#GiveABagofHope: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Convergys Clark Site Director Soc Bautista, Sr. Vice President
and Country Manager Ivic Mueco, Department of Education
Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, and Chief Operating
Officer Marge Connelly

Last June 16, we traveled to Pampanga for the Convergys’ site launch and fashion show at SM City Clark.

The Convergys Clark site has found its home in SM City Clark, a bigger and better location from their Clarkfield office.“This expansion is representative of our commitment to investing in our people and communities. Convergys Philippines continues to be a critical part of our global operations, and an important service destination for our clients,” said Convergys Chief Operating Officer Marge Connelly.

Convergys Philippines Country Manager Ivic Mueco also added, "the dedication and excellent service delivered by the Clark team has enabled our ongoing growth. The 40% increase to 700 employees over the past year is significant, and we are excited to continue to grow.  Mueco also points out that with their recruitment program, the Clark team is helping serve the Pampanga community. 

#GiveaBagofHope Ambassadors Gabriel and
Mark McMahon

The fashion show was in celebration of Convergys’ #GiveABagofHope program where the company gives a bag with school supplies to an Aeta student for every new hire they make. It warms my heart to know that a company as big and global as Convergys gives back to the community and practices social responsibility.

The event was hosted by MYX VJ Chino Lui Pio and graced by Convergys Chief Operating Officer Marge Conelly, Country Manager Ivic Mueco, and Department of Education Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales.

Guest of honor Department of Education Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, thanked Convergys for their initiative to help out public schools in the country.

“’Give A Bag of Hope’ allows Filipino schoolchildren to have a better chance to pursue their education by addressing a major cause of school dropout due to the lack of school supplies. Through the provision of ‘bags of hope,’ Convergys employees are helping children nationwide continue studying. We at DepEd greatly recognize the significant role of a strong Public-Private Partnership and would like to thank Convergys Philippines and other stakeholders who help us in our mission to provide quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education to all our learners,” Rosales said.

Convergys Site Director Soc Bautista showed the same day edit video of the distribution of the Bags of Hope to Aeta school children in Nabuclod and Camachile Elementary schools done earlier that day. A Bag of Hope contains essential school supplies such as pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, pad papers, and notebooks.

“Each employee giving a bag of hope is doing just that – providing hope to a child, enabling them to continue to learn and aspire for a better future. We are grateful to our Convergys Clark team for what they have achieved not just for the company, but also for making a difference in Pampanga,” remarked Convergys Country Manager Ivic Mueco.

The program proceeded with the fashion show styled by stylist Noel Manapat. The fashion show revolved around the main elements of the #GiveABagofHope program – the Convergys jacket and the Bag of Hope. Noel divided the segments into three parts – summer colors, denim, and shades of blue. The styling was on point; Noel was able to incorporate the elements seamlessly through his chosen pieces. I’ve always held a high regard for Noel as a stylist because always comes up with fresh and interesting styling for his shows and editorials.

Convergys employees
strutting down the runway
with their Convergys jackets

#GiveABagofHope
 Recipients:
Aeta students

Professional models and select Convergys employees walked down the runway, with the audience cheering on enthusiastically. The Aeta students, recipients of the bag donation that morning, also modelled their brand new bags and outfits. The stars of the #GiveABagofHope video, Gabriel and Mark McMahon also walked down the ramp. The crowd went wild when the charming actor and Pasion de Amor star Joseph Marco came out to strut down the catwalk. The show ended with the whole cast taking one final walk and gathering on stage as the pouring down of confetti signaled the end of the show.

Tola Orendain

Hye Won Jang

Dimitri Tolenaars

Akoni Steinmann

Monika Sta. Maria

Jessica Yang

Christian Busby

Carlo Gonzales

Hans Weiser

Tyson Kraft

Miko Raval

Hans Weiser

What I like most about the fashion show was it not only entertaining but it's also relevant. Kids were lifted up in renewed hope and encouraged to reach for their dreams. It all starts with one bag.