Breaking Barriers Over a Working Lunch: My Thursday Work Errand in Cebu!

Today felt different from my usual workdays. I’m still in Cebu, and we finally pushed through with something we had been planning for a while now — a working lunch with the Treasury Department team.

Honestly, I was both excited and a little nervous because I usually only interact with them through emails and quick messages. Sometimes it’s tough to get responses, especially when deadlines are tight. But today was about breaking that wall and finding a better way to connect.

We decided to meet at Dean & Deluca. It sounded fancy even before I got there, and true enough, the place was elegant, cozy, and perfect for this kind of meeting.

We walked in, requested a table for ten, and settled down. I couldn’t help but smile — this wasn’t the typical office vibe. The atmosphere already felt lighter, and I knew it was going to be a good start.

It was my first time meeting some of my counterparts face-to-face. I finally got to see Nina, June, and Tin in person. These are the same people I often bug for data, especially for compliance with ERC and DOE requirements. Meeting them in real life felt refreshing. Suddenly, they weren’t just names in my inbox — they were real people, smiling, laughing, and sharing stories.

When we opened the menu, we had a little collective shock. The food was pricey — around $13 per order! For a split second, we all looked at each other and laughed about how stressful it was to even pick. But since this was an official meeting, we knew the expenses would be reimbursed, so we relaxed a bit and started choosing.

The place also offered refreshing drinks that matched the vibe perfectly. For a moment, I almost forgot this was still work-related because I was genuinely enjoying the food and company.

But of course, the real highlight was our conversation. Over plates of pasta and rice bowls, we started discussing the usual backlogs, the data requests we often send, and the struggles on both sides.

What surprised me was how much deeper the conversation went. It wasn’t just about “I need this” or “We’re still working on that.” There was a sense of honesty, of understanding each other’s challenges. Somehow, eating together opened up space for a more meaningful discussion.

And you know what? That was the best part. I felt like after this lunch, communication with them would be so much easier. No more chasing endlessly for documents or stressing over unanswered messages. We found common ground, and it made me feel lighter. It’s amazing how one lunch can make such a difference.

As we wrapped up, I took a moment to look around and appreciate it all. The elegant setup, the laughter in between work talks, the ease in conversation — it all reminded me that sometimes, what we really need is to step away from the usual office desk and meet halfway. Literally and figuratively.

Today may have been just a Thursday, but to me, it felt like a small win. Not the kind you report in a meeting or put in a presentation, but the kind that makes your day brighter and your work a little less heavy.

I walked out with a happy heart and the thought that maybe, just maybe, the next time I request something from Treasury, things will flow more smoothly.