A CEO’s First Taste of the Philippines: From Traffic to Treasure

Metro Manila, Rizal

Activities Per Location:

• Intramuros, Manila: Local breakfast experience

• Treasure Mountain, Rizal: Light hike, arrow game, spider web climb, birthday breakfast

• Makati: Social night at Spitz Bar, late-night grocery run, rainy adventure

• Ortigas / Mandaluyong: Lunch buffet, Jollibee stroll, mastermind session, bowling at Studio 300

• Parañaque: Horror-themed fun at Nightmares Manila

People Involved:

• Sam Chang, CEO of VTMEMBER (Canada-based VA service provider)

• Philippine-based VTMEMBER team: Ric, Mae, G, and other VAs

• Vonark Travel and Tours for travel planning

Day 0 – Arrival & First Local Meal
Sam lands in Manila and heads straight to Intramuros for breakfast with Ric, Mae, and G. He tries Filipino dishes for the first time and enjoys the local cuisine. He also has his first taste of Manila traffic, humorously noting, "You miss a turn and the travel time is increased to 30 minutes!" Sam is introduced to the Filipino fast-food icon—Jollibee—and becomes instantly hooked on Chickenjoy. The team rests to prepare for their night shift work hours.

Day 1 – Treasure Mountain & Mae’s Birthday
In celebration of Mae’s (CEO of Vonark Travel and Tours) birthday, the team heads out early to Treasure Mountain in Rizal. Although they miss the sea of clouds, they enjoy the arrow game and the spider web climb. For breakfast, they feast on tapsilog and sisig—Sam becomes an instant fan of sisig. The physical activities leave everyone exhausted but happy.

Day 2 – Check-In & Team Arrival
After checking out of their Airbnb, the team transitions to a hotel stay. As the rest of the VAs arrive one by one, camaraderie builds. They share a late billiards game before clocking in for their evening work shift.

Day 3 – Stormy Night at Spitz Bar
The team gathers at Spitz Bar in Makati. A heavy downpour and flash floods keep everyone inside longer than planned, giving more time to bond. The evening becomes a spontaneous adventure.

Day 4 – Buffets, Bowling & Beers
Lunch is spent at Dad’s in Megamall, followed by a mastermind session back at the hotel. They cap off the night with bowling and beers at Studio 300. Later, they continue the fun with a late-night beer run to Landers, where Sam exclaims, "this is the longest grocery time and line I ever experienced!" Drinks continue back at the hotel with more team bonding.

Day 5 – Screams & Send-Off
The team visits Nightmares Manila, a thrilling horror experience. They spend the evening resting in preparation for the next morning’s flight to Cebu.

Fun Fact:
From the first bite on Day 1, Sam couldn't stop ordering Jollibee Chickenjoy during work hours—and even shared the joy with the whole team.

Fill out the form to Request for a customized quotation.