Christmas Always Finds Its Way - Coca-Cola™ celebrates the unstoppable force of bringing families together in this year’s holiday campaign

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Holidays are indeed coming, and Coca-Cola is celebrating the moment with the launch of its new campaign–“Christmas Always Finds Its Way”–which celebrates the unstoppable, magical force of Christmas in navigating all obstacles to bring people together.

In 2021, Coca-Cola launched Real Magic®, its new global brand platform and philosophy that invites everyone, everywhere to celebrate the magic of humanity. Central to the philosophy is the belief that we find magic when we come together and share experiences.

In this year’s multi-channel, digital, and experiential campaign, Coca-Cola is set to create a series of memorable and distinct moments across the Philippines, designed to celebrate and create that festive magic across the country, while observing the special role that gatherings, meals, and traditions play in bringing families, friends, and communities together. After all, Coca-Cola has always been part of every Filipino celebration.

"December is the peak of holiday celebrations in the Philippines, when families and loved ones come together to share stories, exchange laughter, and bond over meals and drinks,” said Cesar Gangoso, East Region Frontline Marketing Director of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “We are delighted to hear stories of Filipinos who always celebrate Christmas with a bottle or two of Coca-Cola, so with this year's campaign, we want to better enrich the festivities through a series of activities in the Philippines that can bring a truly magical experience.”

The Christmas Always Finds Its Way campaign of Coca-Cola is headlined by the film ”Just Like Mama Used to Make,” directed by German filmmakers Dorian and Daniel and created by Grey Global. As part of the Real Magic® global brand platform, the film celebrates families and friends, past and present, as well as those shared recipes, memories, and traditions that bind generations together over a Christmas meal.

The campaign starts with a film, “Just Like Mama Used to Make,” directed by German filmmakers Dorian and Daniel and created by Grey Global. The film tells the heart-warming story of how a son’s memory of his mother is kept close through the preparation of a treasured family recipe, continuing to bring his family and new generations together for moments of magic at Christmas.

“The long association of Coca-Cola with Christmas is something we treasure and, this year, we're back with a new campaign that we hope people all over the world will love,” shared Selman Careaga, president of Coca-Cola trademark. “It celebrates families and friends, past and present, as well as those shared recipes, memories, and traditions that bind generations together over the Christmas meal.”

In wider plans to mark the festive season, the brand’s iconic Caravans will return. For almost three decades, since they first lit up the small screen in a TV ad in the mid-1990s, Coca-Cola has built its Caravans truck asset as a powerful and tangible icon of Christmas across the globe. This year, Coca-Cola Caravans are back, and the brand will be curating a truly magical, festive experience centered around sharing meals with an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink. Reimagined as ‘The Coca-Cola Care-A-Van’ in the Philippines, Coca-Cola aims to takeover over forty food fests in different parts of the country, with the goal of bringing communities around the Philippines together for festive cheer.

Coca-Cola Philippines officially kicked off this year's campaign Christmas Always Finds Its Way, a campaign that celebrates the power of Christmas to find its way no matter what, in helping us navigate all obstacles to get together and share meals and stories during the festive season. The campaign is centered around the Care-A-Van Community Takeovers, which was launched at Greenfield District last December 3, 2022, headlined by Coke Studio Artist ALAMAT, games, and Coca-Cola products. The Care-A-Van will hold stops at 41 other food fests nationwide to bring the magic of Christmas closer to communities.

The first Coca-Cola Care-A-Van Community Takeover was in Pasig City’s Greenfield District on December 3, 2022. With a jolly Santa Claus holding a bottle of Coca-Cola painted on its body, the iconic truck welcomed guests and served as a photo wall for taking festive photos. Food tents surrounding the venue also provided meals and Coca-Cola products to be enjoyed during the program. A dynamic performance by Coke Studio artist and rising P-Pop group ALAMAT, raffle draws, games, and other activities also contributed to the lively atmosphere.

Coca-Cola continues to not only refresh people with delicious drinks, but to also refresh communities. In partnership with the Ronald McDonald House of Charities Philippines, the Coca-Cola Care-A-Van Community Takeover will make a stop at Sitio Pintor, Rizal to host a Christmas party and give away meals and Coca-Cola products to 100 underserved families—bringing the spirit of Christmas to whoever needs it.

Lastly, the digital experience will continue as Coca-Cola launches “Call from Santa” web platform that will be available on iOS, Android, Win, and Mac. Filipinos can also access the platform by scanning a QR code in select Coca-Cola bottles. Anyone who wishes to send a surprise to their loved ones can request a personalized video message from Santa. With the Philippines being one of the largest diasporas globally, the platform is a welcome initiative, especially for those who are out of the country.

