For its ninth Christmas party celebration, Strike Social broke away from Manila’s Christmas traffic rush to embrace the pristine beauty of Modala Beach Resort’s shore in Panglao, Bohol. Known as the home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills, one of the world’s wonders, Bohol offered a breathtaking backdrop for this milestone event. This Christmas party wasn’t just a celebration—it was a journey of immersion, connection, and reflection as the company looks ahead to its 10th anniversary next year.
As a company that thrived and adjusted well in a remote work setup, Strike Social understands the importance of fostering deeper bonds and creating opportunities for shared experiences. The event was more than a party; it was a chance for employees to explore the natural wonders of Bohol, embrace work-life balance, and engage in activities that reflected the company’s commitment to building strong working relationships in the workplace, sustainability, and community impact.
The three-day event symbolized what makes Strike Social stand out in the ad tech industry. The team’s blend of innovation, talented people, and the right balance of work and play all while setting the tone for a decade of success for the Strike Social Manila Operations team.
Team Collaborations Beyond the Screen, Building Relationships by Bohol Shore
This year’s company theme, Strike Social Amazing Journey, struck the perfect balance between celebration and collaboration. The weekend event celebrated the humble beginnings of the Makati-based team in 2015 while strengthening relationships through team bonding activities, games, and shared experiences.
This year’s Christmas party programs encouraged employees to connect beyond their Slack profile photos. Intentional groupings mixed teams and pods, allowing coworkers to bond with those they wouldn’t typically interact with.
These activities fostered a relaxed atmosphere, broke down silos, and reinforced collaboration.
Strike Social’s Bohol celebration also became an avenue for recently hired employees to experience Strike Social’s unique culture of family and inclusion. The celebration introduced them to a company rooted in connection and respect, whether through the camaraderie of team-building games or lively gatherings.
Adding to the warmth of the occasion, Strike Social’s leadership shared heartfelt reflections during the festivities. Eva Ocampo-Balbuena, VP of Client Services, looked back on the company’s remarkable journey:
“Nine years ago, our Manila team started with just six hires—three of whom are still with us: Franny, Ron, and Aileen. Today, we’ve grown to a team of over 100, gathered in this beautiful place. When we planned this celebration, we wanted it to reflect who we are. That’s why we chose Bohol—not just for its beauty but to support local communities by partnering with businesses here and showcasing the richness of Philippine tourism.”
Franchette Brucelas, Head of Operations, also expressed gratitude and excitement for the future, sharing: “Whether you’ve been with Strike Social from the very beginning or have recently joined our family, working alongside such talented and driven individuals has been an absolute honor. As we set our sights on 2025, next year marks an extraordinary milestone: the 10th anniversary of Strike Social’s Manila team! If you think 2024 was unforgettable, just wait—2025 will be even bigger.”
The heartfelt messages from top management highlighted the company’s dedication to its people and the vision for even greater milestones ahead.
Strike Social’s leadership engagement was a cornerstone of the celebration. Eva Ocampo-Balbuena, VP of Client Services; Ronald Paglinawan, Operations Director; Franchette Brucelas, Head of Operations; Barry Cupples, Executive Advisor; Bing Bu, Director of Technology; Pete Barrie, Global Sales President; and Pat McKenna, Co-Founder/CEO, fully immersed themselves in the festivities over all three days. From participating in team activities to sharing moments of singing and laughter, their presence fostered a sense of unity and mutual respect that reverberated with all employees.
Many team members, inspired by the event’s energy, chose to extend their time together with a countryside tour of Bohol. This adventure further solidified their bonds as they took photos of the Chocolate Hills and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch accompanied by local singing while floating on the Loboc River. The shared laughter and experiences throughout our 2024 holiday celebrations created all these new relationships and deeper connections.
The Strike Social Amazing Journey Christmas party showcased the company’s belief that strong teams are built not only during Google Meet sessions and Slack chats but also through meaningful moments that inspire trust and creativity.
Connecting with the Bohol’s Nature and Community
Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, Strike Social’s media experts had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Bohol. From the powdery shores of Modala Beach Resort in Doljo to the crystal-clear waters of Balicasag Island, the natural wonders of the Visayas region left a lasting impression on Strike Social’s Co-Founder / CEO and Owner, Pat McKenna.
Pat highlighted his underwater journey, stating, “It was definitely one of the most beautiful sea trenches I have ever seen.” The encounter with gentle giant sea turtles further deepened his appreciation for Bohol’s vibrant marine sanctuary.
Beyond the scenic tourist spots, Strike Social’s celebration stood out for its commitment to the local community. By working exclusively with Bohol-based suppliers—including event organizers, set designers, DJs, and photographers—the company ensured the event had a meaningful economic impact on the region during the holiday season.
Ron Paglinawan, Strike Social’s Operations Director, praised the unmatched patience and hospitality of the suppliers: “They went above and beyond—not just in their professionalism but in their willingness to join us in praying for great weather. Their positive energy was key to the success of our event.”
On top of everything, the exceptional hospitality of Modala Beach Resort amplified the Strike team’s Central Visayas experience. From Vice President for Operations Rommel T. Gonzales, J.D., CHA, to Catherine R. Bacarro, Sales Manager; Regie Donata, F&B Manager; and the accommodating front desk members Walter, Enzo, and Pam, their dedication to service made the Strike team’s stay in Modala truly memorable.
Rommel T. Gonzales, J.D., CHA, Vice President for Operations at Modala Beach Resort, shared his insights during the event, “Expanding Modala Beach Resort to new heights isn’t just about growing our business—it’s about creating lasting relationships with our guests. We believe retaining loyal customers through exceptional service and memorable experiences is more manageable and impactful than constantly finding new ones.”
Gonzales’ philosophy resonates deeply with Strike Social’s approach to building meaningful connections with clients. The shared commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence created a meaningful connection between Modala Beach Resort and Strike Social, further enriching the team’s experience and emphasizing the importance of deeply rooted values in producing long-term success.
Beyond the luxurious walls of Modala Beach Resort, Strike Social experienced the genuine hospitality that defines Bohol, because this region isn’t just about stunning landscapes —it thrives in its people. Just as Strike Social is home to globally competitive talent, Bohol is rich with creative minds and warm personalities. Chester Impang and his team of Boholano artists brought their creativity and expertise to the event, with Deo Guden adding exceptional design details and Star Bustrillos pouring her heart into every beat she played.
Through this combination of nature exploration, meaningful connection, and supporting local talents, Strike Social’s Amazing Journey Christmas Party created a lasting impact—not just on its employees but also on the local Doljo community.
Strike Social Manila Poised for A Milestone by 2025
The Bohol Christmas celebration was a transformative experience for Strike Social, strengthening relationships and setting the stage for a successful 2025.
Reflecting on its first nine years, the company recognizes the importance of fostering team connections, maintaining work-life balance, and supporting the communities and organizations it engages with.
Strike Social Manila’s journey through its first nine years has been extraordinary, and the 10th year promises to be a milestone filled with innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Inspired by the success of the Bohol celebration, the company is already planning more immersive and sustainability-focused initiatives that will create lasting value for employees, business organizations, and local communities.
As Strike Social looks toward its next chapter, the vision is clear: celebrating achievements while continuing to pave the way for a brighter future in paid social and digital advertising technologies.
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