MANILA – In the Philippines, the 2000s was a decade characterized by Y2K, the Estrada impeachment, the rise of the cellphone, and, as it turns out, some pretty memorable TVCs, like these:
‘Lolo’ for McDonald’s by Leo Burnett (2001)
An ad that needs no introduction, this spot features that now-iconic conversation between a girl and her senile grandfather in which she utters one of the most famous lines ever to come from a TVC: “Lo, Karen po.”
‘Victory’ for PLDT NDD by Ace Saatchi & Saatchi (2001)
PLDT’s focus on family in its branding isn’t a recent development, as seen in this 13-year old ad about a father supporting his son’s decision to shift from medicine to fine arts.
‘Binibini’ for San Miguel Beer by McCann Erickson (2002)
Two guys go girl-crazy with their Pale Pilsens in this babe-filled TVC–a true relic of an era in which the male gaze reigned supreme and largely unchallenged.
‘The Coke Beat’ for Coca-Cola by McCann Erickson (2003)
This TVC started a craze among the youth who were determined to master the elaborate hand clapping game it featured.
‘Good Day’ for Nescafe by Publicis (2004)
Barbie Almalbis jams with her band in a giant elevator, which they ride all the way to “The Top.” Along the way she changes from pajamas into a bright orange dress, stripy socks, purple eyeshadow, and flippy hair, after which a crowd jumps into the lift for a fun rave. It does not get more 2000s than this.
‘Drama Queen’ for Skyflakes by Gallardo & Associates (2005)
Before Marian Rivera raked in millions from endorsement deals, she starred in this TV spot–said to be the one that launched her career–as a hangry girlfriend whose mood is improved with a packet of Skyflakes.
‘Hating Kapatid’ for Advil by TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno (2006)
In a spot that may very well be a prelude to their currently-airing reality show, the Gutierrez twins Richard and Raymond go head to head over the last Advil capsule, giving their infamous mother Annabelle Rama a headache in the process.
‘Kahilingan’ for Fita by Lowe Philippines (2007)
A man splits his last Fita cracker with a hungry old lady and gets appropriately rewarded for it in this unforgettable Fita ad that is perhaps the most memorable display of the brand’s signature humor.
‘The Offering’ for Nestle Cream by McCann Worldgroup (2008)
In this eerie ad that plays out like an indie short film, a lady brings some food to the cemetery to honor her departed loved one.
‘First Love’ for McDonald’s by DDB (2009)
In a spot guaranteed to tug at Filipino heartstrings, a man recalls his first brushes with love to the tune of Pinoy rock anthem “Huling El Bimbo.”
