Photo in Imelda Marcos' viral birthday billboard 'stolen' from 'The Kingmaker' director

A photo of a billboard greeting for Imelda Marcos' 93rd birthday has circulated on social media for intriguing reasons.

The billboard shows the former first lady in a bright red gown with the caption "Happy 93th Birthday First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos."

Several netizens had a good laugh due to the wrong ordinal suffix used. One did not find the billboard funny at all.


American director Lauren Greenfield took to social media to complain that her photo of Imelda on the billboard greeting was used without her permission.





"I have just been notified by friends in the Philippines that my photograph of Imelda Marcos from THE KINGMAKER has been used without permission on a massive billboard owned by a company called Digital Out Of Home PH owned by a Mr. Alvin Carranza, a known Marcos apologist," she wrote.

"I have already asked Mr Carranza via FB to take this image down immediately. We will see what happens…"


The photo on the billboard was from the 2019 documentary film 'The Kingmaker,' which Greenfield directed. The film tackled Imelda's political career and the Marcos dynasty's rise, fall, and attempt to return to power.

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., son of ousted dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, was sworn in as the 17th president of the Philippines last June 30, 2022.

In the Facebook post, Greenfield called out Digital Out Of Home PH (DOOH), which she said is the company that put up the billboard along EDSA in Mandaluyong City.

The American director also posted The Philippine STAR's photo on Twitter, saying "Clearly, whoever stole my image to wish Imelda Happy Birthday doesn't understand copyright infringement…"

She followed the tweet with a call: "If anyone knows who owns the billboard and the building involved, please dm me and @mattshonfeld @instituteartist"

DOOH immediately issued an apology for using Greenfield's image of Marcos in the digital billboard, assuring the filmmaker they would take it down.

"We must confess that we were unaware of your copyright, and we appreciate that you brought the matter to our attention," the billboard company said in a statement.

The billboard is installed on one of the GA Towers, a twin-tower residential building owned by businessman Delfin Lee who faced syndicated estafa charges involving a P6.6-billion housing loan anomaly in 2014.

Striking the Balance Between Digital and Non-Digital Marketing and Advertising for Startups

Lloyd Tronco at the Restaurant Engagement Conference

In a symposium conducted last 2016, Jay Bautista, General Manager of Kantar Media made an impromptu survey among the audience. He asked who sourced their regular dose of information from TV and radio. Those who raised their arms were aged 40 years old and above. Again, another question, who were those who sourced it from the internet. Most belonging to 40 years old and below raised their arms. One final question, who would rather have their smartphones with internet connectivity than TV during an entire day. The answer was surprising, most raised their hands and they cut among the generations present.

Fast forward to 2017. Tech startups are gaining not only traction but momentum. The same is not only experienced in the National Capital Region (NCR) but also in urban centers nationwide. The growth can be referred to as multi-regional driven. This is because of the increasing number of highly educated and skilled urban dwellers that need employment and livelihood opportunities.

The target market for these startups is those that need solutions to everyday problems ranging from healthcare to food and nourishment and everything in between. The idea is to make the target market aware of the available services and technology solutions developed to serve that know niche and to create demand for the niche.

In the Restaurant Engagement Conference held last August 12 – 13, 2017, the focus was on those startup restaurants, those that still belong to the small to medium classifications in the industry. It was only logical that not having the resources of big fastfood and restaurant chains, these startup restaurants would need to have an opportunity to make their products and services known to a wide market as possible.

The conference speakers represented resource speakers that discussed subjects that varied from SEO enhancements, Chatbots, Digital Promotions among others.

Recently, the seeming trend was to go digital in marketing, advertising, and promotion since it is less costly and more efficient in reaching out to most everybody. That was the perception. But the reality is that since it is more efficient, it is easier to do in the long run but that such method saturates cyberspace and thus reduces the “dwell time” of the audience to a mere 4 seconds. 

Lloyd Tronco of philCOuRSe represented the Non-Digital Channels for marketing and advertising. Citing examples found in the US and Europe where restaurants and food services are thriving and using outdoor advertising in conjunction with digital marketing techniques. It was pointed out that a combination of both was a potent mix as a tool for the promotion of these restaurants and is also applicable for tech startups.

According to Mr. Tronco, there is a need for clarity in measuring the efficacy of both digital and non-digital methods in marketing and advertising with regards to startups and restaurants. A so called “sweet spot” must be found by each enterprise that will suit their targets with regards to market penetration share and brand awareness. 

