I remember the feeling :)

I super miss being in college. Today I was more than glad to attend the 177 final presentation. I went with Aldren because I didn't wanna enter the room alone. Then I met Ian, he graduated October of 2007 and now works in Magnolia. He brought three boxes of Magnolia beverages too. A lot of people from the higher batches were there. Super overwhelming. 

Sir treated the alumni to lunch at ChocoKiss. We were surprised when he gathered us for lunch. He joined us for an Ikot ride to Bahay ng Alumni. While in transit, he showed us his new 'baby', the bread business he recently put up in Cagayan de Oro. The brand is called Pan Time (fun time) haha. Very cute! It's available in major supermarkets (Robinsons), schools and other channels in Cagayan and will be available here in Manila next month. I am just so thrilled about his new business. Super inspiring.

Edge, Ram and Peter joined us at Chocokiss but they left to meet up with the rest of MSV after. But it was really nice seeing them. Parang college lang talaga. haha

When we got back to CBA, we had a pictorial by the steps. Of course, per group with Sir and finally with the alumni. Steeps, Bobit and Major joined the afternoon group of alumni along with people from batch 1 whom I do not recognize anymore. haha

Anyhoo, back to the presentations, here are some good stuff that were presented.

Cream Silk

Tagline: You are the Universe

I wasn't able to watch this group (because they were the first presenters!). But when I entered the room, they gave me a pink balloon with a little card which had 'You are the Universe' written. Over dinner they showed me their tv ad, super sweet ad, I love it.  I found out in that they gave all the ladies pink and white balloons like what I received also.

RC Cola

Tagline: Lagi mong ka-trip!

True to their tagline, ang lakas talaga nila mang trip. They are the only group who actually moved the whole class into a different room for a change of atmosphere. They did a super goood job in shifting RC from a cheap brand to a cool brand. Yay! And their tv ad was really good I'm so sure everyone in the room was smiling. And as a bonus, Sean Tiu reported with the group in fluent Filipino! Everyone was cheering for him because he doesn't really speak Filipino. He's very fluent in English which made some of his words slang but nonetheless great effort. 

Sting

Tagline: Astig Ka Ba?

This was presented by 5 boys, all in a super hyper mode all throughout the report- somehow we thought they drank liters of Sting before reporting. Very good delivery of report, very executable campaigns and they really owned the "Astig" image.

Dunkin Donut

Tagline: Pasalubong ng Bayan (retained the current tagline)

To quote Sir Acedera "If we count the number of wows, this group probably got the most wows today." And I tell you, they really had WOW ideas, it was so exciting. They had witty traffic signs "DONUT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY, PAPUNTA SIYA NG DUNKIN DONUT" and "DONUT DELAY, HINIHINTAY NA NI BUNSO AND DALA KONG DUNKIN", amazing donut MRT cards and "mouth" machines (I dunno what they're called haha), etc. Really really refreshing, and funny approach to the brand. They even chose Santino (as in the teleserye kid) as their endorser.

Rankings are as follows: Tied at 3rd are Cream Silk and Dunkin, second is RC Cola, top team is Sting.

Sir had to convene the alumni outside to check if we were all on the same page about our verdicts. We had unanimous choices for the top 3 groups but we differed in the order. It was purely chikahan because it had no bearing since the grades were combined inputs from Sir and the class.

I still remember last year, we had no gifts, no notebooks from Sir, no stuffed toys for the winners. But it's all good. It's very flattering to be part of the class because you really see how the class evolves as batches pass. At the end of the announcement of winners, Sir Ray asked for final words or comments from the alumni. Jeff Garma from batch 1 proposed a round of applause for Sir Ray for investing so much time and dedication in creating a class like this. It was the sweeeeeetest, most flattering and most fulfilling gesture we could have given Sir. Too bad for the students next sem, he won't be teaching because he wants to focus on his bread business. When things are stable he will definitely come back to teach. So I'd like to think that the great applause is our pabaon to him for the duration of his break from teaching.

He's cooking up a facebook group for BA 177 where we can share new ads, crazy ideas, and inputs - all batches. I'm excited! All thanks to the inspiration and knowledge from Sir Ray, we will never stop learning. :)

As a side note, I found this on facebook. Really funny I thought I'd fit my post title too. hahaha

"Hindi porke’t madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wan-tu-sawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

Happy weekend guys! :)

Recall and Compare (edited Jan.1,2009)

Because a new year awaits, and just like any tv show right now, let's wrap up our year 2008.

