Star-struck in Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY (via Bayantel) — The country’s top advertisers are here in full force for the 18th Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) slated on Nov. 19-22 at the newly constructed CAP Convention Center, Camp John Hay.

Smart Communications, for one, has left no stone unturned in making its presence felt, with its streamers lining the stretch of roads that lead up from Tarlac all the way to the Congress venue.

The posh Camp John Hay Manor Hotel, which will house most of the 3,000 delegates and participants expected at the Ad Congress, is already fully booked and abuzz with activity. The hotel is a short distance away from the convention site, which CAP has built in time for the holding of the big event.

With most of the congress participants set to arrive today, north-bound traffic on the expressway and in portions of Tarlac is expected to be heavy as early as 5 a.m. The registration of congress delegates begins today.

As an opening salvo, The Philippine STAR hosts tonight’s ad congress opening cocktails at the Manor Garden of Camp John Hay Manor Hotel at 6 p.m. The STAR, the only broadsheet platinum sponsor of the event, has brought in Boy Abunda, Paolo Santos, Nina, and Gladys and the Boxers with K and has lined up a big night of music, fun and prizes to start off the ad congress with a bang.

STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte, who also chairs the 18th PAC PR/publicity committee, leads STAR executives and staff in welcoming delegates to the congress, which is bidding to achieve significant firsts in the history of the biennial event.

Likewise, The STAR’s sister publication, Pilipino STAR Ngayon, has spared no effort in supporting the big ideas at the ad congress, signing up as the only tabloid sponsor of the event. Pilipino STAR Ngayon currently rules the tabloid market with a dominant circulation of over 250,000.

Leading tomorrow’s opening ceremonies for the 18th PAC is no less than President Arroyo, who will also be the keynote speaker. The President is also set to formally open the congress trade exhibit area, which will showcase booths from the top advertisers in the country. She will be joined by the chairman of this year’s ad congress and ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, Adboard chairman Cerge Remonde and Baguio City Mayor Bernardo Vergara.