"on a shoestring"

Dear Adidas Philippines,

Advance Merry Christmas!

I have seen the first batch of photos from your Facebook page they are nice. I also got my official time for 21K, thanks for the quick processing. Anyway, I know that you have read my open letter so let me ask, “Why are you taking so long to answer the letter? Or am I waiting in vain?” Don’t you want to shake my hands?

Four long days have passed since I wrote the OPEN LETTER, (viewed 3,587 times and counting, shared on Facebook 686 times and Retweeted 15 times) and still no official statement. A lot of runners, your valued and loyal customers, are waiting for your reply. If you would to read the comments below the post you would see that most if not all are dissatisfied with on how you delivered the race. I hope that you also read the forums at takbo.net. Don’t you know that there is actually a Facebook Fan Page demanding a public apology (I didn’t create that)?

As I said before, I wrote that not because I hate (or para siraan kayo) Adidas (I actually donated my Nike shoes to your cause and used my old Adizero two days after the KOTR just to make a statement that I support you). I also know that there are things in the race that are beyond your control and I fully understand that. Still, I wrote the letter because I do not want to experience another race like that either big or small, organized by big brands or fun runs. It is my deep desire that the running community here in the Philippines would be world-class. Its a long process but I believe we can reach that. I also know that you can help fulfill that desire. Impossible is nothing, right? Or will I turn my eyes to Nike, New Balance, Mizuno, Brooks and Mighty Kid?

I am just disturbed when your Fan Page administrator started deleting negative comments and race reviews. To me its a clear statement that you do not value your customers’ feedback. I hope I am wrong. However it is said, a negative or positive comment should be valued and taken as a learning lesson. Have you forgotten  that before we placed our comments there we have to LIKE your fan page first?

Anyway, it seems that waiting for your reply is a waste of time. It’s okay if you don’t reply at all. But please answer this question:

“Is it fair for the 10,000++ runners who paid Php850.00 not to be given buffet breakfast and a reflective strap as you have once said when you are still marketing the King of the Road 2010?”

If it is fair, then I will stop bugging with my open letters.

Thank you for reading my letter.

Respectfully,

James Betia
October 29, 2010

P.S. Those questions are from the comments section of my blog and I wanted to give them a reply because I value their comments. Well, technically, I got a reply but I think it is a personal reply thru a Facebook comment and I salute him for taking the time to write me. I also emailed Extribe (KOTR@extribe.com.ph) and Primetime (KOTR@primetime.com.ph) also no reply.