ComCo Southeast Asia Hits 3rd year with Big Wins in IABC Quill Awards, PR Awards Asia and New Business

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As ComCo Southeast Asia marked its 3rd year in the industry, the new communications powerhouse won 9 Excellence and Merit Awards and emerged as Agency of Year 2nd Runner-up at the prestigious 17th Philippine Quill Awards, represented the country in PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and celebrated major account wins. 

ComCo Southeast Asia at the 17th Philippine Quill Awards represented by (from left): AC Recio, Digital and Multimedia Arts Officer; Jam Bufi, Senior Brand Communications Associate; Rachel Syfargo, Brand Communications and Operations Director; Ferdinand Bondoy, Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director; Joan Icotanim, Brand Communications and Administration Director; Queenie Resmundo, Senior Brand Communications Associate; and Harvey Llamosa, Executive Initiatives Officer.

Local and International Recognition

Aside from winning Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up, ComCo Southeast Asia also reaped IABC Quill Awards for “Eastern @ 140: A Celebration of 140 Years of Strong Connections” in the Communication Management Division: Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication Category; “Where Movies Come Alive and Move You - The SM Cinema Reel to Real Campaign” for both the Communications Management Division: Customer Relations Category and Communication Skills Division: Special And Experiential Events Category; and “Be A Play Champion – Unilab Foundation’s Play Advocacy Week Toolkit” in the Communication Skills Division: Publications Category.

ComCo SEA also won for “#AyokoNgPlastik: The WWF-Philippines’ Movement Against Single-Use Plastics”; “#Connect2Earth: The WWF-Philippines Earth Hour 2018”; “Together Possible: the WWF-Philippines Environment Communications Program”; and “Art for a Cause: the WWF’ “Art, Heart, Earth” PR Program”, all under the Communications Management Division: Non-profit Campaigns Category.

The Agency’s mentorship program for communication students and young professionals, the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program, also won a Quill Award in the Communication Training and Education Division. 

Organized by the International Association of Business Communications (IABC), the Quill Award is the world’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society. To win a Philippine Quill means being recognized as achieving the highest Global Standard for business communication practices.

ComCo Southeast also earned 2 citations as finalist for Boutique PR Agency of the Year and PR Event of the Year for SM Cinema’s Reel to Real initiative at the equally prestigious PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong. The Agency represented the Philippines in Boutique PR Agency category, and competed against other finalists in Australia, China, Myanmar and Singapore. Organized by Campaigns Asia Pacific, PR Awards Asia celebrates the most outstanding, inspired, and successful communication campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region. 

New Business Wins

ComCo SEA also continued to strengthen its client portfolio, winning major accounts in recent agency pitches for SM Retail, Teleperformance, Jobstreet, SMDC, Essilor and World Health Organization. Premier brands Electrolux, SM Cinema, Eastern Communications, Lamoiyan Corporation, Dragonpay, Goodyear as well as reputable global organizations WWF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Vision also renewed its communications partnership with the trailblazing agency.

Ferdinand Bondoy, Partner, Co-Founder and Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of ComCo Southeast Asia shared, “We are honored with the recognition given to us by our colleagues in the industry, our fellow communication practitioners, not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia-Pacific region. It validates the kind of work we have been doing for our clients - our partner brands and organizations, our industry and our society, and our own people.”

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comco-hq.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter. 

4As inks partnership with Cannes Lions

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The 4As is now the Official Festival Representative of Cannes Lions and Spikes Asia in The Philippines

Philip Thomas, Chairman of Cannes Lions (Left) and David Guerrero, Chairman of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (Right) formalize an agreement to make 4As the Official Festival Representative for the Philippines of Cannes Lions and Spikes Asia.

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) has been appointed as the Official Festival Representative for the Philippines of two of the most prestigious creative festivals in the world—Cannes Lions and Spikes Asia.

The agreement was announced at the 4As Agency of the Year award ceremony at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel last July 25. The partnership was made in principle at the recent 2019 Cannes Lions Festival in France with Phil Thomas, Chairman of Cannes Lions and David Guerrero, Chairman of the 4As, on behalf of the organization’s 2019 board. The contract was signed this month.

“This partnership between the 4As and Cannes Lions strengthens our belief in creativity as the key to effective communications,” Guerrero said. “We believe that through this agreement, we can help inspire more creative professionals and showcase the world-class talent of Filipinos on the global stage.”

“We’re delighted to welcome 4As as the official festival representative of the Philippines for the Cannes Lions and Spikes Asia festivals. This new partnership will ensure that the creative community of the Philippines can continue to benchmark creative excellence globally and regionally, now and in the future,” Philip Thomas, Chairman of Cannes Lions said.

Since its introduction in 1954, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has been bringing the creative communications industry together every year at its one-of-a-kind event in Cannes, France to learn, network, and celebrate.

