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I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and awe after attending the Cooee-chella event and meeting our esteemed CEO, KB. It's hard to put into words just how heartwarming the experience was, and how much it meant to connect with KB on a personal level. What struck me the most was KB's approachable and caring nature. As soon as we started talking, he offered me a drink and some food, asking me "Kamusta ka?" with genuine concern for my well-being. It was a small gesture, but one that meant so much and showed me just how much KB values and cares for his employees. But it wasn't just his hospitality that impressed me. KB went above and beyond, incorporating Tagalog words into our conversation and making me feel even more comfortable and at ease. His willingness to bridge any language barriers and connect with his employees on a personal level is truly remarkable, and speaks volumes about his character and leadership style. In a world where so many CEOs seem distant and unapproachable, KB's humility and genuine interest in his employees' well-being is truly refreshing. He embodies the values of our company, fostering a culture of inclusivity, connection, and understanding. I will forever cherish the experience of meeting KB at the Cooee-chella event. His heartwarming presence and genuine interest in connecting with his employees have left an indelible mark on my heart. Thank you, KB, for being a humble and remarkable leader, and for reminding us that true leadership is about building genuine connections and making everyone feel valued and heard.

Everyone in the office surely knows how shy I am and how socially awkward I can be with workmates, relatives, and even friends. My personal issues, such as unforgettable memories of past failures, always outweigh the remaining confidence I have. My socializing issues worsened to the point that I would always say "yes" even to simple "yes or no" questions, even if it’s not meant to be. My possible ideas to resolve such dire situations are swirling in my mind, making me uneasy most of the time – whether I am simply outside or new to a working place. A problem indeed, a never-ending catastrophe that has existed inside me and plagued me for almost a lifetime. As a Nooee before, I committed myself to learning as much as I could for my upcoming role. Besides, my deepest desire is to fight my personal battles at all costs, even if it means doing something I hate – asking for help from others. On February 15, 2023, I never thought that the woman sitting on the leftmost side of that row, facing the area where the onboarding employees stay for a week, would be my Coach in Cooee. At first, I thought it would be just a simple one-on-one virtual session with another person from another account inside Cooee and set as a fortnightly task. But upon having it for the first time, both face-to-face and virtually, I realized that these sessions are indeed almost life-changing. Going back almost 5 years ago, as an aviation student, I vividly remember our lectures back then in college, especially one about the intrinsic procedures on aircraft maintenance called "Overhaul." This is the systematic overall removal of an airplane system or all its systems, mandated by a scheduled technical checkup. It refers to rebuilding a system through disassembly and inspection to identify defective, damaged, or worn parts. The substandard parts and components are repaired or replaced. Finally, the equipment is reassembled and tested before returning to service. Coaching sessions with Ms. Irish made me realize that it’s not only airplanes that need overhaul. The concept can also be applied to human beings – not literally or medically, but in how we see and approach our lives. I remembered again that an airplane overhaul starts with a primary inspection and checkup of each system and part. In application, I’ve thoroughly examined each aspect of my life, and there I saw a part of me that’s always causing my struggle – my mindset. With time, I have become more articulate in my thoughts and have learned to identify things I can and cannot control. As our coaching sessions progressed, the clarity of my mind became more certain. I found myself expanding my point of view in life. My coach's attentiveness during each meeting, whether addressing problems or not, made me feel appreciated in every way. She takes down notes of what I have in mind, breaking down situations bit by bit, helping me formulate steps on how to react and handle things. In this way, she is teaching me to be composed, collected, and methodical, urging me to take my time when fulfilling my commitments. So far, I could say that I have reaped improvements in most aspects of my life. I have achieved a work-life balance, and instead of being overwhelmed by choices, I now seek a rightful purpose fitting for each situation. I prepare myself for failures wholeheartedly and set countermeasures in advance. I embrace constructive criticisms to gain a detailed assessment of myself. Most of all, I possess a strong and progressive mindset that never holds back. Though the solution to my number one problem – being shy and socially awkward – is still in the process of materialization, I have become steadier and calmer in public or office settings that require me to speak and act. The overhaul in me is ongoing. In the meantime, I believe it will not only be my mindset that improves but also other aspects of myself that need change. I will take my time to savor each process. To my coach, I don’t know how I could be even more thankful to you. I’ve never been this compelled to be a goal setter. Thank you for always listening wholeheartedly and believing in my potential to overcome everything. Rest assured that I will always yearn and strive for achievements in a positive way. I will continue to face challenges head-on and grasp control of the things I can. Even if it becomes madness, so be it. At some point in our lives, no matter how hard we strive to improve ourselves, we must accept that talks and engagement with the right person are necessary to determine the purpose of our journey.

