Day 1 – The Adventure Begins

Arrival: The MAD Roll Call

The day started under the velvet Cebu night sky when Jenna and Grace touched down at 2 AM, their excitement buzzing louder than the airport lights.

First selfie? Sent. The WhatsApp group was officially awake!

Minutes later, Amar swooped in like a seasoned traveler, and suddenly, the trio was complete—cue another photo, this time with sleepy smiles and luggage in tow.

But with check-in hours away, what’s a team to do? They booked a cozy airport hotel for a quick recharge, dreaming of beaches and laughter to come.

By midday, Emman joined the fun, and the group headed to Opon Republik in Mactan Town Center for a hearty meal. Four plates, one table, and yes—another photo for the chat!

Then came CJ and Suzie, fresh from Cebu Port, following the breadcrumb trail of lunch updates straight to Lapu-Lapu City. The group chat exploded with yet another picture—six MAD souls now united!

Before heading to our Airbnb, we made a pit stop at Bo’s Coffee, because caffeine is the fuel of champions. Two Grab cars later, we rolled up to our home for the week.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, Karla and Sara arrived. The group chat caption said it all: “Now there are 8!”

Our Bali-Inspired Airbnb Home

Welcome to EB Chateau, our Cebu sanctuary—a Bali-inspired two-story dream nestled in Brooksfield Subdivision. Imagine whitewashed walls kissed by sunlight, natural stone accents whispering tropical elegance, and lush greenery framing every corner like nature’s artwork.

This Airbnb was destined to be our playground of indulgence in the next six days!

With a private pool shimmering under the Cebu sun, an outdoor lounge and bar perfect for late-night laughs, a bathtub under the stars (yes, outdoor!), a garden so lush it felt like stepping into a postcard, plus unlimited karaoke and Netflix—this haven is our MAD home where we shared so many memories, laughter, and maybe a few off-key karaoke notes.

Grocery Run: The Essentials + The Extras

Once bags were unpacked and rooms claimed, the “Grocery Avengers” (Amar, Karla, Jenna, Sara, CJ, and Suzie) set off for Gaisano Mall.

The mission? Stock up on the basics—toiletries, towels, slippers, a variety of snacks, and breakfast staples like eggs and canned goods.

But let’s be real: the real MVPs were the two boxes of beer. Because nothing says “team bonding” like clinking bottles under Cebu skies.

Jollibee + Karaoke

Dinner was a Filipino classic—Jollibee via GrabFood. While waiting for the feast, we cracked open beers and unleashed our inner rockstars with some karaoke songs.

Chickenjoy reigned supreme, but Sara stole the spotlight when she tried Palabok for the first time and declared it love at first bite!

Between bites and belting out tunes, we swapped travel stories, reminisced about past meetups, and toasted to Suzie’s 2nd work anniversary at MAD Wealth. Cheers to milestones and memories that taste like crispy chicken and sound like laughter!

Arrival of Merch

Here’s the big reveal!

We stayed up late for one reason: merch delivery! This year’s goodies came from MaidenKai Printing Services & Trading, a Cebu-based business owned by Suzie’s college friend. Talk about serendipity!

The verdict? Absolute perfection—quality that screamed precision and style!

This year’s lineup was bigger, bolder, and oh-so-MAD:

• T-shirts
• Jackets
• Polo shirts
• Hats
• Mouse pads
• Umbrellas

All splashed in our signature doodle design—playful, bold, and unapologetically MAD in black, yellow, and white. Each piece echoed our four core values: human heart, good change, daringly bold, and passionate play.

And here’s the heartwarming twist: we also ordered 60 drawstring bags for kids in our upcoming impact project visit. (Stay tuned—the next sections will reveal the beautiful purpose behind these bags!)

Day 2 – Surprises, Sports & Swiftie Moves

Morning Walk + Breakfast

There’s something magical about Cebu mornings—the air is crisp, the sky blushes with the first hint of sunrise, and the streets hum with life as the city awakens. Amar, Emman, and Jenna were up before the sun, sneakers laced, ready for a stroll that was equal parts cardio and comedy.

