02 June 2026 marked another milestone for the Lakbay Aral program as 45 students from the Upskills Foundation and Purple Community Fund took part in an educational tour across Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The activity was the third Lakbay Aral project of the Philippine Global Explorers (PGE), organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown under the leadership of Francis Ong.
The project was led by PGE together with the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown, with the support of Upskills Foundation staff Jane Walker MBE, Angela Villacorta, and Tess Sarmiento. Building on the success of the previous Lakbay Aral educational tours in Baguio, Manila, and Marikina, this edition introduced students to a different learning environment: one that focused on career planning, workplace culture, and the evolving world of work.
The educational tour reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to invest in young people through meaningful learning opportunities. For the Philippine Global Explorers, the project supports its mission to foster education for the Filipino youth through travel and to harness travel experiences for the benefit of the Philippines, while also encouraging appreciation for the country’s development and opportunities. These objectives are embedded in the organization’s founding purposes and continue to guide its community initiatives.
Likewise, the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown continues to advance Rotary’s long-standing commitment to service above self by supporting programs that promote education, youth development, and community empowerment. Through partnerships such as Lakbay Aral, the club provides students with opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom learning.
READ MORE: Lakbay Aral Sa Baguio: Supporting Education through Travel
A Full Day of Career Exploration
The educational tour followed a structured programme that introduced students to different aspects of the corporate world through presentations, workplace visits, and career discussions. The day began at Ayala Triangle, where representatives from Ayala Land Offices welcomed the students with an inspirational talk before presenting an overview of the company and its role in developing sustainable business districts. Students also participated in an in-depth discussion about estate development, followed by a walking tour of Ayala Triangle Gardens and one of the office buildings, giving them a better understanding of how commercial spaces are planned and managed.
After lunch, the group visited IWG Spaces, where they were introduced to the concept of flexible workspaces and the changing nature of modern workplaces. A presentation on the future of work was followed by an office tour and a career talk that encouraged students to think about how technology, innovation, and lifelong learning are shaping future careers. The session also highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication, collaboration, and continuous skills development in today’s workforce.
The tour continued at NEO Offices, where students learned about sustainable office buildings and employee-centred workplace design. They were welcomed by company representatives before joining an office tour, an inspirational talk, and an open question-and-answer session. The visit concluded with a walkthrough of the 7 NEO Building, allowing students to experience another example of a modern business environment.
The final corporate visit took place at FactSet, where students were introduced to careers in the global financial technology industry. During the office tour and interactive discussion, they learned about the different roles that contribute to a multinational organization and gained insight into the opportunities available in a global workplace. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to ask questions and engage with professionals from various industries, helping them better understand the connection between education, work ethics, and future career opportunities.
Beyond introducing different careers, the programme reinforced values that are essential in any profession, including integrity, punctuality, teamwork, professionalism, respect, and a willingness to continue learning. For many of the students, this was their first opportunity to experience a corporate environment firsthand. Exposure to these workplaces helped make future career aspirations more tangible and encouraged them to begin thinking about the paths they may pursue after completing their education.
READ MORE: Lakbay Aral Part 2: Learning Beyond the Classroom, Bridging Knowledge Through Travel
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Lakbay Aral program has always been rooted in experiential learning. While museums provide historical and cultural knowledge, this year’s corporate familiarization tour expanded the students’ understanding of the professional world that awaits them after graduation.
Career guidance programs like this play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their future. Exposure to different industries allows them to better understand the connection between education, skills development, and employment opportunities.
Equally important, the tour encouraged students to ask questions, explore possibilities, and begin thinking about the careers they may wish to pursue in the years ahead.
Ending the Day with Shared Experiences
After a full day of learning, the group concluded the educational tour at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Upper McKinley Hill, where the students enjoyed a gondola ride through the mall’s scenic waterways.
The activity offered an opportunity to relax, reflect on the day’s experiences, and celebrate the friendships formed throughout the journey. For many of the students, it was their first gondola ride, making it another memorable part of an already meaningful day.
Building Futures Through Partnership
The success of the third Lakbay Aral project demonstrates the value of collaboration between nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and corporate partners. By bringing together the Philippine Global Explorers, the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown, Upskills Foundation, and participating companies, the initiative provided students with experiences that may influence how they view education, careers, and their future.
As Lakbay Aral continues to grow, it remains committed to creating opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Through travel, exposure, and meaningful partnerships, the program hopes to equip more Filipino youth with the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue their goals and become active contributors to their communities.