I was astounded by how hospitable and kind the Cooee people from Manila were when I first joined the Recooeennect in 2022. What I've seen and felt from online meetings is really different from actually witnessing them for someone who is two islands away from them. It was so comforting! There was a feeling of unity and mutual appreciation. This is the reason why I excitedly joined the recent ReCooeennect v2.0: the experience that I gained from the first ReCooeennect. Three weeks before ReCooeennect 2.0, I was sad because I thought I couldn't join due to some unforeseen circumstances. But the leadership team—Ms. Cha, Ms. Joyce, and Ms. JP—helped me make ReCooeennect 2.0 happen. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the help and support they provided me recently, and I am beyond grateful for the kind gestures they showed me. Then the ReCooeennect 2.0 Cooee-chella happened. Meeting Cooeemates for the second time during the Cooee-chella left me with a more remarkable experience, and there are a couple of things that I realized in face-to-face interactions: Seeing them in person and being with them in the same physical space allows me to observe their expressions and body language, especially when I converse with them. I feel a social bonding, and I firmly believe that it contributes to the development of relationships, trust, and stronger social bonds. I feel a stronger bond with them now. My weekend was worth it, and I will always have a memory of our bond in my memory bank. It is true that in the digital age, advancements in technology have introduced new ways of communication, such as video conferencing, which can mimic some aspects of face-to-face interaction even when physical distance separates us. However, the richness and depth of face-to-face interaction are difficult to replicate fully through digital means. In both my personal and professional lives, I still place a high importance on face-to-face relationships because of their emotional richness and genuineness.

Many people arrived at the venue, yet the bracelets with our logo seemed untouched, showing how few of us there were. Of course, we felt nervous then but did not let this feeling overpower us. Before the event started, we conditioned our minds to focus on one goal – to have fun. The event started with the battle cry competition. Each house showed their battle spirit through their cheers. For us, House Status, this was the most important part of team building as it reflected how dedicated each member was. We truly embodied these parts of our cheer (credits to Kendall and friends): “We have no fear, this is our year Our game is fierce, 'cause we are here Boys: We laugh, (with emotions) Girls: We cry, (with emotions) All: We all say hi We'll score the points We'll win this fight.” “Boys: Pagdating sa Laban, Girls: di papatalo Boys: Aabante, Girls: Susugod, All: lahat ay sasabak Laban ng isa ay laban ng lahat Ganyan kami, ang grupong matatag..." Yes, we indeed had no fear despite knowing that we needed to join all the games without any substitutions. Our game was fierce as every house we competed with truly gave their best, starting with the Walk the Talk and Trust the Talk competition. This game tested our trust in each other as one member, called "the leader," needed to walk through a path with scattered bowling pins while being blindfolded. It also tested each leader's ability to guide their members. I guess our house won because our leader, Ms. Meiko, and the team gave a level of trust more than the game required us to give. Next up was the Puzzled Step game, where our strategy, balance, and attentiveness were tested. This game made us realize something; you could only ace it if you planned and strategized how you and your members would be able to maximize the distance of the puzzle piece you could step on while considering the minimum pressure you could give to the next person who would step on it. It was truly a game of knowing your ability and your team's capability. Endurance, flexibility, and the team’s effort to stay connected with each member were tested by the Manhole Ring Competition. We aced this one by allowing ourselves to match a certain pattern – where tall and short people should be placed alternately for the ring to pass smoothly. This game also showed us the importance of giving your best and trusting your leader's decision as to where you will be placed. The Human Wheel competition tested each house participant's strength and speed. This game showed us the importance of going on even when the team is under pressure. The key to winning this game was to think and act as one, as the weight of the rubber sheet should be distributed equally. Listening to your leader played a significant role since they were the only ones who could see what lay ahead. There was a quick shift when the Balloon Floating competition started. From the battle of strength to the battle of focus. This game required each member's sense of ownership and unity. The winning team's secret was to have enough confidence to own and toss the balloon nearest to you. It can reflect real life; imagine a project has been given to your group, but none of you is confident enough to share ideas – what do you think will happen? The value of trust-giving, the power of believing, the help of strategizing, and the importance of having a sense of ownership led our house to win the team building. House Status really showed that sometimes it is not about how many members you have, but how connected you are.