As they wandered through the streets, laughter bounced off in the neighbourhood houses, and stories flowed like morning breeze. By the time they returned, they had a pocketful of inside jokes and a playlist of giggles to fuel the day.

Back at the Airbnb, Emman claimed the kitchen like a culinary champ. Soon, the aroma of steaming rice, sizzling eggs, and buwad (dried fish) filled the air. It’s a delicious breakfast that tasted like home.

Coffee cups clinked as conversations bloomed. We weren’t just colleagues anymore; we were friends rediscovering each other beyond Microsoft Teams screens.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the house, Karla and Suzie were plotting like secret agents. While the rest of us laughed over breakfast, Suzie was on stealth calls booking vans and resorts. In less than an hour, the surprise was locked and loaded.

The Big 10

Now, we were finally complete!

Around noon, the last two puzzle pieces clicked into place—sisters Justine and Johanna arrived! The welcome was loud, warm, and full of hugs. Cue the ultimate roll call and group photo: 10 MAD souls in one frame, ready to dive into the next adventure!

Then Karla dropped the first bombshell: “Pack your bags—we’re heading to Plantation Bay!” Cheers erupted, excitement soared, and in a flash, two Grab cars were summoned like magic.

The Sun, Sports & A Big Announcement

By 1 PM, we rolled into Plantation Bay, greeted by turquoise waters and palm trees swaying like they were in on the secret. We grabbed the resort’s Day Trip Adventure Package—bonus points for the free lunch!

A golf cart whisked us to Kilimanjaro Kafé, where the second surprise was served before the appetizers:

“We’re officially B Corp Certified!”

The MAD crew erupted with hearts full and spirits soaring! This was the announcement we had all been waiting for—a milestone that made every effort worthwhile. What an incredible way to kick off the meetup!

Lunch was a feast: crisp salads, savory pork, and desserts that tasted like happiness. Once plates were cleared, it was game time.

Sports Mode: ON!

At Savannah Park, Emman, CJ, Sara, and Johanna battled it out in pickleball while Amar and Jenna went head-to-head in badminton. Johanna and Sara switched courts, Karla and Grace jumped into pickleball, and Justine and Suzie became the ultimate cheer squad.

Next up: water sports! Kayaks glided across the extensive, man-made saltwater lagoon, and paddleboards sliced through the calm waters. Karla, Amar, Sara, Jenna, Emman, and even Justine (fighting off a cold like a warrior) joined the fun.

By 5:30 PM, the sun dipped low, signaling the end of our day trip. We packed up, changed, and headed back to our Airbnb—tired but glowing with joy.

A MAD Feast

Back home, curiosity buzzed: “What’s for dinner?” Karla grinned—the next surprise was ready.

Tonight was no ordinary meal. We had pre-booked a lechon belly feast from Belly & Bites, and it came with four glorious trays:

• Golden, crispy calamares
• Juicy fried chicken
• Spicy, creamy Bicol Express
• Colorful Chopsuey

The lechon disappeared first (naturally), and the Bicol Express had everyone reaching for seconds. It wasn’t a formal dinner—it was cozy, casual, and overflowing with laughter. Beer bottles clinked as we replayed the day’s adventures in animated detail.

Then Jenna, our resident Swiftie, struck: “Let’s do a TikTok dance to Taylor Swift’s new song ‘Fate of Ophelia’!”

Resistance was futile. Soon, the living room turned into a dance floor. Moves were learned, laughter echoed, and yes—everything was recorded. But the videos? Safely locked in our SharePoint vault. Some secrets are too fun to share!

Planning for Impact Visit

After the feast, Karla gathered us in the living room for the next big thing—planning our impact project visit. She divided us into three groups, assigning roles and responsibilities for the kids’ activities.

Side note: While Karla was in full “mission mode,” Jenna was sprawled on the couch like a starfish, completely drained from the day’s sports marathon.

Day 3 – On The Land, The Sea & The Sky

*Cue again Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” as we get ready for Day 3.

Silog & Sunshine

Alarms went off! Breakfast time!

