Now on its 6th year, GK Bayani Challenge 2011 was held last April 4-9 in Bantayan Island, Cebu. While most people kicked off the summer basking on the beach, 1,700 volunteers opted to brave the heat to take part in nation building. This year's Bayani Challenge was more exciting since it did not only include building houses, but also farm building, school refurbishing, island greening, mangrove planting, paraisong pambata and health mission, all happening at the same time in three municipalities: Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. Team Human Nature, composed of 21 members from different departments, warehouse staff and branch operators, was one of 100 teams from various corporate, local and international groups who helped transform the island.

Bantayan Island is located in the northern part of Cebu, about 2-hour drive and 2-hour ferry ride from Mandaue airport. Most of the teams arrived on Sunday afternoon at Sta. Fe Elementary School. They were given classrooms as their homes during the week. Some set up tents on the school grounds. The volunteers were transported to their assigned locations through buses, vans or ten-wheeler trucks.

Team Human Nature was assigned in the municipality of Madridejos and was challenged to build five farm plots in five days. Through the Bayan-Anihan program of Gawad Kalinga, each family beneficiary would be given 10-sqm plots where they can plant food crops for their consumption or sell the excess for their extra income. True to its company value of world-class excellence, Team Human Nature was able to build six farm plots instead of the original challenge of five!

As the days passed, the teams did not only build farm plots, houses, schools and shores, but also friendships and camaraderie as beach competitions were held every afternoon. There was also the Bayanihan Race where five representatives from each team discovered the whole island in an amazing race. Other special events like the cook fest and photography contest lightened the challenging work at the end of each day. There was also an LGU Summit where local officials pledged their support for Gawad Kalinga.

Each day was capped with music and reflection as volunteers, fulltime workers and the Bantayanos shared their journeys and inspiring stories - life changing experiences which also changed the lives of their listeners.

Despite the hardships, discomforts and tiredness, Team Human Nature left Bantayan Island fulfilled, knowing that what they did were not for themselves but for the others who need it most. This experience helped each volunteer to face the everyday ordinary challenges of life. As GK fulltime worker Ate Issa Santos-Cuevas said, "Bayani Challenge should not end here...it is an everyday challenge to thankfulness, an everyday challenge to heroism...our faithfulness to our every bayani challenge in life."

Join us next year in a more exciting adventure as Bayani Challenge goes to five different provinces: Occidental Mindoro, Masbate, Leyte, Compostela Valley, and Lanao del Norte!