Oprah Winfrey once said, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” And that is exactly what the John Clements Consultants and EDI-Staffbuilders International family did on December 15th! We celebrated life, successes, and honored loyal employees by recognizing their decades of service in the company.
Hooked On a Feeling
Everyone came in their best 70s outfit – funky, groovy, and glittering! The venue transported us to the Disco Club in the 70s! Far out! As we’re still in a hybrid setup, it was fun catching up with colleagues whose schedule in the LKG Office was different from ours. Registration opened as early as 5 pm and while waiting for the party to start, employees took turns capturing memories via the themed photobooth.
The Long and Winding Road
Our President and CEO, the ever-fabulous Ms. Carol Dominguez, officially opened the floor. She shared a touching message taking us all back to the roots of John Clements Consultants, its humble beginnings, and the journey it went through. She also shared her story, the challenges she went through professionally, and how she came about with her deep purpose: More jobs to help build the nation!
You Should Be Dancing
As in every company party, one of the most awaited parts of the program was the division presentation! And so, after we feasted on lechon, and other mouth-watering dishes prepared by the chef of Manila Golf and Country Club, we braced ourselves to play the funky music, like literally! Each team looking amazing with their colorful outfits danced their hearts out and wowed everyone!
Eventually, the Professional Staffers Division grabbed the grand prize, StaffBuilders Asia Division secured 1st place, and the Services Team landed 2nd place!
In between dance presentations and service awards, raffle winners were announced, and a 30-minute dance break opened where everyone got on the floor and grooved! We all enjoyed the dance sessions with the dance instructors!
With A Little Luck
Some of the major prizes included: three 32″ LED TVs; two buffet lunch or dinner for 2 at Dusit Thani Manila; a buffet lunch or dinner for two at Admiral Manila; and three personal refs! For the cash prizes sponsored by MANCOM, five lucky employees won Php5,000 cash each; one Php5,000 SM gift certificate; and four winners of an overnight stay with breakfast for two at Seda Makati.
Envy of the night was the winner of the domestic round-trip ticket courtesy of Cebu Pacific! How lucky was this employee! They should have raffled off two months paid vacation leave with airfare and free expenses. I mean, they can consider next year, right?
Stayin’ Alive
This year we had 18 loyal Service Awardees – the most we have had! A plaque of appreciation for each awardee was handed out by the members of MANCOM – Carol Dominguez, Mrs. Lil Dominguez, Cesar Averia Jr., Grace Sorongon, Mario Biscocho and Rita Estella.
10-Years Service Awardee
Helen De Guzman
Raymond Gatulayao
Lesther Calimon
15-Years Service Awardees
Marilou Antonio
Kristine R. Brisenio
Charlotte Emjean Buñing
Patrick Dayao
Lorna H. De Jesus
Maricris Figuerres
Jeanette Molas
Mildred S. Muyo
Dennis Anthony Pabelico
20-Year Service Awardees
Neil Binalla
Ma. Carolina V. Dominguez
Vera Dominguez-Legaspi
25-Year Service Awardees
Jennifer R. Mayor
Catherine Rochelle R. Metin
35-Year Service Awardee
Evelyn Grace C. Sorongon
For the 35-Year Service Awardee, a nostalgic video collage was presented showcasing photos of Ms. Grace Sorongon. Ms. Carol gave a touching speech acknowledging the accomplishments that GCS had contributed to the company and her major contributions in helping to bring John Clements Consultants what it is today.
Ms. Grace likewise shared a speech of gratitude, including her first years with the company and the many successes and trials she and her team had endured to ensure clients’ satisfaction by providing them with the best candidates. It was a worthwhile 35 years with John Clements, she said, and she is looking forward to many more years.
We Are the Champions
No matter the fun, every beginning has an end. Cesar Averia Jr., the President of EDI-StaffBuilders International, gave the closing remarks. CAA, as he is fondly known, shared his purpose for the company, his aspirations for the EDI team to achieve, and the many jobs abroad that they need to fill in 2023.
We all came together to work hard and party harder. Two years after the pandemic, and we are still here, thriving and succeeding. We have a deep purpose. Whatever drawbacks may happen in the future, I know John Clements Consultants can champion it all.
Bring it on, man.
Special thanks to the following:
Programs and Party Venue Design: Kate Cadelina, Maricris Silvano, Breynan Apuya, Jhed Bartido, Menchie Desembrana
Technical: Charles Caluza, Renzy Dela Cruz, Kean Jardin, Robert Manuel
Hosts: MJ Navida, Kaith Medina, Keven Guanco, Dominic Gepte, Phoebe Porteza, Philip Wency Reynes
Raffle Prizes: Lou Sulit
Awards: Malou Antonio
Registration: Maricel Ronan, Jenny Mayor, Jenjen Balina
And many thanks as well to Ms. Carol Dominguez, for her unwavering support.
