Smart fetes load retailers
MORE than 12,000 load retailers all over the Philippines were treated to a day of fun games, entertainment, and prizes at the recently concluded KaPartner Level Up National Retailers Convention of Smart Communications Inc., the wireless communications arm of telco giant PLDT.
The series of conventions was held at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City and IC3 Convention Center in Cebu City.
The annual event is part of Smart’s Ka-Partner Rewards Program, which is designed to honor partner-retailers and recognize the valuable role they play in the growth of the company.
Nearly eight out of 10 Smart subscribers are prepaid, and buy their load at the friendly neighborhood sari-sari store. Sales generated by retailers account for up to 85 percent of Smart’s prepaid revenues.
The retailer convention at Araneta was graced by PLDT chairman, president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, as well as other PLDT and Smart executives.
The program featured entertainment from the country’s top celebrities, games with prizes, and a raffle draw, where as much as P1 million, a brand-new car, and a motorcycle were given away as Smart’s way of saying thank you to the retailers.
Entertainment was provided by celebrities James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, Karylle, Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla, Jhong Hilario, Michael Pangilinan and Alex Gonzaga, among other artists, and hosts Luis Manzano and Jasmine Curtis. No less than superstar Nora Aunor announced the winner of the P1 million grand prize at the Araneta event.
Lane of Metro Manila, Lydia of Central Luzon and Nalie of Visayas were declared winners of P1 million each during the conventions in Quezon City and Cebu. This brings to nine the total number of millionaires of the KaPartner Rewards Program since its launch in 2012.
Retailers earn rewards points by selling Smart load, SIM packs and broadband devices. They have the option to redeem prizes depending on the number of rewards points, or exchange it for a raffle ticket for a chance to win in the annual raffle where prizes of up to P1 million are at stake.
“Now is a good time as any to be a Smart retailer as we pursue major network improvement to give our subscribers better speeds, stable signal both indoors and outdoors, and wider coverage,” said Smart consumer business– customer development head Alex O. Caeg.
A trade show was also held at the venue, showcasing various products that were sold to retailers at a huge discount. Smartphones were sold at more affordable rates to enable the retailers to upgrade their handsets and enjoy Smart’s data offers. PR