In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, where lines of code and debugging sessions frequently steal the spotlight, there’s a crucial element that must never fade into the background: the unwavering dedication of the brilliant minds who bring digital dreams to life!
At StarTechUP, we know that our amazing team members are real innovators. To show our gratitude for their unwavering dedication, we give Appreciation Leaves to those who have been with us for 5 years (and more). This time, our team got to jet off to Taiwan to celebrate their hard work and loyalty!
Join us as the team share the highlights of their journey in Taiwan. From soaking up the culture to savoring new flavors, we made sure they got the full Taiwanese experience!
Meet the dedicated team members
Allow us to give a spotlight to the amazing team members who were celebrated on this journey of appreciation. They are the backbone of StarTechUP and have been with us for 5 years (and more), demonstrating their commitment to excellence every step of the way.
Meet Maria Theresa “Madz” Madrid, our seasoned web developer with a remarkable 10-year journey of excellence. She has stuck with us during her internship days and has been a key contributor to our success.
Next up, we have Vere Diongzon, one of our web developers who has been crafting digital wonders for us for an impressive 7 years. He always brightens up the office with his positive attitude and infectious energy.
And let’s not forget about Blesselle Alemaña, our talented web developer who has been with us for 5 years. With her keen eye for design and strong coding skills, she continuously impresses our clients and elevates their digital presence.
Last but not least, we have Marichu “Chu” Colon, our web developer with an eye for innovation, who has been contributing her skills to our team for 5 years. She never fails to amaze us with her creative problem-solving and dedication to delivering quality work.
Together, they are a true dream team, and we are so grateful for their hard work and dedication to StarTechUP.
Initial reactions
The moment StarTechUP’s spirited Operations Manager, Ryan Wabe, announced their plan to revive the once-halted tradition of rewarding long-serving staff with an out-of-country trip, the team members felt nothing but gratitude and excitement.
Chu said she felt “[…] lucky that just in time, at my 5th year in service, the company will continue its giving of leave incentives and sponsor some expenses in the out-of-the-country trip.”
With Blesselle, she saw the opportunity to travel as not just a thrilling idea but also felt like a heartfelt recognition of her hard work and loyalty.
For Madz, the news was a stunning surprise. Initially, she thought it was just a casual suggestion from Ryan, but as the reality of the booked plane tickets and scheduled trip sunk in, she found herself on an impromptu shopping spree, eager to prepare for the journey ahead.
Vere, on the other hand, was filled with relief and elation. This trip was not just a reward but also a much-needed escape from the monotonous routine set by the pandemic years. The thought of finally setting foot in a new country brought him immense joy, and he eagerly looked forward to the trip.
Exploring Taiwan in Autumn
From bustling cities to tranquil landscapes, Taiwan offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. And so, the StarTechUP team made the most out of their 10-day trip by exploring as much as they could.
Of course, each team member has favorite moments that stood out and made their Taiwan journey even more memorable.
With Chu, the highlight of the trip goes to three iconic sites and activities: the Yehliu Geopark, the Maokong Gondola cabin ride, and the Taipei Zoo. However, more than the scenic beauty, what truly captivated Chu was Taiwan’s people-centric approach, evident in every aspect of its infrastructure and cultural preservation.
Vere shares the same sentiment as he states that he found “a new perspective of culture[s] where everyone highly respects everyone, the environment, and food.” He appreciated the efficient transportation system and the convenience of payment methods like the Easycard, which added to the seamless experience of traversing the city.
Meanwhile, Blesselle found her joy in the bustling night markets, a culinary paradise teeming with an array of delectable local food. These nocturnal adventures after a day of work not only satiated their appetites but also offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals.
For Madz, the quaint Jiufen Old Street was the highlight of the trip. Perched amidst the mountains, the locale offered an opportunity to sip Taiwan’s finest milk tea while soaking in the panoramic mountain views.
Growing a healthy work-life balance together
At StarTechUP, we value the personal and professional growth of our team members, and we understand that a healthy work-life balance is essential to achieve this. And that was how the Taiwan team felt throughout their journey of appreciation.
As Blesselle summarized the trip as “[…] a valuable perspective on the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and effectively managing stress.” She added that she found a renewed sense of motivation and commitment to her work, knowing that a company cares as much about her well-being and happiness as it does about her performance.
Madz agrees with Blesselle as she felt appreciated for her work and was rewarded for it. She is now inspired to continue to do her work efficiently to satisfy our clients and leave a great impression on the company.
In a place where hard work is not only recognized but rewarded in memorable ways, Chu and Vere are both left motivated to grow in the company. They believe that as StarTechUP expands, so too will opportunities for him and his colleagues to learn, contribute, and achieve their goals.
And as Vere puts it, we’re all growing together.
More than just a trip
Our dedicated members definitely had a trip to remember with an abundance of laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. Chu, our bold adventurer, thanks StarTechUP and the team for a wonderful first out-of-country adventure. Also, she cheekily suggested that an additional leave credit be awarded for every year after the fifth—definitely a proposal worth considering!
Both Madz and Vere express a big ‘Thank You’ and a toast to our CEO Baptiste, and Operations Manager Ryan for their remarkable support and companionship during the expedition.
Blesselle radiates gratitude. The trip has been a treasure trove of experiences, creating cherished memories she wouldn’t trade for anything. She sends a heartfelt shoutout to her StarTechUP family, thanking them for the unforgettable journey.
The StarTechUp team’s journey to Taiwan was more than just a trip. It was an immersive experience that exposed them to a diverse culture, highlighted the unique aspects of Taiwanese society, and fostered a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude towards the people who make the company.
What comes next?
Undeniably, the team returned with a renewed sense of motivation and a deeper understanding of the importance of work-life balance.
As we continue to grow and expand, we will strive to create more opportunities for our team members to experience new cultures, bond with their colleagues, and take a well-deserved break from work.
Suffice it to say that at StarTechUP, we value our team members and believe that every hardworking individual deserves to be appreciated and rewarded. Working for us means growing with us, both personally and professionally!
Finally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude once again to our loyal team. If you want to be part of the team, don’t hesitate to reach out and join us! Who knows, the next destination might just be your dream vacation spot.
