Advertising Life - Saigon Style!

Vietnam is truly a challenging experience for me. The day I left my advertising career in Manila, I do believe that there are a lot of hurdles ahead. It scared me at first because I have no idea how it feels to work in Vietnam. I do heard a lot of funny and challenging stories from my friends who have been working in Saigon for quite a few years. I can’t relate to their stories back then but being here for more than three months made me fully understood what they meant when they narrated their stories few months ago. My everyday life here is a roller coaster ride, anything goes.

Life is anything goes here in Vietnam but not when I’m in my office. I was mentioning about hurdles, and the first major barrier I encountered was their language. I don’t know how to deal at it first and it gave me several headaches almost everyday. I have people under me who cannot speak English and cannot understand English. How about that? And unfortunately I lost one Art Director whom I didn't approve the probation because of his negative attitude and can't speak English. Then I also had a designer who disappeared out of the blue maybe because I asked her to do key visuals. I think she didn't understand it. Anyway, I don't get it too either. Account Managers usually help me in translating the message but most of the time it’s not accurate.

There are a lot of funny anecdotes about my day-to-day work. Every time I encounter one, I’d tell myself “I want to blog this!” So let me cite one example. Whenever we had a meeting or presentation the language medium is always Vietnamese because few people can speak and understand the English language. Maybe you guys are wondering what I felt then, I felt like a friggin’ flower Vase! I was just smiling and nodding with whatever topic they are having in that discussion.


So presentations, long meetings and discussions often give me headaches. But as days go by, I manage to get used to it. Just like now, I am currently having my FGD and the consumer are all Vietnamese. Sitting next to me is the Account Manager translating the consumers reaction. Actually the system of work I have now turns to be an exciting adventure.

In terms of the people under me, often times they are stubborn. Most locals have this “cannot” attitude. A couple of instances I asked them a very easy task and they often give me the word “cannot.” So as I learn there language I’d always say “can!” The people and the system of work here are very different from what I am used to in my advertising life in Manila. In Manila everything is possible. But here, I have to undergo major adjustments. I am starting to get used to some of the things that I think is part of their norms but there are some things that I still have to make an adjustments.


So I am taking things one day at a time. It may take a while to fully adapt to Vietnam’s culture but I am sure I can get there in due time. What I often do to break away from all these hurdles and stressful predicaments, I’ll have my lunch out and perhaps ride a motorbike and meet a friend to share the bits and pieces of my stories. I really need that. Otherwise, it will pile up inside my mind and heart and will explode one day. Then I might give up if that thing happens. So I’m glad to enjoy the ride of my lunch out whenever I can have one.

with my Designer Vinh Tran Quang

with my 3D Artist Tin Cong Nguyen

All photos were taken by Vinh Tran Quang

Winners do not do different things, but do things differently. Do you guys agree with that? Well I do. For us to be able to win with flying colors in this battle called life, we have to face adversity with a thankful heart. In that way you can do something differently. And that’s what I did and will continue doing it and will make sure that defeat will not get in the way. A positive attitude will surely take you to places.

So lemme enjoy this ride and jump on every hurdle. Will keep you posted!


hugs,
joanie xxx

About my Patriotism

It was Aug 21, 1983 when Ninoy Aquino died and I was in my kindy at that time when the cortege passed by near where I live. I witnessed the vigorous pandemonium of crowd marching along España. I wasn't fully aware who was Ninoy then. All I knew was he had a very significant role in politics. I later found out that Ferdinand Marcos was accused of his assassination. I grew up admiring Ferdinand Marcos because of his undeniable brilliance. A great man inspite of his very dirty political history. A few years after Ninoy's death, Marcos was ousted as President of the Philippines. People power by millions of Filipinos in February 25, 1986 changed the landscape of Philippine government. From a dictator leader to a democratic one. It was Cory Aquino who continued the legacy of her husband Ninoy.

The very first woman president of our republic. A very God-fearing individual, a nurturing person and the symbol of democracy. She had her six year term from 1986-1992 as our president who served her country without any corruption and survived six coup d'état. In Aug 1, 2009 she died after struggling from her Cancer of the colon. Being away from my country I only rely news from the internet and the news I can get from my sister who is working in the Archdiocese of Manila. I always watch youtube and the updates from online newspapers. All of a sudden I saw how history repeats itself. I saw how the entire archipelago mourns and how Philippine flag turned into yellow. The love of millions of Filipinos to our Democracy Icon were over flowing.

