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Nature has always been a source of comfort for me. There is something about feeling the warmth of sunlight, hearing the melodious chirping of birds, and inhaling the fresh air that brings me peace and joy. As I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate the importance of embracing and experiencing nature in my daily life. Embracing nature means not just appreciating its beauty, but also recognizing our role and place in the ecosystem. For me, it also means incorporating eco-friendly habits into my daily routine, such as reducing my plastic waste by using a metal water tumbler. Experiencing nature is an essential part of my well-being, and I believe it is essential for everyone. When I am surrounded by nature, I feel grounded, creative, and at peace, something that I cannot feel in heavy urban areas. One of my favorite ways to experience nature is through mountain hiking. I love the feeling of trekking through the soil, passing by trees, hearing different sounds around me, and the sense of accomplishment when I reach the summit. During a recent hike, I stumbled upon a stunning view that took my breath away. I saw trees that stretched out as far as my eyes could see, clouds with shapes I had never seen before, and the beautiful golden sunset that gently shone light on everything. I stood there for a few minutes, simply in awe of the beauty of the world that God had created. Of course, it is not always easy to embrace and experience nature, especially when living in a city. Luckily, I live in a place that offers a good mix of urban and rural qualities. Even when coming from the city, the great effort in the journey is, in my opinion, always worth it. You can experience something unique and personal, and you may even discover a side of yourself that you have never known before. The benefits of embracing and experiencing nature are numerous. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, boost creativity, and even lower blood pressure and heart rate. It can also improve our overall well-being and sense of purpose. When we take care of the natural world around us, we also take care of ourselves. It is an unspoken cycle that highlights the delicate balance of this world. Embracing and experiencing nature is not just about improving our physical health or reducing our carbon footprint. It is about connecting with the world around us in a meaningful way. Whether it is through eco-friendly habits or spending time in nature, we can all find ways to embrace and experience the beauty of the natural world. So, go ahead! This is the sign you have been waiting for to go on that trip you have always been planning.

Growing up, education was not a priority for me. At the age of 13, I dropped out of school and spent most of my time playing computer games and spending money on them. I felt stuck and hopeless, believing that I would never achieve anything worthwhile. But in 2016, I made a life-changing decision. I took an ALS exam, which allowed me to skip Junior High School and move straight to Senior High School. This opened up new opportunities for me and introduced me to some incredible people who became lifelong friends. In 2018, I enrolled in college to pursue a degree in Marketing Management, which proved to be a challenging journey. I had to adapt to a new environment and navigate the complexities of college life, while also facing the added difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, I persevered and met many amazing individuals along the way who helped me grow and learn. As a result, I now feel confident in my abilities as a college graduate and am excited to see what the future holds. Now, I am thrilled to be working at Cooee Inc., a company known for its friendly and welcoming culture. From day one, the onboarding process was smooth, providing me with the support and resources I needed to quickly adapt to my new role. Since joining the team, I have had numerous opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge, thanks to the company's commitment to ongoing learning and development. I have been able to upskill in areas that interest me, and the supportive work environment has allowed me to thrive both personally and professionally. One challenge I have faced is the public transportation in our country, which can be difficult at times. However, the positive work experience and supportive team culture make it all worth it. Through my experiences, I have learned the importance of education and the power of determination. I believe that anything is achievable with the right mindset. I am grateful to Cooee Inc. for giving me the chance to showcase my skills and expertise as a recent graduate. I am excited to work hard and make a valuable contribution to the company while continuing to learn and grow in this new chapter of my life.

Hi, I am RENZ DERICK PEÑANO, member of the Go Active program at Cooee Inc. I want to share with you my daily activity on how I enjoy and at the same time contribute to this program. My first week my goal is to reach 20k steps. I started to walk after my shift to nearby parks. I started 5k on my first day and added another 2k the next day until I reached 20k plus steps. For my second week we add another 10k steps and another exercise which is riding a bike. Same as my first week I started 5k steps and 10 km for biking. But I changed my routine, by exercising at night. First, I rode a bike to good spots like the famous churches here in my hometown Barasoain Church and Malolos Cathedral. They are so beautiful at night. Then I go to nearby parks where I jog and walk to cool down. And of course, I would need to ride my bike once again to go home. For my third week the same as previous weeks but now with a minimum of 10k steps per day and 10 km for biking. To make it more interesting, I spent one Saturday morning riding my bike from Lugam Malolos, Bulacan to Consuelo, Pampanga with a distance of around 70 km. Though it was not my first time to ride my bike this far--the last time was November 2022, it still makes me feel excited and amazed by the scenery especially when I get to see the sunrise and the mountain view. I continuously do the 5k – 10k steps a day. This activity does not only help me to be fit and healthy, but it also gives me a chance to enjoy, breathe fresh air and travel for free.

