Pardon the intrusion, and the off-topic segue, but would you care to write about Leonardo Siguion-Reyna (89), a most interesting man, who died yesterday (Dec. 19). I would appreciate any more insights into this man.
Not to beat a dead horse further but to show you how horribly misguided the Phil Dept of Tourism is/was, there recently appeared a news story featuring a young Fil-Brit graphic designer whose entry for the series of Commemorative coins for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics in London won. His design for the Wrestling coin category got picked.
He decried the “Kay Ganda” campaign and opined that the message is lost as soon as a would-be visitor has to TRANSLATE that slogan (couldn’t agree more). Anyway, as an award-winning designer, he offered his services to the DOT for a more effective campaign. Pinoys, so naive sometimes.
Just chanced upon this more current section…so I am just catching up on some of the topics.
On the “Kay Ganda” campaign? A foreigner would be tempted to ask: who is she? I mean there are/were Kay Kendall, Kay Thompson, Kay Scarpetta; who is “Kay Ganda”? Was she related to Gandhi? I understand the intent; but it’s a corny choice. And until Manila becomes a less CHAOTIC metropolis, it’ll really be hard to sell the Philippines if the #1 city is something on the likes of Mumbai or Kolkatta, Dhaka, Cairo, or any of those teeming 3rd world metros?
On the botched assassination attempt on IRM 38 years ago (my God, has it been that long ago?), the one thing that has stuck with me all this time is a quote attributed to the husband, Macoy. When informed of the event, he supposedly called his brother-in-law, Kokoy, and asked: Can’t you get anything right? LOL LOL!!
And of course, it was a good excuse for her to again take off and go galivanting in NYC, Houston, etc., on the pretext of ‘treatment’ but with ‘fun and games’ thrown in as compensation for the ‘pain and suffering’ she suffered…all of which whose financing paid for by the masses who endured ‘pain and suffering’ in silence, was conveniently left out of the equation.
To Ipe, Don and anyone who cares: Perhaps its is high time we take upon ourselves, all together, to run an intense and lasting campaign to dispose of garbage properly, not only in Manila but nationwide. The task falls on all of us. We must urge the government agencies (Education, Health and Law Enforcement – hand-in-hand) to take the lead. Those who have the influence can take major roles. When will our people realize that haphazardly and irresponsibly strewn garbage, hidden or otherwise, end up clogging drainage arteries leading to flooding and its unwanted aftermath on property and health? It is not just a matter of stench and ugliness. Everybody is affected.
Some years back, I told David Guerrero that “Latin Asia” would make a nice tagline for a Philippine tourism campaign. I think it says it all: We are a bit of Latin America floating around on the wrong side of the Pacific. It sets us apart from our competition, Malaysia Truly Asia, Amazing Thailand, Incredible India…The Latino in our culture crossed with the Asian overlay makes us different from the others in the region, and explains why we have more than the usual to offer…But no amount of clever branding can take the place of proper infrastructure, rational air transport policies, real peace and order improvement, a healthy respect for our cultural heritage and our environment (Does Manila look more garbage-strewn lately or is it just me)… and the list goes on and on. Otherwise, “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” may as well be “Pilipinas Kay Pangit” or better yet “Pilipinas Kay Korrupt”.
Thanks Mr. Gonzalez for making our navigation a lot easier now that the latest posts are on top of the list.
Regarding the brewing war against Nokor and Sokor, since the Philippines is a well-known ally of the US and geographically, we are near both warring countries, the brewing tension should alarm the Phils. Especially now that the US had dispatched a nuclear warship (with 75 aircraft carriers and 6,000 men on board) in aid of Sokor If the tension escalates into a full blown war, God help us all. It will be Armageddon.
For the benefit of the readers of this blog, below is the statement of Campaigns and Grey on the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan blunder:
Quote:
Campaigns & Grey was called by DOT for a new branding exercise. There was hesitation on our end as we were familiar with the complex bidding process, and we were still owed by the past administration for services rendered. our love for country prevailed. From the beginning, it was clear that the actual campaign would be bidded out and that our work was merely to establish preliminary strategic directions. But suddenly, there was a pressing need for exploratory concepts to be shown in some travel industry events. Again, we warned the client that we were taking too many shortcuts. But it was agreed that there will be a proper market research where multiple concepts will be thoroughly tested among the target market i.e. North America, Korea, Japan, China etc. Through this whole episode, we did not have a contract nor did we receive a single centavo.
