Coca-Cola, the Philippines’ most-loved beverage brand, heralds this year’s season with “Buksan ang Magic ng Pasko,” a holiday campaign that celebrates the real magic of community and togetherness. The multi-faceted campaign carries, at its heart a simple message of festive joy and inclusion; reminding us that real magic is in the moments of connection we share with others.
“Most of us grew up with Coca-Cola. As a brand, we consider ourselves fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be part of every Filipino table and witness the real magic of human connections, especially during Christmas. From celebrating every occasion to being a source of comfort ~ Coke serves as that uplifting pause that connects people, in friendship and in community, over a meal or a glass of Coke ~ and we see this even more pronounced during Christmas,” says Cesar Gangoso, Coca-Cola Marketing Director for Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Coca-Cola, with its 100-year-old history with the Filipino community, signals the start of Christmas celebrations with a full line up of experiences that people can enjoy. This includes a display of creative out-of-home images that celebrate people, colorful packs, lights and sound festival, well-decorated bottling facilities all over the country, and the infamous Coca-Cola truck going around to surprise 10 local communities.
Real Magic™ in a nutshell
Real Magic™ is the new long term, brand philosophy and belief of Coca-Cola, which celebrates the real magic of humanity. Coca-Cola’s mission has been to spread positivity and optimism for over 100 years and Real Magic™ continues that promise. We believe its core philosophy will resonate with people all over the globe: that we can all experience Real Magic™ in real moments when we come together. The Real Magic™ is not tagline or a one-off campaign. It is a new platform that will drive and guide marketing and communications across the Coca-Cola® Trademark, including Coca-Cola®, Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar and Diet Coke/Coca-Cola® Light.
“This is our first Christmas campaign under the new Real Magic brand philosophy for Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has always believed in the magic of Christmas and this year; our campaign celebrates the real magic of human connections. With a simple and uplifting message of unity, inclusion and positivity at its heart, it aims to remind us that all we need for a magical Christmas is shared moments with community and the ones we love,” says Manolo Arroyo, Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Gangoso adds, “Christmas for most Filipinos has been a bit different for the past two years. However, what has always been consistent is the familiar comfort that family and friends bring. This year is no different, and just like in the past, Coca-Cola will continue to be part of everyone’s story.”
The Christmas film
Of course, Christmas will not be the same without iconic films. Buksan ang Magic ng Pasko is anchored by a new short film and supported by a series of activations across digital channels including influencer partnerships and in-store activations. The new film, directed by Sam Brown of Rogue Films and created by dentsuMB UK, embraces and celebrates human kindness with a renewed relevance for the world we live in today. Its uplifting tale shows a boy whose imagination and efforts gather a community’s goodwill at Christmas, creating a shared moment of magic around a festive meal and a Coke.
The Christmas film begins with a boy moving into a new apartment with his mom at Christmas. Standing in his new house, he notices there’s no fireplace, and the realization hits him. No chimney means no Santa! He decides to make one himself. The boy starts building a chimney of boxes and neighbors quickly band together to help finish it in time for Christmas.
The new film, directed by Sam Brown of Rogue Films and created by dentsuMB UK, embraces and celebrates human kindness with a renewed relevance for the world we live in today. Its uplifting tale shows a boy whose imagination and efforts gather a community’s goodwill at Christmas, creating a shared moment of magic around a festive meal and a Coke.
Simon Lloyd, Chief Creative Officer says that “magic is all around us, but most of the time we don’t even notice. This story is set in an apartment block in the USA, but it could be anywhere. For most people across the world, living stacked up on top of one another is a reality; so close, yet still strangers. But the global pandemic also brought neighbours together like never before. With Christmas cancelled for many last year, this humble holiday story focuses on what matters: the community and generosity that connects us in an imperfect world.”
Coca-Cola Philippines has a series of activities for this holiday season. Buksan ang magic ng Pasko! Celebrate #PaskongCocaCola and the people around you who make moments of connection and hope truly magical. Visit facebook.com/CocaColaPhilippines to learn more.
Press Release