Blackberry returns this 2017

It’s 2017 and I think you have to refine your BBM skills because Blackberry is coming back. Yes, you read that right.

A giant Chinese tech branch called TCL will be releasing the BlackBerry smartphone this year which will be called Mercury.

It will surely be different from the ones we used to own but guess what? It will still have the QWERTY keyboard we all miss from all these touchscreen devices we have now.

The new BlackBerry “Mercury” will concentrate on three things: security, productivity and reliability.

However, Blackberry Mercury’s date of release and price are still yet to be announced by the company.

With this unit’s new features, would you consider saying goodbye to your iPhone this 2017?

Transportify expands service areas to help PH businesses grow

Each business yearns for growth and expansion in their companies but there are millions to consider. Even Henry Sy says that “There is no such thing as overnight success or easy money”. There are cost implications in various business aspects including manpower, land, machines, and more. Basically, to grow, you need additional capital investment. If you have the additional money, the next question is, where is the best place to invest it? It could be in hr, production & marketing. Is it also best to put your money in vehicles for your deliveries?

The down payments and monthly amortization of vehicles are crazy low right now and many of us think that yes, just buy a car and hire your own driver, right? But not all entrepreneurs realize the headache and expenses of vehicle maintenance. We can run down all the possible expenses but perhaps, that will be another article. So the question is, will you still put your capital to your own delivery vans or would you prefer to just give that part to the delivery experts and place your money for more stocks?

Transportify can do the delivery for you, but many businesses asks, can they pick up and deliver outside Metro Manila? YES!

Transportify understands your needs and is expanding to more service areas outside of Metro Manila such as San Pedro, Laguna, home to many industrial hubs, and in Angono, the Art Capital of the Philippines. In addition, Bacoor, Cavite and Marilao, Bulacan are also added in the list. 

This move is seen to help address a common problem for businesses so they can focus more on their real product. With this, businesses can allocate their resources to other business aspects. Add more machines, raw materials and manpower to produce more products to sell. Increase profits through investing on your business strength.

With roughly 5 months’ worth of operations here in Manila, Transportify is working closely with clients and driver-partners to expand the coverage area and cater to the special delivery needs of more businesses.

Noel Abelardo, Transportify’s Demand Head and Co-country Manager said, “Transportify believes in providing quality and superb customer experience. This expansion of our service areas is an answer to the increasing demand from our business clients. They regularly ask us to launch new service areas, and we are very much listening. We take the concerns of our customers seriously, and we are working hard to address those needs. ”

He explained that before they launch a service area, they ensure that they have enough well-trained drivers who could fulfill customers’ delivery needs in that location.

To know whether your location is within Transportify’s coverage area, click on https://www.transportify.com.ph/servicearea/ or you may also email your queries and requests to support@transportify.com.ph.

Download the Transportify app now on Apple Store for iOS devices and on Google Play Store for Android devices.  Book your immediate and scheduled delivery needs via the mobile app and experience worry-free delivery services.

The 80s will be the biggest trend of 2017. For Better or Worse

80s Chic, anyone?

Marc Jacobs was on to something when he threw a recent party in Brooklyn with a wildly specific dress code that started with the mandate of "Chic '80s." Apparently, in 2017 we'll all be wearing 1980s-inspired clothing, at least according to two of the latest analytical forecasts of next year's trends.

It all sort of makes a bit of sense. We'll have a controversial celebrity turned Republican politician in the White House. Popular music is as synth-heavy as it's ever been since that decade. People are actually excited about new Star Wars movies. Stranger Things is the most buzzed about show of the year. Makeup on men is an even bigger trend than it was during the glam rock heyday. Heck, Hollywood is even rebooting Dynasty.

According to Pinterest's in-house analytic team, the '80s trend isn't about to die down. The team has analyzed the trends that have seen the most year-over-year pinning growth over the past year and that seem primed to peak in 2017. Among their forecasts is the belle sleeve top silhouette taking over the off-the-shoulder look, an even more heated interest in flair (as in things like stickers and pins), and of course, more '80s.

"Other big shifts were in political Ts (no surprise there), backless shoes—and not just the mule—and multiple earrings," writes WWD. "That goes hand-in-hand with the popularity of Eighties-style trends, such as high-tops, peg legs and denim skirts."

________________________________________

'80s trends that are making a comeback:

1. ‘80s and ‘90s Perfumes are Coming Back in a Major Way

2. '80s Beauty Trends You'd Never Try Today

3. 10 Pieces You Need to Bring Some '80s Glam to Your Style

________________________________________

Meanwhile, retail analytic firm Edited is also forecasting trend temperatures in the '80s as well.