Based on avalable market data, ‘Pilipinas Kay Ganda!’ was developed as one of the 5 concepts for testing among the market segments. The intention of this particular concept was to come up with a novel line that visitors would find memorable, similar to Hawaii’s ‘Aloha’, or even the Japanese ‘Irasshaimase!’ and help regain the Filipino pride in the long run.
From many different logo studies that we recommended, we were directed to use the Polska logo for inspiration. Again, this went through several revisions until the client approved a logo similar to the fonts of Polska. With the addition of several other Philippine elements like the tarsier, smiling coconuts and the sun, there was enough distinction to send the logo into market research.
We repeatedly warned the client that it was premature to launch, or even preview the study, but apprently, preparations for the tour operator event were already underway. we ourselves were shocked at the grand scale of what was supposed to be a mere glimpse to draw out a constructive exchange among industry partners. It was not surprising that media and the public took it as a done deal.
We shall take this experience as a cautionary tale against giving in to the client and allowing their over-enthusiasm to override our better judgement. It was a reminder that the road to perdition is paved with good intentions.
For the benefit of the readers of this blog, here is the statement of Campaigns and Grey:
Quote:
Campaigns & Grey was called by DOT for a new branding exercise. There was hesitation on our end as we were familiar with the complex bidding process, and we were still owed by the past administration for services rendered. our love for country prevailed. From the beginning, it was clear that the actual campaign would be bidded out and that our work was merely to establish preliminary strategic directions. But suddenly, there was a pressing need for exploratory concepts to be shown in some travel industry events. Again, we warned the client that we were taking too many shortcuts. But it was agreed that there will be a proper market research where multiple concepts will be thoroughly tested among the target market i.e. North America, Korea, Japan, China etc. Through this whole episode, we did not have a contract nor did we receive a single centavo.
Based on avalable market data, ‘Pilipinas Kay Ganda!’ was developed as one of the 5 concepts for testing among the market segments. The intention of this particular concept was to come up with a novel line that visitors would find memorable, similar to Hawaii’s ‘Aloha’, or even the Japanese ‘Irasshaimase!’ and help regain the Filipino pride in the long run.
From many different logo studies that we recommended, we were directed to use the Polska logo for inspiration. Again, this went through several revisions until the client approved a logo similar to the fonts of Polska. With the addition of several other Philippine elements like the tarsier, smiling coconuts and the sun, there was enough distinction to send the logo into market research.
We repeatedly warned the client that it was premature to launch, or even preview the study, but apprently, preparations for the tour operator event were already underway. we ourselves were shocked at the grand scale of what was supposed to be a mere glimpse to draw out a constructive exchange among industry partners. It was not surprising that media and the public took it as a done deal.
We shall take this experience as a cautionary tale against giving in to the client and allowing their over-enthusiasm to override our better judgement. It was a reminder that the road to perdition is paved with good intentions.
The statement issued by Campaigns and Grey justifying their blunder on the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan has been going the rounds of media and internet. Reading it, they are trying to distance themselves from their client, the DOT, as far as possible and not owning up to the blunder.
Guys, just admit you f*cked up and move on. Take it from Usec Enteng Romano.
I really doubt if the Pinay-looking, morena Liz Uy is the “type” of President Noynoy Aquino… prior to Liz, he usually gravitated to the “mestiza” types, remember Shalani Soledad, Bernadette Sembrano, and Korina Sanchez? He probably feels the ages-old Filipino compulsion to “mejorar la raza” [ improve the race ]… since the Aquinos and the Cojuangcos are not known for their looks.
According to their various Cojuangco-Sumulong cousins, the Aquino-Cojuangco sisters Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris are past masters in the art of “patu” as in “patutsada” — snide remarks — which irritate and affect Noynoy so much and actually influence his choice of a life partner.
