Club Astoria Reply to Takbo.ph Letter Sender

UPDATE:  The organizers of the Pioneer Mighty Bond Xtreme Run 2010 have contacted Club Astoria requesting for an explanation regarding the incident last week.  You can read about the Club Astoria incident here. Club Astoria sent us a copy of the letter of apology addressed to the letter sender to explain their side.

Greetings from Astoria Hotels and Resorts!

Thank you for taking time to tell us about your concern. Providing courteous and professional service is a top priority at Club Astoria, your comments are of great concern to us.

We are very sorry to hear about your disappointment when your daughter attended to our presentation. We do understand that as a father, it is but natural to know where your daughter was last June 6. We would like to clarify and clear our name with the issue that you raised. Please find below our explanation to what really transpired:

1. We had a tie-up with Media Core under Ms. Kate Palaganas (one of the sponsors of the Fun Run) to distribute promotion collaterals for our hotels and resorts.

2. To promote Astoria Plaza and Astoria Boracay, we are distributing free raffle stubs without purchasing anything. Your daughter filled up the raffle coupon and received a call from one of our telemarketers. She has been selected to receive a complimentary dinner buffet for 2 at Astoria Plaza on top of free local or international accommodation in exchange for attending the presentation but no obligation to purchase anything from us. This was told to your daughter very clearly. She has been selected and did not win anything as what you understood. Last January 6, our reservation officer called her again to confirm her attendance and she confirmed it. Upon arrival at Astoria Plaza, she signed the entry sheet confirming her willingness to attend the presentation. (Attached herewith is the said entry sheet). Hence, from the very beginning, there was no misrepresentation on our part. She went with a companion and had a free dinner buffet at Cafe Astoria at the ground floor of Astoria Plaza. As promised, she did not pay anything.

2. After the dinner, all invited guests were escorted at the 35th floor (Penthouse) to know more about holiday ownership. According to our holiday consultant who did the sales presentation to your daughter, she enjoyed the whole presentation but did not become a member because she could not afford the required down payment.  After this, she received her complimentary local and international accommodation which she can use, good for 2, and is valid for 6 months ABSOLUTELY FREE!

We assure you of the legitimacy of all the programs we have and that we are fully supported by a conglomerate of companies that are considered leaders in their respective industries.

Again, our sincerest apologies for whatever inconvenience and discomfort this incident has caused you.