Aegis employees get Northern exposure

MANILA, Philippines - Aegis, a global business services and experience-management company, in its efforts to create “Happy Employees,” has come up with various activities and strategies to engage employees and encourage them to share their experiences as an Aegisite. A recently concluded writing contest not only brought out the creative writing skills of its employees but also gave them the opportunity to discover one of the Philippines’ popular travel destinations, Ilocos Norte.

Dubbed “Northern Exposure (The Aegis Get Set Go Getaway),” Aegisites were asked to write their “Get Set Go” story or testimonial on how their careers are anchored on the Get Set Go employee value proposition (“When you get to Aegis, we will set you up for success, and you will go places”) and cite experiences within the organization that tell of their professional journey. The company-wide contest was held in collaboration with the office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, who sponsored the vacation package under its “Paoay Kumakaway” campaign. The prize included transportation, accommodation, meals, and tours of select destinations in the province. Four winners were chosen for writing the best entries and, along with their companions, were treated to a three-day, two-night vacation package.

Winning experience

Winners Regina Carmeli Tuazon (lead-Training), Ray Anthony Calma (lead -Training), Marijo Encarnacion (lead-Quality Assurance), and Alfredo Gersava Jr. (lead-Operations) travelled to Ilocos Norte last June, together with two members of the Aegis Communications team. Each winner brought one companion.

Tuazon recalled that before she worked for Aegis, she was not very confident about her English skills. That all changed the moment she got accepted for work in May 2005. With the training and opportunities provided by Aegis, she was able to gain a new sense of confidence. “I received recognition from the company for doing a great job and encouraging growth.”

Ray Anthony Calma recently celebrated his fifth year with the company and received a watch as an anniversary gift. He credits the training that he received and lessons he learned from coworkers and trainers for contributing to his professional growth. His most memorable experience was when he went to the United States. “We were sent to Aegis’ Killeen center in Texas to help set up an account. I brought with me the lessons I learned from the time I was hired and shared best practices I learned as a trainer. It was the highlight of my Aegis journey.”

Alfredo Gersava Jr. considers his entry into Aegis “accidental.” He was accompanying a friend who was taking the Aegis exam while waiting for a job interview at an engineering firm. “Since I had a spare résumé, I decided to give it a try, just for the fun of it. I made it. My friend didn’t.” Five years and many promotions later, a former professor asked him why he stayed and did not pursue a career in the engineering field. “My heart is not with engineering,” said Alfredo, the same answer he gave during his promotion interview. “My passion is to help other people realize their potential while at the same time maximizing my own. I found it here in Aegis.”

Marijo Encarnacion, a mother and wife, started with Aegis seven years ago and has since found herself donning many hats and getting promotions along the way. “I was simply looking for a job back then but this company not only gave me employment but ensured that I succeeded,” she said. “Despite many companies promising so much more in terms of financial stability, I decided to stay because at the end of the day, it’s still more fun at Aegis. I simply got up, got set on what I wanted to do, and up until today, I am still going places.”

The adventure begins

The Aegis team had a good time visiting the various tourist spots in Ilocos Norte, a province well known for its rich political history and arresting tourist spots. Upon arrival at the Laoag International Airport, they had dinner at Johnny Moon, a restaurant named after one of the country’s most famous painters and a true-blue Ilocano, Juan Luna. Early on in the trip, the group became acquainted with local Ilocano specialties such as bagnet, pinakbet, and poqui-poqui. They later proceeded to Plaza del Norte, where they checked in and were billeted for two more days.

The next day, after breakfast, the Aegis team immersed themselves in the refreshing waters of Pagudpud, and spent the whole morning enjoying the amenities at Kapuluan Vista Resort.

After lunch, the team stopped over the Patapat viaduct in Pagudpud, an elevated concrete highway constructed along winding mountainside, giving motorists a spectacular view of Pasaleng Bay. Upon setting foot on the Bangui Wind Farm, considered Asia’s biggest wind farm, the group marveled at the 15 23-story-high windmills standing on the beaches of Bangui.

The day was capped by a visit to the Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation in the town of Burgos — creamy white rocks that were shaped by the elements for thousands of years. The team climbed the rocks and compared the experience to that of climbing a mountain summit. They also climbed the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a 120-year-old colonial watchtower that offers a breathtaking view of cliffs and the sea. The Aegisites ended the day with a dinner at Saramsam Café and Restaurant.

On the last day, the Aegis team spent the morning at the Paoay Sand Dunes, known for being a choice location for movies. They tried sand boarding and 4x4 leisure driving on the endless terrain of powder-white sand. After lunch at Playa Tropical, they visited more provincial landmarks. First of these was the Malacañang of the North, once the official abode of former President Ferdinand Marcos, followed by a visit to the Museo Ilocos & La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center, which promotes the province’s history and chief product, tobacco. They also entered the majestic Paoay Church, a baroque-style place of worship included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

After a quick merienda of the famous Ilocano empanada, they proceeded to visit the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum. The trip concluded with an afternoon snack in Herencia Paoay before the flight back to Manila. Aside from sightseeing, the winners also enjoyed shopping for delicacies and take-home souvenirs.

The Paoay Kumakaway campaign experienced by the four Aegis employees and their companions via Northern Exposure, encapsulates what Ilocos Norte offers visitors. With something for everybody, a trip up north may realign your idea of a long weekend well spent or alter the answer to that long-standing holiday question: “Baguio or Boracay?”