I never cared about Philippine politics and to prove that I remember one instance when I had a lunch with Rex Lopez & Bob Guerrero at Cafe Breton sometime last year. They were trying to challenge me with some dares. They were asking me to choose based on the two extreme options that they provided. They asked me which one you will choose: A. Have a one year cooking lesson with Jamie Oliver or B. Save Filipinos from having a chaotic country. Undoubtedly I chose A. Have a cooking lesson with Jamie for a year in exchange of having a systematic country. I never gave a damn care with my country. I feel that it's hopeless because we are already in the brink of orderliness extinction. A lot of things are unfixable. Today I ponder that I was wrong.

Seeing the videos of Cory's burial in Manila Memorial Park while the song "Bayan ko" was sung, I suddenly wept. First time in my life I got emotional about my country. I really felt that we lost a great model of purity in the Philippine government. It's a rare chance that we can see huge Filipino crowd convene without being paid like all the rallies we had in the past years. All of them sacrificed there time and made big efforts to demonstrate their mourn about losing one great icon in Philippine history. We all love Cory because she's the reason why we are enjoying our democracy now.

Now as I write this blog I want to share to my readers that I was reflecting on some thoughts the past few days when I read Bob Guerrero's Facebook status about Patriotism. And I am quoting his status:

"I hope that we all show our patriotism and nationalism not only when it's cool, easy and when everyone is doing it but also when it's hard, unglamorous, unfashionable, and unrecognized."

While still updating myself about Cory's burial, I stumbled on a photo of a very interesting yet funny coincidence. Is this an honest or intentional mistake by the writer who wrote the caption in Manila Bulletin newspaper? And by the way, Arroyo is the current President of the Philippines who is currently accused of plunder cases and the Filipino people want her oust.

As I live my life, I often feel that I don't want to be a Filipino. But instances like this and seeing my country unites for a common goal still makes me proud to be a Filipino. And being here in Vietnam and working hard makes me feel proud that I am a FILIPINO in so many ways.

Artist Chef is proud to be PINOY!

hugs,
joanie xxx

Paolo Mendoza

There are three more couples that I need to post very soon. It took me a while to fix a lot of things about my life and career but after I post all the customers I had last year, I will post my first Artist Chef stint here in Saigon. Will definitely keep you posted.

Thanks Paolo for giving me my favorite cake---The Mango Torte from Dulcelin. But I love the Tony Cuerva better if I have a choice :p But seriously, most of my customers are very sweet. They do love me that's why I love them also in return. Actually this is not the first time for me to receive a present from my customers and I just want everyone to know that I am happy and thankful for that. I am also grateful with all the customers I had through the years. I know I'll be having more of them soon here in Ho Chi Minh City :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Bastille Day

Le Quatorze Juillet - Fete de la Federation

Today is a bad day for me. That's what my Vitenamese officemate told me when we chatted on Facebook a few minutes ago. Why a bad day? Because today my condo had a temporary water disconnection and doesn't have a water supply for few hours. So how can I go to the office without taking a shower or brushing my teeth. Then few minutes later, I was reminded that I still have the keys of my old apartment. I hurriedly went there to take a quick shower. Then when I arrived in the office I found out that I don't have my celfone in my bag. I just assumed I left it in my condo. I was wrong, I actually left it in the cab this morning. I asked my Vietnamese officemate to call my celfone, then she said that somebody answered the fone. It was the driver who kept it and will give it back asap. Well thank God the driver is kind. Things get fucked up but I noticed that the situation find its way to fix things at the same time. Without forcing the situation, good things work on its own. Although history wise, this day screwed up my life but I am very thankful that after a year here I am rising up and learning to stand with heads up. Like my favorite saint, St. Joan of Arc who is also one of the heroes of France---I faced adversity with courage and a thankful heart. Today things fucked up in someways but I am with the French people in celebrating their Independence day!