"The 1980s will be huge—everything from power suits and slouchy tailored trousers for office wear, through to off-the-shoulder looks, activewear and [over-the-top] ruffles," the report stated.

So, while there are some disagreements as to the fate of off-the-shoulder tops, both agree that '80s are in.

Which isn't a surprise. Designers have packed recent collections with '80s details. Hedi Slimane's last collection for Saint Laurent saw more dramatic shoulders since the series finale of Dynasty, and other designers followed suit with Reagan-era stylings in their spring 2017 collections.

Li Edelkoort, the Danish consultant widely regarded as the master of all fashion trend prognosticators, also sees fashion's increasing obsession with trends of the past as well, but she's not happy about it. In a recent talk in London, Edelkoort decided to forgo a traditional trend-setting talk, and instead delivered a stern chiding of fashion's recent practices.

According to Business of Fashion, she pointed out that designers of the past made their names by creating radically new silhouettes and types of clothing, while too many today rely on simply reinventing old ideas from the past.

“These categories of designers are working on clothes and are no longer concerned or interested in change for change’s sake – unanimously declaring newness a thing of the past," Edelkoort said. “With this lack of conceptual innovation, the world is losing the idea of fashion.”

Which does make a certain amount of sense. Why head to the department store to find the latest trend when you can just as easily find it in the thrift store?

Source:  http://www.allure.com/story/80s-fashion-trend-for-2017?mbid=social_cp_facebook_vf

Filipino cuisine included in Bloomberg’s Top Food Trends in 2017

Photographer: encrier/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bloomberg predicts that Filipino cuisine will be among the food trends that will dominate 2017.

In their article “Eleven Fancy Food Trends You’ll Face in 2017”, Bloomberg mentioned that this year, there will be an “explosion of Filipino food”.

Many might not be aware but Filipino dishes have already reached the west because of Filipino chefs such as Mission Chinese Food resto’s Angela Dimayuga who serves lumpia egg rolls and pork belly with pork liver sauce in the busy streets of Manhattan.

In Miami, Fil-Am Chef Dale Talde serves the all-famous pork adobo to the beachgoers. Soon, he will be opening his new restaurant “Rice & Gold” where arroz caldo or Filipino rice porridge will be available.

Other than Filipino food, vegetable dishes, cereals, and cocktails are also among the 2017 food trends according to Bloomberg.

Read full article here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-22/11-food-trends-for-2017-chilled-red-wine-to-charcoal-cocktails

Pushkart.ph: Grocery shopping at your convenience

Only 2 days left before Christmas! Is everything ready for your Noche Buena? If not, I found the answer to your no-more-time-to-go-shopping problem.

There’s actually an online grocery delivery service developed by a group of young Filipino millenials that aims to ensure fast, convenient, and safe delivery of groceries right at your doorstep.

Pushkart.ph wants to help you avoid the typical 3 hour chore of braving the traffic and carrying heavy bags for your grocery shopping.

Their website is very user-friendly. You can utilize it by following these simple steps:

1. Create an account.

2. Select the items you want to add in your Kart.

*However, the minimum amount required is 499php

3. Choose your delivery date and time.

4. Once you're done shopping, click the Kart logo to view the summary of your orders.

You can also remove or add items there.

5. Click "Checkout" to see your order summary.

6. Enter your shipping address and payment method.

You will also see there that they have charged you with a Grocer's Fee.

7. Finally, settle your payment and wait for your items to arrive at your doorstep.

More than anything, pushkart.ph is developed and conceptualized in the Philippines which makes it more exciting to use.

I guess it's never too late for your Noche Buena shopping. Check their website here: https://pushkart.ph/

Marketing Christmas. Where it all began.

A Christmas Carol: The revival of the Christmas "spirit"

Christmas began as a religious and social holiday and then it morphed into a commercial phenomenon worldwide.

In the Philippines, Christmas begins as early as September. This has been noted since the mid-1980s. It is  curious as to its coincidence with the establishment of the first shopping malls such as SM North EDSA and SM Centerpoint.  Also, it was observed that starting September 1, radio stations commenced playing Christmas carols every hour on the hour. It will be followed by radio commercials of ham, cheese, milk and spaghetti.

But where did it really start?

By mid-4th century AD, December 25, has been established as the date of Christmas but there was no festival as we know it now. In fact, early Christian festivals were based on Jewish festivals such as the Passover. But with the rising power of Christianity by the time of Emperor Constantine, efforts have been made by the Christian Church to separate itself from Judaism, citing the existence of the New Testament.