Meanwhile, Spikes Asia, the APAC region's oldest and most prestigious industry awards is a three-day festival reaching the region's most influential decision-makers, as well as up-and-coming talent.

The 4As, which brings together the country’s leading creative agencies, will promote the festivals in the country through its educational and professional development programs. It will also nominate jury members and inspire new generations of Filipino marketers and creatives by showcasing the best creative communications in the world.

For more information about 4As and its activities, like and follow its Facebook page at https://facebook.com/4AsPhilippines​.

Kickstart-up Communications Agency Ascends into the Big League!

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ComCo Southeast Asia Hits 2^nd Year with 13 Quill Awards and Agency of the Year Nomination, 

13 NewBiz Wins and a New Command Center

Fresh off the heels of the 16^th IABC Philippine Quill Awards, fast-rising and award-winning communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia has made a mark on the communications scene in a short span of two years since its launch in 2016. The past year has been a monumental one for the budding agency filled with new recognitions, new collaborations, and even a new headquarters! All of this is possible through ComCo SEA’s three agency thrusts, instilled in everything they do: Igniting Brand love, Igniting Social Change, and Igniting Talent.

The ComCo Squadron, dressed in its official brand color imperial purple, takes center stage in the recently held 16^th IABC Philippine Quill Awards.

Industry Recognition

After winning two IABC Quill Awards of Excellence for Igniting Brand Love - The Launch of ComCo Southeast Asia and M&M’s Vote PH Campaign the previous year, the company ascended into even greater heights this year by being nominated for Agency of the Year and winning 13 IABC Quill Awards! 

The IABC Quill Award is the world’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society. To win a Philippine Quill means being recognized as achieving the highest Global Standard for business communication practices. 

ComCo Southeast Asia won the prestigious Quill Awards for the following: AirAsia - World Vision See the World Initiative for Audio-Visual, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Nonprofit Campaign; WWF Earth Hour Camp for Special Event and Nonprofit Campaign; Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz KKK for Publication; Pioneer Insurance #MoveOnLang Song Writing Competition for Social Media and Corporate Social Responsibility; Eastern Communications rebranding campaign for Internal Communications; AirAsia Red Talks season 1 for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communications, Digital Communications and Audio-Visual; and #CitizenComCo - the ComCo Southeast Asia Advocacy Communications practice for Corporate Social Responsibility. 

Likewise, Pioneer Insurance #MoveOnLang Song Writing Competition also bagged two silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) earlier this year. In 2017, ComCo SEA was also recognized in Kidlat Awards and Spikes Asia by being part of the winning team of Snickers Don’t Drive Hungry and in Mumbrella Asia Awards for doing the Philippine leg of TCL Inspiring Bonding Moments. 

New Business Wins

The past year was not only filled with recognitions and retaining long-term partners such as Electrolux, WWF, Eastern Communications and Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz.

ComCo SEA also won a number of inter-agency pitches acquiring new accounts such as PR for SM Cinema (including IMAX, Director’s Club and SnackTime), environmental sustainability research project for Coca-Cola, Digital and Social for Dragonpay and SureTayo, PR for Lamoiyan Corporation’s Hapee Kiddie and GumTect, Healthcare Communications for The Medical City - Clark, PR for Oakley and Reef, Development Communications for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), and PR for Bai Nian Tang Bao restaurant, Wake Up Manila job convention and Goodyear. 

The New ComCo SEA Command Center

From starting out on a shared space in Makati CBD (Central Business District), ComCo SEA moved into its new and own headquarters they call home on the 32^nd floor of the BPI-Philam Life Makati building along Ayala Avenue, Makati City. 

Visitors and guests, as soon as they are in the hallway outside, will notice the company’s bubbly and vibrant imperial purple logo greeting them. The office, known as the ComCo SEA Command Center, is home to the ComCo Squadron composed of ComCoys (directors and staff) and ComCowans (apprentices), a reference to the love of the team has for Star Wars. This particular passion for pop culture is seen all through the office floor with each room’s name being a reference, such as the Millennium Falcon (the primary craftsmanship studio), the Watch Tower (the conference room), the Cerebro (the leader’s room) and the Room of Requirements, among others.

Igniting Talent

To celebrate the Agency’s 2^nd Anniversary and plan ahead for its #RoadToYear3, the squadron spent their away days in a week-long trip in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan! They were able to reflect, recalibrate, and regroup together for its next conquest. 

The Squadron has also injected new and young blood into its team, enabling and turning its bright, talented, and passionate young associates into becoming full-fledged communication experts. They recently hired new Associates for Brand Communications and Finance & Administration, and engaged Enablers for Digital Solutions and Information Technology. 

Most of its workforce came from ComCo SEA’s very own mentorship program called Camp ComCo. Now on its 8^th cycle, over 20 apprentices have gone through its real-world and practical on-the-job training involving workshops and sessions delivered by industry leaders as well as a mentee-mentor relationship between employees and apprentices, enabling the interns to perform actual work in the field. 