At Cooee Inc., we believe in fostering a culture of appreciation for our employees' dedication and hard work. Recently, we organized a special event called the "Cooee-chella Appreciation Night" to celebrate and honor the exceptional contributions of our team members. This quarter's event was particularly remarkable as it provided a unique opportunity to combine Employee Appreciation Night with a team-building activity, bringing everyone together in a memorable way. During this significant occasion, we presented awards in various categories, such as Spotted on Strength, Optimal Me, and Walk the Cooee Way, to recognize excellence and commitment among our team members. As the person responsible for preparing the awarding presentation and certificates, I was already aware that I would be among the recipients. However, the actual moment of receiving the award on the event day had an indescribable impact on me. Overwhelmed with gratitude for being a part of Cooee, I found myself at a loss for words. My journey with Cooee began unexpectedly, but I embraced every challenge and success within our Marketing team. Collaborating with my colleague Jean brought immense joy as we designed creative materials for Cooee and explored new ideas together. Witnessing the participation and appreciation of fellow Cooees in our projects and contests filled us with happiness. Yet, being nominated and recognized at this event elevated that happiness to another level. The unwavering support and encouragement from our Cooee family have helped us believe in ourselves and others, understanding that success is not merely about individual achievements but also about the growth and success of everyone around us. We deeply value the core principles of Being Authentic, Being Empathetic, and Believing in Potential, as they have played a pivotal role in shaping our journeys at Cooee. The event underscored the importance of recognition and celebrating the achievements of our colleagues. We felt immensely proud and grateful to be part of such an incredible team. Winning the award was a delightful bonus, but what made it truly special was witnessing the joy on everyone's faces, appreciating one another, and uniting as a team with a shared aspiration of achieving even greater greatness for Cooee. The vision of transforming lives and businesses one step at a time deeply resonated with me and my fellow winners. Each of us shared our stories during the event, highlighting the profound impact of collaboration, empathy, and belief in the potential of individuals and teams. The Cooee-chella Appreciation Night was a memorable event that emphasized the significance of recognizing and appreciating our Cooeemates' efforts. Being part of a team that values authenticity, empathy, and belief in potential has transformed us and continues to inspire us to make a positive difference, both individually and together. The Cooee-chella Appreciation Night was a memorable event that emphasized the significance of recognizing and appreciating our Cooeemates' efforts.

Cooee-chella was an event in which Cooee employees, both on-site and working from home, gathered together to celebrate another successful year of Cooee's functioning and existence! While there was a certain disconnect from the virtual world to actual physical face-to-face interaction, it only proved that the bonds and connections we formed virtually could easily carry over to real life as well. The Cooeeck Connects, Cooee Connects, and other activities helped capture the general feeling and vibe of the others. Because Cooee employees practice the values of authenticity and empathy, through online means and the Recooee-nect event, the gap between people shortened. Seeing everyone's smiles, quirks, competitiveness during games, how much they enjoy eating, how their eyes brighten at the sight of the lake, how they laugh during jokes, among other things, revealed different sides of their humanity that you can only experience in person, and I'm glad I had the chance to witness these moments. A personal highlight for me was when we were waiting for the others at the lobby, and Charles pulled up in one of those e-cars, asking us to join him in roaming around the premises. What seemed like an ordinary ride quickly turned into a fun little adventure. Other employees saw us and decided to ride along, quickly filling up the small e-car. The ride was short, but it was filled with laughter and smiles. Even employees we had never interacted with before joined us on that little ride. I never knew that social interaction could be so spontaneous and enjoyable.

Success is rarely achieved alone; it is the result of a collaborative effort driven by teamwork, empathy, support, and a shared desire to win as a team. In various aspects of life, be it sports, business, or personal endeavors, these qualities come together as the driving force behind great achievements. As a team with different characteristics, it can be difficult to work together and synchronize, particularly on an online platform. Someone should take the lead to make the conversation engaging and capture the interest and attention of each member. Another challenge we faced was our differences in availability due to the nature of work, but these challenges did not hinder our desire to succeed. What we did was simply empathize with one another, foster open communication, and emphasize mutual respect – no judgment, just pure encouragement. It has truly been an awe-inspiring experience witnessing everyone's growth, remarkable effort, and teamwork during this quarter. Some were able to step out of their comfort zones, transitioning from being quiet or shy individuals to becoming encouragers, cheerleaders, hosts, and leaders. Personally, I love the idea of this House Cup kind of competition, as it helps individuals practice the core values of Cooee every day. To empathize with one another instead of judging; to believe in their potential instead of just pointing out what's wrong; and most importantly, seeing the authenticity of everyone – their transparency and honesty. Embracing these qualities paints a picture of a successful team bound for greatness. Indeed, it was a great and fruitful quarter for all. Congratulations, team!

