The Philippines has been awarded the Offshoring Destination of the Year for 2009 at the 6th Annual National Outsourcing Association Awards in the United Kingdom last October 15, 2009.

This is the second time the country has won the prestigious award since 2007. It recently bested four other countries such as Malaysia, Egypt, Russia and Sri Lanka in winning the title.

“We were elated when we heard about the award,” said Fred Chua, chief executive officer of Magellan Solutions Outsourcing Inc., an expanding Philippines-based inbound / customer call center which serves small to medium enterprise markets around the world. “This is victory for all of us in the Philippine outsourcing sector.”

The National Outsourcing Association is the recognized body for the outsourcing industry in the United Kingdom. The association judged countries for this award on a set of criteria covering the country’s advantages, attractiveness to UK companies, its level of market penetration in the UK, and availability of outsourcing areas.

“This is definitely great news for small to medium sized businesses considering outsourcing offshore like in the Philippines. Whatever resources they currently have should still encourage them to explore outsourcing in spurring business expansion. This is the best time for them to see the benefits of partnering with a call center provider like Magellan Solutions,” Chua added.

Top global industry sources have praised the Philippines as one of the fastest growing offshore destinations in the world. Chua attributes this with the country’s proficient English-speaking workforce, telecommunications and real estate all working in synergy to provide world-class services to the international clientele. The latest outsourcing award is another feather on its cap of achievements.

“The Offshoring Destination Award affirms our industry’s steadfast commitment to providing the highest level of service, whether it’s for business with large operations or a small to mid-sized business with limited resources,” Chua said. “We will strive even harder to pursue our growth in the years to come.”

26 August 08

A ray of hope in a text message: “Good afternoon. This is Madeline Carls from Magellan Solutions. We’ve received your resume and would like to invite you to explore possible opportunities. If so, kindly get in touch with us regarding your availability. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.”

The next day, I stroll into Magellan Solutions’ quaint office digs at the Security Bank Building along the shopping center/school district side of Ortigas Avenue, away from Outsourced Contact Center row. Hmm, they said the fourth floor, I think, as I hop on the lift, which only goes up to the 3rd. I get off on 3rd and walk the rest of the way. Okaaaay. Friendly manong guard lets me in, I seat myself in the lobby. Some tisoy-ish looking guy with a chip on his shoulder, is already there, filling out an application form. Out pops a girly-girl who hands me similar form to fill up. Chip guy is then asked to go get some lunch and come back in thirty. Not too keen on the idea, fussy Mr. Chip is poised to demur, alluding to my presence; to which Mayet (whose name I learned later) retorted “he’s got an appointment with Ms. Carls.” One point for me, Chippy 0.

The interview with Ms. Carls went well. Aside from the fact that she was, like me, an ex-Kapuso, her affable, easygoing nature put me at ease. I was told she’d notify me if and when I’d be back for an interview with their CEO, Fred Chua. I left posthaste, not really knowing what to expect.

29 August 08

Another sms from Ms. Carls.. “Fred Chua would like to see you tom. at around 10am here in our Security Bank Office.”

30 August 08

So I make like Ferdinand, and I’m off to Magellan. Again.

Fred is younger than I thought. Perky but straight-laced business-like. Analytical behind the smiles. A flurry of queries, and it’s over even before I can say “outsourcing.” I’m to wait for word from Ms. Carls, if ever.

That afternoon, she texts.. “Spoke to Fred. You’re hired officially as Foundation Trainer on probee status for six months under HR. You starving (sic) date is next week and working schedule is on graveyard shift.” To which she adds, “But on Monday, you’ll still be my host.” Apparently, due to my extensive broadcasting background, my initial company task is to host Magellan Solutions’ 3rd Anniversary Party.                   Methinks I got the job because of this.

I am once again employed.

01 September 08

The Washington office of Magellan Solutions is a house. Well, it used to be one, once upon a time. It now houses transcriptionist and workstations for the Inbound Call Center accounts on the ground floor, and more on the second floor. The spiralling staircase going upstairs is a lot like the ones in old 80′s Regal films, not to mention the semi-rustic woodparquet floors.

By the time I get there, the party’s in full swing. I miss dinner completely. Not a scrap. Not even a clean glass, nor any beverage to drink out of it, as surly waiters scurry hither, in an early attempt at clearing the clutter and clearing out of the premises. Party proper is out back, poolside. Onstage, Ms. Carls and Fred present some awards, mostly Loyalty. I’m called up and introduced as (sheesh) Jimmy Jam. I warmly greet the assembly, amidst sporadic, erratic applause and the who-the-hell-is-this stares.

Some agent-propelled production numbers garner louder, wilder applause than I could muster, which everyone enjoys. A video presentation produced by May of HR brought back vivid Magellan reminiscences, while QC Manager Piter Afable roamed the grounds doing video coverage. After which, Magellan’s crack band performed Cranberries covers onstage, with agent Carissa Salonga on lead vocals. Backed by the two Archie’s (they should’ve name their band as such) on drums and the other Archie on bass, and the guy who played guitar, whose name shall remain anonymous, for now. I jammed with them on drums, on their cover of Teeth’s Laklak, a song everyone was busy doing, after breaking out the beer, albeit at controlled quantities. After the band retired, it was Videoke time. Sharon from our Inbound account, showed off her vocal prowess, as did Ms. Carls, with many more following suit. By this time, Wave 28, as well as the rest of the agents present had a pleasant buzz about them, but Videoke had to be cut short. Bummer. A fun night was had by all.

Happy Anniversary, Magellan Solutions!

Our fast-approaching Christmas party has got to be, no.. SHOULD be an even bigger blast!