Eastern Communications Anniversary Party

I received an invite from Eastern Communications for their 130th Anniversary Party at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City. Being one of the finalists for their graphic design contest, I was required to attend the formal occasion.

 

I submitted two entries to the contest. I never thought I’d be a finalist since I’m not an artist, designer or painter. Basically, I write stuff and make audio – video productions.

 

I actually wanted to beg off and just get the prize money. I wasn’t really in to corporate parties and it was scheduled late in the evening — the time when I usually curl up to bed or enjoy a tall glass of warm milk while playing Mortal Kombat.

 

But eventually, I was convinced to go to Dusit since I did not want to be an anti-social finalist. After work, I took the MRT to Ayala wearing a coat and tie.

 

Once I got to the venue, I noticed that all the poster entries were placed in a semi-circle with my entry being at one end of the half-circle. That got me thinking — if this was random, then I could be one of the top three. But if this arrangement was a ranking, then, I immediately knew that I was at the bottom because the other entries were really, really good.

 

Once I entered the party floor, I was served almost every kind of wine and beer (which I politely refused). I settled for some iced tea and hors d’œuvre. While the band played a few Michael Buble songs, I called home to check on my Mom and Dad. The anniversary celebration started with a dance number.

 

MTV Philippines VJ Katherine “Kat” Alano was the MC, and she started the show with several Q&A contests. I won a USB for answering her question on what year Eastern Telecommunications started operating in the Philippines.

 

Eastern Communications was established 130 years ago when the Spanish Government commissioned Eastern Extension to connect the Philippines to the rest of the world via undersea cable. Within 1878, Eastern provided the country’s first telegraphic services. It vastly improved Spain’s governance and local commerce. It also gave Filipinos access to a fast means of communication to parts of the country and the world.

 

Later, I got to go up the stage for a photo-op when they awarded the finalists for the graphic design contest. And yes, as I suspected, I belonged to the bottom! Anyway, that’s P10,000.00 pa rin!

 

Zsa Zsa Padilla was also there for some rousing song and dance numbers. Towards the end, the Moccha Girls also gave the crowd a great treat by singing and gyrating to the live band’s music. Moments later, I left Dusit to go home.

 

 

I am very thankful to the Lord for His blessings in allowing me to win and be treated to dinner in a high class hotel. I’m also thankful to Eastern Communications for picking my entry although it was made by a writer and not an artist!