Wellspring, the company behind a contentious sleep supplement advertisement, has issued an apology for a campaign that altered Gil Puyat Avenue signs in Makati City to read “Gil Tulog.” The company has expressed regret for any offence caused by its marketing strategy, which aimed to highlight the importance of sleep.
On Friday, Wellspring released a statement acknowledging the controversy. “It was never our intention to offend anyone with our marketing execution,” the company said. They clarified that the campaign used wordplay to emphasize the significance of sleep and its impact on overall health.
Wellspring extended its apologies to the family of the late Senator Gil Puyat. “We deeply apologize to the family of the late Sen. Gil Puyat for the harm and offence that the campaign has caused them,” the statement read. “Rest assured, there was no intent to besmirch or disrespect his legacy.”
The company also issued an apology to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay for the oversight. “As we learn from this experience, Wellspring is committed to practising better sensitivity in our campaigns moving forward,” the statement concluded.
The apology comes in response to criticism that the campaign’s use of Puyat’s name was insensitive and disrespectful. Wellspring’s pledge to improve its approach reflects its commitment to addressing the concerns raised and preventing similar issues in future marketing efforts.
The campaign, which featured the modified signs as part of its promotional materials, sparked widespread criticism for appearing to trivialize the legacy of Senator Gil Puyat, a prominent figure in Philippine history. The apology comes as part of Wellspring’s effort to address the backlash and reassess its approach to advertising.