"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature."
~Rachel Carson
Hello, everyone!
It was mid-summer when our Human Resources Department decided to have a break before totally losing grip on holding on to what we call a work-life balance. They organized a team building for us to have an escape, for a while, from the fast-paced life that the concrete jungle has been caging us into. This is also to get acquainted with each other since there were few staff that were newly hired/newly transferred to the project site as well as to strengthen and create teamwork and camaraderie with our colleagues.
That fun summer experience, definitely that is one for the books was held at Rancho Aguinaldo, an event place in Alfonso, Cavite. The HR Department booked this place as they found it to be the perfect getaway to have the activities done away from the exhausting city noise - somewhere serene with nature's relaxing ambiance. Somewhere we could have ourselves recharged. This secluded haven is a four-hour road travel away from Manila.
Upon reaching the place, the enormous gate welcomed us open with the place's logo upon entering. It's a cowboy on horseback.
While we were walking down the alley, one of our colleagues jokingly said "Mga Binibini at Ginoo, tuloy po kayo sa hacienda ni Mâmâ at Pâpâ!" (Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to hacienda of Mâmâ and Pâpâ!") as the place has its wide-open field, giving an aura of a real "hacienda" feels.
Inside, our eyes wandered into broad and spacious lush greenery with its fresh air softly telling us that this place is just the perfect escape.
We saw these horses seem like having a feast of their meal in those broad grazing lands.
And then we headed towards their cozy rooms, for our overnight stay.
We passed by this beautiful mural, in which the fascination in me with this kind of art let me stop for a while and appreciate the masterpiece.
The dining area was with a nice and spacious ambiance that could accommodate up to 40 people, perfect for a team-building experience. And not to mention the good food that they served. It was all worth it.
We spent the night chilling out over a cold can of beverages and good chit-chats and anything to have a good laugh about, outside work. We were entertained by the Rancho's hospitable staff as they were serenading us with good music.
And then the later part of the night, some of our colleagues took over the stage as they also want to sing their hearts out to showcase their God-given golden voices. It was indeed a good night - the highlight of my summer probably.
The next morning, I woke up early to have a tour around the other part of the place which I was not able to explore on the first day.
There were more wide spaces at the back where I had my relaxing morning walk.
I passed by this nice carriage being displayed and this bench that offers a relaxing seat when you get tired of walking. But I guess, with this nature surrounding the place, I will never get tired of walking the whole day in this kind of place.
They also had this swimming pool that offers a cool and refreshing summer experience if you don't feel like going to the beach.
We had fun playing volleyball in the pool as part of the team-building activities.
As I explored further, the tranquil ambiance of these cottages was inviting me to stop and have a relaxing nap, and made the most out of our stay in this place.
They also have here an activity field where we enjoyed one of the activities being offered, the airsoft.
And not forgetting to appreciate the little beautiful things, got my eyes locked on these cute fellas growing wild.
Indeed, a summer worth remembering I must say as we had an unforgettable stay in Rancho Aguinaldo.
Thank you again Hivers for dropping by. Have a great weekday ahead everyone!