December 25 was also associated with the Winter Solstice, that is when the night is longest and the days coming after will start to grow longer. This was associated with hope after the winter. In Rome, it coincides with the festival of Sol Invictus, the Sun God or Apollo. As with any polytheistic religion, Rome also celebrates the pagan feast of Saturnalia and it also coincides with the early rival of Christianity, the religion of Mithraism. 

Early Christian theologians such as St. Irenaeus and St. Tertullian did not include Christmas in their list of Christian festivals and in 245 AD, Origen of Alexandria stated that only sinners and Pharaohs celebrated their birthdays. 

The first recorded celebration of Christmas was in 336 AD in Rome but this celebration was overshadowed by other Christian feast days such as the Epiphany celebrated on January 6. 

The popularity of Christmas eventually gained when Charlemagne was crowned King in 800 AD and King William I  was crowned king of England in the year 1066 AD. In the year 1377, King Richard II celebrated Christmas by serving 28 oxen and 300 sheep to the celebrators. Other tradition also became popular but also contributed to the decline of Christmas as a feast. Caroling was one of them. During that time carolers sang and danced but since it was an offshoot of Saturnalia, the carolers were drunk and there were times that they danced in the nude.

By the time of the Protestant Reformation, gift giving was introduced and instead of January 6, it was done on Christmas eve. During the English Civil War, the Puritan government banned Christmas. What followed was rioting that engulfed Canterbury for days.  Even in North America, the celebration of Christmas was banned for a time. It was only during the Restoration of King Charles II that Christmas was celebrated again. 

But it must be noted that Christmas was dictated by the Church and Government. What happened between then and now.

In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol. Dickens wrote that Christmas was about family, social and economic justice, feasting, goodwill and compassion. This revived the “spirit” of Christmas. It also must be noted at that time, the British Empire was ruling most of the known world. Thus, the Christmas culture spanned the globe. Also in 1843 Sir Henry Cole crafted the first commercial Christmas Card.

By the year 1900, other contemporary Christmas traditions were being established such as the Christmas Tree, Christmas themed advertisements in magazines and newspapers and even Christmas greeting by companies that got put up in billboards by the 1920s and 30s. 

But Christmas really broke out after WWII. During the boom years, Americans used to just having candies, apples or oranges in their stockings got toys and other gifts. The industrial complex began churning out products especially for the Christmas holidays and these also involved advertising in print, radio and television.

And we go back to now. That is how Christmas was marketed, first by the churches, then governments and now by economic and industrial enterprises.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from Advertising and Marketing Philippines! 

Reward yourself this holiday season with Globe Rewards!

Globe is giving rewards to its loyal customers this holiday season with no points required. Globe users just have to present the promo code to the store or establishment or just simply mention Globe Rewards. 

The Globe Rewards include food, shopping, beauty, entertainment, and travel. Here’s the complete list of the #WonderfulRewards. 

Food:

• Fairmont Makati- 20% off your lunch and dinner buffet at Spectrum. Valid until December 15-23 and 26-30.

*Mention GLOBE REWARDS when you make a reservation and show Globe signal upon arrival at partner restaurants to enjoy these #WonderfulRewards.

Shopping:

• Passion Fly- FREE bazaar entrance plus discounts at select merchants. Valid on Nov. 19, 20, 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-21, 2016.
• H&M- Get additional 10% off on all sale items. Valid on Dec. 19-31, 2016.

*Use the promo code or show your Globe signal at partner stores to enjoy these #WonderfulRewards.

Beauty:

• Elizabeth Arden- Up to 38% off on Green Tea perfume variants. Valid on Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2016.
• HBC- FREE hair treatment for every P100 purchase of hair essentials. Valid on Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2016.

Entertainment:

• SM Bowling & Leisure Center- 10% off per bowling game. Valid on Dec. 15-31, 2016.
• Exploreum- P50 off Dome Show. Valid on Dec. 15-31, 2016.
• SM Skating- Free use of lockers (subject to availability). Valid on Dec. 15-31, 2016.
• Manila Ocean Park- 80% off on sea lion trainer with mermaid experience or aquanaut voyage. Valid on Dec. 15-31, 2016.
• Ayala Malls Cinemas- Free popcorn at The Movie Snackbar for screenings between 6:00-9:00 PM. Valid on Dec. 16-18, 23-24, 2016.
• Palace Pool Club- Free entrance for every Globe customer plus two guests*and buy 1 take 1 on Mojito.
• Valkyrie- Free entrance for every Globe customer plus two guests on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday.* Valid on Dec. 15-31, 2016.

*Just show your Globe signal to the partner store to enjoy these #WonderfulRewards!

