by Derek Primo, Marketing and Accounts Intern

TAkot 2017 was a gallery of true terror.

Hours before the annual Halloween tradition last October 30, everyone in the office was working as usual. Their eyes were glued on their laptop screens, calmly minding their own business, and acting as if they did not prepare for the impending horror of the day’s event. Or so I thought.

A week prior, each department was notified of this year’s challenge. The teams were tasked to organize a hair-raising experience revolving around the stories of ghosts living in each room within TeamAsia premises.

As soon as the bell was rung to prompt everyone to stop working and start gearing up for the event, the atmosphere of the office changed completely. The competition started to heat up and the people prepared to bring their A-game in unraveling what they have planned to terrify everyone else.

To add to the thrill of it all, TeamAsia clients were invited to be judges for the day. Capital One Country General Manager Peter Hayden and J. Walter Thompson Manila Managing Director Golda Roldan were great sports as they walked through each scary room. Before my eyes was a total transformation, as everyone embraced their characters and dedicatedly enacted their stories.  

EXPERIENCE TEAM – The House of the Occult

The Experience Department lived up to their name as they gave the judges an unforgettable experience that transported them to a scenario that can only be seen in movies.

They won first place for their story entitled “The House of The Occult,” which is centered on the story of a little girl seeking for help to save her mother, who was kidnapped by evil elements while they were buying dolls at an unknowingly occult house.

Passersby Peter and Golda showed mercy on the little girl. They went inside the house, found the mother, and tried to set her free, only to find out that she is actually evil herself. Beside her were cohorts waiting to feed on fresh prey. With barely enough time to escape, the terrified lot watched in horror as the little girl locks them in and watches them perish with a menacing grin. It was a trap all along.

CONTENT TEAM – #NasaanSiJunJun

Winning second place, the Content Department masterfully narrated a realistic tale about JunJun, the ghost that resided in the old TeamAsia office. They capitalized on the terrifying possibility of the scenes actually happening, as it was based on true to life experiences.

As Peter and Golda entered the room, the voice of a young boy started talking out of nowhere. It was JunJun, who was beginning to reminisce. He told them stories of the times when the old office was filled with the smiles and banters of TeamAsians, which brought him joy. However, his stories of fond memories slowly transitioned to bitter complaints as he recalls the pain of being left alone when TeamAsia moved to its new office. Wanting to reconnect with his “friends”, JunJun decided to haunt the Think Big Conference Room to seek revenge and make sure that he will never leave his “beloved” TeamAsians ever again.

MARKETING AND ACCOUNTS TEAM – Driven Mad by Passion

In third place was the Marketing and Accounts Department, who wittingly told the horrors of creative work.

Their story entitled “Driven Mad by Passion” is about Kia, a very passionate worker who would do anything to get the best and biggest ideas. In this journey to greatness she would go the extra mile and kill anyone who opposes her idea with a better one, lock their souls in the room and steal their ideas.

One night, Peter and Golda witnessed what happened when she was alone with the last member of the team. The member gave an amazing idea and this kindled the monster inside Kia. This revealed the morbid truth that Kia has parts of her victims inside her head that talk to her. The souls of the dead people will remain in the room forever unless Kia is stopped.

CREATIVES – The Overtime Meal

The Creatives Department showcased their remarkable craftsmanship to narrate their story entitled “The Overtime Meal”. It is about a group of employees who had to work overtime to complete a deliverable by the end of the day. The group labored non-stop as they worked against the clock. Exhausted and hungry, they realized in the dead of night that they did not have money to buy food.

Out of severe starvation, Hardy, one of the employees, slowly became possessed. This led him to perform a ritual and sacrifice one of their own, which ended up in cannibalism.  

DIGITAL – Emily

The Digital Department told a gripping story that is set in a closet. The closet used to be a refuge of solace for an eight year-old girl named Emily, who suffers from Juvenile Schizophrenia.

Found within the closet is a page from her diary, and her disturbing medical records. Her stories detail a troubled childhood. With her parents struggling with drug addiction and peddling illegal substances, Emily found comfort with her stuffed toys, which she would pretend to have tea and have play dates with. Until they all became real for Emily. And Emily became gruesome with her play dates with her toys, ultimately deciding on her demise by jumping off the window.

FINANCE AND ADMIN – The Haunted Office

The Finance and Admin Department told a story about TeamAsia’s auspicious move to its new headquarters. The team worked hard to set up operations in the abandoned building, only to discover later that there are restless spirits living within its halls.

As TeamAsia tried to ignore the threats, the spirits and dark elements lurking in the office grew more and more restless, deliberately disturbing the peace of the mortals who call this haunted place their home.

WEB & IT TEAM

Finally, the Web and IT Department told a story about a newly hired employee who was bullied for being a newbie. The pain and shame that he experienced led him to experience depression and eventually, commit suicide. The news spread in the workplace quickly, causing shock, fear, and accusations. Since the incident, the once happy office became haunted. The new employee’s restless soul stayed in the office to take revenge by picking and killing one person each year. Everyday, he haunts like a poltergeist, shaking things up, and reminding everyone of his presence.

At the end of the frightful showcase, everyone proudly applauded their colleagues. Looking back, I can say that it is truly one of the highlights of my internship experience as I witnessed an excellent exhibition of teamwork, creativity, and amazing storytelling.