BEST OF 2008 (discarded unnecessary and boring questions haha)

How old were you in 2008?: 19 (still am)
What was the most important thing you discovered in 2008?: Priorities change. (Most) People change.
What will you always remember about 2008? FEASIB, major s-t-r-e-s-s. But super rewarding classes with Sir Acedera and Sir Jet. Also, ABAM- Orgpress and tbs. hahaha Out of town trips- Ilocos, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Palawan

cassava queens Weng, Myself, Fa, and Emm

In Pampanga with my great groupmates Bee, Mae, Sel, Nikes, Atei Claire and the best tourg guide ever, Peter!

Ilocos Heritage Village with Bee, Emm, Ram and Jewel

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

In 2008 did you...
Keep your New Year's resolution(s)?: Yeah, just one. The other one I tried but, haha!
Go on a holiday?: ILOCOS, beybeh! PALAWAN, Mehn! PAMPANGA, chong! hmmm, do 'spur-of-the moment' road trips count? haha

at the park on our way to the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Change jobs?: I don't have a job.
Get drunk?: HAHAHA MAJOR. zuri naman.
Get high?: Yah. alcohol high and love high. :)
Fall in love?: Maybe?
Break up with someone?: no.
Stop speaking to someone?: Sort of.
Kiss someone?: my friends.
Kiss someone whose name you can’t remember?: nah. haha

Make a new friend?: Yupyup!
Do anything embarrassing?: sobrang dami :))
Do something that you thought that you would never do?: Uhm, Facebook? hahaha

Do something you have always wanted to do?: DRIVE! (Special shout out to Raish! Thanks yo!) Cook!
Do anything that you regret?: Drank too much once, I guess. hehehe
Do anything illegal?: Meron pero since illegal, shempre I won't write it here. :))
Break a promise?: I don't recall also.
Lose something?: LIKE MAAAAJOR!!! (haha conyo!) My phone! k800i Cybershot phone.
Go crazy?: NUNG FEASIB NA-BUANG KAMING LAHAT. And nung H&S and WonderWalis days (NIGHTS actually) namin together.

Best of 2008...
Movie: A Very Special Love, Wanted
TV Show: Gossip Girl Season 2
Song: Not the best but I'll remember Bleeding Love and No Air. And sa OPM naman I think it's the year of Ryan Cayabyab and Bugoy's Paano na Kaya. :)
Album: No idea.
Thing you bought: My new leather bag (Christmas gift to myself). haha
Memory:

ERASERHEADS CONCERT!!!

TRIP TO PALAWAN!

Julian's birth,

177 Prezo Day(L-R): Sir Ray, Fa, Myself, Dianne, Claude,Emm, Weng, Lori

172 Prezo Day with the whole class (Find sir! haha)

Marketing classes (in fairness talaga kay Sir Ray and Sir Jet)

Worst of 2008...
Movie: Among those I watched...hindi sulit yung Quantum of Solace and For the First Time
TV Show: Eva Fonda? HAHAHA
Song: i don't listen very often so I don't care.
Album: I don't care also.
Hangover: BAdhoc! hahahaha
Memory: FEASIB.

About 2009...
What do you want in 2009?: A GREAT JOB, prosperity, love and happiness. And that the Philippines won't be too affected by the recession. And that the price of petroleum won't go high anymore so I could get a car. haha
Is there anything you would do differently in 2009?: Last year I wrote this for 2008: Take things one day at a time. And focus on important things like the people I love, the things I enjoy doing and the tasks that will help me reach my dreams. (nyak, napaka profound! haha)

Now, this: Plan ahead but keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. And shempre, as always, FOLLOW MY HEART. :)

Do you think it will be a good year?: DEFINITELY. :)
What do you look forward to most about 2009?: Prosperity, more friends, and more destinations!
Do you have a New Year's resolution?: Mag gym para sa wedding ni Weng at Hun, hahaha and...More like plans, not resolutions... Itodo to the highest level and college life (including acads), enjoy traveling after grad, and then do my job (kung meron) to the best of my powers. haha

CHEERS TO A GREAT 2009 FOR ALL OF US! LET'S MAKE IT THE BEST YEAR YET! WOOOPEEEE!

Excited!!!

This month is a month of so many things!!! I'm very excited about a lot of things and lemme list some of them.

1. My whole clan is here in Manila right now. Mom and Joop arrived today from Iloilo and Dad arrived yesterday from his business trip to Davao. They'll be here until the 16th (just in time for Rihanna-Chris Brown concert but wth I don't have money. :(( )

2. Stuart's and Jom's birthday. haha

3. LAST SEM IN COLLEGE. I cannot explain this one- it's like a transition process for graduating students. Yung almost but not quite chuva. hahaha I'm excited to go on vacations before working. I'm excited to attend all my classes (we'll see if I'm still excited once I've seen all my profs haha). I'm excited for batch happenings and org parties. Lots of reasons to be excited for this sem. Yay!

