THE PHILIPPINES, APRIL 3, 2012: Besting 40 entries from 12 markets in the region, MEC Philippines was awarded the Asia Pacific Grand Winner in the recently concluded 9th annual MEC network’s Global Ideas Competition for their work for Wyeth.
Managing director Malu Vasallo said of her agency’s victory: “Being chosen as having the best work in Asia speaks volumes of the level of partnership and support we have had for this project in our quest for creative excellence.”
"I guess the biggest challenge for team Philippines was how we would be able to break through from the established winning countries of the competition- markets such as China, Thailand, Australia that have strong winning track records," shares Adel Raymond Tuason, strategic planning director, MEC Philippines.
In last year’s competition, two entries of the team were shortlisted in the regional finals, this gave the Philippine team an idea on what to improve for the next competition.
"Reviewing the previously winning entries made us aware that innovation and creativity that stems from a deep unique cultural insight was key. Clearly supported results is also very important. That’s what we consciously adapted in our campaigns that eventually produced a winner for us," said Tuason.
Having watched over the growth of its Manila office, MEC APAC CEO Stephen Li was greatly pleased by the win. “What a fabulous result and testament to the changes and hard work over the last couple of years at MEC in Manila. The hard work and determination to do great work is consistent throughout the entire office.”
The 2011 Global Ideas is the 9th edition of MEC’s worldwide competition for amazing and impactful case studies. The best of the best are showcased in pitches, with clients and shared across the network.
Held in January this year, 2 out of the 3 entries by MEC Philippines made it to the Asia-Pac shortlist. The 10 shortlisted campaigns per region were then judged in February at the global headquarters in New York by a panel composed of MEC regional CEOs and global leaders. One winner per region was chosen from which a global winner was picked.
