The Manila Christmas party surprise was one of the most memorable moments of the year at Inspire Accountants. What started as a simple year-end gathering for our Manila team turned into an unforgettable experience that strengthened connection, trust and culture across borders.

Pulling off the Manila Christmas party surprise

I didn’t tell the Manila team I was coming. They thought they were just getting together for a Christmas party, complete with a photographer who was supposedly taking new portraits for the website.

What they didn’t know was that I’d secretly booked a flight to join them in person. We even flew five team members in from other islands, while most of the group travelled from around Manila and Pampanga. When my EA, Kash, gave me the quiet nod through WhatsApp, I walked into the room and the look on everyone’s faces was priceless. The Manila team surprise was pure joy and disbelief.

How the Manila Christmas party built stronger bonds

We had lunch, shared lifelines, and later went to a bar with pool tables. What stood out wasn’t the food or venue – it was the instant bond the team shared. Some of our Philippines team members had only been with Inspire for a few months, yet they talked and laughed like they’d known each other for years.

That’s the power of connection. The Manila Christmas party surprise reminded me that culture isn’t built in Zoom meetings – it is built through shared experiences and genuine relationships.

We didn’t just had fun – I also made sure the team learned and had professional growth along the way. Check out our previous blog about Balancing Work and Fun for Team Retreats.

The value of a short but powerful trip

My visit lasted just 26 hours – I left as late as I could, arrived, celebrated and then flew out that evening to minimise time away from home. Looking back at the relationships formed between team members, and even with me, it was definitely worth it. I won’t do a 26-hour stay again – but the impact was undeniable. A short trip can lead to long-lasting results – stronger engagement, better teamwork and a happier, more connected firm.