Essential Hiking 101 Tips Everyday is Earth day. For me, taking a trip somewhere - just enjoying the greenery, the sun, the smell of earth, embarking on a quiet adventure, is a way to celebrate Earth day. I hike not only to take a break from work and busy city life but also my healthy way of unplugging and calming my mind and body. There are a lot of benefits we can get through hiking than just beautiful memories. And of course, it is that greatest goal for the day - reaching the summit or the peak of the mountain and the meaningful adventure in between. I have been to a lot of mountains and trails here and there. On each journey, I often see to it that I take with me the basics and tips I have learned and I needed to do since the day I started hiking. From minor to major climbs, there are a lot of must-do or must-haves before you set your foot on the trail. For a beginner hiker, it is important that you do your research before planning to take the trail to prepare on the gears, equipment or essentials you need to bring in your backpack. Here are the basics I would like to share: Choose the right hike Know the trail before you plan your adventure. If coming with a family and friends, I make sure that the mountain is beginner friendly, has a water source and can be hiked on a few hours only. There might be first time hikers or a non hiker at all in the group and we need to consider everyone's pace before deciding which path to take. To check, there are a lot of information in the internet, or you may check with a reliable organiser before joining in a group event. Organisers can also guide you on the trail class and the necessary things you need to pack before heading out. Check the weather ahead Hiking on a dry or summer season is the best experience, for me. On minor trails and day hike, we get to enjoy the scenery under the sun or soak on a river stream after consuming a packed lunch with everyone from your lightweight backpack. I experienced getting stranded in the middle of nowhere in Mount Pinatubo with co-hikers on a heavy downpour while we wait for the water level to subside to finally cross the river. It was a risky experience, something we could have prepared if we had checked the weather forecast. Nevertheless, the next basic thing should always be taken into consideration. Pack light but do not forget the #Basics I make sure I have the following items on my dayhike bag: headlamp, trails snacks and a set of meal, first aid kit, 1 liter of water (if there is a water source) and a pair of clothes and raincoat should the weather go bad. Do not overpack your bag as it is uncomfortable ascending with a heavy stuff on your bag. As a regular hiker, I also see to it all items in my bag are wrapped in plastic or in a waterproof case to prevent them from getting soaked in case there is unexpected rain or a wet trail ahead. Listen to the Basic Rules Leave no trace. In all hiking communities, this is the basic mantra. Never throw any candy wrapper or any trash on the trail as Mother Nature and the locals wont be happy about it. Be a steward of the Earth. I used to bring my own utensils (non plastic ones) to avoid plastic pollution. Plus also to get a better experience of enjoying your cup of coffee while enjoying that greenery in front of you. Before starting the hike, an organiser or tour guide will make sure you are briefed with the basic rules on your adventure, so make sure YOU LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY and stick with the group and the tour guide for the rest of your hike. Also dont forget to do some stretches with the group before starting the trek. A quick warm up helps! Animals are friends but do not pet them. There are a lot of wild animals you will encounter. As cute and as gentle as these furry creatures are, we should avoid touching or taking a look closer at them so to leave them on their natural habitat. Respect the natural music During trek, we see to it no one is turning on their music players or playing their spotify as this is a disrespect to Mother Nature. Let the singing of birds and swaying of trees beat with your deep breaths on your ascent. Enjoy a few talks with co-hikers but at a minimum level. Love the Earth's view Appreciate your gift of sight, this way you are lucky to witness Earth's magnificent beauty. Reaching the peak or summit is just one of the many beautiful experience to enjoy. It's the whole journey to begin with. Take a lot of pictures and be proud. This is the earth you live in. Take care of it. Preserve it. So before you head out to your next adventure, make sure you are mentally, physically and literally prepared for anything to happen. It’s going to be one fun adventure if you are soul searching, going out with loved ones and friends. There are a lot of things you will find out and learn on your way. Save that energy and plan your next travel wisely. Each day is a moment to reflect and appreciate inner peace and good life in everything that we do. But loving the earth outdoors is a totally different experience.

