Wanted: Fashionistas

Last Saturday saw me attending the CTOM (CHARTIS Technology and Operations Management) Integration Party turned Christmas Party at the Grand Ballroom of Sofitel in Manila. The theme was “Fashionista” and, as expected, some dressed to impress while others preferred to dress down and keep a low profile, but one thing’s for sure – it was a fun night, not bad for my first Christmas party with the company. ^_^

I arrived at the venue a little past six in the evening, but instead of heading straight to the venue, I went up to room no. 308 where Gail and the rest of the PSG dance crew were doing their hair and makeup in prep for the evening’s festivities. For a room that was originally intended for two, there must’ve been 20 or more of us there, so one can only imagine how crowded it was. It was already 7:30 p.m. when we went down to register for the raffle, pose for a couple more photo ops, and do some meet-and-greet with the rest of the CTOM peeps.

Posing with the crew in high "fashion" ^_^ (Photo credits: Tony Alonzo)

There were two sides to the ballroom – one for the CTOM BPO Division and another for the IT Division where we were. A little halfway through the program, I slipped over to the BPO Division side to greet a college friend who was part of the Lexington group – Gella. Good thing Eric Bauzon happened to pass by so Gella and I had our pictures taken together.

Me and some of the Lexington crew (Photo credits: Eric Bauzon)

There were a couple of band performances, and dance numbers prepared by IT (which included Gail and co.) and BPO as well. There was also a contest for the night’s best dressed male and female, where the chosen few got to strut their stuff ala catwalk. Afterwards, the dance floor was opened, and most of us were on our feet grooving to the band’s music. I think the free-flowing drinks helped as well to set the party mood.

CTOM's got talent! (Photo credits: Eric Bauzon and Tony Alonzo)

"Fashionistas" in the house... (Photo credits: Tony Alonzo)

Party people... YEAH!!! ^_^ (Photo credits: Eric Bauzon)

There were a couple of minor and major prizes given away for the night. I was among the lucky ones who won PhP 1,500 in cash. The major prizes included a trip to Boracay for 2, and grand prize was a trip to US. Cool, huh? But a thousand bucks is still a thousand bucks, so I’m already thankful for the prize I won.

:) (Photo Credits: Simi)

See you on next year's party... :) (Photo credits: Eric Bauzon)

The festivities ended around past 12 midnight, but most of the people were still ecstatic and in high spirits even after the event. I arrived home around two in the morning, but I think I was able to sleep around 3 a.m. It was a fun night, I met a couple of interesting people, and the crowd was great. In fact, I’m already looking forward to next year’s theme.