I am writing this post because I am a not just a great fan of France, but I am a lover of French films, desserts, foods, wines, cheeses, macaroons, friands and mustards. This post is just my way to be with them in commemorating their freedom. I feel them. After realizing that I am actually working in a country that was greatly influenced by French culture. That fact delights me each day and makes me appreciate the Vietnamese root more. As I appreciate their culture, I one day found out that their language is a mix of Chinese and French tone. Sounds complicated but everyday I try to speak some of the words I learned so that I can communicate with the locals. Experiencing my day-to-day life here in Saigon with the strong presence of French architecture and French baguette (which they call here as Banh Mi) reminds me about the good things that French people left for this country.

Artist Chef's Fried Tofu and Stewed Papaya Relish with French Sausage Tidbits

Artist Chef's Curried Sweet Vietnamese Mango with Coconut Ice Cream

Photos above are some of the few dishes I concocted lately for The Artist Chef intimate dinner. It started last Saturday here in Saigon. I hope the situations in my life will cooperate as I pursue my dreams and as I create a new threshold to diversify my passion. I hope people will support me as I make my first step in globalizing The Artist Chef concept. I am looking forward the day that our world will embrace the idea of the internet's one and only Artist Chef.

Happy Bastille Day!!!

hugs,
joanie xxx

Happy Feast Day!

It's been two months already since I arrived here in Saigon. My two months were not just about work but also about my cooking saga. I cook almost everyday and will usually go in the supermarket every weekend. It's pretty much rewarding to feed people and meet their satisfaction. I think I cooked dinner feast around four times. And one of those is cooking for some Aussie mates!

The Grilled Peppered-Paprika-Pork with Legumes

The Sagada Fried Rice that never fails to amaze hundreds of stomach

The dinner table awaits the guests. Mango & Shrimp Medley, Fusilli Pomodoro & Strawberry with Dark Chocolate awaits the grilled herb Moroccan Chicken!

Angel with Marcus & Adrian

Our Aussie guests, Marcus & Adrian. They are Angel's colleagues from her office. I'm a bit sad that my housemate will soon fly back to Manila to wait for her visa for another job. On the other hand I am glad because she introduced me to Marcus so I can have my future customer for the Artist Chef Saigon style. I am also happy to have known someone like Adrian, who helped us moved our stuffs out of the house without any reproach. And for his unexpected company in watching a teenybopper movie with me and Angel. Hope we can run soon around Phu My Hung. I am aiming for 5-10 kilometer run every weekend. But first of all I have to buy a new running shoes.

Joanie with Marcus & Adrian Ammendola

There are more dinner feasts to come for me to blog. I promise to blog more as often as I can. There's so much stories to share and needs to be written soon. I hope to find enough time for all those things. Like what I always tell to my Facebook fellas, Manila is just a keyboard away.

Warm hugs to all the Manileños who are experiencing a lot of bed weather :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

The Chronicles of North Face

"NEVER STOP EXPLORING" -The North Face

Cannes Lions Festival is currently ongoing. The most anticipated big winners remain unrevealed. I may not be able to bring some Lions for this year, but I am simply happy to be on the list of entries. It was in deed a long and winding road for me to be able to make it for this festival.


Allow me now to share with you how this long saga started. It was when an Australian Creative Director Andrew Petch from Saatchi Singapore arrived in Saatchi Manila to help the creatives come up with disruptive ideas for Cannes Lions. For me, to do scam ads for the purpose of having an award is not my cup of tea. So as the days go by, I see people from the creative department doing their homework and brainstorming. I feel quite strange.  My brain refused to come up with creative juices. But until one day the deadline came and we are required to post our ideas on the wall. I got pressured. Everyone is doodling and polishing their ideas already while my paper is still empty. Deadline is at 5 pm. At around 11:30 am on the same day, I grabbed my pencil on my desk and try to think if there will be some germ of an idea that will come out in this uncooperative brain of mine. Then all of a sudden, one idea popped out. My heart was beating fast when I thought of this idea of CLIMBING WEAR CAMPAIGN. I knew then that I thought of something good. I doodled what I thought of and they are better and solid as a campaign than what we submitted to Cannes. Quickly after I doodled the idea, my celfone rang and it was my father breaking the news that my grandfather just passed away. I felt terribly sad. Made me think that my Lolo helped me come up with the idea that fast. hehe. Anyway, 5 pm arrived. Everyone posted their doodles on the wall and one by one we all explained our work. When it's my turn to give the rational behind the idea of my work, I simply said---no more words to explain the boldness of the visual. The series of ads that I did doesn't have a headline. But to have an option I told the Creative Director that my seatmate copywriter (Mark Peckson) suggested a headline. The CD said, no more headlines for this one. It can stand on its own. That comment made me happier. The next day the materials were chosen. Saatchi chose 10 works to be entered in Cannes Lions' contest. Climbing Wear Campaign made it as one of the entries. That fact alone is enough for me to be happy.