As we celebrate women's month, we highlight the empowerment of women and how we contribute to our community’s development. Let me tell you about the beginning of our organization and the effects it has had on our everyday lives. The Out and Proud League of Colors organization is a group of well-adjusted young people whose mission is to encourage people in our community to live freely, acceptingly, and proudly, and help them with their personality development. Our main goal is to represent the rainbow community. With our "Helping Hands" activity, we extend our voluntary service by implementing an outreach/feeding program, a community pantry, a donation drive, and other compassionate services to our cherished community. It was established on January 11th, 2022. It all began with a friendly discussion between friends. We discussed the problems that LGBT people's means of subsistence and prejudice against women currently face. We were aware that several LGBT people and women were unaware of their fundamental rights. Some of them struggled at work because they too faced discrimination. Yet what surprises us is that, despite the discrimination they currently experience, the majority of them backed our cause and were eager to assist when we first suggested something like community service. Some of them said that perhaps by participating in our activities, people would become less prejudiced and show us the respect we deserve. They believe that humanity still has hope.. When one of the LGBT community members in Cagayan de Oro had a house fire in March 2022, we conducted our first donation drive as a form of community service. To solicit assistance and funds, we used social media channels. Several LGBT people offered to help, and we realized that they were right when they said that humanity still has hope. The community service continues. The months that followed were fruitful. We had a bloodletting program in partnership with the Red Cross, a Spay and Neuter in partnership with CDO Animal Rescue Org, Brigada Eskwela in Indahag, CDO, and others. We were inspired to do more things and felt the need to aid more people after seeing the priceless grins of the folks we helped. We were also invited to participate in the first-ever Pride March in June 2022, and we were the largest group there that day. Some organizations tap us to get involved in seminars for human rights as well, and we got the chance to re-echo it with our co-members. We are very happy that we are slowly being recognized as one of the participatory organizations here in Cagayan de Oro City, and helped many people, especially women, about their basic human rights and what they can do for our community. We are very grateful for this advocacy because we are slowly realizing our purpose in life. I can see how strong women's unity is. We see that despite the discrimination we experience in life, we stand united and stay resilient.

March is a significant month for women worldwide as it commemorates Women's History Month, a time to celebrate women's accomplishments and contributions throughout history. At Cooee Inc., we are proud to celebrate Women's Month and recognize the important role that women play in our company's success. Cooee Inc.is a company that values authenticity, empathy, and belief in potential. These values have fostered a culture that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equality, making our company an exceptional place for women to work and grow. We believe that our company's triumph is directly connected to the empowerment and support of our female workforce. We are proud to have several women leaders in our team who are passionate, dedicated, and inspiring. They are excellent role models for our employees, showing what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Our women leaders have made significant contributions to our company's growth and success, and we are grateful for their dedication and leadership. Please meet some of our female leaders See more... At Cooee Inc., we are committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of gender. We will continue to support and champion women in our workplace and beyond. Women's Month is an important time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in our company and society. At Cooee Inc., we are proud to have women leaders who embody our company's values, and we will continue to create an inclusive and supportive workplace that enables all employees to achieve their full potential.

