Two different First Balfour employee resource groups, also known as BFF (Buhay First Balfour Forever) Clubs, recently took part in two major sports events completed in July. First Balfour FC, the company’s very own football club first formed in 2022, joined the Corporate Football League in Pasig City while members of the newly-established First Balfour Marathon Club travelled to the north to join the Rice Terraces Marathon in Ifugao—marking the company’s first-ever participation in these events and making the experience all the more memorable.
First Balfour FC rising in the PH football scene
The Corporate Football League (CFL) is one of the longest running football events in the metro. It brings together teams from various companies to compete in a series of football matches, fostering not just competition but also networking and team-building opportunities.
This year’s league kicked off on June 15 and spanned five weeks. First Balfour FC faced formidable opponents in the Corporate Category including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Citibank, Globe Telecom, ING, Mama Sita, Shopee, and GCash. Demonstrating their skill and determination, the team secured third place in Division 3 Plate during the finals last July 14. Associate Legal Counsel Atty. Aleezah Regado stood out with an impressive performance, earning the title of Best Goalkeeper (GK).
Seated, L-R: Justin Guinto (SID), Ana Ordiales (HR), Nikki Roque (NSCR), Aleezah Regado (LCG), Kyra Dimaandal (Corp Comm); Standing, L-R: Xy Hernandez (TSD), Kristoff Flores (BDG), Mike Ayen (PPID), Lucas Blanco (NSCR), Cesco Angga (Corp Comm), Hana Acobo (HR), Einstein Chiu (C&A), Bea Quidilig (HR), Vince Gojo (BDG), and Joan Dayto (Procurement)
Sharing his perspective on the company’s first CFL exposure, team captain Justin Guinto (in photo below) shares, “First Balfour was the only construction company who participated in the event and this gave us visibility to other companies participating. I recall a player from an opposing team asking who and what kind of company First Balfour was and I was more than happy to give a brief introduction.”
HR Specialist Hana Acobo, who previously had experience in playing indoor football, added, “I was thrilled about First Balfour’s participation. It shows the company’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among employees. It’s a great step towards building a more engaged and supportive community within the company.”
CFL also empowers women by awarding them two points per goal and having two females in the field at all times. Best GK Atty. Aleezah (rightmost in photo below) shares the importance of diving into experiences, “For me, First Balfour became a platform to face my fears and prove my own doubts wrong. It was a fulfilling experience and I hope more women can feel the same way in supportive environments that encourage personal growth and recognize untapped potential.”
First Balfour Marathon Club: Running through nature
Meanwhile, the First Balfour Marathon Club participated in the 10th Rice Terraces Marathon (RTM) last July 21 at Hungduan, Ifugao, a unique race that takes runners through the Unesco World Heritage Hapao Rice Terraces. Given the nature of the trail, the event not only tested endurance but also allowed participants to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of the region.
The scenic Hapao Rice Terraces, cold springs, and rice fields awaited runners as they traversed the trail.
In its first participation, club members managed to finish in three distances: 15KM, 21KM, and 42KM. NSCR Commercial Manager Lucas Blanco shared how First Balfour’s previous activities influenced his participation in the RTM, “This year, I joined the First Balfour Barkada Trail Run in celebration of our company’s 55th year anniversary. It really started there after talking with Macky that I decided to set myself the challenge of training to compete in more events.” Lucas joined in a number of races in preparation for the RTM. From there, his passion for running grew while exploring ways to destress, “I found overall running helps me to manage other pressures from work and family in that I can clear my head and be more present for those that matter in my life.” He is also set to join The Bull Runner Dream marathon next year, First Balfour Running Club’s membership pass.
Second from left: Macky de Lima (SBP), Malcolm Lorimer (Commercial Operations), Leonard Buela (Finance), Lucas Blanco (NSCR), Emz Quiniones (Procurement), Nikki Roque (NSCR) and partner Kent Gable (leftmost in photo), and Apple Curimatmat (Procurement)
For Finance Group’s Leonard Buela, the marathon was more than just a race. “I have always been a health and wellness advocate after overcoming various family health crises through the years. I am also a nature lover and a regular runner, so this was a great opportunity for me.” He further adds, “It is also a stress reliever and a great way to connect with a larger community of advocates outside the confines of our place of work.”
Formed in 2023, First Balfour ERGs, recently rebranded as BFF Clubs, are employee-led, self-organizing groups dedicated to various hobbies and other activities that promote well-being. These clubs empower employees and foster a culture of collaboration, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share common interests and expand their network. Currently, the company hosts five BFF Clubs namely Athleisure Club, Green Thumb Garden, Book Club, Wonder WoMoms, and Marathon Club. Our very own basketball team is also competing in the SVTI Basketball Tournament Season 4 whose games are scheduled until December 2024.