The third day was destined to be epic, so we fueled up like champions. Weeks before the meetup, we planned this breakfast to perfection. We had Silog meals delivered by Belly & Bites.

For the uninitiated, Silog is the ultimate Filipino breakfast combo: sinangag (garlic fried rice) + itlog (egg) + your choice of protein. Our table was a feast of flavourful crispy Chicken Silog, savory Pork Silog, and Hungarian Silog for the spice adventurers. And because CJ and Amar are all about powering up, they went for extra eggs and double protein to kick-start the day.

The aroma of garlic rice mingled with laughter as we dug in, coffee cups steaming while others sipped sweet juices. Conversations flowed like syrup—funny stories, random jokes, and a shared excitement for the day ahead.

By the last bite, we were ready to roll. A white van from Allstar Van Rentals and Tours Cebu waited outside, engines humming like the start of a grand adventure.

Maleta Library Project

The highlight of the day is about stories, creativity and good change!

Every year, the MAD Meetup gives us a chance to see, feel, and contribute to an impact project that reflects who we are—a business built to make a difference.

This year, our hearts led us to GK Eversley in Brgy. Jagobiao, Mandaue City, home to the inspiring Maleta Library Project—a community initiative that empowers children through access to books, learning, and imagination.

As part of our commitment to Making a Difference, MAD Wealth donated a curated selection of sustainability-themed books designed to spark curiosity and care for the planet. Titles like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Can We Cool Down the Earth?, Can We Live Without Trees?, Can We Drink the Ocean?, and beloved Filipino stories such as Nang Magkakulay ang Nayon, Ang Mabait na Kalabaw, and Si Lola Apura at si Lolo Un Momento now grace the shelves of the Maleta Library, ready to inspire young minds to dream big.

We were expecting 50+ little bundles of energy, and they were ready!

The day began with a prayer, voices rising in harmony as the kids sang with pure joy in high notes, giggles, and claps, echoing through the classroom. Karla stepped forward for a short speech, introducing MAD Wealth and our mission. When she shouted “Go MAD!”, the kids roared back with infectious enthusiasm!

The activities unfolded in three creative waves:

1) Canvas Reading Bags – “My Books, My Future”

To carry and protect their library treasures, each child received a sturdy canvas drawstring bag from MaidenKai Printing Services & Trading. Armed with colorful pens, they personalised their bags with names, doodles, and vibrant designs—each one becoming a reflection of their personality and pride.

2) Reading Connection – “Stories That Grow”

We gathered in a cosy story circle, reading aloud from the donated books and sparking conversations about sustainability, kindness, and imagination. The children shared their favourite stories and dreams for what they’d love to learn next. It was a beautiful exchange that reminded us how stories can plant seeds of hope.

3) Collaborative Mural – “The Tree of Good Change”

On a large canvas, we painted a tree whose leaves were made of tiny handprints—each one representing growth, unity, and impact.

With every splash of eco-friendly paint, the mural became a living testament to what happens when communities and businesses join hands for good.

The groups rotated, laughter bouncing from room to room. Even the rain outside couldn’t dampen the energy. Paint-streaked hands waved proudly, and their joy was contagious. Before leaving, we played games, gave out prizes, and captured smiles in photos that will forever remind us why we do this—not for recognition, but for the ripple of hope and happiness we help create.

From Giving Back to Going Wild

Back in the van, we thought the day’s surprises were over. Wrong! Karla had another ace up her sleeve.

As we cruised through Cebu’s streets, she dropped a link in WhatsApp—a buzzer app for a MAD Wealth trivia quiz. The van turned into a game show on wheels! Questions flew, laughter erupted, and bragging rights were on the line.

What was the highlight? The question about our exact B Corp score. Sara answered confidently… and missed. But CJ nailed it. Cue victory smile!

Then came the cryptic clue: “We’re going fishing.”

Speculations ran wild—until a massive sign revealed the truth: Ocean Park!

Excitement spiked as we stepped inside. Through winding pathways, shimmering tanks, and creatures from every corner of the wild, we encountered fishes, birds, snakes, and even a colossal crocodile lounging like royalty.

