Midyear Tapok 2026: Where Work Went AFK and Fun Took Over in Camiguin

Sometimes, the best way to strengthen a team is to step away from the screens, leave the notifications unread for a while, and simply enjoy being together.

That's exactly what we did during NorthQA's Midyear Tapok 2026, held from August 29-31 in Camiguin.

For us, Tapok means more than just getting together. It's our way of building stronger connections, stepping away from our usual work routines, and spending time together as a team, preferably somewhere with good food, beautiful views, and absolutely no Jira tickets. 😄

And this year, Camiguin was the perfect place for it.

The NorthQA team at the Camiguin Isle Be There sign

Ten of us on the island, plus a few teammates who could only join us in printed form.

🏝️ Five Motorcycles, Ten People, One Island Adventure

With 10 participants joining the trip, we kicked off our Camiguin adventure by renting five motorcycles from ARV Rentals.

And just like that, we were off.

There's something different about exploring an island on motorcycles. The roads, the breeze, the scenery, and the occasional "Asa ta padulong?" made every stop part of the adventure.

Our itinerary was packed, but the goal was simple: have fun, explore, and spend quality time together outside of work.

The NorthQA team sitting by a waterfall pool in Camiguin

Sandals off, feet in the water. Every stop on the itinerary earned its place.

🌊 Team Building, But Make It an Island Adventure

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was our team-building activities at Mantigue Island.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery, we put our teamwork to the test through different games and challenges. Of course, things got competitive because apparently, even on vacation, the QA mindset of "there must be a winner" doesn't disappear. 😂

We also got the chance to try snorkeling at Mantigue Island, giving everyone a chance to explore what was underneath the water.

The NorthQA team in life vests at Mantigue Island Nature Park

Life vests on, snorkels ready, at the entrance to Mantigue Island Nature Park.

Between the games, swimming, snorkeling, and taking way too many photos, Mantigue gave us plenty of memories to take home.

🌴 Exploring the Best of Camiguin

Of course, no Camiguin trip would be complete without exploring the island.

The NorthQA team posing at a waterfall in Camiguin

Cold water, tall cliffs, and a team that never turns down a group photo.

The NorthQA team at a hilltop viewpoint in Camiguin at golden hour

Golden hour at the ridge, and yes, another selfie.

The NorthQA team at the Old Church Ruins in Camiguin

A quieter moment at the Old Church Ruins.

During our stay, we visited several of Camiguin's well-known spots, including:

White Island
Katibawasan Falls
Tuasan Falls
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
Viewpoint/Walkway
Old Church Ruins
Sunken Cemetery
Granelandia: Echoes of the Ridge

From the white sands of White Island to the refreshing waters of the falls and cold spring, every stop offered something different.

And somewhere between all the sightseeing, swimming, walking, eating, and taking photos, we realized that the trip wasn't really about checking destinations off a list.

It was about experiencing them together.

☕ Coffee, Food, and Everything In Between

Good adventures always need good food and we made sure we had plenty of that.

The NorthQA team at a cafe deck in Camiguin at sunset

Coffee, a view, and no reason to rush anywhere.

We got to try out Unwind, Eutopia Cafe, and Lansones Cafe, giving us plenty of opportunities to slow down, grab something to eat or drink, and simply hang out.

But perhaps one of the biggest highlights of our stay was our home base at DK2 Nature Park, near Sunken Cemetery.

A huge thank you to the owner of DK2 Nature Park for having us and for being incredibly generous during our stay. We were treated to two dinners and one lunch, and we truly appreciated the warm hospitality and delicious food.

Thank you for making our stay even more memorable!

🏡 A Much-Needed Break From Work

At NorthQA, we spend a lot of time working together: solving problems, meeting deadlines, testing, building, communicating, and making sure things work the way they should.

But every once in a while, it's important to simply be AFK.

The NorthQA team gathered around a lifeguard tower on the beach

No calls, no tickets, no deadlines. Just the beach and each other.

No work calls.

No tickets.

No deadlines.

Just ten people enjoying an island, laughing at random things, getting competitive over games, trying new activities, and creating memories together.

The Midyear Tapok reminded us that teamwork isn't built only through meetings and projects. Sometimes, it happens while riding motorcycles around an island, helping each other during a game, getting lost in conversation over coffee, or simply laughing together at the end of a long day.

The NorthQA team at the Isle Enjoy Mantigue sign on white sand

Mantigue Island, where the games got competitive and the water made up for it.

💙 Another Year, Another Tapok

Another year has gone by, and NorthQA continues to grow.

But growth isn't only about the work we do or the milestones we achieve. It's also about the people behind the work, the people who show up, give their best, support one another, and make the journey worthwhile.

We appreciate all the effort that everyone has put into building NorthQA, and we're equally grateful for everyone who continues to make the workplace fun.

The NorthQA team on the beach with Camiguin's mountains behind them

The whole crew, with Camiguin standing behind us.

Because what's the point of building something great if we can't have a little fun-uhot along the way? 😉

Here's to more adventures, more laughter, stronger teamwork, and more places to explore together.

Let's keep it a tradition, ha!

Until the next Tapok! 🌴🏝️💙

#NorthQA #MidyearTapok2026 #Camiguin #TeamBuilding #NorthQAAdventures #FunUhot