4. Twilight Premier. OMG WHO ISN'T EXCITED ABOUT THIS? haha Emm even had his photo on the huge twilight promo standee. He was Bella for a while. haha (Check out his ym photo!)

5. Finally, I'm excited to be 'seatmates foreveeeeeeeeer' with Fa, if you know what I mean. haha

Yay to November! Yay to our last sem! Gotta make this the best.

DING ANG BATO

You'd actually think you stepped into a posh comedy bar but with an educated comedienne and a powerpoint presentation to back up her talk.

At the receiving area of Publicis. It was inspired by a European botique hotel.

THIS WAS WHAT I THOUGHT OF OUR TRIP TO PUBLICIS MANILA.

Ms. Matec was not in fierce pumps, nor was she in a tight corporate suit. She was in a red knitted polo, jeans and rubber shoes. Not so CEO right? But when she began telling us about her job, their recent works and their clients, I was laughing my head off, at the same time I was imagining her as my boss and most importantly, I understood why she's CEO.

Sir Nestle and Ms. Matec chat while waiting for the class to be completed.

I can't really explain what she told us. You'd have to earn the privilege of hearing her talk. How? I really don't know. Maybe get into Jet's 172 class, if you still have the chance.

Anyhooo, if there's anything that talk made me feel, it's that I don't want to study anymore! hahaha I'm so excited to apply what I know. But of course I acknowledge the fact that there is so much more to learn. So for now, I can do with a great sembreak. Just to relax my tired brain cells. hahaha

Cheers to great learnings and new words (ding ang bato)! :)) ♥

An eye for brands

In the past few sems that I've been taking marketing classes, I always had that doubt at the back of my mind whether I was doing the right thing for my future. Friends have been telling me they see me in Marketing coz it's in my personality daw. "Hindi ka mukhang Finance." Masisira daw ulo ko.

* * *

Can I tell you?

About my Tuesday.

Yesterday we had a joint class for Brand Management and IMC. Our guest speaker was Mr. Francis Flores, a former Unilever marketeer for Axe and Ponds, not with Jollibee Foods Corporation for Greenwhich. Aldren and I met him earlier at the front lobby. Napagtripan lang namin batiin because he got there early so we decided to greet him and have a little chitchat.

Sir Acedera arrived shortly after we talked and then he began setting up his laptop. His talk was on Integrated Brand Communications. It was a short, interesting and insighful talk. after which, we moved to the q&a where we got to ask him a lot of questions about his corporate life, his brands, and his future plans. I asked if he was considering teaching. He said yes but maybe in a few years time. Sir Acedera and joked ' sa pa guest-guest nagsisimula yan. Si Nes pa guest guest lang din yan dati'.

The speaker was asked if he thinks the best way to go is enter an FMCG company first the move to local firms. Sir Francis' last words before he left was 'Remember, I didn't have a choice back then. It was only Unilever that can give me the best training. Now we have a lot of local companies that provide the same training.' (can i just add '*wink wink*?)

Anyhooo, the talk reaffirmed my love for Marketing. I really wanna do it in the next 5-10 years of my life. Of course it doesn't hurt to pass other departments like Sales, (shet maghahakot ako) operations and (OH GOD) HR. hahahaha But I want to end up in Marketing.

* * *

And oh, regarding the title of this post? Coz recently I saw one of the hottest pairs of shoes I've seen in a long time. I think I saw the brand. It was tiny and embedded on the shoe's suede material. I checked the site of the my brand in mind but the pair wasn't there. So after having dinner with friends at the mall, I persuaded them to check out the store. Viola! It was there. I was right. I got the brand right! YAHOOOOO! It was an enlightening moment for me. Imagine seeing a very tiny logo at least 3 meters away from you. and later realizing that you got the brand right? Maybe for non-marketing people this is shallow. I guess you will never really understand it until you are part of this field.

So there goes my Tuesday. Can't wait for Thursday- trip to Publicis! yay!

Weekend work

I decided to stay at home the whole weekend for the following reasons:
1. Austerity measures (a.k.a nagtitipid)
2. Lots to do, gotta start now.
3. Just some good old rest

Allow me to elaborate number 2.
For the past two nights, I have sent numerous emails to suppliers for our feasibility study. I am in charge of the technical study which I believe IS THE HARDEST PART of it. But I'm okay with it, I find the market study hard too, financial study is so out of my league, on the other hand I feel management study is the mildest of them all but still needs a lot of research.