Lunch was pure magic. Our reserved table at The Luncheonette sat right in front of a giant aquarium teeming with groupers, manta rays, and baby sharks. Between bites of delicious dishes, we marveled at the underwater ballet unfolding before our eyes.

Post-lunch adventures included penguin encounters, a quirky fish foot spa (Justine, Jenna, Johanna, and Amar couldn’t resist), and a lively bird show at 3:45 PM. By the time we piled back into the van, our cameras were bursting with snapshots of wonder.

A Quick Stop at Cebu’s Majestic Temple

Next up: Temple of Leah!

It’s a monument of love and grandeur perched on Cebu’s hills. As dusk settled, golden lights bathed the temple in a romantic glow. Marble columns soared, statues stood proud, and the view stretched endlessly—a breathtaking blend of family history and horizon.

We wandered through archways, posed for photos, and soaked in the opulence before heading to our dinner destination.

Dining Above the Clouds

Dinner awaited at Top of Cebu Restaurant, nestled in the famous Tops Cebu viewpoint. The place buzzed with energy as an art festival added colour and creativity to the night.

Upon arrival, Karla and Jenna sparked a playful challenge: stairs vs. elevator.

They sprinted up while the rest cruised in comfort. The result? A tie—but with two breathless contenders!

We ordered a feast: sisig, bulalo, and… well, hunger erased our memory of the rest. The kind of meal that leaves you happily speechless.

Mid-meal, birthday vibes filled the air as waiters sang their signature tune for other guests. We joined the fun for Jenna’s early birthday celebration—singing loud and proud!

After dinner, we climbed to the very top.

The night air was crisp, and the view was jaw-dropping. City lights twinkled like stars, and the CCLEX bridge shimmered in violet hues. We snapped photos, browsed art stalls, and grabbed souvenirs before heading home.

The van ride back was a full-blown karaoke showdown. Every team member picked a song, turning the road trip into a rolling concert.

Party, Gifts & Heartfelt Words

Back at EB Chateau, we bid farewell to Chris, our rockstar driver from Allstar Van Rentals and Tours Cebu.

Then Amar declared, “Let’s get the party started!”

Beers flowed, karaoke roared, and laughter filled every corner. Midway through, Erika from MaidenKai arrived with the last batch of merch—hats!

Then came gift time. Karla handed out sleek wooden phone stands engraved with the MAD Wealth logo—a thoughtful surprise from an anonymous team member who preferred to keep their name a secret.

But the team had a surprise too—custom clutch bags from Tubigon Raffia Gallery, hand-painted with initials. Karla’s was sunny yellow with a bold “K,” Amar’s a cool blue-green with an “A.”

The night ended on a heartfelt note. Speeches poured out—gratitude, memories, and love for the leaders who made MAD Wealth feel like family. As Johanna beautifully said:

“Many say you can’t make work feel like home. But here, it always does.”

Day 4 – MAD Hearts & Wild Encounters

Cebu Safari

Despite last night’s karaoke marathon and endless laughter, the team woke up buzzing with anticipation. Karla, our master of surprises, dropped another cryptic hint: “Today’s adventure will be wild.” And she wasn’t kidding.

By 8:30 AM, we piled into the van, coffee in hand, playlists ready, and headed north to Carmen, Cebu. Two hours of scenic roads later, we arrived at the sprawling Cebu Safari and Adventure Park.

First stop? ATV Ride.

But before the thrill, we climbed aboard a massive safari truck that rumbled through lush hills and winding trails. The ride felt like a mini expedition—giraffes stretched their necks to nibble on leaves, zebras trotted with effortless grace, capybaras lounged like royalty, and flamingos struck poses as if auditioning for a fashion show. Tigers—both fiery orange and majestic white—peeked from their enclosures, a silent reminder of who truly rules the wild.

At the ATV zone, helmets on, engines revving, and hearts pounding. We were ready! The guide gave us a quick safety rundown, and then it was go-time.