The Berlin Wall filled with germs. Ideas that will go to Cannes Lions
The photo shoot for North Face jackets with Jay Tablante as the photographer

Day by day each and everyone of us walked going to the long and winding road to Cannes. It was a journey and the Saatchi creatives can attest to that. The long list of creative credits are the people who helped me made this entry possible. Only one thing surprised me, that there's a copywriter on the credit. Well actually, I shouldn't be surprised seeing a copywriter credit on a visual ad campaign because I did question that fact a hundred times. Whenever I see that credit on award winning visual campaign. So benefit-of-the-doubt, I presumed that the copywriter might be the one who thought of the idea. But in this case, NO. But maybe this is my chance to thank PATRICK MICIANO, my teammate copywriter who took charge of the copywriting for the concept board that was submitted. He was not there in the credits.

The print ad's proof. I was waiting for the local newspaper publisher to pick up the material for print. Unfortunately the head office of The North Face China didn't allow us to release a print material for this campaign.

The posters were posted on ROX store in Bonifacio High Street where in The North Face products are being sold.

The climbing wear that we borrowed for the photo shoot. SWEATER. JACKET & COAT.

That was Bogey Bernardo, ruined our beautiful photo. Haha!

And Saatchi people will raise the flag because they will never stop exploring
 

In this photo: Chin Pangan (Art Director) Maan Agsalud (Copywriter) Ian San Gabriel (Art Director) Hans Malang (Art Director) Joan Manalang (Art Director) Bogey Bernardo (Copywriter) Glenn Lalogan (Art Director) Not in thios photo: PATRICK MICIANO (Copywriter and the Photographer of these photos)

Indeed, this experience enriched me as a creative individual and made my enthusiasm for advertising grows deeper. Now in my life, I know there will be more mountains to climb and each one will be tough to reach but with huge amount of determination and a positive mind, things will be easy. Who knows next year I might be doing some North Face materials again . This time for Saatchi & Saatchi Vietnam. :-)

'Til my next Cannes Lions Saga!

hugs,
joanie xxx

Happy Father's Day!

( I lost this geeky eyeglasses during my trip at Melbourne, Victoria, AUS)

Compound myopic astigmatism. A vision defect called near sighted in layman’s term. Sadly I was diagnosed with this defect 6 years ago. Slowly my eyesight is deteriorating. I can’t see or read signs from a far. They appear blurry to me. Since that day I have to wear eyeglasses so that I can see objects from a distance clearly. But seeing objects close to me are fine. They are vivid and clear. Wearing my eyeglasses regularly makes my eyes feel so heavy. So I’d rather wear it when needed. Sometimes people see me on the streets without my eyeglasses they perceive me as a very snobbish person. Actually I am not.

Two weeks ago my Dad finally braved himself and went on an eye surgery because he has cataract on both eyes. Thank God it was a success. I always pray that his vision will be ok so that he can still see all my dreams come true. I always have been proud of my Daddy. The man with beard and mustache is the greatest influencer of my life because I inherited his talent and his philosophies in life. So now, unconsciously I tend to be prone to men with beard and mustache. I denied that for quite some time, but now based on my observation about realities of human subconscious mind, I think I agree. The subconscious mind takes up 88% of our brain's capacity, and could be compared to a massive computer system that stores all of the information regarding our location, situation, feelings etc. It controls our Autonomic Nervous System such as our heartbeat, breathing, organs and glands - in other words all of the things we do not have to think about. The subconscious mind has no reasoning power, and cannot reject anything that it is told. Now it makes sense right?

