Last week, my friend and I went to zigphilippines CalligrArt event. The activities are mostly centered on the use of Z ig products so aside from an on stage presentation, there were demonstrations on calligraphy, doodling, murals, and other artworks.
The calligraphy demonstrations were the most happening non-happening activity in this event, if that makes sense. You don't just get to see an artist do their work, you get to take it home with you. So attendees spent a lot of time getting in line to get their names written, with some even opting for phrases. Much of our participation was just standing there, but with a friend to talk to during the wait made the whole event interesting. Mainly, people just lined up from artist to artist, as each artist had a different style, so you get to see your name written in different ways. There were two artists doing portraits but we didn't line up for that. On the other side of the event space, mini-workshops were conducted with a Php800 fee per person, if I'm remembering it correctly. We didn't join that either.
Instead, my friend bought a few things then we sat down for what's left of the stage presentation. While I'd say that the activities were good, the stage presentation left a lot to be desired. At one point the artist conducting tbe demo on stage lost audio on the mic and nobody noticed as the host and cameraman where looking elsewhere. There should have been a staff member overseeing these things, making sure the speakers had everything they need. Afterwards, the host said that it was now time for the much anticipated raffle.
This is were it gets hinky. The host picked out names, and nobody answers, like twice so she asks the camera man for a number and she calls out the name corresponding to the number on the registration list. So here's the backstory: my friend told me about this event way back. There's an online registration so we registered immediately. I noticed that there wasn't any confirmation. My friend said the registration was only to enter the raffle. When we got there, there was a separate registration for walk in attendees, which was horizontal as opposed to the list for online regristrants which was vertical.
So we were sitting there among other people hoping to get our names called. Name after name were called but they weren't there. One girl said, "Number one! Number one!" And the host said number one and said the name written to it. The girl raised her hand and the host was like, "Ikaw nga?" And the host gave the prize because 'they were feeling generous'. My eyes were rolling so far back in my head!
People were calling out to the host, "Yung online" and the host relented and switched lists. She called out more names that weren't there before cutting it with what she called the 'graduation ceremony', calling the artists on stage for their bouquets, gift bags, and photo ops.
The raffle resumed, with the host calling names from the walk-in list again. Girl Number One yelled out, "Two", then pointed to the girl next to her. Guess what? The host said two and called a name, which was - surprise, surprise- the girl sitting next to Girl Number One. My friend and I were exchanging raised eyebrows. The people in front started yelling again for "Online", to which the host said she'll call four more from the list she was holding then she'd call names from the online list.
What's the point of having people register online when you won't even give it equal weight as people who walk-in? I know that this in an incentive for people who attend the event, but I still think it's ridiculous. Why would you bother signing up for the next event then? And why bother conducting a raffle when you're unprepared? And why conduct it in that way?
I'd want to attend one of their events in the future. Coming back for the beautiful art and interesting products, not so much for the possible incentive.