Mud splashed, wheels spun, and laughter echoed through the forest as we zigzagged along rugged trails. It was pure, unfiltered fun, like racing through nature’s playground with adrenaline riding shotgun.

But the adventure didn’t stop there.

Next up was our White Lion encounter. This time, we were the ones in the cage—inside a secure truck—while three magnificent male lions lounged under the shade of tall trees, just a few meters from our truck. They looked calm, regal, and completely unfazed by our presence—until Justine broke the silence with a cheeky “Bonjour!” (because, as the guide revealed, these kings hailed from France).

From roars to chirps, we headed to the Bird Show, arriving just as the spectacle began. Colourful parrots swooped, cockatoos strutted, and Amar stole the spotlight when he volunteered to join the act, earning cheers and a few feathers for his bravery.

Lunch was a welcome pause at the park’s Italian restaurant. While waiting for pasta and pizza, some of us wandered off to greet nearby animals—because why not?

The afternoon was a blur of wonder: strolling past exotic species, snapping photos of camels and monkeys, and marveling at the sheer scale of the park.

By 5 PM, with hearts full and cameras overflowing, we headed back to our Airbnb—muddy, tired, but grinning like kids after the best field trip ever.

Day 5 – Reflections & Rhinestones

Workshop: Lessons, Goals & A Vision for Tomorrow

Day 5 began with a rare luxury—no alarms, no rush, no surprises.

The morning was ours to savour. Some lounged in cosy corners, others sipped coffee slowly, letting the quiet hum of the Airbnb wrap around them like a warm blanket.

By mid-morning, the team gathered in the living room for something deeper—a workshop that would shape our next chapter. Amar opened his laptop, and the room shifted from casual chatter to thoughtful silence.

The questions were simple yet profound:

• What lessons did you learn in 2025?
• What goals will you chase in 2026 as part of MAD Wealth?

One by one, voices filled the space—honest, raw, and inspiring. Stories of growth, challenges conquered, and dreams waiting on the horizon. It wasn’t just a workshop; it was a mirror reflecting who we’ve become and a compass pointing to where we’re headed.

By the end, a new theme for 2026 emerged—not from a single mind, but from the collective heartbeat of the team.

It was powerful. It was ours.

Lunch was a seafood feast delivered via Grab—plates brimming with ocean flavors, shells cracking, laughter spilling like waves. Imagine buttery prawns melting on your tongue while jokes fly across the table—that’s how good it was!

Then, the mood shifted again. Glitter bags zipped, pink outfits laid out. It was time for the grand finale.

Pink Wrap-Up Party

The grand finale was Karla’s best-kept secret—the venue of the party. For days, we speculated, guessed, and even tried bribing for clues, but Karla, CJ and Suzie held firm. So when our transpo rolled up to Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, jaws dropped and excitement erupted.

The beach stretched before us like a sunset-tinted dream, and a long white table awaited under the fading glow of sunset—exclusive, elegant, and shimmering with promise. Huge kudos to Mr. Ralph Alcaraz, the resort’s Banquet Sales Coordinator, for crafting this intimate seaside venue just for us.

Before dinner, we kicked off Happy Hour at Azure Bar, sipping cocktails as the sky melted into shades of rose and gold. Waves whispered against the shore, laughter mingled with clinking glasses, and the vibe was pure magic.

By 6 PM, we gathered at the banquet table for a feast that felt like poetry on a plate. We started with crisp Vietnamese prawn spring rolls and delicate maki rolls dipped in tangy Japanese sauces, followed by a refreshing kimchi-stuffed cucumber salad that danced on the palate. The soup—a rich, hearty pochero—warmed us from the inside out. Then came the stars of the show: smoky Galbi BBQ beef short ribs, tender adobong pusit braised in soy and vinegar, and sweet-and-sour pork paired with charred pineapple for that perfect tropical twist. Java rice and wok-tossed vegetables kissed with ginger and soy completed the symphony, and for dessert, we indulged in apple and banana tempura drizzled with velvety butterscotch sauce.

Every bite was a celebration. (We know you’re hungry just by reading this.)