Last night one Philippines-based supplier emailed in response to my inquiry. I was glad he sent feedback but it wasn't exactly what I asked for. He asked how much we needed and that he can send a sample of 2kg of Carrageenan powder on Monday. HALLER DI NAMAN NAMIN KELANGAN. So I thought I'll just ignore it for a while. OMG this morning, at 8 AM, the supplier CALLED ME. I was so groggy, having slept at 4 in the morning already (coz I watched What Women Want, the movie about marketing haha). I had to instantly act very lively and explained to him what our situation was. He was, I bet, disappointed that he wasn't gonna make a sale but I just settled with the fact that Pinoys are just really natural sales people. So ayun, we agreed to communicate via email so that I can include their company in our feasib's database. Half-awake, I forced my mind to sleep again and yes, I woke up at 1 pm. haha

Anyhooo, I mentioned watching What Women Want. Sir Acedera showed us a portion of the movie in class sometime last month. I downloaded it right after but I never had the chance to watch it until last night. I liked the movie, mainly because it's in a marketeer's perspective. Insights, taglines that address the insight, the story/concept boards, amazing. Yay! Sorry if I sound geeky.

On org matters, Congratulations to UP AdCore and to the all-girls team led by Fa for bagging 1st runner up in the ActMedia In-Store Advertising Competition. Yahoooey!

Also, I have to rush a Canon Event. It's set on Sept. 2-5 and OMG it's the last week of August already. Argh! Join the photo contest and win prizes from Canon!

Tomorrow my 172 group shall meet to do two brand frameworks- Wonder and ETC. Gosh, brand framework galooooore. It's really good practice though. But sometimes it feels too much. howell papel, hopefully I put all these to good use and make lots of cash from it. HAHA

Hurray to a productive weekend, y'all!

Killer Sem

This semester, I have every intention (with real reasons, mind you!) of being unreachable because I am
A. preoccupied in revamping Head and Shoulders so that Clear will crumble into pieces. (with my fabulous group in Brand Management)
B. developing an exclusive salon for metrosexuals (with the girls and Aldren)
C. busy stalking and begging a CEO to come to school for a talk and/or give me an interview for 190.
D. mining data for our feasibility study.
E. studying the ever changing global market
F. doing org work.
G. All of the above.

I still need a little more time to get used to the Tuesday-Friday school week. Right now, I just feel exhausted after every day. It is now a mortal sin to not be busy with any school related activity. And so, I plan to

A. Start on our final paper for 190 with Fa and Dianne. I hope we get to finish this before August ends. Homayghad.
B. Carry all my notes with me everyday so that if I get stranded in school because of the rain, or if need to kill time for an important meeting I could make use of my free time reading, rewriting, and conceptualizing stuff. (MY LATEST PURCHASE: A multi-section plastic folder that can segregate my notes per subject. Plus, it's light and waterproof! Perfect!)
C. Religiously read my new books in consumer behavior and Global Maketing.
D. Continue to pray to God that he will not let me lose my focus. Not this time.
E. Make time for relaxation, hopefully twice a month. Like a massage or movie (ehemcaloiehem), or a simple dinner with friends.

Because this week was a hell lot of stress, Little Miss Panda FA and I went to Eastwood to catch the last full show of Kung Fu Panda. (Too bad Ckeska couldn't come!) Before we hit the movie, we strolled and hopped from store to store in Eastwood since they were holding a super sale! Yay! While store hopping, she decided to be Farrah Jessica Parker for sometime and partially thought of wearing her long pearls with pajamas too. hahaha

In the movie house, Fa and I enjoyed watching the trailers (Maid of Honor okay? Mama Mia? Wanted, Dark Night?). This will be the ones I shall be saving for in the next few weeks. OMG mahal na ang sine, 170! shemay naman oh. Maybe, just maybe I shall shout to the world that life is like a ball of yarn just so I get a free movie from FA. Yahey! But as of now, I can only agree to 'Life is like a ball." HAHAHAHA Sorry, inside joke. I love Kung Fu Panda! I laughed, got teary, and had 'awww' moments throughout the movie. Moral lesson: Believe.

So Dear God, I BELIEVE I will get through this sem. After this, I am wiser, smarter, and better.

* * *
I still don't understand though, why life is like a ball of yarn. HAHAHAHA Disclaimer: This is not in the movie. hehehe

Fastfood call centers

This junior year, I've been so busy and tired that I's rather buy dinner every night rather than cook for myself. Well, to begin with, I do not know how to cook. Except for pastas and fried stuff- friend chicken, porkchop, fish, etc. That's as far as I can utilize the kitchen. So naturally, fast food is the next option for me. I've tried almost all of the fast food brands and in in my 3 years in college, all that delivery services has made me quite maarte and observant when dealing with the call takers.

