exceptional Rockstars by presenting them with the "Fun Awards." Atty. Dom Umandap and Krystel Maano were crowned Best Dressed Male and Female, respectively, earning a well-deserved cash prize.
Most Consistent Team to Answer Awards went to Team White.
The hosts also revealed the winners of the team-building activity and presented the following awards:
- Above & Beyond: Geoff Ogang from Finance, who demonstrated remarkable dedication during the team building. The winner of this award will have the privilege of selecting any training program they desire, and the company will cover the associated expenses.
- Forward Thinker: Maryneil Mercado from Engineering, recognized for being proactive, innovative, and strategic. The winner will receive an internal mentorship opportunity, where they can select their preferred Excomm member to provide guidance and training.
- Perfect Sprout: Justin Gallardo from Engineering for showcasing exceptional work and achievement. The winner will have the option to engage in external mentorship, allowing them to seek guidance and training from industry experts outside Sprout.
These winners received valuable training and mentorship opportunities. Congratulations to all Rockstars!
Rockstars Got Talent: Song & Dance Extravaganza
Following the Fun Awards ceremony, team representatives stole the spotlight at Rockstars Got Talent! The competition featured participants from Customer Success, Growth, Operations, and our Engineering divisions, battling it out on stage with song and dance numbers.
These performances were assessed based on creativity, originality, overall performance, and audience impact. The winner of the challenge was our Growth Division!
Capping off a Night to Remember
After the fantastic performances, we took dinner and raised our glasses for Sprout’s eighth year!
The next segment of the Sprouting Night celebrated the company’s fifth-year service awardees, which all received a special plaque, along with awards and gifts to celebrate the career milestone.
Our mancomm team capped it off with an outstanding performance, and Atty. Arlene, our Chief People and Customer Officer, delivered a closing message. Finally, we watched a video recap of the day's activities and surprised all our Rockstar mothers with red roses for Mother’s Day.
The night continued with a captivating live set by Filipino DJ Marc Marasigan. We enjoyed the free-flowing drinks and danced the night away!
Forging & Strengthening Connections in the Workplace
Sprouting 2023 provided a well-deserved day off for all Rockstars. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enjoyable annual team-building, and we look forward to seeing you at our next Sprouting event!
For more updates on upcoming events at Sprout, visit our blog or follow our Life at Sprout page on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the Author
Leave a Reply