CAMARINES SUR, Philippines – Game changers from the advertising industry gathered at the CWC Convention Center here yesterday for the opening ceremonies of Ad Congress 22.
Following a dramatic and inspiring invocation by Miss Universe first runner-up Shamcey Supsup and the singing of the national anthem led by the Maasinhon Trio, representatives of member-organizations of the Advertising Board of the Philippines took the stage for their parade of colors.
Gov. LRay Villafuerte gave his opening remarks in the presence of thousands of delegates and members of the media, citing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to host this year’s Ad Congress.
“Seeing you all here is very surreal, because who would’ve thought that we would finally be on the radar,” he said. “Thank you for choosing us, against all odds.”
It indeed had been a long and tumultuous battle, but one that had been well-fought by the organizers, most especially the members of the AdCongress22 ExCom.
This year’s theme, “Change the Game,” was in every way a source of inspiration for the team that put the four-day event together. Overcoming every obstacle possible, including the sudden downpour just a day before Day 1, the ExCom had to live and breathe this year’s theme to deliver a truly game-changing Ad Congress.
AdBoard chairman Andre Kahn, who presented the relaunch of the “Refreshed. Renewed. Adboard,” said he is “pleased by the unity of the AdBoard Media Group.”
He likewise introduced ExCom overall chair Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, who delivered a heartfelt message to the delegates and the ExCom team, which includes STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte of the PR and Publicity Committee.
Following the opening ceremonies was a talk on “Harnessing the Power of Social Media” by Charlene Li, co-author of Groundswell, and the keynote speech by Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez, who in true ad-man fashion, said, “The Philippines is not a place to see. It’s the place to be.”
The opening salvo of the AdCongress22 sessions challenged everyone present to “pry ourselves from complacency,” as Prieto said. To change the game or be changed by it - that is the question. The next couple of days should be a mindset-altering experience for all in attendance, ultimately benefiting the crazy, exciting, game-changing industry that is advertising.