To showcase the diversity of its workforce and at the same time spread positive vibes during the Covid-19 health crisis, Teleperformance Philippines organized a talent competition for its over 47,500 employees during the community quarantine. The ‘Covid-19 Fight Challenge’ served as an opportunity for the business processing outsourcing (BPO) firm’s staff to shine through their passion and creativity.
The virtual talent competition was aimed at encouraging the company’s employees to express their feelings about their pandemic experiences and what they think about the future. Teleperformance created four categories for the contest—Music, Writing, Art, and Dance.
The panel of judges shortlisted three finalists per category, based on originality, talent, and presentation. The big reveal for the local champions was facilitated through a Facebook watch party emceed by TV and radio personality Gino Quillamor.
Each of the four local champions received P15,000 as a cash prize. They had the opportunity to represent Teleperformance Philippines in the global finals held on July 30, 2020.
About 17,000 employees of Teleperformance Philippines from across the country tuned in to the live-streamed announcement of winners via the company’s Facebook page. Five lucky viewers were treated to their own pizza party through an electronic raffle during the watch party.
“At TP, we always make a special effort to provide our people with a platform for their creative self-expression,” said Teleperformance Chief Operations Officer Mike Lytle. “Even with Covid-19, our ability to reflect on the times connects all of us even more. I applaud everyone for believing in themselves and supporting their colleagues. You are all heroes in my book.”
Here are the winners of the local talent competition per category:
Music
TP Ayala’s James San Juan dominated the Music category through an original song he wrote entitled ‘Rise.’ The composition is about mental health and is dedicated to all individuals who feel alone during this crisis.
“Given our situation, in our 24 hours at home, having engagements like this lifts you up somehow and inspired you to inspire others,” San Juan said during the watch party.
Writing
Santos ‘Thirdy’ Baudin III, also from TP Ayala, was declared the winner in the Writing category. His winning entry was a poem entitled ‘Agwat (Gap)’ that discusses the process of finding love and hope amid physical distancing. It reminds us to stay connected even if we are apart.
Art
Carlos Ramiro from TP Fairview topped the Art category for his piece called ‘Invisibilia Inimicus (Invisible Enemy)’. It portrays the heroism, sacrifice, and hope of the frontliners.
Dance
TP Davao’s Jobert Cabag won in the Dance category. His winning entry was an inspirational dance performance accompanies by a scenic music video, which he said reminds everyone to always observe physical distancing.
TP Quarantine Awards
The culmination of the ‘Covid-19 Fight Challenge’ was celebrated with the rest of the global Teleperformance community through the virtual ‘TP Quarantine Awards.’ The event, held on July 30, generated around 10,000 registered viewers from various Teleperformance locations worldwide.
The ‘TP Quarantine Awards’ was streamed live in the global company’s 21 business sites for those employees who were onsite at the time of airing. The watch parties coordinated by the HR Team and the Site Fun Committees still upheld physical distancing rules though employees were allowed to cheer for their colleagues.
Baudin, Teleperformance Philippines’ champion in Writing, won third place for the Writing category in the global talent competition. He bagged a pair of Beats Headphones as a prize.
Baudin was the only local champion from PH who bagged an award in the global competition.
Earlier this year, Teleperformance Philippines earned the third Great Place to Work certification for the third consecutive year. The award as based on an anonymous survey of more than 34,000 employees of the company nationwide. It assessed employee trust based on employee ratings of the company’s credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.