CTFN Facilitators Close ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit 2016 Team Building Activities at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

The human desire for bonding, such as the act of friendship or the act of love, is almost universal in our species. This dates back to the earliest days of human evolution, where very strong emotional attachments lead to a much higher chance of survival. Because of this, the need for companionship developed as one of the most basic human physiological needs.

The event for the last day of facilitating done by the facilitators from the Cebu Team Building Facilitators Network was held at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. The Department of Tourism Region 7 and the Philippine Department of Tourism played host to this years ASEAN Plus Three Youth Tourism Summit and it was a huge success.

ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit delegates at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

As facilitators for the ASEAN Plus Three Youth Tourism Summit 2016, we were given the opportunity to not just give the ASEAN delegates a chance to be natural leaders, a chance to work together, a chance to make a team, but also a chance to bond, make friends, and grow a network that is bonded not just by race or obligation, but by unforgettable experiences with which they learn something about having fun with other people and growing and learning together.

The sight at Balinsasayao twin lakes was amazing. No words could ever describe the majestic sight of a natural body of water being surrounded by a humongous amount of flora and fauna.

As part of the last leg of the team building activities for the ASEAN Plus Three Youth Tourism Summit 2016, each team was asked to learn and perform a local folk song. The performances were held at the top of the twin lakes canteen where the delegates were also treated to local delicacies. The folk songs chosen were; Bahay Kubo, Leron-leron Sinta, Sampung Palaka and May Tatlong Bibe.

A group of delegates performing a folk song at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines during the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit 2016

After the performances, one of the facilitators gave a small lecture about Travel journalism.

Nicolo Nasol giving a lecture on travel journalism to the delegates of the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit 2016 at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

After the lectures, the delegates were asked to form 2 small circles. An Inner and outer circle. This next and final activity is what we call a Carousel. This is one of the most powerful climactic activities that can be done to close a team building. And judging by their faces, this activity done by the Cebu Team building Facilitators Network went without a hitch and by the end of the day it was as if everyone involved in the summit was family.

ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit 2016 delegates in a carousel for the closing of team building activities at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

As the saying goes from Helen Keller, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.

Participants hug each other during the closing of team building activities at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

Note: Photos courtesy of Chada Photography, a photo and video documentation service based in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines.

This article is written by Lorenzo Jose Cahig, an affiliate facilitator of the Cebu Teambuilding Facilitators Network. He was one of 2 facilitators who conducted team building activities for the delegates of the ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Youth Summit 2016 held in Siquijor and Negros Oriental provinces in the Visayas region of the Philippines.