My trips to Batangas have been more frequent these past few weeks. I just came from a team building activity in Nasugbu Batangas with our food service team. Don't get me wrong, I love out of town trips, and this one was even more fun mainly due to the presence of people you wanna be around with, learn with, and have the same passion for.
Of course, trips like these also pose as opportunities for us to eat and discover. We decided to make a quick stop at Starbucks along South Luzon Expressway for our caffeine fix. Some ordered the cold coffee with coffee jelly, while some had the cold frap. I am not much a fan of cold coffee concoctions, so I settled for the hot caramel machiatto. Starbucks isn't really my favorite coffee place for plain and simple brewed coffee, so normally, I order a more sophisticated preparation such as this, just to mask the subtle sourness their coffee has. I still am geared towards having cafe americano in a Figaro or Amici. I couldn't help but take a photo of their pretty table though (check out the prints).
Chateau Royale country club is a favorite among various companies and multinationals for their sales convention and team building activities. It was our first time there. The club boasted of its facilities - a pool, golf area, spa and sauna, orchidarium, organic vegetable farm, wall-climbing facility and its log-cabin-inspired rooms. A massage freak myself, I am quite dissappointed that I wasn't able to try the spa due to our full schedules. Hmmm, maybe next time. Orchids (polynopsis - I hope I spelled that right) are sold at Php500 to 600 per pot (I just wish it'll survive the heat of Manila).
The highlight of our event was the awarding ceremony, which gave recognition to the over-achievers of 2007. Heroes, being the theme of this event, we came in clad in our superhero costumes. All of us confidently paraded ourselves in the suit of our choice. I went in my Trinity (The Matrix) costume - (thanks to my ever helpful sister) and her full closet, I found a beautiful trench coat and comfy leather boots (akin na lang!?!!) that is perfect for the "Trinity" look.
My team, on the other hand, resourceful as they are, came dressed as boxers (Manny Pacquiao) and as Hulk - imagine what they did with their shirts, hahaha.
Others were dressed in more popular characters - Lara Croft, Wonderwoman, Batgirl, Superwoman, Spiderman, Gabriela Silang and the Incredibles (yup, one team formed the whole "Incredibles" family, in fact, they received the "Best in Costume" award that night).
After all the activities (we were there for almost 2 days), we were on our way home. As I am forever a fan of Mushroomburger, we made a quick stop and grabbed each a burger and mushroom pancit canton, which a friend introduced to me. Apart from the meaty burgers that they offer, they now offer breakfast and an all mushroom burger (it is actually sauteed mushrooms in a bun) for the vegans. I also grabbed a bag of peanut bar (which I used to call peanut cake) found at the pasalubong area, together with the bags of dried mushrooms ideal for travelling guests.
With a full stomach and a refreshed spirit, we all headed home, all ready to face the beautiful weekend and the work challenges thereafter.
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