#SYKES2013: SYKES' Year-End Celebration at SMX!



Inspired by Coachella, the theme for SYKES' Year-End Celebration was music festival. The SMX Convention Center was transformed into an indoor concert grounds as the stage was set for six of the biggest names in the music industry: Kamikazee, Up Dharma Down, Itchyworms, Ebe Dancel, Save Me Hollywood & Giniling Festival!

Sykes is a global leader in providing Customer Contact Management solutions and services in the business process outsourcing (BPO) arena. Sykes has over 41,000 employees at 80+ locations in 25 countries operating in 30 languages. It started to operate in the Philippines in 1997 and it was the pioneer call center in the country. If you are wondering what's the history behind the name of the company, it's because of the founder, John H. Sykes who started Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated in 1977.

SYKES' headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida. The company has operations in the following countries: United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Norway, India, Philippines, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Slovakia, Netherlands, Romania and Colombia.


as the light dims, we know we're in for a show!

This is SYKES' way of coming together as one family and celebrating this year’s achievements. This is also their way of looking forward to another fruitful and exciting year together!

STOMP-inspired number started the show. With their rock-solid beat and energetic choreography, the room was filled with enthusiasm and positive energy!

"What's up Sykes!!" Drew Arellano and Kat Alano are SYKES' Year End Celebration hosts.

SYKES' VP for Philippine Operations, Dean Van Ormer

“What I love about SYKESers is your passion,” Mr. Van Ormer started. “You have always shown great passion in and out of work. That is why we had such a great 2013. This year, we have shown the industry why we are THE pioneer in the call center industry. This year, we created another milestone and set higher standards for others to follow – the launching of our Glorietta site,” 

He added SYKES Glorietta is the first call center office that offers highly-supportive facilities from the lighting, the chairs downright to the design. We will apply such principles to our other sites here in the Philippines,”

If music is the universal language, then all 7,000 SYKESers spoke as one last December 15!

“Our performance remains to be outstanding and we have you guys to thank for that – Your commitment to excellence, your hard work and your loyalty is truly inspiring. That is why tonight, we celebrate you. Tonight, I hope you enjoy our way of saying thank you.” 

“Speaking of thanks, I would like to say thank you for the help and support you have extended to the victims of the typhoon. Together, we have raised almost 2 Million Pesos to help rebuild the provinces of Tacloban, Leyte and Samar. You have truly shown what SUPPORT means. I am proud to be working with each and every one of you.”

I had the chance to talk to the Vice President for Operations after her short speech on stage. When asked what's the best thing about SYKES and why should people apply for them, he answered: "With our 16-years legacy and experience as the pioneer call center here in the Philippines, and we're still here. That's the best part."


crowd-favorite Up Dharma Down performed their chart-topping hits exclusively for SYKESers!

I actually know atleast three people who are working for SYKES. First is Cath, who's with Sykes ever since I know her. Another one is Marla, who works for a PR firm before. I'm actually quite shock when she tweeted me that's she's at the party. All along I'm thinking he's still with the PR company. The last one is Ann, who is a fellow blogger and now gone full time working for SYKES. I heard she studied in University of Philippines to study a foreign language just to qualify for the position.

All of them, have one thing in common: they are seem to be happy working for SYKES. This is evident by the time of their stay with their company. Unhappy employees will leave a company for sure. I think I have now the answer when someone asks what can company can I recommend. :)

Majority of call centers here in the Philippines have a reputation for fast-turnover of employees. However, SYKES has proven that there is career growth and security in the industry. More than 200 SYKESers were recognized for their commitment, loyalty and service. Seven of them have actually been with SYKES for the past 15 years.

Mr. Mike Henderson, the Senior Vice-President for Regional Operations in Asia Pacific, and a 15th year-awardee himself, spoke a few words on behalf of all the awardees. “People are often surprised when they find out that I have been with the same company for the past 15 years. And often, they ask me: why? My answer is simple: I like working here. SYKES has become more than just a company. SYKES has become a partner. SYKES has become a family.”

Below are the four entries to the "Art Installation" contest for SYKES' employees. Winners will be determined by employees votes.



Another big surprise in this year’s celebration is the awarding of a brand new car to the lucky SYKESer! Earlier this year, SYKES launched an Employee Referral Program Promo. The top referrers for the entire year had the chance to compete for a Mitsubishi Mirage car. Now, this is how you end 2013 in style! One lucky SYKESer got to go home driving a brand new 2014 Mirage simply for referring his friends!

JL Santiago Aquino

A millennial lifestyle blogger from Caloocan City who adores trying new things. ✨ Email: blog.ph7@gmail.com. Follow @JayL_Aquino on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook.

8 comments:

  1. This is really a grand celebration for Sykes which just shows how they value their people.

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  2. they raffled off a Mitsubishi Mirage?! wow! where can I apply?! :-D

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  3. Another big event for Sykes which they really put it on the mark this year 2013.

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  4. Wow Sykes lumelevel up ka nah! So exciting to see this kind of festivity.

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  5. Sykes has gone a long way 15 years and still growing strong. Yes , I love this type of music event, sayang hindi nakadalo..lol

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  6. I've heard of Sykes before but I didn't know that they are pioneer company in the country until the #Sykes2013 Christmas party. I only wish Sykes to continue to grow and keep the job well done for both their clients and employees.

    Glad to see you there Jay L although we didn't really recognize each other :)

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  7. i had fun at that event too.. just too bad that I needed to go home early

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  8. wow.. the art installations look so cool!! especially the 2nd and 3rd one! :)

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