“We all know how special Christmas is to Filipinos, but we also recognize that there are many out there who can’t be home during the holiday season due to various circumstances or obligations, even as they yearn to be among their loved ones to celebrate a Christmas meal,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “Since they cannot be with their family and friends, we at Coca-Cola want to find a way to help them enjoy Christmas and experience the magic of the season.”

Indeed, Christmas this year will still be festive, especially for those with impossible journeys, as Coca-Cola helps find ways to bring Filipinos together and remind us that the festivities lie in the moments we share with our loved ones.

To learn more about Coca-Cola, visit us at coca-cola.com.ph or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Coca-Cola PH, Save Philippine Seas help expand community-based waste solution programs through Reimagine Recycling Year 4

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Five community-based programs that offer circular economy solutions have each received up to Php 500,000 in grant funding from the Reimagine Recycling initiative of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, with special participation from Tetra Pak Philippines.

Reimagine Recycling is a program that aims to help non-government groups with emerging circular economy solutions that address issues in solid waste management and help improve the welfare of the informal waste sector. The program will help expand these projects through capacity-building workshops on stakeholder management, communications and business models, mentoring, and financial grant funding.

Now in its fourth year, it sought program proposals to support and fund through Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines’ social investment arm. Since the call for applications was opened in June 2022, 10 were shortlisted to present their waste solutions and receive training and tools that will equip them in growing their initiatives.

Out of the 10 shortlisted initiatives, Alon and Araw, Barrio Studios, #RefillNotLandfill, Sagip Kalikasan and KAKASIE Eco-Park were awarded grants and will continue their work this time with more project funding, not just on collection and recycling but also in educating communities on proper waste segregation and management.

“We at Coca-Cola believe in the power of partnerships to help address waste pollution and help establish a circular economy in the Philippines. This is why we continue to be supportive of collaborations like Reimagine Recycling that empower innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that create impact in the communities they serve,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “By partnering with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak Philippines, we can help support entrepreneurs to scale up their existing programs that promote a circular economy, while also strengthening our efforts to achieve our goal of a World Without Waste.”

Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak, named the winners of this year’s Reimagine Recycling program at the World Without Waste Year 4 Progress Report event on October 14, 2022, awarding them with total grant funding of up to Php 500,000 each. 

Joining the awardees on stage are (from leftmost inward) Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific; (from rightmost inward) Cecile Alcantara, President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.; and Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

With additional funding from Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, winners of Reimagine Recycling Year 4 can now focus on expanding and building a stronger foundation for its initiatives:

Alon and Araw provides opportunities for underprivileged children of coastal communities through sports, which enable them to foster love for the environment and aspire for a future with a better quality of life. Alon and Araw regularly conducts coastal cleanups as well as sports, education, and personal development workshops that reinforce important values and encourage responsibility within the family, society, and the environment;

Barrio Studios is a textile and manufacturing hub by TenTwenty Kids that helps businesses manage their pre-consumer textile waste through the collection, segregation, and transformation of reclaimed fabrics into higher-value goods;

#RefillNotLandfill is an advocacy of Suds Sustainable Pods, the country’s first pod brand that offers personal hygiene and household cleaning products packaged in water-soluble film that is biodegradable, non-toxic, and waste-free, offering a sustainable solution to sanitation. Suds was created to help reduce plastic waste and carbon footprint while providing a sustainable alternative that effectively cleans;

Sagip Kalikasan aims to prevent the leakage of plastics into the ocean through environmental education, waste segregation, and collection in the municipalities of Naic, Marogondon and General Trias, Cavite. And lastly;

Kasambuhan A’a Kauman Association for Sustainability, Innovation and Empowerment (KAKASIE) seeks to help address issues on improper waste disposal in Sapa-sapa, Tawi-Tawi by conducting regular training on recycling and upcycling. The community-based organization also aims to build an environmentally-friendly park.

“It is truly inspiring to work closely with entrepreneurs and advocates on programs that help tackle waste pollution—from plastic waste collection, managing textile waste, to educational training. We are excited to support this year’s Reimagineers and see their initiatives grow through the resources and mentorship provided by the program,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Smart Recycle PH was also awarded the Tetra Pak Special Award with grant funding for helping bridge ordinary citizens, business organizations, and verified collection partners, especially for the benefit of local junk shop owners.

"We congratulate Smart Recycle PH for the milestone they have achieved. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support high-potential community-based programs that not only advance grassroots innovation and circularity, but also share our commitment to protecting what’s good through multilateral collaborations,” said Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia. “Together with our partners, we hope to continue empowering the next generation to make a positive impact in building a future without waste.”

