Pretty People, Courtesy, Meal Stubs and the New Order (Part 2)

Immersed in the Experience

The big day arrived and we’re both excited and anxious. It’s time to put what we’ve learned to the test. We picked our ears to more instructions. Ten groups of five were already identified to facilitate carrying out our functions although five pairs were handpicked to be ushers for VIPs.

For four nights and two days, we have what seemed to be but which I cannot consider a “routine” due to daily deviations. Foremost, we (more often, they) arrive on the call time agreed upon the previous night. Ladies must be immediately styled upon arriving at the quarter for obvious reasons. If they are called for duty sometime later, retouch does the trick. Men are ordered to get ready two hours prior the activities where we’ll be needed (e.g., during dinner or plenary) because we’re usually deployed at least 30 minutes before guests enter a hall. It’s a good thing that I can do my own make-up because aside from the 1:10 stylist-protocol volunteer ratio (we’re 52) I hate to see how they cover a guy’s entire face with a single shade of foundation for everyone. At least, I get the look that I want while they are spared of labor for one person although I was always the last to come in the grooming area just to have my hair done.

We stand in different posts every time and we take turns having breaks. Our mentors never went far from us, frequently whispering instructions where to go and when to leave. How we really love our meal stubs!

* * * * *

Twice we’re able to join the delegates in mealtime at the big dining hall; few of our colleagues experienced it thrice. It was a luncheon sponsored by a national broadsheet and a dinner sponsored by a giant TV network. We were in awe as we hear the hosts enumerate the raffle prizes with 5,000 pesos as a minor prize only. I was able to have a short chat with a marketing officer for a big Telco and I’ve learned that she’d attended the past two Ad Congresses prior this. Or at least, that’s how far I’ve inquired.

* * * * *

I wasn’t picked to be a VIP usher originally but one fateful afternoon, a lady and I were asked to relieve a pair who hasn’t had their lunch yet from waiting for Mr. Chris Nelson of Philip Morris Philippines. It was tough to stand for an hour at the lobby on a dress shoe (what more for the ladies who are required to wear slippery stockings and minimum of 2 inches-heeled shoes) but it was tougher to maintain a cheerful mindset despite the pain. Mr. Nelson arrived when the lei was almost wilting but heaven knows what portal did he used to get in hence we had to welcome him when he’s already in the Speakers’ Lounge . He was indeed a gentleman to initiate a handshake.

We had the chance to see some other VIPs up close.

* * * * *

Several of our national TV personalities came but since I’m not much of a screaming fan, I had a close encounter with only a few and it was even unintentional. I feel more disappointed though that I haven’t had my copy of “Good Omens” signed by renowned writer Neil Gaiman who was the prime plenary speaker for the congress since his brief show held on the last day was priced at 1,500 pesos and would accommodate only first 100 registrants for the book-signing.

* * * * *

The Congress was attended by some 3,300 delegates alone hence the diverse personalities. But one thing is manifested: a big percent of these people is wealthy. During the opening and the awards nights particularly, my eyes had been bloated by the sight of well-tailored suits, precious fabrics and glossy shoes. At least they were easy on jewelries, or so it seemed. Who knows how much their stud earrings cost anyway? I wouldn’t be surprised if Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada) herself would show up that night; we have a fellow usherette who looks like Anne Hathaway.

Our mentors had described these people to be “crazy” and “most unforgiving in the industry”. Thankfully, I came across the appreciative ones although I had heard quite few terrorizing stories from my colleagues. Maybe, a sincere and cheerful hospitality does make anybody’s day.

* * * * *

One of my momentous experiences was the encounter with Mr. Marlon Rivera, President of Publicis Manila – an advertising agency. Some 12 front rows were reserved for finalist agencies for the Araw Awards; Publicis is seated 4 rows from where I was standing. I threw occasional glances on Marlon; his presence cannot be drowned by the crowd. He exudes confidence and power as he sashayed from row to row greeting other advertisers with the social kiss.

He initiated a conversation hence I responded enthusiastically to hold the conversation longer than a hi”.

“You must be Marlon Rivera of Publicis”.

“Yes, I am”.

“I’ve read your article in MetroHIM (magazine) about slacks. It was nice and informative. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Really?!?”