Jollibee. They're really nice and fast. It's my default food choice because one, I really love Jollibee; second, they deliver fast; and it's quite affordable. The call center people are good and well informed so that's really a plus. It also comes in handy when I don't know what the exact name of the meal is so I'll just say "yung bagong ice craze na may ube at parang yema?" "Aaah, yung macapuno de leche special po." They've committed a few mistakes though like when I order for a thigh part, they'll assure me it's available but when the food comes, it's a breast part. I am always picky with the chicken part because I do not like white meat. But what the hell, I can't complain since the food's already there. But oooh, one thing I recall about Jollibee was one time I ordered for lunch and dinner na so that's quite a lot. Then most of my orders weren't available such as the thigh part and the drinks. So they sent with my orders a spaghetti. I believe it's to compensate for the orders they couldn't provide. OR they just made a mistake. hahaha I remember rechecking my orders and it was all there, plus the spaghetti so I guess they were just really being nice to me. weee! I also love their delivery people. They're very nice and courteous and very well informed too! One time my dad wanted ice craze for evening dessert. The call taker said, their desserts are not available. So kanina, I asked kuya if they do not deliver desserts in the evening. Sabi ni kuya "Basta hanggang midnight ma'am, nagdedeliver kami ng lahat." Ok, so maybe the branch did not have desserts that time. But I doubt it. No ice cream in Jollibee? No ice craze? I don't think so.

McDonald's. The greatest thing about McDo is probably their 24-hour delivery service. It saves hungry students who are pulling on an all-nighter at someone's place. I must say, I totally love their new advertisement on that where their delivery people flips the books for the students. It's super true and boy have I experienced it. The tagline 'Life made easy' works as well. Yay! Their cheesburger advertisements are also so funny. hahaha Anyway, McDo call takers are as nice as the ones of Jollibee as far as I can remember. McDo online is also a cool new way of ordering. Especially for those who have mobile phones and do not want to waste their load. You place your orders online and they will call you to confirm your order. The delivery men of McDo are equally nice. There's one amazing thing that happened to us. We were at my friend, Pat Coloma's house, doing our 105 exams when we decided to order McDo at 2 in the morning. We used the online system and confirmed our orders via phone. After 30 or so minutes I heard a man calling 'delivery po!" at the gate. Pat went out to get our food. When he came back, being the theater boy that he is, he said with feelings "Grabe si Kuya. Apparently hindi pala pwede ang motorcycles dito sa village (coz it's night time and people will be disturbed) so pinigilan siya sa guardhouse at binigyan ng bike." OMG I was laughing so hard because I couldn't imagine kuya carrying a delivery bag full of McDo meals for 8 people on a slim bike. I feel sorry for kuya but it's just a funny thought talaga. So there, we bid kuya thanks and ingat to recognize his efforts to feed us. Hurray to McDonald's for great people like kuya. Wooot!

KFC. Their call center used to be good until I ordered this week. I totally hate their new system. First, it's so hard to get through the phone line. Second, the call takers are so barok I hate it. Sobrang kulang sa training unlike the previous call takers. I know they changed call centers because when you finally get through the line, there's an automatic voice that says "thank you for calling KFC's new call center. For deliveries, press 1. For other concerns, press (i dunno coz I press 1 immediately, haha)" Sobrang sama pa ng audio becuase they speak so loud on the phone! Then they asked me for my contact details and even my delivery address which is pathetic because helloooow!!! I've been ordering from KFC for forever! And you ask me my address NOW? Switching call centers do not mean having a new database. YES, I BELIEVE I AM WELL EQUIP TO SAY THIS BECAUSE I STUDIED BA 186 and BA 105 and BA 101 which, for those of you non BA students, are Systems design, operations management and intro to management(I can very well recall customer relationship management). The time I placed an order in their new call center, they posted my order in the commonwealth branch which I do not know exactly where but I told the lady, MISS, BAKIT DUN MO NILAGAY ORDER KO EH MAS MALAPIT AKO SA FAIRVIEW BRANCH. NASA LABAS LANG NG VILLAGE KO YUNG BRANCH NA YUN. And she goes Ah talaga maam? Sige po, divert ko nalang po. I know it's sort of forgivable but for a regular customer like me? oh boy, I was so running out of patience. I think it all boils down to their database. They added information which isn't really necessary (Ma'am, anong barangay po kayo? MALAY KO. Kelangan mo pa ba yun?) and failed to keep vital information such as the branch where they're suppose to place the deliveries. It wastes time and decreases their goodwill. KFC,please improve on these things. Oh, one great thing naman about KFC (haha, it's not all that bad), I went to the fairview branch to buy my dinner. I got this Large extreme hot wings and then went home. When I got home and checked, they gave me a regular hot wings so I called them up and told them kulang yung manok. I checked my receipt and verified that they charged me for a large hot wings. So without further questions, the branch sent their delivery boy to our house to being me the other half of the order. Nice one, KFC fairview!

