MAD Meetup 2024 – The Impact Journey Continues

By: MAD Wealth
January 16 2025
MAD Wealth

A Four-Day Journey of “Making A Difference”

The MAD Meetup 2024 was a carefully crafted experience where every moment mattered. After the resounding success of MAD Meetup 2023, where our team transitioned from pixels to real-life connections for the first time, we knew a sequel was inevitable. Last year’s meetup was a game-changer, sparking ideas, deepening relationships, and leaving us inspired to do more.

Building on that foundation, MAD Meetup 2024 was designed to take things to the next level. From meeting new team members to diving into impactful workshops and celebrating with festive flair, this year’s event promised—and delivered—a purposeful, laughter-filled journey.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Featured Image

Let’s walk through the unforgettable four days of MAD Meetup 2024, where stories were shared, lessons were learned, and memories were made.

Day 1 – Reuniting and New Beginnings

The MAD Meetup 2024 officially kicked off on November 28, and the energy at the Savoy Hotel Manila was off the charts. MAD Wealth co-founders, Amar Latif and Karla Hourigan, waited eagerly in the lobby as team members trickled in from all corners of the Philippines. Some arrived by car, others by bus, jeepney, or plane—each bringing a unique buzz to the mix.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Arrival, The Savoy Hotel

Reuniting felt like picking up right where we left off, with warm hugs and laughter filling the room. For returning members, it was a moment to reminisce about last year’s meetup and reconnect. For new team members, it was their grand debut—a chance to finally match faces with names and dive into the MAD culture. The energy was contagious, as curiosity and excitement mingled effortlessly.

To set the tone, every team member received a welcome pack that included their official uniform. But that wasn’t all—this year came with an extra surprise. Each team member was gifted their very own personalised B1G1 account, enabling them to create their own impacts. It was a simple yet powerful gesture that tied perfectly to our purpose of making a difference, and the smiles said it all.

Despite a couple of absences, those who couldn’t make it were there in spirit. It was the perfect start to what promised to be an unforgettable journey.

Our ever reliable driver Dave of Travelist Tours (yes, the legend from last year!) was back, and after some creative luggage management, we hit the road.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Travelist

Along the way, the team dived into an engaging quiz with Impact Tokens as prizes. Using a buzzer app and a customised spin-the-wheel game, everyone got competitive, learning and laughing in equal measure.

The day’s highlight was undeniably our visit to the Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Village, a community built on the principles of hope, empowerment, and collective effort. Led by the inspiring facilitator Joy, we delved into the stories of resilience and transformation that make this initiative so impactful.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Gawad Kalinga Guide

Stories That Inspire Action

As Joy shared the journey of Gawad Kalinga, we learned how the organisation empowers individuals and families to rise above poverty through sustainable housing, education, and livelihood programs. The mission resonated deeply with our team, as it aligns with our own commitment to creating meaningful impacts through our work and the B1G1 initiative.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Village

What truly moved us were the testimonials from five brave beneficiaries. Their stories were raw and real, filled with both hardship and triumph. They spoke of struggles that many of us could never imagine and how Gawad Kalinga gave them a lifeline—restoring not just their homes, but also their dignity and dreams. It was impossible not to feel the weight of their words, and many of us were left reflecting on the privilege and responsibility we carry.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Gawad Kalinga Beneficiaries

Purpose in Action

This visit was a reminder of why we do what we do. As a team dedicated to Making A Difference, seeing the tangible results of community-driven initiatives reinforced our belief in the power of purpose-led action. Whether through financial strategies, B1G1 partnerships, or simply showing up, our work fuels change in communities like Gawad Kalinga’s.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Gawad Kalinga

Sustainability at the Core

Lunch at the village’s social enterprise café was a meaningful way to close the visit. Every dish served was a hearty food symbolising self-sufficiency and sustainability. By supporting this café, we were directly contributing to the community’s long-term growth, helping them move closer to a future where they can thrive independently.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Gawad Kalinga Tambayani Cafe

This visit wasn’t just about giving back; it was about learning, understanding, and connecting with the lives our collective efforts touch. It reaffirmed that the work we do has a ripple effect—empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating a legacy of impact.

After settling into the cosy Quest Hotel, we regrouped for a hearty dinner at Bulalo Capital, famous for its comforting bowls of steaming bulalo. It’s the region’s iconic specialty—a warm and delicious treat, perfect for bonding over shared stories and laughter.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Bulalo Capital

But the real fun started after dinner when the team hit the karaoke room. To everyone’s delight, Amar kicked things off with his signature performance of “Unbreak My Heart”—his favourite song from last year’s meetup. The team’s inner Swifties quickly followed, turning the room into a lively singalong of Taylor Swift’s hit “Cruel Summer” (Fun fact: Jenna proudly holds the title of the team’s biggest Swifty!).

MAD Meetup 2024 - Amar Latif Karaoke

Then, in a bold move that earned instant applause, new team member Eman grabbed the mic and confidently performed a stunning song, setting the bar high for the night. It was a moment of courage and connection, proving that this team truly welcomes and supports each other.

From soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, the evening unfolded with a mix of impressive vocals and laugh-out-loud moments. Even the shyest among us couldn’t resist taking the mic, and soon enough, the room was alive with cheers, harmonies, and the occasional dance moves by Karla.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Dinner Day 1

It was the perfect way to end an already incredible Day 1—a day full of connection, impact, music, laughter, and memories we’ll hold onto long after the last note faded.

Day 2: Building Bridges and Sharing Stories

November 29 began with a satisfying breakfast that fuelled us for the day ahead. The real challenge, though, was finding the perfect workshop spot. After scouting the area, Black Scoop Fora Café stepped up as the hero of the morning. Its cosy yet functional setting turned out to be the ideal space for meaningful discussions and collaborative thinking.

Our first workshop centred on team dynamics—a topic close to our hearts as we strive to recreate the magic of our in-person synergy in virtual spaces. Workshops like these are the glue that holds our team together, providing the clarity and structure to ensure we work not just as colleagues but as a cohesive unit.

Using the “What’s Working & What’s Not” framework, we uncovered opportunities to strengthen connections and collaboration, including:

  • Incorporating internal competitions to build camaraderie and foster teamwork.
  • Encouraging proactive participation to boost engagement.
  • Creating structured discussions to keep everyone aligned and connected.

By reflecting on these areas, we tapped into the collective wisdom of the team, ensuring that every voice contributed to shaping our future approach.

Lunch brought us to the highly recommended Pamana Restaurant, a venue as rich in history as the flavours it serves. The backdrop of the lake and Taal Volcano was simply breathtaking, providing the perfect setting for heartfelt conversations.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Lunch at Pamana Restaurant

Over a spread of mouthwatering local dishes and the region’s famous hot chocolate batirol, we delved into a modified Get-To-Know-You (GTKY) activity. Personal stories were shared, laughter flowed, and connections deepened in ways that no virtual meeting could ever replicate.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Pamana Restaurant

It was truly a joyful meal that comes from sharing not just food but moments that build trust, understanding, and unity.

Day 3: Growth, Glitter, and Grand Celebrations

November 30 started with a burst of creativity as the team gathered for an outdoor photo shoot. Amid playful chaos and plenty of laughs, we collaborated on poses to showcase our unique personalities for social media and the website. It truly shows that our teamwork extends far beyond the boardroom, even when we’re trying to coordinate poses in true #OrganisedChaos style.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Photoshoot

As the rainclouds rolled in, we returned to our familiar sanctuary at Black Scoop Fora Café for the second workshop of the meetup. This session shifted the focus to team growth, training, and innovation—a cornerstone of how we ensure everyone stays empowered and future-ready.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Workshop 2

Key discussions brought forth ideas that could shape how we grow as a team, including:

  • Introducing a Product Champion role, ensuring updates are managed, shared, and implemented seamlessly.
  • Establishing an Ideas Register, a space where team members can suggest improvements and spark innovation.
  • Dedicating time in the calendar for team-wide training sessions, ensuring growth isn’t just encouraged but built into our routine.
MAD Meetup 2024 - Activities

This workshop emphasised the importance of creating systems that allow every voice to be heard while ensuring we stay at the cutting edge of innovation. By the end of the session, the team left inspired, buzzing with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose.

The evening was nothing short of spectacular as we headed to The Cabannas, our first in-person holiday party after years of virtual celebrations. The venue radiated festive cheer, with glittering lights reflecting off the team’s dazzling, shimmering outfits—setting the perfect visual feast for the evening.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Holiday Party

The festivities kicked off with a gift exchange, bringing warmth and laughter to the room. Thoughtful surprises were exchanged, with each gift symbolising the connection and camaraderie we’ve built over time. It was a heartwarming start that highlighted how far we’ve come as a team.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Holiday Party Exchange Gifts

Next came the much-anticipated catwalk showcase, where team members confidently strutted their stuff in true runway fashion. The excitement reached a peak when Justine was crowned “Best Dressed.” Her red glittering ensemble, raindeer headband, and radiant presence perfectly embodied the evening’s festive spirit, earning her cheers and applause from everyone.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Holiday Party Dinner

The night continued with lively conversations and music, with Justine taking the stage again—this time to sing with the live band from the resto bar. Her powerful performance captivated the crowd, turning the holiday party into an impromptu concert. Team members sang along, danced, and celebrated with uncontainable energy, making the night very unforgettable.

Oh, what a glitter-filled and truly “MAD” celebration it was!

Day 4: Farewells, Reflections, and a Thrilling Final Challenge

December 1 marked the final day of our extremely memorable MAD Meetup 2024. Over one last shared breakfast at the hotel, the team took time to recount their favourite moments, exchange gratitude, and soak in the camaraderie that had grown even stronger. It was a heartfelt morning of laughter and reflection, with everyone cherishing the bonds forged over the past few days.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Group Photo

As we packed our bags and set off on the road back to Manila, the ride was filled with more than just scenic views. Reflective conversations flowed, revisiting the heartfelt stories, actionable lessons, and unforgettable experiences that defined the meetup. It was a time to celebrate the unbreakable bond of a team united by a shared mission to make a difference.

Once back in Manila, Karla, ever the planner, suggested squeezing in one last activity before everyone parted ways. The destination? Breakout Philippines at Assembly Grounds Makati—a thrilling way to end the meetup on an adventurous note.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Breakout Philippines

For six team members, this meant diving headfirst into a series of escape rooms designed to test their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. With Karla being the only one with prior escape room experience, the team started with “The Corpse Bride”, one of the venue’s most challenging rooms. Despite their enthusiasm, the difficulty proved overwhelming. Initial struggles with communication and sharing findings underscored how crucial teamwork was. Though they didn’t escape, the team saw it as a chance to grow and improve.

Determined not to let their first attempt define the day, they moved on to “Number 1 Fan,” a room focused on searching for and interpreting clues. This time, armed with lessons from their earlier attempt, the team worked together seamlessly. Their efforts paid off as they successfully escaped, earning cheers all around—and a bonus prize: a free attempt at a third room!

The final challenge, “Timeout,” was a lighter, easier room. By now, their competitive spirit was fully unleashed, and they breezed through the clues with remarkable efficiency, earning a spot in the top 10% of escapees.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

The escape room experience was more than just fun—it highlighted the team’s resilience, adaptability, and ability to learn from setbacks. It also revealed the competitive nature of some team members, sparking lively debates about strategies for future challenges.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Breakout Philippines 2

Though the haunting “Corpse Bride” room remained unconquered, it became a topic of playful discussion, with Karla suggesting they attempt it again during a future meetup. A gap between tries, she noted, would keep the challenge fresh and exciting, turning it into a goal for their next visit to Breakout Philippines.

Closing the Chapter

As the team finally parted ways, the escape room adventure served as a perfect metaphor for the MAD Meetup 2024: a journey filled with challenges, growth, and shared victories. The day ended with laughter, memories, and promises to take the lessons learned into the future—both in work and in play.

Looking Forward to Our Future

The MAD Meetup 2024 was so much more than a retreat. It was a transformative journey that blended purpose, growth, and connection into a truly unforgettable experience. From impactful workshops that sparked innovation to glittering celebrations that strengthened bonds, every moment reminded us why coming together with intention is so powerful.

MAD Meetup 2024 - Making A Difference Group Photo

As we look ahead to MAD Meetup 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum—tackling new challenges, fostering deeper connections, and continuing our mission of #MakingADifference.

Stay tuned and check out our social media channels to relive the highlights and see more incredible moments from our meetup. Here’s to the next chapter in our journey together!🥂