MMLDC ‘brews’ one-of-a-kind tribal teambuilding for Starbucks

They wore anting-antings, chewed ‘nga-nga’, masked their faces with ground coffee, and carried native backpacks filled with vegetables as offering to the bulol (local god) for a bountiful harvest. They were not farmers or tribesmen, but managers and supervisors of Starbucks Coffee who came to the Meralco Development Center (MMLDC) recently for a leadership camp and teambuilding. The event was best described as “extraordinary” — just like the extraordinary impact of the Starbucks brand on Filipinos’ lifestyle.

“We all had a great time and we’re very impressed with how well-organized and professional the MMLDC team has been,” said Joel Cruzado, Learning & Development manager of Starbucks, who was part of the team that created an exact replica of a Zamboanga vinta which incidentally jives with the name of Starbucks very own Philippine blend, Kape Vinta.

Aptly described as a “unique” teambuilding, participants had an Amazing Race-style program with a tribal theme. Two hundred participants from Starbucks stores all over the country performed traditional rituals and customs that are rarely observed nowadays. The tribal theme reflects how Filipinos have incorporated the coffee-drinking culture into their daily lives.

“We thought of Filipino culture and concepts and we wove the activities around it. When we planned the event, we customized the program bearing in mind that this is a well-known brand that was embraced by Filipino coffee lovers,” says Amor Curaming, associate director of MMLDC’s Academic Services department.

Amor says that the tribal teambuilding event proved to be a major success for the Starbucks group who are known to be very progressive and have done all kinds of activities in the past. The participants were so delighted with the experience that they are now ‘brewing’ plans for next year’s teambuilding event.

Why teambuilding?

Teambuilding activities are increasingly a must in companies these days since it is an effective strategy to foster harmonious working relationships and strengthen teamwork among superiors, subordinates and fellow employees.

Most often, teambuilding activities being offered in the market are just a series of races or obstacle courses that amuse and guarantee a fun time for all but wanting in terms of addressing the needs of the company.

“There are a lot of firms offering exciting adventure packages that guarantee a memorable time. But the bottom line is that the companies are not just looking for fun and excitement. At the end of the day when they go back to their offices, what is it that they take home with them? We at MMLDC want to give them an experience that addresses the core of their problem – and makes them anticipate the next teambuilding event,” says Amor.

Thematic teambuilding

MMLDC specializes in providing the most appropriate learning solutions to various companies and groups. It offers a “one-stop-shop” package from organizational diagnosis to conceptualization and execution of programs together with facilities and facilitators.

She notes that thematic teambuilding, like the tribal theme experience of Starbucks, is an added value for their clients, and sets MMLDC apart from the rest.

For more information and inquiries on how MMLDC can provide a thematic teambuilding to your company, call 632-8111, e-mail: [email protected] or visit Web site at www.mmldc.org.