Yellow Cab. They deliver the right food all the time. But it's really something that's expected of them kasi syempre they can't send hawaiian pizza when you ordered a manhattan meatlovers pizza right? And I can't really request for any other chicken part since they only have buffalo wings. hahaha

Chowking. Right food but they're really half deaf when I ask for an official receipt for my dad. I spell out the name of the company everytime I ask for the OR. When the food finally arrives, they never fail to write the wrong name. hahaha As far as I can remember, they never got it right.

Congo Grill. Very bad delivery system. It's manual, for heaven's sake! And they deliver all the wrong food except for the congo rice and sisig. I recall my dad getting all sarcastic at the poor delivery boy. Well, technically di niya kasalanan kasi he didn't take our orders. So my mom called them and got mad too. hahaha

Pizza Hut. These deliveries happen when my dad's here. He likes their pizza and he doesn't like Yellow cab. Baliktad kami. Their call takers are really nice,too. They're me favorite, so far. They're the most "feel home" people in the call center world, for me.

Max's. They have good call takers. The food is also great but sometimes it takes a little longer for the food to arrive.

See, it's not a problem when you don't know how to cook. THEY understand people like us. I'll learn to cook maybe after I graduate. When I have the luxury of time to do what I want. But in the meantime, this list of saviors from hunger and of course my bunch of friends, I get through the sem fed, sane and unscathed. *wink wink*

Happy to be Alive!

MTV and Body Shop join forces to launch the
Move Your Lips campaign
for the Staying Alive Foundation. Body Shop created a limited edition Guarana Lip Butter to support the campaign to promote awareness and prevention of HIV all over the world. I saw this in Duty Free today, sold at $3.25 per pot. All proceeds go to the Staying Alive Foundation. Limited edition nga pala. :)

There's also a scent created for the same advocacy.
Body Shop's Rougeberry Eau de Toilette for the
Spray to Change Attitudes Campaign
also for HIV awareness and prevention.

* * *

Just to explain how I found myself in Duty Free, well, my uncle's girlfriend (pseudo-wife) wanted to purchase yet another Longchamp bag (she has loads of 'em in different colors) so we headed to Duty Free to take advantage of the sale they have.

My brother and I, being trained in the field of business in our respective schools, have noticed the change in the trend of shoppers in Duty Free. Many years ago says 'Tita Girlfriend', around 20 years, probably, it was very nice to shop in Duty Free. The have all these unique items and the people who shop there are really the well traveled ones. Luxury goods are updated, items are quite exclusive and the service is really good. Today, people flock in big vans and even convoys that seem like the whole barangay, celebrating everyone's pagiging bigtime abroad. Trends aren't very much updated such as bags that are from last season, scents in all these 'tipid packs' as my kuya and I fondly call it. This shift is very much evident in what types and classes of people come to Duty Free. I can't really blame them. I mean, of course they are simply reaping the fruits of their sacrifices abroad. But it is such a shame that Duty Free downgraded quality as well. The aircon wasn't even turned on! There were lots of electric fans turned on but for a department store, moreover, for Duty Free, sheeesh. Howell, must stop ranting since I didn't really buy anything. I'd rather shop in Rustan's, Glorietta and Greenbelt. They have everything that there is in Duty Free and more, at the same price (when you convert to peso) and of course, the aircon.

* * *
Oh, learned something today. Familiar with L'oreal's latest hair care line, the ELSEVE?
I found it in Duty Free too! But it's labeled ELVIVE.

