New beginnings hit differently when shared with people who make every day at work feel like family.
DAILY TRIBUNE kicked off 2025 with a heartfelt celebration of firsts — the publication’s first-ever team building held in the cool, nostalgic embrace of Baguio City, where camaraderie, laughter and unforgettable moments took center stage.
Tucked away in the classic splendor of the Philippines' only five-star mountain resort, the Baguio Country Club (BCC), the three-day escape was more than just a getaway.
With its century-old history and unique atmosphere, BCC embraced the KaTribu team with open arms, enveloping everyone in a feeling of warmth and prestige. Because of its cozy cottages with fireplaces and breathtaking vistas that seemed to be taken from a postcard, BCC was the perfect backdrop for memories to be created.
Excitement was in the air from the moment the team arrived at the City of Pines. Everyone appeared prepared to face Baguio's chill, but it was the shared jokes, embraces and smiles that warmed everyone's hearts the most.
Breakfast together set the tone: this wasn’t just a team-building; it was family bonding in the truest sense.
There is something undeniably sentimental about Baguio — it has a way of opening hearts and easing minds. Evenings felt almost magical. Imagine this: cozying up by the fireplace with a steaming mug of coffee, sharing stories that ranged from ghostly encounters and cheeky jokes to heartfelt love tales and nuggets of life advice.
For some, the night came alive with impromptu jam sessions, belting out classic songs with pure joy. Others found their moments in deep, soul-baring conversations over glasses of wine or bottles of beer.
And for the adventurous, the city’s energy called them to Session Road, where rave parties kept the night electric.
The sun came out for those who made it a golfing day; a few stayed in, preferring the relaxing vibe of the spa, salon, or the game room.
No trip to Baguio is ever complete without exploring its iconic landmarks. The team traveled throughout the city, checking off must-see locations like The Mansion, Wright Park, Lion’s Head and Burnham Park. Others ventured into Atok, fields of flowers bringing brilliant smiles. As the sun set behind the pine-covered hills, evenings were spent exploring the bustling Baguio Night Market and savoring street food that warmed the soul, as well as the stomach.
Despite the fun, the team’s dedication to delivering top-notch news never wavered. Even as deadlines loomed, everyone gave their all during team-building activities.
The group was divided into six teams: Dinahmites, APT, W, 15/30, Voltes V and Bangis. Trivia Night brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, while Skit Off showed how creative and collaborative the KaTribu crew could be. And because we’re all a little TikTok-obsessed, we jumped into the viral “Eh, Ikaw” challenge, which had everyone in stitches, especially when the legendary “Bulaga” moment set the room roaring with laughter.
The energy was made even more special by the presence of DAILY TRIBUNE president Willie Fernandez and executive vice president Chingbee Fernandez, whose encouragement made every KaTribu feel seen, valued and truly inspired.
“You’re all winners for us,” she said. “We hope that this will help us communicate better, be more compassionate and considerate. Here’s to a better year for the team.”
“If we help each other, we will prosper. This is for us. We aren’t journalists, but I don’t want to handle something that isn’t going to be number one,” he said.
This trip wasn’t just about exploring a beautiful city or ticking off team-building activities.
It was a celebration of togetherness, a pause from deadlines and breaking news to focus on the connections that make the hustle worth it.
Baguio became the backdrop for moments that reminded us: life is about the people you share it with.
And to make the experience even sweeter — literally — everyone went home with a piece of Baguio in their hands: BCC’s iconic raisin bread.
Here’s to the KaTribu team, to the stories we tell, and to the bonds we’ve strengthened “without fear, without favor.”
Cheers to making 2025 our best year yet!