(With my Daddy and my niece Chelsea)

For other people my Dad is a good billiard and dart player (the Efren Bata Reyes among his peers), a chain smoker, a beer drinker, a good artist, a videoke singer wannabe and now a Grand Pa. I always respected him and will always be thankful how he raised me. He sent me to a good school and he’s always there to help me since I was this little girl. Up to these days He still helps me in many ways. I know I can never pay all the things He has done for me. What I can only do is to return the favor, now that I have all the blessings in life---it’s pay back time. Now that Dad is old and He can no longer treat me to good restaurants and buy cool stuff the way he did before, it’s my turn for me to do those things for him. Actually I’ve been doing that since I started earning and I intend to continue that as long as we both live.

No matter what, I will not exchange my Daddy to anybody. He’s unique in so many ways. And one great reason why I admire my Dad so much, the way he stood up beside my Mom in spite and despite. I think that’s Love. Now I am having my silly grin writing that sentence. To wrap things up, I will be proud to have my one and only Daddy in this little life that Joanie has.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy and to all the real father in the planet! :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Alpha of my Saigon Life

It's been a while and I know I owe everyone some stories about my Saigon life. After a month of being here, I think I already gauge some of my emotional concerns. First of all I want to tell you guys that I am truly happy where I am now. Although it's not easy as the days passed by, I am surviving and now I am glad to tell that I survived my one month. Everyday is an adventure filled day---I don't know what's going to happen, it did surprise me in a good way and some in a bad way. But I don't want to spoil everything, let me start telling the good things first.

When I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport around 8:30 am Saigon time, I didn't feel that I am a stranger. Everyday here is like a week of my life in Manila. Every week is like a month, so now I feel like I'm already here for four months. Things are happening so quick. No time to waste. To summarize my four weeks, lemme count the good points why I love Saigon.

On my first day of work, my colleagues invited me for a coffee nearby. One of the guys gave me a ride using his motorbike going to the coffee shop. I braved and enjoyed that risky moment. Quickly a week after, the guy I rode with toured around and introduced me to his architect friend who owns a gallery or somehow she calls it an artist den. My colleague also bought me a helmet so that next time if I'll ride a motorbike taxi, I have my own. Since that day I only rode a motorbike taxi twice. It's quite expensive so I'd rather have an aircon cab than have myself exposed on dusty wind and get perspired. Speaking of perspiration, I rarely get perspired because I live in Phu My Hung. It's an outskirt from District 1 where all the busy motorbikes and a typical city set up but not too cosmopolitan as Makati. I love Phu My Hung because it's like a huge Salcedo Village in Makati where clusters of townhouses, condos and flats are situated. Mostly Koreans, Filipinos, Chinese and other expat nationalities reside in this area. From my place I usually ride the coaster bus everyday from Phu My Hung to Dong Khoi and from there I will ride a cab going to the office. It will take me 45 minutes to 1 hour to get there due to traffic. Living quite far from the office is actually a theraphy on my part. Strange at first but it's very rewarding when the bus finally enters the Phu My Hung area. It's like an escape from the busy city of Saigon. The only catch here, I should wake up early and be on time for the bus. Because if I miss the bus the next one will arrive an hour after. Precision is the discipline game. That's what I am learning so far.

All photos were taken by Vinh Tran Quang

There are few malls in the city and none of them are as big as any of our SM supermalls. Movie houses? I think they have 3 good ones which are very similar to our Makati's finest. In fact I was able to watch "Angels & Demons" in one of those cinemas. By the way, I like that movie so much. When it comes to food, I terribly like their food. Tons of restaurants to dine, not just authentic Vietnamese food but of all sorts. Surprisingly, there are Jollibee food chains around the city. I haven't tried it though. I think the locals love Jollibee here but not as much as Lotteria. Maybe appreciate is the right word than love. Speaking of love, I love going to groceries and supermarkets here. I enjoy it and I cook as often as I used to. Here in Vietnam they also love to eat fruits---so now, I find myself eating fruits very often. When I was in Manila I rarely eat fruit. I think I gained a few pounds already not just because of eating a lot but sleeping a lot too. Haha! Proof to that: my waist expanded and my double chin is coming out already. Is it good or bad?