Before I entered Cooee, I worked at our local church here in our area for 10 months. That’s my next job after my 3 years of work in Alabang. Both jobs are in finance. I left my job in Alabang because they too experienced the struggle caused by the pandemic and couldn’t support us full time. They really struggled financially. And then our local church, where I am a volunteer, offered me a full-time job. I grabbed it because I’m already comfortable with the work place since I am a volunteer there, and working full time in a ministry is one of my dreams. But then something happened, and I had to let go of that job. It’s too personal and really painful, but during that time, I guess, letting go of it is the best thing to do. And so I did. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the word IKIGAI. One of my friends shared this word with me when she read the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life". Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your 'reason for being. ' 'Iki' in Japanese means 'life,' and 'gai' describes value or worth. Your ikigai is your life purpose or your bliss. It's what brings you joy and inspires you to get out of bed every day. So why did I mention that? My previous work in the church — I considered it my Ikigai. But I have to let it go and move on. You know, when you meet someone and hope that He/She is the one but ends up brokenhearted— this same kind of feeling! During that time I chose to just move on, and honestly, I prayed for a place where I could see my Ikigai. I don’t know, but maybe I’m just in this season of my life where money can’t buy my happiness anymore. And what matters most is living my purpose in life. At that time I felt hopeless, but then I remembered one night what Catriona mentioned before during her final walk at Miss Universe: "And on your path, you are never denied but only redirected." These are the words that I’m holding on to during those times. I can sense that 2022 is my year of redirection. Then, to cut the long story short, I passed the interview here at Cooee and got hired. So before I entered Cooee, I was uncertain of everything, like literally uncertain because I’m so out of my comfort zone. I always tell this to my coach and my manager: "I never imagined working in Makati because I hate traffic. I also never imagined myself working in a BPO company because of the shifting schedules. But then I realized that when you are meant for that palace, for that position, or for that thing, everything will fall into their right places. “So I’m kind of worried about where I am now” – these are my exact thoughts during my first day here in Cooee, but I am also excited about what's ahead of me. I was worried and nervous because I just wanted to stay in my comfort zone during those pandemic years. I even don’t know if I can still interact with a total stranger; it was like my confidence flew miles away. Also, since I declared that 2022 is my year of redirection, I honestly don’t know where to start. I have to admit that everything is new to me, and I have to face them all one at a time, but I don’t know where to start. But then the coaching session came, and it’s very active in Cooee. So the first time I heard of it, I was so excited because this is new to me, especially in a company. Also, I felt like I needed it to unload or share some of my thoughts, intentions, and goals, professionally or personally, and also to share my struggles. I’m the kind of person who wants to talk about life and experiences in a small group, so I’m so happy to know about this coaching session. Also, I believe that we have so many issues in our lives that need to be addressed. And I want to thank my coach for letting me disturb or bug her. I mentioned that 2022 is my year of redirection, and this coaching session helped me cope with this. I’m not familiar with the BPO set-up, and I’m not a morning person, so waking up earlier than 5 a.m. is really difficult for me. This is also my first time handling a foreign account, so I’m not that confident talking to them or working with them. But since coaching sessions here in Cooee are very holistic (the approach), my coach and I are able to discuss my intentions, not just in my professional life but also in my personal life. It feels like I found my accountability partner with my goals, someone who can check where I am with my goals or my intentions. Another good thing about coaching sessions is that they will rearrange your thoughts. Every time I shared with my coach, I would realize that my thoughts were not that clear. Then we will work out together how to rearrange my thoughts and emotions. So every time a problem would come, I would just calm myself first and face all of them one at a time. Going back to today, 2023, I can see a lot of improvement, but I also still have a lot to work on, like now that our intention is all about self-growth and improvement. And I’m happy that I have a venue, a platform to discuss it, and to set some realistic and measurable action points. I’m also happy to share that, as of now, I am also coaching some people here; I can clearly see my purpose now, which is to be part of other people's transformations, as I am also in the process of my own. All in all, I’m really so grateful that I’m in a place that will help me grow in all aspects; indeed, redirection is real. Despite all the chaos before, I was redirected here. Remember the word Ikigai? I’m grateful that I can feel it here in Cooee. To all the women out there, take heart if you face a lot of challenges, or worse, rejection. In due time, you will realize that it’s for your redirection—to another place, for other people, living your purpose, and for your transformation. Again –Be strong. Take courage. Live purposely. Transform.

As we look back at the progress made by women all over the world, this Month we recognize the importance of empowerment. Woman is more than just being biologically female. It's about strength, resilience, and an unrelenting spirit that can conquer any obstacle. Through acts of service and dedication it is undeniably visible that women, same as men, also play an important role in the Church. The Church has been an integral part of this progress. As a major source of support for women, it has provided spiritual guidance and moral strength to countless women who have faced difficult times in their lives. The church has also been an instrument in promoting gender equality and encouraging women to pursue their dreams without any fear or hesitation. To be a woman is power; it means taking control of your life and making decisions that pave the way for a better future. As we continue to walk the Cooee way and apply the value of Being Authentic, Believing in Potential and Being Empathetic let's embrace and celebrate women from all walks of life who have defied societal norms and emerged as leaders. Women bloom when empowered, support women's journey of empowerment and explore what it truly means to be a powerful woman!

