If Cat has his own exhibition.

This is how it will look like.

/me dreams of that day ;)

Sparks' take on Manila, the Philippines.

This city is one which you either love or hate. For those accustomed to systematic living will find it hard to navigate around Manila's organised chaos without the occasional 'deer caught in head light' moments. An experience with much frustration of course. On the other hand, amidst the chaotic drama of this city, it offers its vibrant spirit that's so flavourful, it's hard not to pause and take delight in everything that doesn't make sense to us, foreigners. In Manila, you'll be overwhelmed by your senses where the air is heavy, the traffic is heavy and the taste of almost anything is heavy. But once bitten, you'll go home satisfied, that I promise.

For the past three days, I've been trying to get an orientation of Makati and its surrounding frenzied streets and traffic (which I still can't) and what started out as frustration soon became a sense of appreciation of the local way of life. Amidst their hustle and bustle, the locals do make time to chat with you. Almost everyone is willing to share a conversation if you take time to slow down, break down some personal guard and strike one. But of course, caution to lady travellers, sometimes some people may seem a little too friendly. But soon, you'd realize that it's all good fun and no harm intended. Filipinos are just a bunch of warm friendly people who don't just talk about themselves. They swear by the fundamentals of communication which is to listen and soon, they'll be drawing out all sorts of information from you - where you're from, what you do, how old are you, if you're single, why you're single and whoa! That's when I pull the handbrake and make a U-turn of the conversation. Ah but of course, if you're comfortable with it, why not? :) Filipinos are not your typical Asian type who are generally reserved and superficial at first introduction. I'm telling you, these people really want to get to know you!

In this city, like home, you witness a huge disparity of upper, middle and lower income groups. As usual, middle-upper areas pose no satisfaction to the inquisitive mind because like everywhere else in the world, this group has the most clockwork habit and consumes pretty much the same culture. What really fascinates me is the lower-middle areas where you get to see a lot more action and the local way of life that's still being shaped by traditions.

The foods are array although some require one to be a little more like Braveheart to attempt mastication of unknown animal parts like the Balut and some innards, pig's blood sort of porridge, etc. I am no Braveheart, so most unfortunately, I spent a lot of my time having more Italian than I normally would back home. Except for this afternoon's BBQ pork satay sticks which were an amazingly mouthful of satisfaction, juicy and grilled to perfection. Local sweet sins like the Ube (purple yam paste) and Cassava (creme brulee sort of cake) are such delight to those who possess a sweet tooth and a 'candied' bloodstream. Next time, I tell myself, I shall savor more. The Salcedo Market on Leviste Street in Makati is certainly a good place to start with many stores not only offering taste samples but come with proud chefs and owners who would unselfishly educate you on the origins of their dish, only if you care to ask.

To understand the local culture and this country more, you'll definitely have to visit the Ayala Museum that houses centuries old artifact as well as an extremely well-designed, intricate and systematic diorama that tells the story of the Philippines from the days of her first men till modern day independence. If you are a school-going Filipino and can't seem to hack the history book, maybe you should take a visit here. You'll pass your test, I promise. This country that has so much historical influence from the Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, has certainly gave birth to a hybrid culture that might be familiar to some but made it uniquely and entirely the Philippines'. Even by features, I think Filipino men and women have some of the most beautiful and exotic features that are alien to many Asians. Their English somehow 'sings' with a peculiar , almost 'Spanish-y' sort of accent. Blessed with a natural glow and bronze tan, no wonder they are known as the Latino and Latina of the East!

As my short journey ends, I thought about it and I'll stay true to what I said to Jeremie, Joey, Beth and a whole bunch of good people I met last night. I'll definitely be back. Don't miss me too much and see you in Boracay ;)

Cat takes Metro Manila, Philippines ;") *nyan*

Small start to big things.

The Tambuli Awards is Asia Pac's industry recognition for IMC effectiveness that also promotes positive societal values. Last night, Dentsu U received a Bronze for Best Small Budget Brand category for the Insight Generation campaign. When I thought about it, it's funny how things unfold. One minute we were launching the car, the client breathing down our necks, we were breathing down other people's necks, so many issues with costing and production and timeline and finally *poop* the campaign was a wrap. And so many months later, *poop* we were awarded a small recognition for at least meeting industry standards. Honestly, the latter was entirely unexpected. They say good things happen when you least expect it to. Well, whomever who coined that was a genius :)

We've been riding on some wind brought by lady luck, blessed with some small network awards, etc. This was a first for us from international shores. So I guess, it certainly calls for a celebration.

But strangely... I don't mean to sound like a perfection-chasing, unfulfilled cynic, but something's still missing. I don't know what it is... I feel that this award really goes to the entire team who went out an arm and a limb to make it happen. So in a way, it's really a great motivation. It puts a smile on their face because the industry is telling them that they've done an amazing job and at the end of the day, it's all worth taking the shit for. I sometimes wish, I am motivated the same way. If you ask me, I gain more intensity of satisfaction in seeing people smile when they received a potted plant from Honda's Insight Generation than when going up on stage to receive the award. Maybe because it ain't Gold? HA HA. Kiiiiiiddddddding!

I know metals are great motivation drivers. But if we're not careful, we will then be driven to do things for the wrong reasons. I'd sound really arrogant to say that awards are not my thing. Maybe I should clarify. It's not my 'personal' thing. But I do recognise the fact that this is how the industry game is played. Agencies are constantly being benchmarked with one another on not just their creative ability but also their element of innovation, social responsibility and of course, effectiveness. And so, chasing for awards becomes an unavoidable management tactic. The responsibility no longer lies solely on the creative department. We now have to look into all façades of our business and see what we can push, where, involving many stakeholders.

I think the challenge is to make sure we have our goal posts in the right spot and make sure it damn well stays there! Oh well, I suppose if we get our bearings right, then all things great will come our way, anyway. So let us continue to make a difference in this world. With the skills we're blessed with and with what we're trained to do :) 今からもとがんばります！

p/s: Can't thank you guys enough.

Que sera sera, what will be, will be.

Will be flying out tomorrow morning to Manila for the Tambuli Awards night. The award is a prestigious IMC campaign recognition for social effectiveness in the Philippines. T'was a pleasant surprise to be informed that our Insight Generation campaign has been shortlisted as a finalist. So we will find out what will be tomorrow night. Keeping fingers crossed :)