(His social circle in chorus) “About what?”

“Slacks and pleats”

And on it went.

The Exhibits

The Trade and Exhibit Center was our favorite hangout when off-duty. Just like how we used to rush to the play pens in fast food stores when we’re little, we are always excited to roam about and try the games or hoard freebies. Indeed exhibitors exerted laudable efforts to come up with the best gimmicks to attract visitors. Yehey.com has this 3-phase game where you pop balloons, draw lots, and drop a ball to win prizes. Match another player in a 3-minute basketball computer game to win prizes from Level Up. Have your picture taken and own a personalized pop poster courtesy of Red Fox. Philippine Daily Inquirer set a magnetic fishing game while another broadsheet, Philippine Star, won major exhibit awards for a variety of attractions ranging from picture-on-a-magazine cover, multimedia games, videoke booth and find-the-star optical illusions. Nokia gave out N-Series mobile phones to the best 30-second video. A fellow usher won for himself an 8GB iPod in a dance game. Other favorites were the two big inflatable balls where you get in and roll around. Gorgeous models of other exhibitors roam around the venue offering their goods. Then there’s the generous supply of Coca-Cola drinks handed out from the bar at the lobby outside the plenary hall.

Some goodies though are exclusive for delegates only but consolation giveaways aren’t bad either.

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Pretty People, Courtesy, Meal Stubs and the New Order (Part 1)

“I’ve met the people of past Ad Congresses and I must say that you’re the greatest. Oftentimes I had to tell you to keep quiet and I wanted to seal the mouths of some of you with a masking tape. You are mischievous but you listen. You are mischievous but you obey. You are proud but you have the rights to be. Others found it hard to learn in a week but you learned in four days. You are the best windows of what Subic has to offer.” – Ms. Linda Gamboa, Chairperson, Protocol Subcommittee, 20^th Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC)

* * * * *

General Assembly

November 17, 2007 – All volunteers who qualified through the screenings gathered together for the first time at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center – venue of this year’s 4-day Congress held biennially. We were grouped to our respective committees and were briefed on things which admittedly, are 2% relevant and 1% interesting at least for us in the Protocol Committee. Perhaps the only interesting things that afternoon were the tour in the building (the 5,000 and 7,000 seating capacities of the main plenary and dining halls alone overwhelmed us at first and we thought we’ll be needing for ourselves ushers to show us around during the congress; there could have been “ushers for the ushers” in that case), seeing for the first time our spacious office/dressing room, having refreshments in the mess hall, and that comic briefing by the chair of Venue Committee.

Breaking the Ice

As instructed the previous night, the protocol volunteers assembled in another location which is about 5-minute ride away from the Convention Center. Most of us chatted cheerfully yet the “mine-theirs” social partitions were still apparent especially that we come from four major colleges in the city hence the usual academic rivalry seem to wrap us then. Representatives of the Advertising Board who were among our supervisors since the screenings facilitated group dynamics by assigning us to 5 groups where for a length of time, we had to learn something about our mates and then move into another group. Most started rather reserved with the name-nickname-course-school format of introduction but all it took were some follow-up inquiries by the more congenial members and everyone’s at ease with each other and laughing heartily in no time.

Learning Protocol

“Do not place your hands in your pockets.” “When you do this, be sure that…”

Still, there were long idle times for us although more thorough trainings commenced. We were given handouts of etiquette for handshakes, grooming, and formal dining among others. Mr. Albert, a flight attendant working for the national carrier, discussed these and demonstrated proper stance while citing gestures to avoid. The ladies had more rigid trainings on stride and sitting.

Everyone was excited when our uniforms arrived that afternoon. Why not? These are our manifested identification from other volunteers – truly exclusive for protocol. It is amazing how Mr. Willie, our couturier, later transformed the girls' basic corset-skirt ensemble into no less than 6 different looks throughout the days.

A day before the Congress, the venue is still buzzing with activities. Venue supervised workers as they erected more outdoor booths, installed and checked lights and sounds, and painted what needed painting. Security volunteers helped sort out standard giveaway bags for the delegates. Mr. Willie inspected the shoes which the ladies plan to wear; must be either silver or white only. For the gents, he was particular with the length and material of the pants.