Everyone is now talking about how the TV show Willing- Willie, with its new host–Shalani Soledad, has been beating TV Patrol in the ratings game.
And how about the Palace and the Aquino sisters suddenly becoming “talkative” about the President’s love life (supposedly with Presidential fashion stylist and Kris Aquino’s BFF, Liz Uy).
remembrance of things awry
Mon Yadao said,
December 19, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Dear Toto,
Pardon the intrusion, and the off-topic segue, but would you care to write about Leonardo Siguion-Reyna (89), a most interesting man, who died yesterday (Dec. 19). I would appreciate any more insights into this man.
Thanks in advance,
Mon Y.
Presy Guevara said,
December 18, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Alicia, thanks for your genius comment. Harharhar, teeheehee, Bwahahaha! ROFL.
Alicia Perez said,
December 18, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Latest breaking news:
Hilarious! Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo replaced by Tarsier in the “new generation” Php 200 bill ! Hilarious!
Happy Holidays!
Alicia Perez
Myles Garcia said,
December 12, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Not to beat a dead horse further but to show you how horribly misguided the Phil Dept of Tourism is/was, there recently appeared a news story featuring a young Fil-Brit graphic designer whose entry for the series of Commemorative coins for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics in London won. His design for the Wrestling coin category got picked.
He decried the “Kay Ganda” campaign and opined that the message is lost as soon as a would-be visitor has to TRANSLATE that slogan (couldn’t agree more). Anyway, as an award-winning designer, he offered his services to the DOT for a more effective campaign. Pinoys, so naive sometimes.
Presy Guevara said,
December 7, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Myles, you bring laughter in asking who Kay Ganda is. Have you heard of Vice Ganda? Perhaps they are related. LOL.
Myles Garcia said,
December 7, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Just chanced upon this more current section…so I am just catching up on some of the topics.
On the “Kay Ganda” campaign? A foreigner would be tempted to ask: who is she? I mean there are/were Kay Kendall, Kay Thompson, Kay Scarpetta; who is “Kay Ganda”? Was she related to Gandhi? I understand the intent; but it’s a corny choice. And until Manila becomes a less CHAOTIC metropolis, it’ll really be hard to sell the Philippines if the #1 city is something on the likes of Mumbai or Kolkatta, Dhaka, Cairo, or any of those teeming 3rd world metros?
On the botched assassination attempt on IRM 38 years ago (my God, has it been that long ago?), the one thing that has stuck with me all this time is a quote attributed to the husband, Macoy. When informed of the event, he supposedly called his brother-in-law, Kokoy, and asked: Can’t you get anything right? LOL LOL!!
And of course, it was a good excuse for her to again take off and go galivanting in NYC, Houston, etc., on the pretext of ‘treatment’ but with ‘fun and games’ thrown in as compensation for the ‘pain and suffering’ she suffered…all of which whose financing paid for by the masses who endured ‘pain and suffering’ in silence, was conveniently left out of the equation.
Presy Guevara said,
December 3, 2010 at 2:55 pm
To Ipe, Don and anyone who cares: Perhaps its is high time we take upon ourselves, all together, to run an intense and lasting campaign to dispose of garbage properly, not only in Manila but nationwide. The task falls on all of us. We must urge the government agencies (Education, Health and Law Enforcement – hand-in-hand) to take the lead. Those who have the influence can take major roles. When will our people realize that haphazardly and irresponsibly strewn garbage, hidden or otherwise, end up clogging drainage arteries leading to flooding and its unwanted aftermath on property and health? It is not just a matter of stench and ugliness. Everybody is affected.
Ipê Nazareno said,
December 2, 2010 at 1:56 am
“Does Manila look more garbage-strewn lately or is it just me”
Don, the metropolis has been filthy ever since March of 1986!!! Say what you want about the Marcos administration, but they kept the streets clean.
toto gonzalez said,
December 1, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Former Congresswoman Hortensia Lopez Laguda-Starke passed away.
Our condolences to the family.
Toto Gonzalez
toto gonzalez said,
December 1, 2010 at 1:33 pm
HUH???!!! No more Liz Uy for First Lady???
