This Agency of the Year Awards night was a return to its sedate but elegant tradition. Held in the Manila Mandarin, guests came in black tie and partook of a meal that cost Php 2,000 a plate.
The awards ceremonies began with actor/host Edu Manzano learning how to say “Ogilvy & Mather”—possibly the most frequently mispronounced name in the Philippine advertising. Nevertheless, Manzano continued to pronounce O&M’s name incorrectly throughout the evening. Known for his acerbic wit, he also made quick sport of BBDO GO’s David Guerrero, SGV’s Lito Montes, adobo’s Andy Maluche and his fraternity brother, Alex Syfu of DM9 JaymeSyfu.
In gratitude for Manzano’s performance—given gratis as he often reminded and chided Syfu—4A’s Chairman Nona Nañagas honored his anti-piracy efforts as head of the Optical Media Board and called him “a guardian of ideas.”
Touched by the gesture, Manzano said that he would have refused compensation for his AOY hosting duties anyway. “Not for all the money in the world.”
The Agency of the Year was created in 1997 by the Philippines 4As. Even though, it was considered a latecomer in the awards show circuit, Chairman Mon Jimenez said “it has grown to become the most prestigious in the business.” The “plates,” as the trophies are called, are prized by agencies and recognized by clients as proof of excellence in all aspects of the profession. Jimenez reminded everyone of its early days under Tom Banguis.
As he led the toast to AOY, he said, “When Tom started this, there were a lot of skeptics. I don’t hear any of them now. AOY is an unqualified success.”