The writer, Lloyd Tronco, is an Out-Of-Home Media Strategist.  He is a constant subject matter expert on matters pertaining to Out-Of-Home Media and Digital Signage.  He is also the industry journalist for OOH in the Philippines.

Recreate, Empower and Capture at the Restaurant Engagement Conference 2017

The Restaurant Engagement Conference had its media launch press conference on June 28, 2017. This was held at the 7107 Culture + Cuisine at the Treston International College, Bonifacio Global City.

The Restaurant Engagement Conference will be held on August 12, 2017 at the Marcopolo, Ortigas, Pasig City. The Restaurant Engagement Conference (REC) will tackle the challenges of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly in the restaurant and Food and Beverage industry sector. 

The thrusts of the REC are the following:

1. RECREATE – Existing brands are subject to the ever changing and fast paced dynamics of today’s business. The need to evolve and adapt to the trends and emerging trends is a must for the entrepreneur. This is more imperative for new entrants in the restaurant and F&B industry.

2. EMPOWER – Knowledge of trends and the uses of traditional and new marketing methods, strategies, tactics and processes will equip the entrepreneur in navigating the paths towards the right business decisions for their enterprise.

3. CAPTURE – Capture the right market. Knowing the proper niche in the market for the enterprise or business spells the difference between success and failure. The correct discernment of the target market, market needs and delivery of the need to customer will translate to brand loyalty.

Mplify Managing Director Miguel S. De La Rosa opening the media launch of REC

The REC will cover a wide range of subjects and topics that the entrepreneur will find useful in their business endeavors.

The Speakers for the conference are the following:

1.. YAYU JAVIER, President/COO - Avanza 

2. JERRY ILAO, President - Simple Life Technology 

3. HAZEL HERBER, Managing Director - Where to Eat Philippines 

4. WESSAM ATIF, CEO/ President - FoodSHAP 

5. JAY BAUTISTA, Managing Director - Kantar Media 

6. BRIDGETTE TAN, Operations Director - Inquirer Mobile 

7. TIMOTHY LEE, VP for Special Projects - Globaltronics 

8. LLOYD TRONCO, Executive Director -Center for OOH Media 

9. AILEEN CONTRERAS, VP Retail SME Loans - Maybank 

10. HENRY DE CHAILLE, Group Sales Manager - Google Philippines 

11. NIKOLAI ANTONIO FREZ, Segment Head - Globe MyBusiness 

12. PAOLO LACUNA, Business Development Lead - Facebook Philippines  

The Restaurant Engagement Conference is organized by Mplify.     

Perfect places for your Valentine's date

Don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day yet? No need to worry, we got your back! Here are some of the restaurants we have visited which will be perfect for your February 14 date.


1. STELLA

If you and your date are into Western cuisine, Stella is perfect for you. Their dishes are mostly cooked in wood fire which makes them flavourful. A few of their specialties are their pizzas and pastas.

Other than their Valentine’s Day table setup, Stella has also prepared a special dish which will only be available on February 1-28.

MUST TRY: Warm Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Read more about Stella: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/01/stella-wood-fired-bistro.html


2. KABILA

There’s never a wrong time for Pinoy food. So, why not have your date at Kabila where they serve authentic Filipino food?

This love month, Kabila will also be serving the Love Burger.

MUST TRY: Crispy Catfish, Burong Hipon + Mustasa
Read more about Kabila: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/02/kabila-filipino-bistro-pinoy-na-pinoy.html


3. SABOTEN

Japanese food is always on someone’s cravings list. Let your significant other have a taste of Japan at Saboten this Valentine’s Day.

You may also want to try their Valentine’s Day special, Green Tea Latte (Iced or Hot).

MUST TRY: Shabu-Shabu
Read more about Saboten: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/02/have-taste-of-tokyo-at-saboten.html


4. The Nook Café

Are you a certified Potterhead? Well, if you are, The Nook Café is where you should be. From their interiors to their menu, everything is Harry Potter inspired!

Especially made for Valentine's Day is this newbie in their menu Strawberry Cream-O.

According to their owner, they always prepare a special gimmick for their customers every Valentine’s Day. Be sure to find out what awaits you at The Nook Café on February 14!

MUST TRY: Butterbeer
Read more about The Nook Cafe: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/02/the-nook-cafe-keeps-harry-potter-vibes.html


5. Artesania MNL Café

Get artsy and have good food at Artesania MNL Café this Valentine’s Day. They don’t only serve good food but they also have free art activities you can do while waiting for your food. A written “I love you” in calligraphy would surely make your date even better.