As a recent graduate, the world is now my oyster. The years of schooling have come to a halt and I now find myself in the midst of endless possibilities. I have so much to look forward to and so much to accomplish. My life after graduation is a blank canvas that I am now ready to paint. As I look back upon my college days, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. These were the years when I discovered my passion and purpose, made lifelong friendships, and laid the groundwork for a successful future. My college journey began with the excitement of fresh beginnings and new experiences. I remember the thrill of moving to city, meeting new people, and being free to design my own life. Those days were a time of excitement, learning, and personal growth. They were filled with joyful moments, as well as difficulties and challenges, but they were all part of the journey of self-discovery. Looking back, I am proud of the person I have become, indebted to my family, UE, my professors, and friends. I’m always grateful for the opportunities and experiences that they provided me. Graduating college was an essential milestone, but the lessons I learned have continued to shape my life. Time management, networking, embracing failure, and hard work have become core principles in my personal and professional life. Life after graduation is filled with new experiences and opportunities and I will always be grateful to Cooee for giving me the opportunity to chase my dreams and make them a reality.

It’s not about the prize I have received for being the Walk the Cooee Way 2022 Q4 winner, what is more rewarding and triumphant is the appreciation and recognition of the little acts that I did that have impacted and don’t fade from the lives I have touched. I'm a bit busy during the awarding due to the urgent request of the client at that time and hearing that narrative, I was amazed and at the same time I am puzzled and had no idea that the story is my story. The time I heard my name being called as the finalist, I am really shocked and speechless and, in my mind, what did I do to be the chosen one? This is the 2nd time I was recognized to be a Walk the Cooee awardee, the first one was last 2020. I am beyond grateful that Cooee's values played a big part in my transformation and helped me to be the person that I can be. I am pleased to know that I have the ability to be empathetic and to be compassionate towards others. And what is more fulfilling is the sense that I was able to bring happiness, help, showing my presence and little acts that enlighten the burden they carry. Be Empathetic is one of the values and practices by Cooee, it helps a lot and made it easier for me to incorporate empathy in my day-to-day living. And because I have embodied empathy into my day-to-day living, I was surprised that empathy is now innate to me and is being cultivated more and more by Cooee. "Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message “you’re not alone.” -Brene Brown

Being a coach, I can say is one of the best roles I have in life. Having a meaningful conversation with my Coachees and deepening the trust and connection with them is incomparable. There were times that you both can feel the pain and struggles while you are in the middle of your conversation, however, there’s nothing better than being in a journey together. I saw more of Jake’s strengths despite the challenge he and his family is encountering. Authenticity, he’s not afraid to show what he really feels. Said it’s ok to not be ok and go through hard times and feel every moment. His love for his family is very genuine. He’s aware that he needs someone to talk to and shoulders to lean on, not because he is weak but because he needs to remain strong for himself and his family. He knows himself well, what he needs and what are the things that he can do to overcome and move forward. Perspective, taking the big picture view. Jake is not just focusing on the current situation but also considering other wider reasons as to why that is happening. Hope, positive and future-mindedness. He knows it won't be easy for all of them but he's not losing hope that time will come that they can totally accept everything. "life goes on", something that he's holding on. As a coach, I am not just listening but I’m also learning something out of our coaching conversation. And I’m so grateful to my Coachee, for sharing part of his experiences, may it be good or not so good. I know I can be able to see more of Jake and I’m looking forward to be present in those moments.

Every day, we notice people with kind gestures, people who braved to host our programs, people who shared their skills and talents at work or during engagement sessions. Sometimes, we simply appreciate them in our head or, we give a tap to tell them they are doing great. But if we write that experience, we will remember the story and so will other people. The SOS space, for me is a good place to share the story of people who have inspired us each day and made an impact to us or to other people. It serves as a mirror for people to see the beauty in them and to reflect on these qualities. It's also a starter for conversation. When people narrate a story in the space, we become curious and end up making meaningful chats with one another. Every month and every quarter, we recognize people who have placed outstanding stories, or those we think that really stood out. It doesn't matter if we win or be recognized for it. For me, it is those moments when we made someone smile and felt delighted with reading these stories and how that can influence others to practice our values anytime and anywhere. Our SOS narratives bring a right amount of dopamine to our friends, teammates, our Cooeemates. Through these stories, we inspire other people and help them realised their own potential, their skills, their character strengths. "I am beyond grateful that I was spotted on the last Q4 SOS unexpectedly by Miss Cha. It was just a great onsite journey while experiencing it It was smooth sailing and wonderful that I was able to get along with the people in Cooee onsite. To Miss Cha, thank you for recognizing my strengths and for your continual support, and the motivation, you inspire." - Mary Cinco