Before I go MIA in these next 2 days to celebrate Christmas with my family, let me share with you how our preparations for the Hive Christmas Party 2023 have unfolded so far.
Initially, I turned down the idea or didn't have high hopes to pursue this. After several talks with the other onboarders especially from @callmesmile, we made this idea a realization.
LOCATION
The first thing we thought about was the location - where would be the best possible place to hold our event? @callmesmile suggested that we find a place that we haven't been to yet. So I asked them to pitch in some names of resorts or venues however due to the business of the teachers with their school events and without enough suggestions, I went ahead and thoroughly researched our options. That's when I found Sacaan Tropical Breeze Resort.
I fell in love with the place because of this photo:
Good thing, they were very responsive to my inquiry on their social media page. They sent their proposed quotation about the venue and food and after seeing the affordable price, I just immediately went for them. It was a win for me.
REGISTRATION FEE
We already had set our minimum (Php500 or $9.09) and maximum (Php650 or $11.81) price point for the registration fee some time ago. We know that we want the fee to be as affordable as possible for all considering that each of us has other parties to attend to and so much expense during this holiday season. So as not to stack up expense after expense, I had set the deadline for the registration fee last November 30, 2023.
We were eyeing the exclusive use of their Rockview venue worth Php 10,000 ($181) which was already good for 30 people and their catering option of 300 pesos per person. So we had set our final registration fee to Php 650 just for the venue and catering itself.
NO. OF REGISTRANTS
To be honest, I only expected about 15-20 participants to join us. I was having doubts that we would be able to pull up the funds to rent the Rockview venue but @callmesmile assured me that if we lacked the funds we could just pitch in for the remaining amount.
However, who would have thought we would reach a staggering number of 27 Hivers, 6 Adult Guests, and 3 kids? A total of 36! Somehow the number gets bigger as the days pass even after I set the deadline. Good thing the resort was kind enough to adjust for us as I continuously didn't provide a fixed number of people who would avail the catering.
We have already settled our 50% downpayment for the venue and catering.
List of Attendees:
Sponsors:
We would like to extend our gratitude to the following people who can't join us but showered us with monetary blessings to support our event:
@amoreyl - Php 1000 or $18.18
@chillwithshanna - Php 1000 or $18.18
@hapyoung - Php 650 or $11.81
@cthings - Php 500 or $9.09
The funds we have collected will be used towards other necessary expenses for the event like sound system, tarpaulin, giveaways, and prizes. I and @ybanezkim26 are pitching in as well for the Hive Tote Bags and Hive Shirts.
OTHER PARTY DETAILS
EXCHANGING GIFTS
All Hivers attending were required to join in on the exchanging gifts. We had set the minimum amount to Php300 pesos and welcome those who are feeling more generous to give more. This won't be your usual exchanging gift program, we added some twists so it would be more fun!
SOUND SYSTEM
I had asked @intoy.bugoy to contact and secure an affordable sound system for us to use with the help of my younger sister's referral
HIVE TOTE BAGS GIVEAWAYS AND HIVE SHIRT PRIZES
Since we already have our go to print shop in the city, it was a simple errand to do. I know for sure they will be excited to win a Hive shirt.
DECORATIONS
I have volunteered to bring leftover balloons from past events I have organized and an electric pump. It was also a last-minute decision to use a tarpaulin as our backdrop. Good thing, that the print shop I go to also provided affordable pricing for it.
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
We have invited 2 people to take shots and videos for us so that we can focus on enjoying the event.
PROGRAM ROLES
I have delegated roles and tasks to our trusted onboarders and hivers. In the end, what makes the event a success are the people who will run these other important roles.
Organizer: @indayclara and @callmesmile
Emcee: @ciadanmea
Game Masters: @heyitsjian and @iamgagz09
Sound In-charge: @intoy.bugoy
Registration Team: @jobeliever and @missleray
Decoration Team: All OCD onboarders
We also have special and impromptu performances!
Before I forget, our Hive Christmas Party is set for 26th December 2023, 9 am onwards. Theme: Hawaiian
Anyway, I don't think I could add more to this but I do know that apart from me, most of us are feeling excited for this event to happen, for our bonds to get stronger, and for great memories to create and share.
Stay tuned for blogs and videos on how this event will unfold.
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