I haven't exactly figured what is behind their marketing strategy but I do want to understand. According to some websites, it's ELVIVE in the UK and Europe but here in the Philippines, it's ELSEVE. But don't worry, it's the same banana. hahahaha

I'vre tried the shampoo and conditioner of ELSEVE. It smells fine but still, the Purple Palmolive variant still smells waaay better. For the job it does, the price is definitely affordable. I swear, even a bi friend commented 'ang bango naman ng hair mo, Adz.' Weeee! Kinilig ako, in fairness sa bi. hahaha Anyway, back to my story, the conditioner works too but I think it is too expensive for the job it does. So, I wasn't really hooked to buy my second bottle of ELSEVE. Nothing beats Kerastase of course. Although I haven't gathered enough strength to let go of two thousand effin bucks for a bottle of shampoo. I just end up having Kerastase on my hair when I get a cut at chosen David's Salons. haha Maybe when I'm waaay richer, I can afford to buy all the Kerastase I want. wooohooo!
* * *

Oh, one last! Even (PRODUCT) RED brand (branchild of U2's Bono and Bobby Shriver, in cooperation with Ecko, Gap, etc.) joins the World in the call for AIDS awareness and prevention. Half of the total proceeds of the RED line go to the Global Fund for AIDS. They started in March 2006 and have by far pooled up to $100 million. Oh, the parenthesis? it's "the embrace". sweet.

To learn more about this campaign, visit www.joinred.com.

STARTING THE REVOLUTION

First first!
A SUPAH CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EL CONQUISTADORES

Pat, Tim, Jay-ar, Bobit and James for winning the UP in Smoke Marketing competition. Super galing nila, promise! Congratulations also to Migs who organized the competition. Anyway, take note! They got two 100% ratings from two of our judges. hello hello? And during the question and answer part, Ma'am Guevara was actually speechless.

"I, i, i, I like it!"

Well, I can't be more proud because you see, this is our batch's second victory in two years. They also bagged BAC's first marketing competition sponsored by the Asian Eye Institute. So hello? Ang astig diba? And of course, batch support was tremendous! May skit-ish role pa kami! hahahaha

RISE UP: Rebolusyong Itinatakwil ang Sigarilyong Epidemia sa U.P.

They got medals, certificates, Php 20,000 and the prestige of course! So we've decided to take the cash and let the boys take the prestige. wahahahaha!

Dinner at Shakey's was super fun. Everyone was there! Juniors, BAC, friends. Yay!

We then moved to our own little groupies. Raisia, Fa, Ian, Dianne and I moved to Cantina to meet Myka and Anne. They are Ian and Raisia's childhood friends who are now in Ateneo. It was a super fun conversation. Sakit sa ulo tumawa. hahaha

After that, FA and I went to Paradigm to check out the DOTA boys. OMG UP-wide na and DOTA org nila! Pets and Pindoy were there. of course the Juniors. Jon from Archi was there. And Marco, the honorary member from Ateneo. Powerhouse member base kayo ha!

Since we have no business watching DOTA there, Fa and I walked back to McDonald's to have dessert. Syempre the usual bonding stuff. We saw M.E. people- ahem ahem, Gerald. hahaha

When I got home, I had the greatest shock of my life. (Di naman shock because he as calling me na while I was in the cab) My tito was there and upon entering the house, I got a sermon. I do not wish to elaborate but let's just say I made my point and said my piece just so he knows. I cried in the shower and let the water run so I could calm myself. I thought I'd call my mom first thing in the morning but no! She messaged me and asked what's up. So I called her and reported what happened. I told her MY TITO WOULDN'T LISTEN TO ME. HOW WILL HE UNDERSTAND?!?!? I am a student. I have lots to do with so little time. I don't even have time to sleep. And when I get home you scold me just like that. I AM NOT ON DRUGS. AND SO WHAT IF I WENT HOME VIA A CAB. I'M HOME ALIVE AND WHOLE. WTF?! TELLING ME TO SHUT UP? I bet he's mad because I am the only person who does not get intimidated with what he says. AKO LANG ANG MATAPANG NA MAGSASALITA. No wonder he always argues with his girlfriend. BECAUSE HE DOES NOT LISTEN. I was crying the whole time on the phone, I was struggling to catch my breath because after winning a tough marketing competition with your batchmates, you'd be greeted by a f*ckung sermon. I AM NOT PERFECT. BUT I AM NOT STUPID. I WILL FIGHT FOR WHAT I KNOW WHEN I AM RIGHT. THE CURRENT ACADEME IS MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE THAT IT WAS DURING YOUR ANCIENT TIME. SO YOU CAN'T IMPOSE YOUR TRADITIONS ON ME. I APOLOGIZED BUT THAT WAS OUT OF RESPECT. MY MOM TAUGHT ME WELL. I WILL NEVER FORGET TO RESPECT YOU. BUT IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND ME, THEN LEARN TO LISTEN. IF YOU JUST WANNA SCOLD ME AND NOT HEAR ME OUT, THEN LET IT REST. I HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DO.

After my Mom, I called Fa. Eto nananananaanaman eh...