AW, and I so want a Jackie Kennedy-type First Lady. I was really hoping Monica “Nikki” Prieto-Teodoro would be the one… 😦
We need style and glamour so badly in this town. Real style and real glamour. And I’m NOT talking about the ABS-CBN, GMA7, TV5 types!!! 😦
Paz Atienza said,
December 1, 2010 at 8:22 am
Sa sobrang daldal nila, naudlot tuloy! I don’t even think he is Liz’s type!
Presy Guevara said,
November 30, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Well said, Don. High 5 to you. I hope sensible leaders wake up to your cue.
toto gonzalez said,
November 30, 2010 at 3:06 am
Don:
I absolutely agree with you!!!
Cheers!!!
Toto G. 😀
Don Escudero said,
November 29, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Some years back, I told David Guerrero that “Latin Asia” would make a nice tagline for a Philippine tourism campaign. I think it says it all: We are a bit of Latin America floating around on the wrong side of the Pacific. It sets us apart from our competition, Malaysia Truly Asia, Amazing Thailand, Incredible India…The Latino in our culture crossed with the Asian overlay makes us different from the others in the region, and explains why we have more than the usual to offer…But no amount of clever branding can take the place of proper infrastructure, rational air transport policies, real peace and order improvement, a healthy respect for our cultural heritage and our environment (Does Manila look more garbage-strewn lately or is it just me)… and the list goes on and on. Otherwise, “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” may as well be “Pilipinas Kay Pangit” or better yet “Pilipinas Kay Korrupt”.
Cathy de Guzman said,
November 25, 2010 at 12:52 am
Thanks Mr. Gonzalez for making our navigation a lot easier now that the latest posts are on top of the list.
Regarding the brewing war against Nokor and Sokor, since the Philippines is a well-known ally of the US and geographically, we are near both warring countries, the brewing tension should alarm the Phils. Especially now that the US had dispatched a nuclear warship (with 75 aircraft carriers and 6,000 men on board) in aid of Sokor If the tension escalates into a full blown war, God help us all. It will be Armageddon.
toto gonzalez said,
November 24, 2010 at 2:43 pm
North Korea has bombed an island in the territory of South Korea.
Personally, I don’t give a damn about what happens to either of those troublesome, warlike countries.
But what are the implications for the Philippines and for us Filipinos???
Cathy de Guzman said,
November 24, 2010 at 7:31 am
For the benefit of the readers of this blog, below is the statement of Campaigns and Grey on the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan blunder:
Quote:
Campaigns & Grey was called by DOT for a new branding exercise. There was hesitation on our end as we were familiar with the complex bidding process, and we were still owed by the past administration for services rendered. our love for country prevailed. From the beginning, it was clear that the actual campaign would be bidded out and that our work was merely to establish preliminary strategic directions. But suddenly, there was a pressing need for exploratory concepts to be shown in some travel industry events. Again, we warned the client that we were taking too many shortcuts. But it was agreed that there will be a proper market research where multiple concepts will be thoroughly tested among the target market i.e. North America, Korea, Japan, China etc. Through this whole episode, we did not have a contract nor did we receive a single centavo.
Based on avalable market data, ‘Pilipinas Kay Ganda!’ was developed as one of the 5 concepts for testing among the market segments. The intention of this particular concept was to come up with a novel line that visitors would find memorable, similar to Hawaii’s ‘Aloha’, or even the Japanese ‘Irasshaimase!’ and help regain the Filipino pride in the long run.
From many different logo studies that we recommended, we were directed to use the Polska logo for inspiration. Again, this went through several revisions until the client approved a logo similar to the fonts of Polska. With the addition of several other Philippine elements like the tarsier, smiling coconuts and the sun, there was enough distinction to send the logo into market research.
We repeatedly warned the client that it was premature to launch, or even preview the study, but apprently, preparations for the tour operator event were already underway. we ourselves were shocked at the grand scale of what was supposed to be a mere glimpse to draw out a constructive exchange among industry partners. It was not surprising that media and the public took it as a done deal.
