One of the country’s biggest BPO firms, Sykes Asia Inc., held its annual Year-End Celebration for its employees, who proved that they work hard but party harder. Around 5,000 of the company’s staff flocked to the halls of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on December 15 for the memorable event.
The yearly holiday party serves as Sykes’ way of recognizing the dedication and hard work of its employees and of celebrating its achievements for 2019. “This year was nothing short of amazing for Sykes, which honestly wouldn’t be possible without the employees who made and continue to make our 2019 as great as it is,” said the company’s Senior Director for Regional Human Resources (APAC) Lia Lynn Marcos. “We wanted to reward their loyalty and celebrate their genuine contributions, so we hold this annual Year-End Celebration where they take the spotlight, showcase their talents and skills outside work, and simply have fun with their work-family—no holds barred. We really went all-out this year.”
The winning group in Employee Competition
With the theme ‘Level Up,’ #SykesYEC2019 had popular video games throughout the years. As their tradition, the employees came in awesome and elaborate costumes inspired by their favorite videogame characters, while others flaunted their gaming chops on the classic arcade machines that decked the SMX halls.
The event was emceed by popular video game content creator and cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao and actor-commercial model Will Devaughn. Both also came in their chosen game characters.
Alodia and Will
Game changers and innovators
The annual year-end celebration is a way for Sykes to recognize the best among its employees. Sykes Services Awardees exemplified loyalty and commitment for the past 10, 15, and 20 years, while the Sykes Outdoor Club was recognized as the Sykes Choices Club of the Year for their projects that help promote work-life balance and care for the community. Among their most recent projects was the ‘Food for Every Juan’ program that made them travel to the far-flung community of Lubo in Kalinga to spend time with kids affected by Typhoon Rosita and distribute food and multivitamins.
Just like in the past years, Sykes employees also showcased their talent through their breath-taking production numbers. The Employee Competition had four groups from the main Manila-based Sykes business units. All teams performed their video game-inspired dance numbers for a chance to take home the P100,000 cash prize. The TNT (Tech n’ Telco) Squad bested all groups for their blazing production number.
Two cosplaying employees were awarded P10,000 each for their effort to come in their amazing costumes. Of course, the company also gave away raffle prizes like smartphones, TV sets, and on-trend game consoles. Over P1.5 million worth of prizes were raffled out, with one lucky Sykes employee bringing home a huge check worth P100,000.
Employees with their best costumes
Popular personalities as guests
Well-known celebrities joined the celebration. The event was opened by a performance by Legit Status, the official representative of the country to the annual World Hip Hop Dance Championship held in Las Vegas this year. The Employee Competition has Manoeuvers founding member Joshua Zamora, dancer/choreographer and Pinoy Big Brother alumnus Mickey Perz, and Legit Status coach Japeth Reyes as judges.
Kamikazee vocalist Jay Contreras
Pop-rock band Kamikazee brought the house down with their rousing musical performance. All throughout the night, Sykes employees danced, sang, and rocked as they celebrated the event.