Tatak Bayani: Human Nature joins GK’s Bayani Challenge 2017

What does it take to be a hero? As it turns out, you don’t need superpowers or start a revolution to be one—all it takes is the heart to serve others.

As for our Human Nature, heroism runs in the family as evidenced by employees from different departments who rolled up their sleeves and volunteered in this year's Gawad Kalinga's Bayani Challenge in Pililia, Rizal.

One for All, All for One

We’ve all seen our Retail Department wear coordinating outfits every Monday but their unity goes beyond their sartorial tastes. Just recently, the entire team joined Gawad Kalinga's Bayani Challenge in Pililia, Rizal and helped paint houses.

Joanne Ramirez, one of Retail Department's Key Account Managers, shared that her Bayani Challenge experience this year is different from the ones she has attended. “In the previous Bayani Challenges, only those who were available in our department were able to join. This year, we made sure that all of us would participate.”

Joanne and her teammates from Retail Department all present and accounted for during GK's Bayani Challenge in Rizal

The original plan for this year's Bayani Challenge was a river cleanup drive until it was changed into a house painting activity. Nevertheless, the team enjoyed each other’s company. “It’s refreshing to know that we are all real people here, that there is so much more beyond deadlines, rush reports, and targets needed to be achieved. I can attest that we can work better as a team by going back to the genuine laughter and authentic relationship that surfaced in moments like that of the Bayani Challenge.”

Volunteers from other departments also poured in. For Category Associate and first time Bayani Challenge volunteer Leana Tiu, being part of the activity was a fulfilling experience.

Leana takes a break from the Bayani Challenge with friends from Marketing and Design Teams

"It not only gave me the chance to bond with my colleagues in a different setting, it was also an opportunity for me to help build communities through my own efforts."

No Rest for the Giving

Long weekends are a rarity for our Flagship Store crew with their rest days getting reshuffled every now and then but instead of enjoying their day off on June 12, they decided to join Batang Bayani Build held in GK Munting Pamayanan Village.

Adeth Avila, one of our Customer Care Officers, shared that her decision to spend time volunteering is an act of paying it forward. “I joined because I wanted to give back and because I also know the joy it can bring. We had volunteers who helped too when our house was built. It was tiring but knowing that you are helping others to have a home is enough.”

The Flagship team shares a healthy lunch to fuel up for the long build ahead

GK Munting Pamayanan Village serves as home for families, most with differently-abled family members. Flagship Store Assistant Branch Manager Lala Delgado, building houses for these families means more than just volunteer time—it’s supporting a cause that is bigger than yourself.

“Bayani Challenge is a chance to get your hands dirty, to actually experience that you are contributing to that cause. Participating in the Bayani Challenge with people you love makes it much, much more memorable. Physical labor, especially building houses, required that we literally gave each other a helping hand (e.g. mobilizing a cart full of heavy gravel with one or two partners). Every time we did, it made the work much easier and fun-filled,” Lala added.