Its January once again, and back to work people, but not for a NEWSIMER like me, who spends the first week of the year out of the office, where? Sariaya Quezon.  (Sariaya was named after one of the town's largest rivers, Sadyaya).

And here, I must say, planting was never this fun and exciting. The NEWSIMERS were grouped into four teams (maroon, red, blue & white) and who ever plant the most number of trees will win. The goal is to plant 500 mahogany trees in one (1) hour. The rules were clear, and every member was given a certain task.  Its freezing cold at 5:30 in the morning but we managed to stretch and off we went planting. We were provided with tools, and there, I started to recall my planting lessons when I  was in grade 2 (heheheheh).  And guess who won the game? Of course Maroon team! Ahem!! Unbelievable,,,really.  One of our transporter was  Liezel whom I think is as light as my shadow (peace Liezel!) Capt. Tormon can’t really plant because he was quite sick at that time, Alvin H. looks so sosyal whom I think has never touched a digger ever, Ms. Minerva our H.R who is as certified mahinhin, Irene who is as light as Liezel too, Capt.Sabay our Team Captain hmm (oh yes he has a farm!),,,, and last me, as one of the transporter, yes me, haha!!!!(I haven’t run in four years time and I am twice as big now). But with our team work and strategy we were able to beat other teams who were probably better and stronger than us!

I have learned a lot in this event. There were many teams in every sport that have enormous resources and great players but never won medals or trophies. Often, those players aren't willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. The funny thing is, in the end, their unwillingness to sacrifice only makes individual goals more difficult to achieve. One thing I believe to the fullest is that if you think and accomplish as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. "Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships." Michael Jordan,,,and I certainly agree with you Michael, because the Maroon team was composed of different players  with different talents and weaknesses but we won!!!

Winners  should be committed and is willing to do Whatever It Takes, (WIT), to help the team achieve their goals. We should have a winning attitude and believe in ourselves and our teammates as well. We should not allow negative "stinking thinking" to sidetrack. We must associate with other "winners". And as the saying goes,, “success leaves clues.”

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world and help mother nature. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

"Coming together is a beginning....keeping together is progress....working together is a success." John C. Maxwell …Good job for all of us. 

GO GO,,,NEWSIMERS!!!

Roxxy I. Flores