Travel:

• Grab: Free rides from Grab. Get up to P200 off your GrabCar ride! Text GLOBEGRABCAR to 2363 to get a unique promo code.

*Valid in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod for debit and credit card transactions only.

Ace Saatchi & Saatchi appoints new Executive Creative Director

Greg Martin, Ace Saatchi & Saatchi ECD

Ace Saatchi & Saatchi announces the appointment of Greg Martin as the new ECD. 

Martin takes with him his 20 years of experience as he ventures to a top creative position. Prior to the promotion, he was the Creative Director of Ace Saatchi & Saatchi for over 5 years.

He headed numerous campaigns such as “Jasmine” for TV5, “Energy Playground” for Tiger Biscuits and “Screen Age Love Story” for PLDT MyDSL. A lot of his campaigns were recognized by several award-giving bodies like Cannes, Clio, Spikes Asia, Adobo, Kidlat, and more.

Martin takes office as the new ECD starting December this year. 

Twitter launches #Golive to embrace the live video phenomenon

Twitter launches today, December 15, a new feature where users can broadcast what’s happening live.

This new feature is powered by Periscope. Twitter users can now share live videos, from significant moments to daily routines, to their followers.

People who are watching the live video can join and interact with the broadcaster by commenting or sending hearts (which acts as likes). The live video will be posted as a tweet and it can be retweeted, liked, and shared. 

#GoLive will roll out to all users on Twitter’s Android and iOS app.

Watch the video below to know how #GoLive works.

Field experts share Media forecasts for 2017

Fiera de Manila along with Strategic Consumer and Media Incites and PhilCOuRSe took the initiative to have this program called Media Outlook which is done every year to share recent data as well as upgrades and insights on how media is being consumed by its target audience and consumers.

By understanding how consumers are behaving and how their lifestyles and preferences affect their purchasing decisions, people from the media will be able to strategize more effectively as well as on how they are going to spend their budgets.

Here are the resource speakers' Media Outlooks for 2017:

Traditional Media

According to Gabriel Buluran, General Manager, Kantar Media Philippines

Gabriel Buluran,General Manager, Kantar Media Philippines

1. Digital media consumption increased but is not exclusive.

2. Mobile media consumption addresses out of home media need.

3. Traditional media still driven by content.

4. Digital extends traditional media.

5. Traditional media feeds digital media.

6. Advertising on traditional media has increased.

Jay Bautista and Gabriel Buluran at the Q&A portion for Traditional Media

“Let traditional media be the oxygen that sustains the fire. May digital media be the gasoline that could make this flame bigger but let’s hope that it does not suck all the oxygen and extinguish all the fire."
- Gabriel Buluran

Digital Media Outlook

According to Jay Bautista, General Manager, Strategic Consumer and Media Incites Inc.

Jay Bautista, General Manager, Strategic Consumer and Media Incites Inc.

The challenge in the Philippines in terms of outlook next year continues to be measurement. We still do not have a standard currency that will make digital accountable to the advertisers.

Jay Bautista and Norelyn Babiera at the Q&A portion for Digital Media

Lloyd Tronco, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Out-of-Home Media Research and Science (PhilCOuRSe) giving an introduction for OOH Media

OOH Media Outlook

According to Norman Davadilla, OOH Director, Publicis One Media

Norman Davadilla, OOH Director, Publicis One Media

1. OOH spend to grow double digits driven by both static and digital formats.

2. Amplification of messaging through creative execution

3. Increased use of data and analytics to demonstrate performance and accountability.

4. Digital screens will continue to increase.

5. MRT & LRT to contribute more than 2 billion in 2017.

Lloyd Tronco and Norman Davadilla at the Q&A portion for OOH Media

Photo credits: Fiera de Manila, Inc. https://www.fmi.com.ph/event-gallery/media-outlook-2017/

AXN's The Amazing Race Asia collaborates with Grab

AXN-Asia, for the first time, has collaborated with a ride-hailing company for their TV show The Amazing Race Asia.

For the fifth season of The Amazing Race Asia, 11 teams will travel to multiple countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Philippines. The racers will use Grab ride services for their land transportations – making their journey easier and safer. 

To promote The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, Grab uses social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) for their campaigns throughout the show. Likewise, it has produced a TV commercial focused on traveling which airs with the show. 

Watch it here:

As of episode 8, it is already down to 3 teams – Yvonne and Chloe from Malaysia, Parul and Maggie, and Eric and Rona, both from Philippines. The first team to arrive at the Samuan Tiga Temple, the final destination, will be declared the winner and will take home US$100,000. 

Don’t miss the last episode which airs on December 15 at 9pm on AXN Asia Cable Channel.