With the holidays fast approaching, the spirit of Christmas is upon us. But really, what makes this the most wonderful time of the year? The answer’s probably already in the back of your mind and it’s as cliché as cliché can get. To be frank, the spirit of Christmas is really about thinking of other people– and thanking them for the year that was.
They say that there is a different joy to be felt when you give extra efforts toward others and I honestly agree with that. Can you imagine the fulfillment knowing you’ve managed to brighten someone else’s day? Knowing that you’ve made another person happy simply because you chose to go the extra mile through acts of service?
While I can’t really put myself into that category, I know 3 people who exude the spirit of giving even if it isn’t Christmas. Introducing: The Three Gifts of Brand Republic!
A friend indeed: Kellie
A refreshing break from the usual stereotypes of a cranky, unapproachable, and scary HR, Kellie is someone who does his job beyond its requirements on paper. As the job suggests, he is in charge of tasks such as attendance and timekeeping concerns, talent acquisition, and the overall management to keep BR orderly (if you’ve ever gotten a memo from him, alam mo na charot).
But beyond that, Kellie handles additional accounting tasks and even special duties like ordering cake and food when there are birthdays and events, decorating the office for special occasions, and organizing the flow of office events to its completion.
But for me, the most remarkable effort he does is making sure every employee is safe during nights where the company has events with alcohol (san ka pa nakakita ng HR na gumagawa non?). The fact that he doesn’t leave the office until everyone has gone home safely or until the event has finished, speaks volumes on Kellie’s dedication and care for everyone in the company.
After being asked how he feels when doing those things that go above and beyond HR duties, he answered: Tiring pero happy. Kasi I feel like nagawa ko naman yung part ko both as HR and as a colleague/friend. Tsaka, pag nilagay mo yung sarili mo sa position ng iba, diba mas gusto mo na maalagaan ka rin?
True enough, this coincides with Kellie’s goal of making people feel safe and comfortable around him by being loving and caring. With that, he tries his best to be everyone’s approachable tropa. The office runs smoothly, and there are tasks people don’t even need to think about, all because Kellie cares.
In his words, As long as kaya, go. Lalo na sa simple things, sa totoo lang, these are the things that matter the most kasi kapag nagawa ‘to, wala nang iisipin yung iba.
Dependable to deliver: Lyn
The next gift of Brand Republic is someone who shows incredible strength, and I mean literal strength (kahit gaano kabigat, bubuhatin niya!), our Office Messenger Lyn, or Ate Lyn as we like to call her.
As the job suggests, Ate Lyn is in charge of bank collections and deposits. She constantly leaves the office to pick up and deliver checks in banks. But more than that, did you know she also picks up heavy gallons of water for our office dispenser and carries tables and chairs for in-office events? Talk about heavy lifting!
This is all on top of other tasks. In fact, she’s ever so reliable in wiping tables, sweeping floors, and washing dishes. She’s also reliable in inventory work for when we need extra props for shoots, kahit ano pa ang kailangan mo, mahahanap niya yan!
When asked how she feels when helping, she says: Masaya rin kasi nakakatuwa makita silang masaya. Words that have never been truer, especially this Christmas season. We should feel happy for the happiness of others, especially if we were the ones who delivered it to them.
In fact, Ate Lyn recalls one of the moments where she really felt the joy and appreciation from helping in the form of a Christmas gift from Marj, our Group Accounts Manager. It included a personalized note that gave her a realization that the things she does around the office really does touch lives and offers a tremendous amount of help.
Keeping the office in shape: Mama Day
The last and probably most important gift of Brand Republic is none other than our Housekeeper, Mama Day!
Mama Day’s day consists of her doing housekeeping chores to maintain the cleanliness of the office. May it be sweeping the floors, wiping tables, washing dishes, or even cooking and preparing the food for the people here, she’s got all of those handled!
We see her as an important member of the Brand Republic family because most of the tasks she does are ones that are often overlooked. How would you feel about a dusty office? Or floors that are sticky and dirty? You have Mama Day to thank for the cleanest office in Brgy. Paltok!
In fact, she’s very proud of the work she’s done in the office. She says, Proud ako sa paglilinis. Proud ako na nalinis at namaintain yung office kasi nagkakaroon ng improvement. Pero higit sa lahat, proud ako na sa aking paraan, nakakapagbigay ako ng suporta sa kumpanya. Di naman ako marunong sa kompyuter pero lahat ng tulong na pwede kong mabigay, ibibigay ko ang best ko.
She recalls a time where she felt appreciated when, Sir Jofel, our CEO, gave her a bouquet of flowers for mother’s day. Masaya, na-amaze ako na nakatanggap ako ng flowers. Matagal na kasi nung huling may nagbigay sakin niyan, kaya nakakatuwa.
No matter how little or big the gesture is, this small act of gratitude really made Mama Day realize the importance of her work, seeing the impact she left in the lives of others.
Christmas everyday
Looking at our 3 featured citizens, we can see how they embody the spirit of giving all year long even if some of their efforts are unseen. What we can learn from them is that it doesn’t need to be Christmas for us to practice the gift of giving extra efforts in helping others.
It lies with us wanting to make the world a better place every day even if it is through little gestures. And let’s not forget to show appreciation to the people continuing to make this effort because it really does make a difference on their end as well.
So, to conclude, I give you a challenge (taray may pa-homework). Try to also go above and beyond for others. Everyone should experience the feeling of fulfillment from helping others at least once in their lives.
I mean, look at us here at Brand Republic. It only took three people who put efforts beyond their jobs to make everyday feel like Christmas here. And we truly are grateful for these 3 gifts the universe has given us.
I’m so proud of u ate indhay laban lng sa life khit daming mga trials sa life 😍🙏
💖💖💖