And speaking of celebrations—this night was extra special for Jenna. It was her first birthday away from home, and we made sure it was unforgettable. Jenna lit up with joy, knowing this team had turned her idea—a pink-themed party—into a reality beyond her wildest dreams.

Finally, one of the biggest celebrations we had—aside from earning our B Corp Certification—was marking the 5th anniversary of MAD Wealth!

Wohoo! 🥳

Five fabulous years deserve nothing less than sparkle! This milestone was worth every bit of glam. It was proof that purpose and style can shine together. Here’s to keeping the glow alive as we step into the next chapter—because making a difference looks good in glitter! ✨

Then came the tradition everyone waited for: our MAD Fashion Show (Beach Edition). Imagine a runway of soft sand, waves crashing in rhythm, and our team strutting like glitter-clad superstars. Emman went rocking a pink stuffed-toy hat with hidden magic. As he strutted, he cheekily pressed buttons on the hat, making lights flicker and ears wiggle. Justine, the ever-fashionista, stunned us in her high-slit pink gown paired with bold pink hair.

The WhatsApp poll crowned Justine the reigning queen as the Best Dressed.

Next up: Gift Exchange—MAD Style.

Forget boring name draws; this was a game of strategy and suspense. Gifts lined up like mysterious treasures, each wrapped to impress. The rule? Pick what catches your eye—but beware, because if someone likes your loot, they can steal it. The team buzzed with playful rivalry—gasps, cheers, and dramatic “Nooo!” moments as gifts changed hands like prized trophies. It was chaos, it was hilarious, and it was pure fun until every present found its forever home.

And because no MAD party ends without a game, we revived our classic Pinoy Henyo—with a twist. No forehead cards this time. Instead, we improvised: the word flashed on a phone screen for everyone to see except the guesser, who closed their eyes and relied on frantic clues from their teammate. The result? Wild gestures, cryptic hints, and uncontrollable laughter echoing across the beach.

Finally, we gathered for photos—cold winds and the sound of waves behind us, glitter sparkling on our outfits, and smiles brighter than the stars. Before 11 PM, we headed back to EB Chateau for an after-party of beers, karaoke, and one last round of memories to seal the most epic meetup yet.

Day 6 – Farewells & Final Moments

The sixth day arrived with a bittersweet hush. The Airbnb, once alive with laughter and karaoke, now felt quieter.

While most of the team still dreamed under cosy blankets, two early birds—Justine and Hanna—slipped out silently to catch their flights. Their goodbyes were whispered in the dark, leaving behind a little pang of “wish we had one more hug.”

As the sun climbed higher, the rest of us stirred to life. Breakfast was simple but comforting—a last shared meal before the inevitable packing frenzy. Suitcases rolled, zippers zipped, and the clock ticked toward the 11 AM checkout.

One by one, the goodbyes began. Karla, Jenna, and Sara headed off first, their Grab whisking them toward the airport. Suzie and CJ followed soon after, bound for the next ferry.

Then the house became empty. Emman and Grace lingered since they had evening flights, while Amar, decided to extend his stay. The trio set off to roam Cebu, squeezing every last drop of joy from the city before parting ways.

And just like that, our Cebu chapter closed—not with a grand finale, but with quiet gratitude and hearts full of memories.

Go MAD!

Six days in Cebu brought joy, adventure, and impact to life.

Every moment reflected what makes MAD Wealth unique—Human Heart in every connection, Good Change in every action, Passionate Play in every laugh, and Daringly Bold in every idea we embraced.

We celebrated milestones like becoming B Corp Certified, proving that business can drive positive change. We strengthened bonds through shared experiences—from painting murals with kids at GK Eversley to experiencing wild adventures. We dreamed big during our workshop, setting goals that will shape 2026 with courage and creativity.

This meetup was a reminder that numbers tell stories, but people create impact. At MAD Wealth, we lead with purpose, act with heart, and build a future where every decision matters.

Here’s to more adventures, more bold moves, and more ways to #MakingaDifference.

Until the next chapter—Go MAD!