Grupo Gallegos enjoys wins @ FIAP.

Long Beach-based Hispanic advertising firm, Grupo Gallegos won top honors at the 2006 FIAP’s held in Buenos Aires, Argentina this past week. Taking home a total of five awards and beating out thousands of entries, Grupo Gallegos secured Gold for the California Milk Processor’s Board (CMPB) television three-spot campaign: ‘Amazons,’ ‘Amazing Contortionist’ and ‘Teeth Town.’ They also won Gold for their innovative Energizer ‘Beard,’ ad, with CMPB’s ‘Amazing Contortionist’ and ‘Teeth Town,’ taking home Silvers. ‘Answers’ – their Comcast :30 spot – grabbed Bronze.

Four of the five awards presented to Grupo Gallegos were in the coveted Television category with ‘Amazing Contortionist’ winning in the Cartoon Network category. Joining Grupo Gallegos in the TV category, Dieste Harmel & Partners received three medals, and Bromley Communications and La Comunidad won a medal each.

“This is the first time the U.S.-based Hispanic advertising industry has received so many awards in a category that has always been dominated by Latin-American firms,” stresses Favio Ucedo, creative director for Grupo Gallegos. This recognition positions U.S Hispanic agencies on par competitively with the best Latin American-based agencies, and Grupo Gallegos as a leader in the world.

“We’re ushering in a whole new era in Hispanic advertising with these awards,” continues Ucedo. “With this we’re hoping Latin American advertising professionals will look more seriously at the opportunities over here, and will be more inclined to come to the U.S. and utilize their skills here in this country. Something that has been a challenge in the past,” he added.

At this year’s FIAP, close to 6,000 entries were received. FIAP brings together the leading advertising agencies of Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Andorra and the U.S. Hispanic market. Winning TV spots, print and radio ads, audiovisual production techniques, internet ads, media innovation and young creative’s are recognized by a jury composed of advertising professionals from the different participating countries.