HINDI MO KASI NAIINTINDIHAN!

Marketing pissed me, but Law and Don made my day

WALA MUNANG VIOLENT REACTION SA TITLE PWEDE? LET ME FINISH!

* * *

First...MARKETING. She is really getting into my nerves! GIMME A BREAK MAAAAAM! She gave our latest case digest an effin failed grade. WTF!?!?! During the whole period I kept going out of the room for 'banyo breaks' where I don't really end up reaching the restroom. I just needed time to breathe. When I had a chance during the case discussion on Downy, I didn't stop speaking until I deliver my point even if it meant her having to intervene while I was just getting to my point.

If you a have a recyclable bottle, you are not obliged to buy a refill pack that will actually FILL the bottle!!!

(But that's an opportunity loss for P&G, she said.)

But if kunyari they package them in THREE (not tree,Ma'am!) liter refills and I can't afford it, I won't buy it. That's a greater opportunity loss!!!

My heart was racing. I wanted to shut her up and let me finish first.

And oh, before I proceed, I just wanted to share some (effin) hindsight about our speech class under THE MARKETING PROFESSOR.

euROPE (as in yung tali.)
Are dur odur products that are environmentally friendly?
Procter & GUMBLE
I hope you appreciate my NEETY GREETY (nitty gritty)
Jumbo pack (pronounced as Joombo pack in class)

And oh, another hindsight...
HARIBON AND BODY SHOP ARE technically NOT ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY!
Haribon protects the bird species especially the Philippine Eagle. It aims to protect their existence. Meanwhile, BODY SHOP just sell products that are "NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS".

Punky: "I need a good lunch."
Me: "I need to get outta here."

* * *
Law exam was cool. I love Ma'am Geli! hahaha Oh, the Michael Jackson alarm was the bomb! :))
* * *

Anyway, enough of my rants.

Today JMA has this committee wars as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. Teams were tasked to drop their best pick-up lines to get some of our numbers (it's a unviersity-wide search). Dianne and I were those chosen for BA. So there. Some were bad. Some were fine. Others sang songs. A few begged. Ako, naawa sa iba. hahaha

If I had to choose, I'd award the funniest pick up line to Junjun Guevara. He used a past event to connect things (I need not elaborate.) Basta, something like "We had a history! And I've never added (adz-ded) someone in my life until you came!" I laughed talaga because Junjun kept insisting na for friendship's sake, I'd sign their sheet. hahaha! It was korny but Junjun looked funny so there, I signed it.

However, if I had to choose the best gesture, it would be Don Ingal's team. He may be the last to approach me but it sure was the best. He came with a white (yes, WHITE! It's my favorite!) rose and with Rikoy. Rikoy was nice (we met before sa AdCore). And Don had the time for some chitchat pa. Which is nice kasi he didn't pressure me to sign.

I used to think flowers are a waste of money since they just dry up after a couple of days.

I think I take it back. :)

For the simple reason that regardless of intention (this case, accomplish the task), it's really nice to have that sweet thing pop out of nowhere in the middle of the day and with a good luck greeting before the Law exam. I appreciate the effort.
Bia, Don's team deserves to win the points! hahaha (as if Bia's gonna see this.)


P.S. I have no HD's or whatsoever on Don nor Junjun. hahaha
(Don, reunion naman ng Saturday "classmates". haha)

MarkeThing

Marketing Strategies are really weird sometimes.

Sometime last November, I was late for my Marketing class so I ended up sitting on the first empty seat I saw when I entered the room. I was beside Weng. She told me about her experience one day when she was shopping for some grocery with Rhett. Alaska has two different packages for the same product. There's Alaska Condensed milk and Alaska condensada. Weng thinks Alaska is trying to target two different segments- the masa, then the middle and upper class. I asked her about the price but she didn't notice it daw.
This afternoon, I went with my Mom and Dad to the mini grocery outside our village. I remembered the trivia when my mom and I passed by the aisle of dairy products. Yes, i showed off a bit by telling her about the trivia. But don't worry, I acknowledged Weng for telling me about it. haha I took notice of the difference in their prices.

The yellow one costs P28.70 and the blue one sells at P23.30.

Oh, it's not just the condensada. Even their evaporated milk was re-packaged into evaporated milk and evaporada.







However, this time, the yellow one costs P18.45 and the red one is sold at P17.60.I don't understand the need to create two different packagings. I think it isn't only to target the masa and the better off markets. oh well. My next project? Try each of them and see if it tastes different. haha ;)

* * *
Okay, now I have to go finish Chapter 2 of Kotler's Marketing Principles. :P