Why Not by Leah Puyat: Taste the Feeling with Coca-Cola

I adore reading stories, especially ones with good endings and new beginnings. And speaking of new beginnings, last January 21 was a brand new start for the most iconic soda pop in the world, Coca-Cola!

The Rigodon Ballroom in Peninsula Manila was a full house that Thursday night as Coca-Cola partners and consumers, as well as several media invitees (including me) witnessed the reveal of the newest and biggest global campaign of Coca-Cola this year, Taste the Feeling. In this new campaign, which was simultaneously launched in 200 countries, Coca-Cola unifies everything that its trademark product stands for – that the simple pleasure of drinking Coca-Cola makes every moment special no matter when, where, or who you’re with.

The launch, themed A Night of Feels, featured the reveal of the new campaign with a celebratory ceremonial toast led by Coca-Cola Philippines VP for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, followed by the introduction of its new (and hottest) brand ambassadors! Joining Coke Ambassadors chinito Enchong Dee, OPM "pop sweetheart" Janella Salvador and kalyeserye stars Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza are On the Wings of Love tandem James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Forevermore love team Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, and PBB 737's Bailey May and Ylona Garcia. Wow, right? Now that’s what you call powerhouse!

There was so much life and excitement in the air as Coca-Cola also invited former Coke Ambassador and talented performer Gary Valenciano, who sang the new Coca-Cola Anthem along with the new generation of ambassadors. To add more flavor to the night, Morisette Amon a.k.a. the girl with "the whistle" and the very charming Sam Concepcion made special appearances and performed during the night as well.

Coca-Cola also creatively put up a Coketail bar, where the bartenders cleverly whipped up delicious and flavorful cocktails mixed with Coke, based on the mood you tell them! They also set up a flipbook photo booth where we got to see our still shots put into motion for 7 seconds! All designed in a cute tiny glossy flipbook we were able to take home.

For over a century, Coca-Cola has told its stories throughout the globe, creating joy, excitement and all kinds of surprises, making memorable moments for friends, families and each individual familiar with its unique and flavorful goodness. I can say it has made such a huge impact to me and many others here in the Philippines, as well. I remember ever since I was little, Coca-Cola drinks were staple refreshments in my family's household and I never can truly forget how this little bottle of fizzy sweetness could give me such an unexplainable positive and refreshing feeling. It's almost like every time I take a sip, I'd feel really nostalgic and find myself smiling. Well, I guess that's why it's called 'Taste the Feeling.'

Thanks Coca-Cola, for always making every moment extraordinary, by simply being there. With Coke, I really can #tastethefeeling.

Raise your Coke bottles high and let's drink to a new beginning. #TastetheFeeling with Coca-Cola!

Coca-Cola Philippines Commercial Director Bruce Burnett, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Commercial Director Javier Sanchez Carranza, music idol and former Coca-Cola ambassador Gary V., new ambassador teen heartthrob James Reid, former PBB 737 teen housemates Bailey May and Ylona Garcia, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice-President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Asia Division Director Fabricio Ponce, long-time Coke Ambassador Enchong Dee, returning ambassador Janella Salvador, new ambassadors and Forevermore sweethearts Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, Coca-Cola Philippines Franchise Director Carlos Alfredo Gonzales

Coca-Cola Bosses: Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communication Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines Integrated Marketing Communications Director Jesus Ferreira

The Big Man. Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo

Chinito Enchong Dee

OPM POP Sweetheart Janella Salvador

Teen Heartthrob James Reid

"King of the Gil" Enrique Gil

La-la-Lovely Liza Soberano

A Dashing young Bailey May

Glamorous Ylona Garcia

A very handsome Jerome Ponce

New team picture: New Coca-Cola Ambassadors (center) Bailey May, Ylona Garcia, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, James Reid, Janella Salvador, and Enchong Dee ith Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Director Jesus Ferreira, Finance Director Eduardo Rearte, Sustainability Manager Gilda Maquillan, Assets, Promotions & Activations Manager Macy Magpayo, and Public Affairs and Communications Manager Samantha Sanchez; (below L-R) Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications Adel Tamano is joined by former Coca-Cola ambassadors Jerome Ponce and Joseph Marco.

Let's talk feelings with Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka

The lively hosts of the Night of Feels Sam YG and Iya Villania


Music idol and former Coca-Cola Ambassador Gary Valenciano gave us such an outstanding performance during the night!

Whoo! Now, that's a voice! Amazing singing from The "Girl with the Whistle" Morisette Amon

Former Little Big Star Sam Concepcion is so cute and talented!

Looove that smile! Taste the happy feeling with Coca-Cola and New Coke Ambassador Ylona Garcia!

Raise your Coke bottles with Coca-Cola Ambassador s Enrique Gil and Enchong Dee

With happy company. McDonald’s Kenneth Yang smiles and poses for a picture with Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka

IMC Senior Sparkling Content Manager Jenny Cinco, Marketing Manager for Stills Teejae Sonza sharing big smiles for the camera

A very charming shot of "It Boy" LA Aguinaldo, Director Paolo Valenciano and hottie Joseph Marco!

Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Manager for Sparkling Jonah de Lumen, Coca-Cola ASEAN Connections Planning Director Yasmin Mallari, McCann Erickson CEO Raul Castro, McCann Erickson VP Head of Strategic Planning Gino Borromeo, McCann Erickson VP Managing Partner Bernadette Chincuanco, McCann Erickson Creative Director Chan Dela Calzada

Metro Society’s Anton Barretto, Lifestyle Asia Editor-at-Large Cheryl Tiu, ABS-CBN Corporation Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations Kai Rodriguez enjoy the night with a groupie shot