Over-all, I'm loving it here. This is what I tell to all the people I chat from Manila. Well this is it for now. Actually, I still have more stories to tell but lemme find good visuals for that.

'Til my next narration...

hugs,
joanie xxx

Happy Birthday Jamie!

The man I call genius. The man with a big heart. The man with a restless soul. James Trevor Oliver turns 34 today. I know millions of British people love Jamie so much and I think billions of people in the planet embraced his existence. And I am one of those billions of people who got smitten by the one and only Naked Chef! My affliction to this guy started eight years ago, when I started watching Discovery Travel & Living. There I saw the Oliver Twist, Naked Chef, Return of The Naked Chef and Jamie's School Dinners. Through this channel I also witnessed how he celebrated his 30th birthday in Amalfi, Italy four years ago. Italian long table with cold cuts, wine and of course pasta! A traditional Italian feast. From there I also started appreciating Gennaro Contaldi, Jamie's mentor. The man who molded the man that I truly admire. Jamie often said he is an Italian by heart, from that context--I also told myself that I am not a Filipino by heart, I am an Italian-French-Spanish-Aussie-English (5 in 1) by heart and soul. My beliefs and dreams in life doesn't match my origin. But I will always be proud to be a Filipino in so many ways.

So year after year, I get to know Jamie better. I feel connected to him everyday of my life as I continue watching his shows like Jamie at HOME and Jamie's Ministry of Food series. He never fails to amaze me of his great work and kind heart. Now my day is not complete without Jamie webby window being open the whole day. His vision for people to learn how to cook and avoid take away food is the same sentiment I have here in my heart. I am not a big person like Jamie to make it happen today in my region. But as I travel and learn, I know one day I would be able to build my own tower out of my own effort. I will stand in my own feet, build it and hopefully people will not doubt my visions and dreams in life.

Thank you so much Jamie for being my one and only inspiration about my cooking passion. You made me proud of myself and you allowed me to Dream BIG! I wish you will inspire the whole planet as well as the entire galaxy! I also wish you good health and more love for your family.

With all my LOVE, Happy happy happy Birthday Jamie!

hugs,
joanie xxx

My prize: Jme's Ministry of Food

Xin Chao Everyone!

I'm finally back to blog. So let me start my first post as I write it here in Saigon. It's a pretty amazing two weeks. I don't know how to start narrating my day-to-day adventures. This is the first idle moment that I can grab to update everything I have online. I do believe you guys are going to look forward on a lot of interesting posts as I chronicle my life here in Vietnam. But I cannot start my stories without telling all of you how happy I was when I left Manila. And there's only one reason-receiving my signed copy of Jme's Ministry of Food and a birthday dedication. The only cook book I brought here in Saigon, from the person who touched my life and who inspires me everyday I wake up. Am I too inspired? Absolutely! And I am truly happy to continue my dreams and journey because of James Trevor Oliver. The best birthday gift in my life so far and on my next birthday, will be off to London!

And the package with my name and old condo addy.

Opening it with a smile :-)

Sooo proud to have a copy from Jme!

Not just a signed copy book, but a personalized greeting for my birthday! (notice my teary-eyed smile)

Card from Jamie's Editor - Danny Mc Cubbin

Thank you Danny for your card and dedication. I was grateful for your patience and for always keeping in touch with me on email. I will definitely see you soon as I conquer London soon. ;p So basically I blog this to share to all of you that you should never stop dreaming and let me tell you this, dreams do come true to those people who doesn't know how to quit and give up.

More of my adventures soon. Tam Biet!

hugs,
joanie xxx

LONDON on 2010!

Joanie is off to London on her birthday 2010. To pick up her prizes and meet Danny and Jamie perhaps. And will dine at Jamie's Italian Resto. Twist of Fate. Who would have thought that I could possibly meet Jamie one day soon. You just to have to trust your dreams and be positive about it and things will fall into place. I am just so happy to receive an email from Danny regarding stuff he did for my birthday. No it makes me look forward to my birthday next year. I hope I can also ride The London Eye!

Happiness is a decision, and I am off to find it...

hugs.
joanie xxx