JCCI-EDI Christmas Party 2021: Holly Jolly Binge and Bounce!
by MJ Navida
After almost two years of working from home, Zoom for meetings and virtual parties, we all got tired. Tired of online meet ups. So much so that on December 2nd when we finally got the chance to socialize with our colleagues at the rooftop of Seda Residences Hotel, we’re all above the clouds! Like literally!
Employees of JCCI-EDI gathered for face-to-face partying and the mood was indescribable, exhilarating if you will. It’s like seeing your long lost besties after a long, long time! Party people didn’t waste time catching up with their favorite colleagues for a chat or two and endless selfies and groufies!
As tribute to our recently concluded “What’s Happening in the World” learning sessions with Professor Dick Vietor, our Christmas Party was focused on the different countries featured in the said workshop. Along with dressing in theme, we also had performances, food, and décor relevant to the countries. Attendees presented their vaccination card, by the way, to ensure safety protocols.
Our fabulous President and CEO, Ms. Carol Dominguez, officially opened the program and off we went to have an amazing time all through out!
The Service Awardees
We paid special tribute to the Service Awardees who have been with the company for over a decade. Topping the list is our dearest Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Mario Biscocho, who has been with the company for 35 years! According to Sir MAB, the whole experience with JCCI is well worth the ride! Our gratitude to the Service Awardees for their loyalty and dedication!
10- Year Service Awardees
Fernalyn Co (EDI), Jaiselle Camille Gamboa (Services), Chesca Gardaya (SBA), Jessette Kallos (SBA), Maricel Ronan (Services), Jason Sosa (Services), and Isme Vallejo (SBA).
15- Year Service Awardees
Alvin de Guzman (EDI), Alice Llamas (PS), Lilian Marigondon (EDI), Alfredo Reyes (EDI), and Hazel Tolentino (PS).
25- Year Service Awardees
Emily Damaso (PS) and Mylene Samonte (JCLI)
35 — Year Service Awardee
Let’s Bring the House Down
For the presentation portion, each division tried their best to outdo each other.
Executive Search and Selection Division (ESSD) came as the Crazy Rich Asians to represent Singapore. Complete with gold bling blings, they sang Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
Professional Staffers Division (PS) representing China, danced to an enchanting Chinese dance number.
EDI-Staffbuilders International team (EDI) presented a colorful Japanese dance number. The mesmerizing presentation won them the 2nd place!
StaffBuilders Asia Division (SBA) came with their the Land Down Under — Australian get up and danced to a mix of pop hits that got everyone grooving.
The Services team, representing the USA, came with a DIY Uncle Sam hat and mask adorned with stars and stripes! They danced to a medley of Christmas songs topped with a BTS tidbit!
The John Clements Leadership Institute (JCLI) ladies, adorned with colorful Indian outfit, did a dance number that won them the First Place! Considering they only got the chance to properly practice an hour before the party, these ladies nailed it!
Stars of the Night
Of course, when you dressed up for a glam party, your goal is to be the star of the night, right? Or is it just me? Anyway, Patrick Dayao of SBA won as the Male Star of the Night and Jen Pomperada from EDI, Female Star of the Night! Love love love their outfit!
Raffle Prizes!
And what’s a Christmas party without raffle? Lucky attendees went home with either an air fryer (a trending kitchen gadget for some reason I can’t understand), a microwave oven, food gift check courtesy of Seda Hotel, and cash prizes sponsored by the Management Committee!
The Christmas Party Committee’s effort paid off as everyone sure had a good time! Kudos to Ms. Malou Antonio, Lou Sulit, Rose Gil del Rosario, Elvin Nabua, Sherlyn Malit, Glenn Mallari, Jong Manuel, Richard Bagay (floor director), and the program emcees: Wi Arias, Steph Santiago, and Makko Villanueva for a job well done! Special shout out goes to our talented performers RK Rodriguez, Gi Malavega, and LA Montañez! And of course, Ms. Carol, for all her support and guidance.
At the end of the party, everyone went home smiling, a little bit tipsy yes, but stoked and hopeful. Hopeful that this party will happen again in the very near future and we’re never going back to the “pandemic days” if you know what I mean. Never mind there’s work the following day. Taking selfies with your colleagues whom you missed so much is a blessing; time well spent with them, priceless!
Until next year!
