With Christmas festivities now well and truly underway, letters to Sinterklaas posted, snowy skies, and luxury stolen goods on sale, what's there not to smile about? Here's our round-up of positive news from around Belgium to kickstart your weekend.
Today's positive pick
Dubbed the Eurovision of the business world, Belgium's 'Corporate Music Awards' (COMA) ceremony was held on Friday 24 November at Acre 3 event hall in Braine L'Alleud (Walloon Brabant), attracting around 400 people from all corners of Belgium to celebrate and discover the songs of the various competing companies.
COMA is a unique one-year inter-company programme which aims to showcase companies' artistic talents and transform staff into artists. "Whether they are singers, musicians, actors, directors, writers, poets, graphic designers, photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, props men, jury members... everyone will find their place whatever their level," the organisers state on their website.
Teams must produce an original song recorded in a studio, a professional music video, a corporate marketing video presentation and graphic visuals.
This year, ten companies were in the running for the coveted 'Golden Glasses' trophy: Brussels transport company STIB; biopharmaceutical company Pfizer; insurance companies Ethias and Wilink; pet store chain Tom&Co; international law firm NautaDutilh; global consultancy agency Taleo Consulting; NSI IT Software & Services; charitable organisation Samusocial Brussels; and Development Company for the Brussels-Capital Region, citydev.brussels.
Waving flags in true Eurovision style. Credit: Corporate Music Awards / Facebook
An album of all ten entries was released on Spotify in September the names of the favourites have long been circulating: Wilink, STIB and Ethias were top of the list.
After several months of suspense, STIB was finally crowned the winner on Friday evening for its catchy song 'Pas Réel'. Their French and Dutch music video sees passengers dress up and dance in whacky animal costumes and travel around on a STIB bus.
On the second step of the podium was Samusocial with its track 'Regards Croisés', which was also awarded Best Music Video. Brussels' Citydev brought up the rear with the lively 'La Traversée' and also received Best Cover. Other prizes included Wilink's 'I am the Fire' for Best Song and Tom&Co's 'Love & Gravity' for Best Team Spirit.
Tuneful team building
COMA aims to rethink team building within companies. "An 11-month adventure, with professional artistic guidance, enabling participating companies to create a piece of music, record it in a professional studio, shoot a video clip and present it at a gala evening. For just a few moments, our Belgian companies experience the life of a singing star," explain the organisers.
Alexandra Defrade from NSI IT Software and Services added: "COMA has helped to create cohesion between colleagues from different teams, but around a great common project. What better way to get to know each other and forge connections?"
Credit: Corporate Music Awards / Facebook
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Other stories to make you smile:
1. A festive guide to Christmas markets in Belgium and beyond
With Christmas fast approaching, what better way to prepare for the festive season than to sip on some steaming mulled wine or hot chocolate at one of Belgium's many famous Christmas markets? Read more here.
2. Sinterklaas will answer children's letters in Brussels Central Station
As per Belgian tradition, children send letters and drawings to Sinterklaas to assure him they have been well-behaved over the past year so they receive presents on 6 December. But this year, they can also bring their letter to the Sinterklaas Vault. Read more here.
3. What a steal: State puts luxury goods seized from criminals up for auction
Just in time for the festive season, the Finance Ministry is holding another auction of seized luxury items, including a selection of Delvaux handbags and purses, Swiss watches and South African gold coins, all previously owned by criminals. Read more here.
4. Love at first swipe: New chat-free dating app 'Breeze' launched in Brussels
Brussels is a city of singles, but many are dissuaded from dating apps because of the awkward small talk upon 'matching'. Luckily, a new dating app has just the solution. Read more here.
5. Ocean-aged beer: Belgian brewer launches novel technique to enhance flavour
Belgium is famed for its beer brewing, using practices and ingredients conserved for generations. But this doesn't mean it's not also a country of innovation, with one brand taking a novel approach to bring a depth of flavour to its beverages. Read more here.
6. STIB orders more electric buses en route to 100% green transport
Brussels public transport company STIB has placed an order for 36 electric buses to be ready for early 2026, continuing the electrification of its bus fleet that began in 2018. Read more here.
7. Listen Festival presents underground rave in three Brussels tunnels
Listen Festival has announced it is organising a rave in three Brussels tunnels as part of its programme for the 2024 edition. Read more here.
