Coca-Cola and happiness: 100 years and counting

MANILA, Philippines - How do you celebrate 100 glorious years of happiness? You give a heartfelt “thank you.”

This is exactly what Coca-Cola did last March 13 when it held a thanksgiving gala night at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel to commemorate its 100th year in the Philippines. The dinner affair gathered illustrious personalities including Coca-Cola Philippines’ key stakeholders, past and current celebrity ambassadors as well as business and socio-civic partners, all integral to the continued success of the beverage brand and in spreading happiness over the last 100 years and counting.

Coca-Cola collaborated with top director and ABS-CBN Star Magic head Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan for a special concert inspired by the brand’s iconic music over its 100 splendid years, rearranged by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The show headlined by Filipino artists such as Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, Arnel Pineda and Gary Valenciano took guests to a musical journey back to the story of Coca-Cola.

“There’s no better way to celebrate the centennial year of Coca-Cola but by giving thanks to all those who have chosen to open a bottle of Coke and are part of its happy history. This night is for every Filipino who has joined our mission of refreshing lives by opening happiness and those who vows to continue the journey with us towards the next 100 years,” said Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Welcoming guests as they passed through the lighted contour arc and stepped into the foyer of the Rizal Ballroom are memorabilia from yesteryears such as vintage Coca-Cola coolers and jukebox.

TV host and former Coca-Cola ambassador Bianca Gonzalez gave a spirited welcome followed by a heartwarming presentation showing how Coca-Cola has been embraced by millions generation after generation, weaving its sparkling magic and positivity. As a tangible representation of this bond, Coca-Cola also unveiled the book aptly titled Coca-Cola 100 Faces of Happiness.

Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, Coca-Cola Philippines marketing director, says the book is the product of the earnest efforts of Coca-Cola to capture in one red book the essence of happiness for the Filipino nation and how Coca-Cola respects and values this incomparable culture of optimism. “This coffee table book is the physical manifestation of the legacy of Coca-Cola; the heritage of happiness. And this we show through the eyes of different consumers and how Coca-Cola has made an impact in their lives; how they have inspired Coca-Cola back.”

Featured in the book are celebrity ambassadors who have made Filipinos smile and continually inspire positivity among them; distinguished personalities whose business of spreading happiness is unequivocal.

 At the end of the night, right after Gary Valenciano sang the Coca-Cola 100 Years anthem, Tuloy, a grand toast was initiated in honor of all the people who have opened a bottle of Coke and spread the message of hope and happiness throughout the 100 years.

Coca-Cola vows to continue to open a Coke with the Filipinos and, yes, open happiness. As the lyrics of the song goes, “Tuloy lang ang saya. Tuloy lang ang ligaya. Basta’t habang naririto ako, tuloy ang happiness.”

For inquiries, go to the Coca-Cola Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/cocacola), follow @Coke_HappyPrez on Twitter or visit www.coca-cola.com.ph.