We also had our first appointment with the commissioned stylists. For males, hair must not touch the collar and no sideburns.

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3D Cityscape

I had previously posted about the 3D class I'm enrolled in. By the end of the semester, here's what I was able to do. It may not wow an advanced graphic artist but I guess it isn't that bad for a first-timer.

Sleepless October Nights

I find it hard to remember what months, according to my elementary Science, are when the nights seem longer than days but this month, it made literal sense to me. One adjective would generally describe my October days: EXHAUSTING. Now, think of its synonyms and its synonyms’ synonyms to elaborate.

Sleepless nights debuted on the transition of the preceding month in the peak of rushing articles for our school publication. All in all, I turned in 5 articles including my column as the newly appointed Associate Editor. And then there were the nights spent in the computer laboratory making a 3D cityscape as a final requirement for the course. For a couple of days, my classmate and I stayed until 11PM but these were also the days I filed for leave from work hence I start working on the project at 9AM daily. On the third night (Oct. 18) which, aside from being the night before submission, is when I felt sick of working on it as if eternally thus I committed to myself that I’m not going home until it’s done for good. Believe me; I seldom acquire such determination especially towards schoolwork. This entailed eating dinner past 10 o’clock in a 24-hour convenience store and then getting back to work. With only our sense of humor for entertainment, we continued until we saw the first light of dawn through the tinted glass of our building and we greeted each other good morning. By 5AM, I was feeling nauseated I could have thrown up right in front of the monitor. Maybe if I haven’t yet worn glasses, I might have succumbed earlier. We left school by 6:30AM, relieved that it’s finally over. Is it a must that since we’re modeling a cityscape, we likewise suffer the sleep-deprived fate of architecture students?

I broke my own Guinness record of staying awake the whole night through; the former I recall was 3AM dizzy from party lights and not from computer glare. I never imagined I could stay up that long – not even during wakes for deceased relatives.

“One down”– the cityscape was done but not the others sacrificed for its completion. Few days ago, for another three consecutive nights, I had to sleep past midnight to make four PowerPoint presentations for another subject. Thanks to my Vitamin B and to the Presidential Proclamation on barangay elections which extended the weekends.

Green Day’s hit says “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, but please, don’t keep me awake throughout October either.

Qualifying for PAC’s Protocol

Despite how rigid my October activities had been, one notably interesting thing that happened is my acceptance as a student volunteer for the 20^th Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) to be held here in Subic on November 21 to 24.

It was really unexpected considering that I was among what I personally label as “compensatory batch”. Foremost, due to the nature of the congress, priority recruits are students taking up fields similar to Mass Communications, Business Administration, and Tourism. Second, the first call for volunteers ended early September and I was hesitant to submit an application then. I was just enticed by my peers from the Engineering Department who also filled-up application forms when the second opportunity knocked.

An interview was scheduled on a Saturday morning (October 6) and there were some 50 other students who came from our school and another one. My friends and I felt a little intimidated to see a number of them “dressed for the occasion” as we would say while we came in denim pants and shirts and I haven’t even styled my hair with my trusty crème. Thankfully, I always have with me my ChapStick to swipe on and make my lips look hydrated.

I belonged to the first set interviewed. Although we’re given little time to give answers, the queries were not tough – the interviewers seem to be. You know how one appears courteous for the sake of professionalism but wouldn’t initiate a conversation on a casual setting. But I guess that’s normal especially that they’re the bosses of the committees.

A week after, I’ve learned the good news through another qualifier and friend. I’m considering my experience as a volunteer for the 23^rd Southeast Asian Games a couple of years ago as my greatest asset over the others. I’m excited enough to be accepted but being accepted for the committee on protocol is a bonus. As how the orientations go, it’s convincing that the Protocol Volunteers are given priority. As of this writing, I haven’t heard news that the results for other committees have been released already. Second, Protocol Volunteers are to be issued custom-made uniforms; our measurements had been taken by the couturier and we’ll be wearing a different one everyday in the duration of the congress. Third, when I’ve met the other qualifiers during the measurements, I can tell that they certainly are selected few: I’ve met them in various local pageants hence the beautiful faces in the city. Ahem. I belong! :-)

So much with the excitement, I hope nothing gets on the way and I’ll do well in the training.