Tis the season – a time to reflect, celebrate, and dive into festivities before welcoming a new year. We understand the challenges of working remotely from an onshore team, and that’s why we make it out mission to create inclusive, rewarding environments that cultivate a sense of community.
It’s also the season for Christmas parties and Staff Domain hosted two epic events – one in each of our employment markets. Here’s how they unfolded.
Le Gouter 2023, Philippines
The end of year soiree was a High Tea fit for royalty. Le Gouter, French for tea-time, was hosted on the sprawling grounds of Palacio de Memoria, a pre-war mansion with a history dating back to 1930. The beautifully restored 7 storey mansion, provided the perfect backdrop for our fancy festivities, featuring architecturally designed interiors, terrazzo floors, high ceilings, a grand foyer, and stunning chandeliers.
A total of 133 team members from across all offices in The Philippines embraced the glamour of Le Gouter. Dressed to the nines, the team spent the afternoon soaking up the sun on the picturesque grounds – a fitting spot to bid farewell to another fantastic year.
Of course, no high tea is complete without an assortment of teas, bubbly champagne, and an array of flaky pastries and roving canapes. Whatever they were sipping, or nibbling, all attendees were engrossed in the entertainment. There was an angelic performance from Dance World Magnifique, an internationally acclaimed group of ballerinas with a rich 15-year history representing the Philippines in the art of ballet. Following that, The Tales of Music string ensemble took centre stage. Led by the incredibly talented musician Bojo Luzentales, the ensemble featured a stunning performance from the group’s violinist, pianist, and cellist, adding to the extravagance.
The afternoon already abuzz with excitement, gradually shifted to anticipation as the awards kicked off – first to those who proved themselves to be high performers, then to those who were dressed to theme perfection.
The 2023 team award winners were:
Team Player:
Cristina Encinas (Lead Generation)
Fleurette Gallardo (Lead Generation)
Cristina Combs (Compliance Officer)
Going Above and Beyond:
Aileen So (Web Dev)
Angela Piad (HRBP)
Aira Orpilla (HRBP)
Most Recognised:
Kristopher Cabrera (Sr. Network Engr)
Crystal Antinero (Technical Support Team Lead)
Eduardo Siasol (Facilities Sentinel)
Driving Success:
Kim Datuin (Cabinet Vision Drafter)
Angelica Angeles (Company Nurse/HR Generalist)
Jayson Rada (Facilities Sentinel)
Loyalty:
Jennifer Dapitan (Facilities Attendant)
Prizes for the best dressed were awarded to Chynna Malaluan and Edwin De Guzman.
The day of elegance and opulence gave the team an opportunity to raise their glasses to another successful year.
007 style, South Africa:
South Africa also bid farewell to 2023 in true opulence, with a 007 twist, at the prestigious Garden Venue in Randburg. The award-winning venue resembled a scene from a James Bond movie, complete with canopying trees and a perfectly manicured garden terrace leading into the function room set for elegance.
Guests channelled their inner James Bond, donning their finest black suits and matching ties, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Welcomed with a sweet cocktail, the Staff Domain team members were captivated by a magician, setting the stage for a magical night.
It was a night of indulgence, featuring an impressive grazing table, roaming canapes, and a lavish buffet.
Before settling in for the formal awards ceremony, the evening included a dance off, magic hat draws, and a cracker competition. The room filled with laugher, joy and fun – an environment that allows Staff Domain employees to let their hair down and truly celebrate a year of hard work.
At Staff Domain, acknowledging performance is ongoing. Coming together at a special event to recognise and reward creates a sense of community and connection. The ceremony honoured expectational achievements, from client success to going above and beyond, being the people’s choice and embodying a team player.
In 2023, the award winners were:
People’s Choice:
Nono Sikhondze (Cleaner)
Team Player:
Masego Ndabambi’s (Property Accountant)
Going above and beyond:
Khanya Phakathi (Client Services Representative)
Most Recognized Employee Award:
Rinus Besselaar (Service Desk Engineer)
Driving Success Award:
Lucky Mabuza (Property Accountant)
Each award winner was presented with a certificate of recognition, a trophy, and a shopping voucher.
These two epic events marked the last for 2023, both a great success! Who knows what the theme of next year’s event will be – all we know is in true Staff Domain form, they’ll be showstoppers – better still – starters.
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