Franchise forum to explore secrets to branding success

Celebrity endorsers vs social media influencers

MANILA, Philippines — As part of Asia’s premier international franchising conference next month, Franchise Asia Philippines will showcase one of its major highlights – a forum to address an important topic in business branding: celebrity endorsers or social media influencers.

The Great Debate Forum on Sept. 2 at the SMX Convention Center will put a spotlight on a healthy and thought-provoking debate between business icons who will represent the two sides of the argument. To support the effectiveness of celebrity endorsers, Meryl Adiel Hernandez from McDonald’s Philippines and Gregory Francis Banzon from Century Pacific Food will share their expert opinions to advocate for celebrity endorsers as an effective tool to enhance a brand’s appeal.

On the opposing side, Maria Teresa “Matec” Villanueva from the Ateneo de Manila University and Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino will share their professional insights to support their stand as to why social media influencers are efficient to market a brand.

“I think that the attendees will find this session beneficial to them as they navigate the strategy that will work best in ensuring their brand’s growth,” Franchise Asia Philippines 2024 overall chair Joey Garcia said.

Franchise Asia Philippines 2024 is co-presented by PLDT Enterprise and powered by SM Supermalls and GCash. It is supported by Platinum partners – 7-Eleven, Caltex, Concepcion Industries, Megaworld, Seaoil, The Generics Pharmacy, Jollibee; Gold partners – Francorp Philippines, Gateway Mall 2, Potato Corner, Robinsons Malls, Qualiplus, Globaltronics; Silver partners – K2 Pharmacy, LT & G Credit Line, BBK, Famous Belgian Waffles, Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, Livingwater Station, Goldilocks, Master Siomai, Max’s Group, Inc., Pure Nectar, Grainsmart, Shawarma Shack, Phoenix Super LPG, Mitsubishi, Unionbank, Oryspa; Bronze partners – Alipay, Bench, BPI, Coolaire Consolidated, Inc., Fruitas, Macao Imperial Tea, Mister Donut, Shakey’s, Julie’s Bakeshop, Unioil, Yale Smart Shop, Mr. Quickie, Waltermart, Wasta Connection Trading. Event partners – KFC, Hungry Pita, Generika, Bo’s Coffee, Carrier, Condura, Midea, Otis, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, UFranchise, ActionCOACH Philippines, TPB, BCS Heritage, Balay Baler, and Jimac; Media partners – Net 25 Eagle Broadcasting Corp., BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Mega Mobile (Inquirer Mobile), Asia Journal/Balikbayan Magazine, The Philippine STAR, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Daily Tribune, and PR partner
Media Blitz Group.