As June ends, Filipinos worldwide commemorate Philippine Independence Day on June 12. This occasion prompts us to reflect on the significance of freedom and its impact on us individuals. I strongly believe that freedom is vital for personal and professional growth, which is why Cooee Inc.’s commitment to human connection is deeply rooted in this principle. Our core values - Be Authentic, Be Empathetic, Believe in Potential - shape an environment that embraces independence and empowers our team members. Independence at Cooee Inc. goes beyond autonomy; it nurtures our work culture that values authenticity, empathy, and belief in individual potential. Our company encourages our employees to freely express themselves, share innovative ideas, and take ownership of their work. By embracing our unique perspectives and talents, we create an environment where independence thrives. This commitment to independence not only benefits us employees but also leads to better outcomes for our clients and partners. At Cooee Inc., we understand that freedom is essential for employee happiness and productivity. When we are empowered to make choices, pursue our passions, and express ourselves authentically, we become more engaged, motivated, and invested in our work. This dedication to independence benefits both us employees and translates into better outcomes for our clients and partners. As we celebrate Philippine Independence Day, we reflect on the significance of freedom and its impact on individuals and societies. We recognize that the freedom we celebrate as a nation is interconnected with the freedom we strive to cultivate within our organization. By fostering a culture of independence, collaboration, and personal growth, we aim to empower each other to reach our full potential and make meaningful contributions. To gain insights into how our employees perceive freedom, we asked some of them to share their thoughts. Here are a few responses: Rizziane Mae Frago shares, "Freedom, for me, is the ability to pursue happiness without any hindrance. As long as I'm not stepping on anyone's toes, nothing can stop me from being genuinely happy and embracing who I am." Mary Grace Villagomez, reflects on her belief in God, expressed, "To me, freedom means having the ability to make my own choices and live life on my own terms, guided by my faith and personal beliefs. It's empowering to have the autonomy to pursue my passions, voice my opinions, and forge my own path. However, I also understand that with freedom comes responsibility, and I strive to make sound judgments that serve the greater good." Ely Joy Abenio believes that "Freedom is being true to oneself without being selfish. It's about finding a balance between personal authenticity and considering the needs of others." Roslyn Cerrado shares her perspective, stating, "For me, freedom means having the ability to make decisions independently while considering the impact on others. It's about freedom with responsibility." Hans Aringino believes that "Freedom encompasses both personal and professional aspects of life. It involves self-expression, pursuing one's interests without restraints, and personal growth. Professionally, it means choosing a career that aligns with one's passions, overcoming challenges, and finding fulfillment. Financial independence and enjoying the rewards of one's hard work are also integral to freedom." Oden Rodriguez shares, "To me, freedom means being able to think, do, and express oneself without fear of judgment from others." Jeffrey Lustado believes that "Freedom allows individuals to transcend societal limitations and unlock their full potential. It fosters the growth of ideas, encourages experimentation and innovation, and enables individuals to embrace their true selves without fear or criticism. Freedom is the bedrock of democracy, providing a voice to the voiceless and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Ultimately, freedom is a fundamental human right that guides us towards a better, more just future." Mary Cinco also believes "Freedom is when you were able to speak your mind and find peace in solitude, freedom is breaking free from the cycle of unconsciousness trauma, and generational trauma." Independence is not just an abstract idea; it serves as a guiding principle that inspires us to create a work environment at Cooee Inc. where human connection, awareness, empathy, and a growth mindset thrive. By upholding the values of independence and embracing the power of partnerships, we can collectively achieve greatness and build a world where individuals and businesses flourish. Let's cherish our individual freedom and strive to create an environment where freedom thrives, enabling us to achieve even greater success together.

My tenure at Elite has been filled with invaluable experiences and continuous learning opportunities. Working in a newly established account has required me to go above and beyond, as the initial available resources are not yet sufficient. Consequently, being proactive and surpassing our clients' expectations has become a necessity. I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by supportive colleagues at Elite, despite our differing departments. Pamela, our esteemed customer service representative, has been my go-to person whenever I encounter challenges or require clarification on my tickets. Additionally, she has been a reliable confidant during moments of heightened stress. Whenever I find myself grappling with a ticket or in need of additional time to respond, Pam readily takes over some of our calls, allowing me to concentrate on my assignments. Furthermore, Ate Tiny's arrival on the Elite team has been instrumental in seeking guidance when faced with uncertain alternatives. Her expertise has become a valuable resource, particularly when dealing with tickets that seem to elude resolution by others. Although Ate Doreen has been working remotely, her consistent support remains unwavering. She effectively reminds us of our responsibilities within the Elite team and keeps us informed about important announcements. Given our demanding schedules and limited awareness of external matters, Ate Doreen serves as a crucial link, ensuring we stay updated. Undoubtedly, I firmly believe that teamwork plays an integral role in achieving success. Having the privilege of working alongside such dedicated teammates at Elite fills me with gratitude, knowing they are always available to assist me and help overcome the challenges that come my way.

