THE news that phenomenal Korean boy group BTS will head Smart Communication Inc.’s “Live Smarter, Live with Purpose” 2021 campaign signals K-pop’s having become completely mainstream.
Friends who used to laugh at me for being a K-pop and K-drama enthusiast are now completely on the Hallyu train and I’m happy because when the pandemic is over, it means Manila is on the stop of every major tour outside of Korea.
But back to Smart and BTS. In 2020, the telco surprised us with the news that actors Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin and Park Seo-jun had been signed as their ambassadors. In the last quarter of 2020, during the online press conference for Park Seo-jun, Smart President and CEO Alfredo Panlilio hinted that they would soon make the announcement that was bigger than anything than they’ve ever announced.
In the Korean entertainment scene, BTS is bigger than big. The group—Composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—is a Grammy-nominated group. At home, we are not new K-pop fans; we’ve been into the genre since 1999-2000 and we’ve seen so many groups live. Trust me, BTS is big and I’m not an Army (my daughter is though). The group’s fans are known as Army.
My daughter loves to remember the days when her high school classmates liked to make fun of her Super Junior phone case. Well, those former classmates are now Army.
Now back to BTS’ Smart ambassadorship.
As Smart’s newest ambassadors, BTS will appear in a world-class ad campaign set for release in the first quarter of 2021. The partnership will showcase BTS’ support of Smart’s goal to inspire the Filipino youth to live their lives with passion and purpose.
“Aside from their remarkable talent, BTS has emerged as the biggest band in the world because of their meaningful and uplifting music that brings hope and encouragement to fans especially in the bleakest of times. It is therefore a big honor to welcome BTS to the Smart family so we may inspire more Filipinos to find purpose in everything they do and ultimately live smarter for a better world,” said Alfredo Panlilio.
A global phenomenon, BTS has a legion of followers among the youth that cuts across geographies and genres. The group is known for sending a timely message of comfort and hope to fans everywhere through their music.
I have seen it with my friends. I’ve seen how being fans of BTS has given them comfort through their darkest times, especially now that many are confined to their homes because of the pandemic. So, yes, I’m so looking forward to the Smart x BTS campaign.
This is what many non-fans don’t understand about K-pop. For many of us, K-pop is a haven and a refuge. It’s not just watching attractive boys and girls and listening to their music.
ACER OPENS 1ST FLAGSHIP STORE IN PHL
ACER has just opened its first flagship store in the Philippines at SM Megamall Cyberzone. The store, which houses the Acer and Predator, brands, is also their largest store to date.
The best products from Acer and Predator are on display for a more interactive shopping experience. The store is divided into two sections. One section is for Acer, which sticks to its minimalistic aesthetic with light earthy tones plus a long table and shelves where the products are displayed. On the other hand, the Predator section is done in sleek black.
In observance of existing health protocols in the country, Acer requires each customer to wear a face mask and face shield, undergo a temperature check upon entrance, and fill up a health declaration form. Appropriate social distancing is strictly followed as well.
“We are very excited for gamers and tech enthusiasts to come and experience what the Acer flagship store has in store for them. It’s our first opening this 2021, and definitely not the last. We are optimistic that it will allow consumers to get to know our products better and eventually find the perfect device fit for their needs,” said Acer Philippines Managing Director Manuel Wong.
Following the grand launch, Acer will throw in premium items to the first 10 customers who will purchase an Acer or Predator laptop. Watch out for huge discounts and freebies across both brands until January 24. More information is available at the brand’s social-media pages and www.acer.com.