Bacnotan Workshop and Team-building Seminar 2018
Last December 20-22, 2018 marked a very special milestone for the Beta Epsilon Sigma Honors Society and the Hiyas ng Silangan Honors Society. Not only was it a time of Christmas Cheer, but it was also a time well spent between the members of the two organizations.
The event decided on the theme “Breaking Barriers, Rising Above Limits”. It was a workshop and team-building activity that aims to further enhance the officers’ leadership skills, strengthen the bonds between members, and integrate BES-HNS Honor Societies to the BES-HNS Foundation, Inc.
The junior members, together with Professor Claudio Agsi (BES adviser), departed from the University of the East, Manila on the morning of December 20 and headed to Brod Oscar and Sis Gilda Jornacion’s residence in Bacnotan, La Union where the event took place. After a quick snack upon arriving, the members assembled and opening remarks were made.
Brod Mars Morales then started his talk on communication. He talked about the vital points on why one should place importance on effective communication. He also inspired the listeners by comparing life to a mountaineering expedition, he said that there should always be proper planning, coordination, determination, focus, and hard work to succeed, moreover, to become a far better person. He showed us that anyone and everyone can achieve what they aspire to be as long as they work hard for it.
Following Brod Mars’ inspirational talk, Brod Ed Reyes then presented us with a concrete way of how we can achieve our dreams—the Plan of Life. It was a series of stepping stones to get you to where you want to be. He even gave us a sample layout of a Plan of Life which made things easier for us to visualize our future. Personally, this talk made a huge impact on me. It made me ponder a lot on what I should do with my future, my dreams, and my plan for my life.
The next day, the morning was devoted to some free time and a quick Zumba session. And after breakfast, it was then time for Brod Bert Tagayuna’s talk on Personality Development and Love Languages. Brod Bert focused on the fact that there are different kinds of leaders as there are different kinds of personalities. His daughter, Denise, then gave us a quick Personality Test to know which kind of personality we possessed—a Helper, Organizer, Thinker, or a Catalyst. This helped us reflect on what kind of person we are and how we can develop our strengths and fight off our weaknesses. Lastly, he also presented us with the five love languages: Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch, and Words of Affirmation. This talk will surely help us to effectively interact with others. As an end note, Brod Bert reminded us that Leadership is not only about being excellent, it is also about: Encouraging the HEART, Training the HANDS, and Developing the MIND.
The next talk was then made by our host, Brod Oscar Jornacion. His main theme was: Life Strategies. He said that two words guided him to success: Semper Premium. Our motto. Our standard. Brod Oscar then said that the real question in life is, how successful can you be? The answer lies within oneself. How far are you willing to go? How much effort are you willing to give? We all know how Brod Oscar became the man that he is now—he never gave up on his dreams. He advised us that we should always look ahead and think of the possibilities in the future which will be affected by our present decisions. Lastly, he also advised us to think like our idols when faced with a hard problem. It’s like thinking from different perspectives or thinking outside the box. And, in my opinion, all successful businessmen possess that tenacious quality.
The afternoon of the second day was then devoted to the different BES-HNS issues at hand. The Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Logo, Organizational Structure, Qualifications for Membership, and the Hymn Making. Also, the members talked about the next school year’s suggested projects, the support for the junior members—such as the scholarship and stipend for the reviewees, possible internship slots for those who will have their OJT, and Special Classes that may be held if the students need help on a particular subject. This activity then ended with the vows of the junior members on what they pledge to do for BES-HNS and their brothers and sisters.
As the sun goes down the horizon, the brods and sis then went under a wild team-building activity in the form of an amazing race. The junior members were divided into teams and each team had to pass a challenge from each station. This brought about a lot of laughter, competitive energy, and numerous memorable moments. After this, the members also had a short Palanca writing session where they were able to open their hearts to their fellow brods and sis all by the cool sea breeze and warm bonfire. As an ending bash, the members also had a small fashion show where they flaunted their boho-inspired looks.
The morning before departing, a short awarding ceremony commenced where the teams were given prizes and the winners of last night’s fashion show were hailed. The junior members also took this time to thank the senior members for inspiring them and of course, for their never-ending support. They especially thanked Brod Oscar and Sis Gilda Jornacion for graciously welcoming them to their home throughout this whole activity.
These three days and two nights that we spent together with our brods and sis were incredibly fun, fruitful, and memorable. We made many wonderful memories that we would surely recall for many years, especially when talking about BES-HNS. This time, we truly felt our bonds strengthened making the foundations of our organization even stronger. Semper Premium!