#RoadToYear3

The past two years were certainly full of exponential and positive growth for the Agency. The year 2018, however, is shaping up to be an ever better year for the kickstart-up now mainstream player ComCo Southeast Asia. 

ComCo SEA Regional Integration and Executive Director Ferdinand Bondoy shared, “As Walt Disney said before – It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. Everything is overwhelming as we are just on our #RoadToYear 3. I guess if you are having fun in what you do best, with a fantastic team, in a more home like environment, where we can work on our crafts knowing everyone got each other’s back, the impossible becomes possible. We were able to create a culture that inspires all of us to pursue our life’s work, and make a difference, together.” 

Whatever lies ahead in the next year, ComCo Southeast Asia is sure to ascend even further, reaching new heights and breaking new grounds. 

To know more and get in touch with ComCo Southeast Asia, please

visit www.comco-hq.com or www.facebook.com/comco.southeastaasia or e-mail commandcenter@comco-hq.com

Grupo Agatep President bags 2017 IABC CEO Excel Award

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Grupo Agatep President and Managing Director, Norman Agatep was named by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines as one of the recipients of the 2017 CEO Excel Awards for his contributions to the fields of public relations, advertising, digital marketing. The event was held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City last December 4.

After three decades of outstanding work in the fields of advertising, public relations, and digital marketing, Norman Agatep, president and managing director of integrated marketing communication agency Grupo Agatep, was named one of this year's recipients of the CEO Excel Awards.

The distinction, given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, aims to recognize innovative leaders from various industries who have utilized strategic communication to positively impact their companies and communities.

Agatep, who was among 15 individuals awarded in a ceremony held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom last December 4, was merited for his skillful management of his company during its transition to becoming a fully-independent agency now known as Grupo Agatep. The CEO Excel Awards also recognized the significant role played by Agatep and his company in helping manage the reputation of their clients. Aside from these, his invaluable contribution to the marketing communication industry as demonstrated by his outstanding leadership of organizations such as the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies-Philippines (4As), Ad Standards Council (ASC), and the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) was also lauded during the ceremony.

"I am humbled by this honor," Norman Agatep said. "It is not just a recognition of the work put in during the last three decades; this award is a testament to the passion I encountered in the individuals I have had the pleasure to serve with. We made waves, inspired trends, and helped brands manage their reputation because of their commitment. This award is dedicated to each and every one of them."

This is not the first time that an Agatep was given this distinction. In 2006, legendary PR guru Charlie Agatep, Norman's father, also received an IABC CEO Excel Award. Charlie Agatep today serves as Chairman and CEO of Grupo Agatep. Through the drive and dedication of the father and son duo, Grupo Agatep is now the most Anvil-awarded agency in the country with 137 awards under its name. Presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Anvils is the symbol of excellence in PR. 

Aside from Norman Agatep, this year's IABC CEO Excel awardees are: Belen Lim of Security Bank; Benjamin Ramos of City State Savings Bank and BusinessMirror; Danny Lim of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Dante Velasco of Creative Point International, Inc.; Dennis Uy of Udenna Corporation, Inc.; Edwin Hernandez of Jardine Distribution, Inc.; Gregory Banzon of Century Pacific; Kingson Sian of Resorts World Manila; Lina Sarmiento of the Human Rights Victims' Claims Board; Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso of Megaworld Corp.; Manos Koukourakis of Japan Tobacco International Philippines, Inc.; Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways; and Philip Gioca of JobStreet.

Food giant Jollibee appoints new PR agency

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Ripple8 wins competitive bid

Jollibee Foods Corporation, the largest fast food chain and dominant Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market leader in the Philippines, recently appointed Ripple8, Inc. as its public relations agency-on-record for its Brand PR initiatives beginning 2016. This was after the agency emerged as the top scorer in a competitive pitch with three other PR agencies.

Jollibee Brand CMO and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis E. Flores (L) selected Ripple8, Inc. headed by Managing Director Timmy Jayme (R), as one of its new PR agency partners.

Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Marketing of Jollibee Philippines Francis E. Flores said, “We are looking forward with great excitement to working with the team as Jollibee welcomes the year with bigger opportunities to bring joy to Filipino families in the country and worldwide.”

Flores furthered that Jollibee chose Ripple8 on the strength of its fresh, innovative ideas and integrated communications approach presented during the competitive bid.

Ripple8 managing director Timmy M. Jayme said the team is eager to implement “its winning strategies for transformative PR that will empower its trailblazer client to achieve the changes in consumer beliefs and behavior they work and aspire for.” 

Jayme added that the agency aims to make a difference for Jollibee by offering “evolved PR thriving in the high-tech, digital and social landscape to create the ripple effects of positive change.”

Strategic Works, Inc., Jollibee’s other PR agency for over 10 years, will continue to oversee the food company’s public relations for corporate affairs.