This Valentine’s Day, Artesania MNL Café has a special offer just for you: When you order 1 salad, 1 pasta, and 1 pizza, you will get complimentary drinks - your choice of Galaxy Latte or Cucumber Lemon Soda.

MUST TRY: Midsummer Night's Dream
Read more about Artesania MNL Cafe: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/02/an-artsy-cafe-is-finally-in-maginhawa.html


6. TERRAZ

If you want to get all fancy and romantic, Terraz is the place to be. Here, you can experience how it feels like to dine in a five-star hotel without having to spend much.

Terraz also has a special Valentine’s Day menu just for you.

MUST TRY: Sesame BBQ Pork Ribs
Read more about Terraz: http://www.advertisingmarketingph.com/2017/02/get-all-fancy-at-terraz.html


Whether alone or with a date, I hope you'll all have a meaningful Valentine's Day 2017!

The Nook Cafe keeps the Harry Potter vibes alive

Potterheads prepare your broomsticks now, you have a new perfect nook to visit for a Harry Potter-themed dining experience!

The real draw is their extensive menu of magical food and drinks inspired by JK Rowling’s Harry Potter such as:

Butterbeer

This drink does not need much introduction. The preferred drink of underage witches and wizards is the most popular drink in Harry Potter. I got to try it first in a famous coffee shop, but I can say that The Nook's version is way better. Their version is made of sparkling water with the right amount of caramel and butterscotch - perfect refreshment for Potterheads of all ages. You can have it at Harry's (Php 100) or at Hagrid's (Php 150).

Bacon wrapped chicken (Php 160)

The Nook gives justice to this famous comfort food. The chicken was moist and the bacon was perfectly crispy. They elevated the dish by adding a dash of honey to cut the saltiness of the bacon. 

They also have a selection of sweet treats reminiscent of the Honeydukes.

Donut Holes (Php 150)

Chocolate Pudding (Php 120)

Cafe Latte (Php 100)

Egg Coffee (Php 115)

The Nook brought the famous coffee of Vietnam in Maginhawa. Imagine an espresso with a gloopy of egg on the top. It's something unusual, but you should try it!

The interior follows the Harry Potter theme closely. It features the murals of Hogwarts, wooden furniture, and costumes for unique Hogwarts look.

Harry Potter Houses' robes and Hogwarts mural

Hand-painted Harry Potter pots

The Nook stores a collection of Harry Potter books

Scriptures of the magical elements in Harry Potter

Harry Potter-inspired chess (board game)

I know it is always a joy for every Potterhead whenever there is a new fad inspired by Harry Potter, and as someone who is not really a fan of the movie series, I highly recommend The Nook Cafe. It is a fairly-priced coffee shop, very cozy place to "chill". Make sure to go there early to avoid the long queue.

OPERATING HOURS: 1:00pm to 10:00pm
LOCATION: Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
CONTACT NO.: 0915 974 3660



Photo credits to Edward Amar      

Get all fancy at Terraz

Once in a while, you feel like you need to get all fancy even without any occasion. But you already feel guilty even just with the thought of spending too much, right? Don’t worry, I’ve found a fancy place that serves top quality yet affordable dishes.

Located at the 3rd floor of the renowned high-rise Zuellig building is this casual and approachable dining space called Terraz. This 117-seater bistro has a very relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect with their mouth-watering dishes.

Here’s a little sneak peek of their menu:

REFRESHMENTS:

(from left to right)

Ginger and Mint Lemonade – 130
Strawberry Lemonade – 130
Lychee Shake – 135
Four Red Fruits – 120

SALAD:

Housemade Norwegian Salmon Gravlax – 310

(fresh lemon + capers + mixed greens + sweet chilli + orange truffle dressing)

SOUP:

 Mushroom and Barley Soup – 275

(shitake + white and brown button mushrooms + baby arugula + barley and basil foam)

WESTERN DISH:

Sesame BBQ Pork Ribs – 450

(sesame asian slaw + garlic truffle potato puree)

ASIAN DISH:

Szechuan Prawns – 555

(butterflied prawns + chilli bean paste + kaffir lime + cilantro rice)

DESSERT:

Deconstructed Chocolate Valrhona – 275

(revel bar crumbs + nougatine crisp + vanila ice cream + chocolate soil)


Terraz is also open for social events, meetings, and even romantic dates.

OPERATING HOURS: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Friday
LOCATION: 3/F, Zuellig Building, Makati Ave. cor Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 
TEL. NO.: +63-917-833-6804 or +63-917-859-9082 or +632-625-4831 / 4832 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/raintreeterraz
Twitter: @raintreeterraz


Photo credits to John Edward Amar