A Night of Celebration and Gratitude: UnionBank’s Inaugural SWAG Awards
By: Martina Lucero
On July 28, 2023, UnionBank Plaza hosted its inaugural SWAG Awards—short for Successful Workstreams Appreciation and Gratitude Awards. The event was made to inspire and motivate UnionBank’s workstream members by recognizing their remarkable contributions to significant projects, notably the LD2 Project Blue, a crucial part of the Citi Consumer Bank’s integration into UnionBank.
Also an acronym for “A Simple Wind Down After the Grind,” the event aimed to celebrate achievements and offer a well-deserved week-ender party for employees as the event started at 5 PM on the 47th and 48th floors of UnionBank Plaza.
During the welcoming remarks, Cards and Loans Head Vishal Kadian delivered an inspiring speech, expressing the management’s appreciation for the employees’ efforts. He emphasized, “Thank you, everyone. The least we can do is to thank you, but I truly, truly appreciate what you have done for the business. It will help us boost and thrust the business into new directions.“
Throughout the ceremony, workstream leads took the spotlight to personally recognize and express gratitude to their team members for their unwavering dedication. The individual awardees, who received the FUN Award titles, were nominated by their respective team leads, ensuring that the recognition came from those who knew their contributions best. This heartfelt appreciation not only boosted employee morale but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and dedication within the teams.
During a brief intermission in the awarding ceremony, Chief Human Resource Officer Michelle Rubio delivered an inspiring Leader’s Message. She commended the unwavering dedication and resilience demonstrated by everyone involved in the project, which played a pivotal role in the integration’s success. “The road to integration was not without challenges, but together, we navigated through them and emerged even stronger. Your exceptional resilience and teamwork have been truly commendable, and I am privileged to lead such an extraordinary group of individuals,” she expressed with pride.
After the individual categories, the SWAG Awards also presented the Team Awards, with nominations submitted by the Project Management Office (PMO) and Arete, the consultant and advisor for the integration. This ensured that exceptional team efforts and collaborative achievements received the acknowledgment they deserved.
For the closing remarks, Chief Marketing Officer Albert Cuadrante reminded everyone that gratitude should be extended not only to their colleagues but also to their families. He urged, “It’s a good time to also pause and thank your families, who were also part of the support that’s been carrying you when you go home tired, and they’re the ones who also have to bear with your rants. Let’s make sure to thank them for the support.”
After the awarding, the attendees enjoyed the rest of the evening with lively music and a delicious spread of merienda cena, pica-pica, and refreshing beverages from the mobile bar. A photobooth was also set up, capturing precious moments and providing guests with printed photostrips as cherished keepsakes.
The SWAG Awards not only celebrated achievements but also embodied a deep sense of gratitude and camaraderie among UnionBank’s workstream members. It didn’t only motivate employees to strive for even greater heights but also strengthened the bonds within their teams, inspiring them to continue making significant contributions to the Bank’s growth and success.
Looking ahead, the SWAG Awards will become a semi-annual tradition, ensuring a continuous flow of gratitude and recognition throughout the Bank.