We shall take this experience as a cautionary tale against giving in to the client and allowing their over-enthusiasm to override our better judgement. It was a reminder that the road to perdition is paved with good intentions.
Unquote.
Cathy de Guzman said,
November 24, 2010 at 6:55 am
For the benefit of the readers of this blog, here is the statement of Campaigns and Grey:
Quote:
Campaigns & Grey was called by DOT for a new branding exercise. There was hesitation on our end as we were familiar with the complex bidding process, and we were still owed by the past administration for services rendered. our love for country prevailed. From the beginning, it was clear that the actual campaign would be bidded out and that our work was merely to establish preliminary strategic directions. But suddenly, there was a pressing need for exploratory concepts to be shown in some travel industry events. Again, we warned the client that we were taking too many shortcuts. But it was agreed that there will be a proper market research where multiple concepts will be thoroughly tested among the target market i.e. North America, Korea, Japan, China etc. Through this whole episode, we did not have a contract nor did we receive a single centavo.
Based on avalable market data, ‘Pilipinas Kay Ganda!’ was developed as one of the 5 concepts for testing among the market segments. The intention of this particular concept was to come up with a novel line that visitors would find memorable, similar to Hawaii’s ‘Aloha’, or even the Japanese ‘Irasshaimase!’ and help regain the Filipino pride in the long run.
From many different logo studies that we recommended, we were directed to use the Polska logo for inspiration. Again, this went through several revisions until the client approved a logo similar to the fonts of Polska. With the addition of several other Philippine elements like the tarsier, smiling coconuts and the sun, there was enough distinction to send the logo into market research.
We repeatedly warned the client that it was premature to launch, or even preview the study, but apprently, preparations for the tour operator event were already underway. we ourselves were shocked at the grand scale of what was supposed to be a mere glimpse to draw out a constructive exchange among industry partners. It was not surprising that media and the public took it as a done deal.
We shall take this experience as a cautionary tale against giving in to the client and allowing their over-enthusiasm to override our better judgement. It was a reminder that the road to perdition is paved with good intentions.
Unquote.
Cathy de Guzman said,
November 24, 2010 at 6:42 am
“Pilipinas Kay Ganda!”
The statement issued by Campaigns and Grey justifying their blunder on the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan has been going the rounds of media and internet. Reading it, they are trying to distance themselves from their client, the DOT, as far as possible and not owning up to the blunder.
Guys, just admit you f*cked up and move on. Take it from Usec Enteng Romano.
Alicia Perez said,
November 22, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I really doubt if the Pinay-looking, morena Liz Uy is the “type” of President Noynoy Aquino… prior to Liz, he usually gravitated to the “mestiza” types, remember Shalani Soledad, Bernadette Sembrano, and Korina Sanchez? He probably feels the ages-old Filipino compulsion to “mejorar la raza” [ improve the race ]… since the Aquinos and the Cojuangcos are not known for their looks.
Alicia Perez
Alicia Perez said,
November 21, 2010 at 4:00 pm
1980s actor William Martinez was admitted to the ICU of the Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon city after a near-fatal stroke.
He’s not even old.
Alicia Perez
Alicia Perez said,
November 17, 2010 at 3:00 am
According to their various Cojuangco-Sumulong cousins, the Aquino-Cojuangco sisters Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris are past masters in the art of “patu” as in “patutsada” — snide remarks — which irritate and affect Noynoy so much and actually influence his choice of a life partner.
Alicia Perez
toto gonzalez said,
November 16, 2010 at 2:07 am
Ipe:
Yes, the TV 5 people are so proud about that.
People perceive that there is “approval” about Liz Uy because of the generally positive “spins” from Malacanang and the Aquino sisters.
As they say… “Abangan”…
Toto Gonzalez
Ipe Nazareno said,
November 13, 2010 at 3:35 am
Everyone is now talking about how the TV show Willing- Willie, with its new host–Shalani Soledad, has been beating TV Patrol in the ratings game.
And how about the Palace and the Aquino sisters suddenly becoming “talkative” about the President’s love life (supposedly with Presidential fashion stylist and Kris Aquino’s BFF, Liz Uy).
Hmmmmm……