Smart clarifies ad display issue

Smart Communications Inc. issued a statement yesterday to clarify reports yesterday that its streamers for display during the 17th Philippine Advertising Congress in Cebu had allegedly failed to comply with approved design specifications.

"Smart has in fact complied with design specifications duly approved by the merchandising committee of the Ad Congress in consultation with the Cebu City government during the Execom courtesy call with the members of the committee," the company said in a statement.

Smart noted that its streamers were colored blue rather than orange due to the fact that the Ad Congress merchandising committee stressed only the 20 percent space for the product logo. Details on the color scheme were not emphasized to Smart.

As a remedy, Smart – with the assistance of the Ad Congress committee – has produced new streamers with the approved color specification to replace the original batch of streamers.

Meanwhile, a special edition of the popular TV game show "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?" highlighted the fun and games at this year’s 17th Advertising Congress, where P900,000 in cash prizes were given away.

Over 15 sponsored parties and mini-concerts have been scheduled for this year’s congress, participated in by some 2,000 delegates. Last Thursday, crooner Martin Nievera held a mini-concert while a luncheon yesterday featured singer Vina Morales. Elsewhere, delegates joined different sporting events, including bowling, golf and billiards.

The rest of the congress was business as usual with Gift Gate President Virginia Ramos and Jollibee Foods Corp. vice president for marketing Regina Navarette enlightening delegates on consumer strategies. – With Mary Ann Reyes