Century Tuna Superbods 2020:Setting the benchmark

for special events in the new normal

 

 

Due to the pandemic and quarantine measures, many believed that holding a glamorous and thrilling live event during these times would not be possible. But here comes the Century Tuna EverybodSuperbod 2020defying the odds.

 

The competition was originally scheduled to include a series of on-ground physical challenges which will lead to a grand finals night at the end of summer with a roaring crowd and hundreds ofguests from the media, the entertainment and fitness world, along with business partners of Century Tuna. 

 

However, the pandemic happened, and all those plans had to be cancelled. The competition, nonetheless, was relaunched with a more inclusive and relevant #StayStrongPilipinas theme and the physical challenges were held digitally for a month. Finally, the all-important question of whether to push through with the culminating event was once again raised.

 

"We needed to remind ourselves this is not just any other event – this is Superbods. We have to live up to the name and rise above the challenges. Amid the health crisis, this event is even more relevant now, when we need to lift people up, to inspire everyone to   stay strong and continue with this fitness journey," said Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP and COO Greg Banzon.

 

After thorough preparations, the highly anticipated finalewas finally held atBlue Leaf Cosmopolitan.The shoot of the finals, which lasted for three days, was well-planned and was done in a manner that guarantees a great production output.The finalists were filmed in small groups per day to ensure that the event followed the minimum number of people allowed in a venue.

 

More importantly, the Century Tuna team practiced strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE Joint Administrative Order for health and safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots. These included proper observation of social distancing, keeping a minimum of one-meter distance from each other,and the requirement to wear masks, face shields, and PPEs.The finalists also filled out health declaration forms and underwent PCR testing five days before the shoot. As an added precautionary measure, they were again retested with the Antigen swab test before entering the venue on the day of the shoot, together with the celebrity guests, judges, staff, and crew members.

 

Moreover, the entire venue was configured to further ensure safety. It was properly sanitized and disinfected prior to the event and even in between takes.At the backstage, each finalist was assigned to an isolated pod to maintain physical distance. The venue also has three main, spacious ballrooms that were divided into three zones. Crew members were then assigned to specific zones and were prohibited to go from one zone to another. Likewise, the judges’ table had transparent dividers to lessen direct contact, and everyone who stepped on stage was briefed on proper stage blockings to keep atwo-meter distance from each other. It was not the typical live entertainment event that people are used to, but Century Tuna made it work.

 

By the end of the event, nursing student and former Miss Grand International Philippines 2019 Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach Sam Ajdani were declared the winners taking home Php500,000cash tax-free and other amazing prizes. Even the awarding was done with proper social distancing and no unnecessary physical contact.

 

"We really felt that the message of Century Tuna Superbods needs to be heard now more than ever – we need to stay healthy, to stay strong, and to be there for each other," said Century Tuna marketing director Carlo Endaya. 

 

Through this event, Century Tuna, together with Saga Events, the agency that helped the former mount the competition, has provided hope and inspiration for the Filipino people as the world continues to navigate these trying times. They have shown that adaptability and creativity can provide us a sense of normalcy. It was truly a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal.