If you’re wondering why Gustavo’s at a hotel instead of in bed watching anime, rewind to Part 1—it explains everything (sort of).
Training Day 2025 pressed on. The welcome ceremonies passed in a blur of applause and polite reverence. Jon, flying in from Australia, congratulated the Philippine branch for keeping the Asia-Pacific and North America portfolio in good order. Archie followed, accepting the praise on behalf of the branch. Each speech earned the respectful applause of the crowd.
Gustavo, however, had other priorities. He was knee-deep in an assortment of deluxe pastries rarely available to him.
Pastries Over Protocol
“Gustavo, come on…” Zoey whispered as she walked past, exasperated at his irreverence.
“Hey, just getting my hazard pay,” Gustavo quipped, a grin forming as he held up his croissant.
Zoey rolled her eyes, but with a faint smile. She had bigger things to worry about than Gustavo’s sugar intake.
 |
| At his company Training Day 2025 in a Manila hotel conference room, Gustavo’s pastry binge outranked every speech. |
Division Highlights and Hidden Risks
One by one, division heads took the stage, touting their department’s achievements. When Mark, the Head of Claims, stepped up, his words rang with pride.
“Employment flexibility is key to empowering our people!” he announced, drawing cheers for his initiative to cross-train staff in motor vehicle claims.
“Poor saps. Double the responsibilities, same pay,” Gustavo muttered to the amusement of his table.
But Ayan, his supervisor, leaned in.
“You know he almost did that to us again this year, right? He wanted us to train for broker policy motor claims too.”
The table froze. Jaws dropped, eyes wide. Only Gustavo looked unfazed, already halfway through a danish.
Ayan continued. “You guys don’t know—Gustavo’s been trained in Consumer Direct Motor Claims, Third Party Management, even Motor Claims Lodgement - Intermediaries. He’s memorized more Product Disclosure Statements than most people here. During the pandemic, that saved his job when demand for Motor Claims Officers dropped. It was during the Pandemic Lockout. Barely anybody got into accidents. Mark’s just trying to minimize the risk of losing you.”
“Spoken like a true company girl. Mark must really love you,” Gustavo teased, pastry crumbs on his lips.
Ayan shot back with a grin. “Not as much as you love me, right?”
Gustavo opened his mouth to respond, then stopped. He smiled, nodded, and quietly went back to his pastries. Moments later, he broke the silence with a laugh:
“It’s a good thing you’re hot.”
Their teammates burst out laughing, the years of camaraderie between the two shining through.
Team Competitions Begin
The program moved on to activities designed for team building. Team Ayan’s challenge was to pose as a family on vacation. While Ayan and the others struck lively poses, Gustavo sprawled out on the floor.
“What the hell are you supposed to be?!” Ayan yelled.
“I’m a fat starfish on the beach,” Gustavo replied proudly, grinning as the team doubled over in laughter.
Gratitude and Gaspar
The next challenge had employees share who they were most grateful for. Responses ranged from the insincerely strategic—“my supervisor, for their guidance”—to heartfelt nods to close colleagues.
Zoey turned to Gustavo. “How about you?”
“My undying devotion shall never be matched. My meaning and reason is only you! My body’s strength is owed to you… Gaspar!” he declared dramatically. “Thank you for being you and selling me home-cooked meals every day! Lawson be damned!”
The room erupted in laughter, his ode to Gaspar cutting through the formality of the moment.
Halfway Through Training Day 2025
As Archie returned to the stage, he asked, “How is everyone doing?”
The crowd erupted in cheers. Gustavo, meanwhile, responded with indifference, another croissant hanging from his mouth.
“I hope everyone is having a productive first half of Training Day 2025,” Archie continued. “We now take a break. Please follow your Engagement Team POCs to the all-you-can-eat buffet.”
Gustavo leapt from his chair, sending pastry crumbs flying.
“Let’s gooooo!” he roared, much to the amusement of Team Ayan, who brushed off the crumbs raining down on them.
And so, with pastries fueling his spirit, Gustavo prepared to face the buffet line.
Gustavo survived speeches, pastries, and starfish duty. But Training Day isn’t over yet… and neither is his sarcasm. See you in Part 3.
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