In today's ever-changing business world, the success of a company often relies on the expertise and dedication of its team. Indeed, we are thrilled to introduce our exceptional Elite team here at Cooee Inc., a group of five talented individuals who are one of the teams leading our mission to transform and provide good services to our partners in the office furniture and interior solutions industry. Let's celebrate Freedom Month by shining a spotlight on these amazing professionals and their valuable contributions. Our Elite team is one of the teams that lead our company's online division, where they provide excellent support to new and existing customers of Elite Office Furniture across Australia by answering questions, resolving issues, and providing guidance. They are committed to building strong relationships and ensuring that every client receives top-quality service, personalized advice, and quick solutions to their questions. Allow us to introduce the talented individuals who drive the success of our Elite team: Together, these five individuals form an extraordinary powerhouse of talent, expertise, and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and consistently surpassing expectations sets them apart as leaders in their field. The Elite team embodies the principles of freedom by empowering businesses, organizations, and individuals to create inspiring work environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. As we commemorate Freedom Month, let us recognize and applaud the incredible work of our Elite team. Their contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of our partners and significantly contribute to the success of our mission.

Adulting is hard. When you are young, it is so easy to draw up and imagine a life that is an inimitable perfection. You could dream that you could go above and beyond, and have your entire future figured out. But no, it will never be that easy; there are a lot of struggles you must go through first before you even reach half that point (at least for me). It’s difficult, yes, but never impossible. As soon as I stepped out of the university premises, I have always wanted to be in the big city – see new places, meet new faces, and most importantly, gain new experiences – a little like Alice in Wonderland, in my opinion. Most people want peace and quiet; live in the province and settle. But, as someone who was born and raised in a small town, and never really got out to see what’s more out there, I knew I needed to get down the path outside my comfort zone. I needed to get down the rabbit hole and sink into the chaos and admirability it brings. To make this happen, I knew what I ought to do: get a job based on the metro – ace the interview, make an impression, earn a spot, and make sure not to get fired. Yes, I had it all planned out. Starting out, it really was tough. Who would want to take a lot of time to hire someone who just got out of college, with no job experience at all, and mostly got nothing figured out? Not a lot of companies, well, not until I bumped into Cooee. Acknowledging one of their values, they have seen potential in me. They have seen my capabilities and trusted me enough to endorse me to the Elite team, where thankfully, saw these in me as well. Not only did Elite Office Furniture tick 2 of my boxes (live in the city and get a good job here), but they have also molded me into who I am now, workwise and in general. Alongside Cooee, they have rendered my best self so far. Walking the Cooee way, I have become truer to myself, be empathetic of others, and a whole lot of things you cannot squeeze on paper. Most importantly, Elite has provided me with the thing I have always loved – catering service to people. Now, I am halfway through my first year working with the team. I am glad and grateful to be here. Every day I tell myself that this is the kind of experience I agree to attend to, and that is fulfilling enough to make me want to work harder and keep the trust this company has given me. Even though adulting is still hard for me as I am still in my trial-and-error phase, I know now that life is not perfect as one might think, it never is and never will be. You could dream but you have to do the work to make it work, to make it happen. I may not be in Wonderland, but I am happy I sled down this rabbit hole. I am happy to embrace the fun and complexity it brings – it could only mean that I am one step near my goal, whatever it is. I am still far from figuring out how I want my life would be, but with Cooee and Elite with me, I know I am leading the right path – it is difficult, yes, but never impossible.

Working remotely from our clients in Australia is a bit challenging at first and we are happy that we have already started gaining their trust. Since we work remotely, we’re all in constant communication whether that be through phone, email, text, or chat. It allows us to stay as interconnected as possible – which is a very valuable asset. We are all completely available to one another during our work hours as well and this ensures we aren’t missing out on not being in an office together. One of our team values is to communicate with clarity to have a successful relationship with remote colleagues in Australia. Practicing clear communication also leads us to better understanding how everyone works and helps build more trust in our team. We place a strong emphasis on transparency, authenticity and being direct as well. Another principle we have is establishing a daily routine, setting priorities, breaking tasks, and tracking the progress of each individual respective tasks. We used to manage our time effectively to minimize distractions to maintain focus in our tasks. This kind of accountability is what makes us meet our deadlines, think creatively, and collaborate effectively around the clock. Lastly, we are constant in establishing a culture of trust, good products and services to our clients.