To provide a bit of fun and comfort in the workplace during the pandemic, the Human Resource Department spearheaded a Poem Writing Contest with the theme, “Valentine’s Day in the Middle of the Pandemic”.
The poetry contest was open to all GMC employees, and 27 “makata” employees promptly sent in their entries online in either English, Filipino or Bisaya.
In the spirit of fair judging, writers’ names were withheld. The entries were carefully judged by Mr. Edwin Y. Kho (Finance Director) and Ms. Ma. Ernestina V. Elizalde (Technical Services – OIC) according to the following criteria: Creativity/ Style and Originality, Coherence of form and Structure, Clarity of Imagery and Language
As expected, the judges had a hard time choosing the winners, as each piece was unique and very creative. Instead of selecting the top 3 entries as originally planned, the judges ended up selecting 5 winners, as follows:
1st Place – Jonel Colegado’s Gihigugma Tika
2nd Place – Zyre Vaguchay’s Pandemic Love
3rd Place – Esmeraldo Lapac’s Gugmang Nauga
4th Place – Sarah Jane Sepe’s Quarantine Love
5th Place – May Alfil Curayag’s Walang Iwanan
3 of the top 5 winners of the Poem Writing Contest.
Some of the participants receiving their Consolation Prizes.
The winners received Valentine goodies including a box of doughnuts and cupcakes. Consolation prizes were also given to those who joined the contest.
The Poem Writing Contest is just one of GMC’s continuing Interactive Online Employee Engagement activities.
It was indeed a FUN experience that pleasantly led as well to the discovery of hidden, creative literary talents among the Genmillers!
