Some people hop from one agency to another, collecting aquaintances along the way.
But others settle down in an agency where they feel at home, care deep enough to stand their colleagues’ individuality. They stand as sponsors in each others’ weddings, then become godparents to each others’ children. They gain friends for life.
Eventually, some get tired and move on to less demanding careers. Some set up breakaway agencies. Some thrive in more advertising challenges. Some fly overseas. Some choose to raise a family. Others simply retire.
But there’s one night of the year they all look forward to, when they’d gather to recall the good old days and laugh at stories as if they happened only yesterday.
The xJWT Reunion.
Every year since 2006, fomer J. Walter Thompson President Meckoy Quiogue hosted an evening of food and booze, games, prizes, some singing, an exchange of gifts, picture taking, catching up and laughing until the grand raffle prize was given away.
Sadly, the laughter – and the reunions – ended when Meckoy suddenly passed away in 2013. Attempts to revive the event were not successful – everyone was too busy; too tired; too sad.
But somehow the question persisted – via SMS, on Facebook, each time an old face bumped into another: “When is the next xJWT Reunion?”
Finally, it happened. A committee was formed, a date and venue chosen, and a save-the-date released. Donors, sponsors and contributions came in. On February 17th, 2017, the xJWT Reunion was held at the Function Room of Mosaic Tower in Legazpi Village, Makati City. After five long years, nearly 60 former employees of J. Walter Thompson in Ramon Magsaysay Center along Roxas Boulevard gathered to recount once more, the good old days.
Reunion regulars were in attendance, as well as surprise first timers. Accounts, Creatives, Media, Finance, Strat Planners and Producers naturally gravitated towards their own, but mingled as the night went on. Ina del Rosario-Quiogue, Meckoy’s widow, graced and opened the event with a prayer; and thanked everyone ”for inviting me… for continuing the tradition. Meckoy would have been so happy”.
“Immense and immeasurable THANKS to the organizers. Bottomless energy. Infectious vibe. Heart-warming generosity,” Claire Lopez, former VP-Executive Creative Director gushed. Robbie David, formerly with Accounts, “had a grand time with lovely people.”
The night ended as the guest performer sang the Side A hit, “So Many Questions” – originally written for Lux Super Rich Shampoo TVC by the late JWT Creative Director Raymund Villarruel.
Photos of the event flooded Facebook and Instagram that night and the following days, giving xJWT friends unable to join the reunion a chance to experience the jouy of reuniting with family.