“Consistent with our mission to help uplift the lives of the communities that we serve, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines will continue to support innovations that will empower communities and inspire Filipinos to initiate their own waste solution programs, as this year’s Reimagineers have,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. “This year’s winners have proven that there are individuals and organizations who are eager to step up and create an impact in their own ways, and we in the Coca-Cola Foundation always welcome such efforts,” she adds.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company, through its World Without Waste vision, announced its global ambition to support a circular economy to help eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource. In addition to the Reimagine Recycling program, Coca-Cola Philippines is accelerating more waste management solutions aligned with its World Without Waste goals. The company has this year opened PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the country. PETValue is a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions. Coca-Cola also continues to find and deploy sustainable, effective solutions to help address the waste issue with the support of partners and communities.

For more information about Reimagine Recycling, please visit https://www.savephilippineseas.org/.

You may also read more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ World Without Waste initiatives at https://www.coca-cola.com.ph/news/our-world-without-waste-progress.

Save Philippine Seas, Coca-Cola Philippines team up again to support community-based solutions on plastic waste

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Application for 4th Reimagine Recycling is extended until July 22!

Reimagine Recycling, an annual program that aims to scale plastic waste solutions and promote a circular economy, is calling on individuals and groups that currently implement community-based plastic waste solution programs to submit proposals that it can support with up to PhP 500,000 grant funding. Deadline for submission of entries is extended until July 22, 2022.

Now on its fourth year, Reimagine Recycling is a project of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines that aims to help those with existing projects on preventing waste leakage in rivers and seas, mainstreaming gender sensitivity in waste management and improving the welfare of informal waste sector expand their projects through capacity building workshops on stakeholder management, communications, and business models, mentoring and financial grant funding.

“At Coca-Cola, we believe in the power of partnerships to help address the global plastic waste issue. By partnering with Save Philippine Seas and supporting entrepreneurs to expand and scale their existing solutions that promote a circular economy, we are also strengthening our commitment to achieve our global goal of a World Without Waste,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and VP for Coca-Cola Franchise Operations in the East Region (Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines).

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company, through its World Without Waste vision, announced its global goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola is set to open this year PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the country. PETValue is a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions and green technology.

“Consistent with our resolve to help uplift the lives of the communities that we serve, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines is delighted to work with Save Philippine Seas in providing opportunities for Filipinos, especially those who are part of the waste collection value-chain, to improve their lives while helping solve the plastic waste issue in the country,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President.

“We’re proud to see how last year’s Reimagine Recycling grantees have been able to grow their initiatives through the resources and mentorship of the program. We are excited to look for more initiatives that we can support and help scale,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

This year, Reimagine Recycling will also include the special participation of Tetra Pak (Philippines) Inc.

Eligibility

To qualify, proposals must be submitted by organizations, associations, or groups with established and ongoing projects that aim to improve the welfare of those in the waste management sector, especially in coastal communities; promote gender mainstreaming in the waste management sector; and prevent waste from going into rivers and marine ecosystems. Projects must be in existence for at least six (6) months by July 2022.

Proposals may be submitted by private entities (including startups and social enterprises), civil society organizations, or academic institutions.

Examples of proposals that would be considered are as follows:

· Low-cost technology to recycle/upcycle plastics

· Digital platforms that improve transparency and traceability in waste collection

· Digital platforms for citizen science projects

· Equipment to collect river- or ocean-bound waste

· Incentive programs for informal waste pickers

· Monitoring or reporting tool for waste collection/recycling rates

Out of the proposals received, 15 entries will be selected to receive capacity-building workshops and mentoring in the areas of stakeholder management, communications, and business models. Out of the 15 shortlisted entries, winners will be selected this year to receive up to PhP500,000 each to expand and scale their projects.

For more information about the program and submission of entries, review the FAQs at www.savephilippineseas.org/faq-reimagine-recycling or send an email to rr@savephilippineseas.org.

ABOUT SAVE PHILIPPINE SEAS

As the world's second largest archipelago with over 7,100 islands, Filipinos depend on the sea for livelihood, food, tourism, economy, and ultimately, our lives. Environmental conservation shouldn't be limited to NGO workers and researchers-- it should be accessible, relatable, and part of our lifestyles. Save Philippine Seas (SPS) aims to narrow the gap between scientists and the general public, the old and young, and the passionate and indifferent by mobilizing seatizen-led initiatives that are empowering Filipinos towards collective action and behavior change.

ABOUT COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES

Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos and making a difference in the Philippines for 109 years. The Philippines was Coca-Cola’s first market in Asia to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands in its beverage portfolio and employing over 15,000 Filipinos in over 19 manufacturing facilities and more than 60 distribution centers nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola continues to go beyond good as a business by continuously supporting safe water access programs in over 250 communities, empowering around 250,000 women entrepreneurs through training and peer mentoring, and accelerating packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative.

Coca-Cola Philippines, Plastic Bank® partnership accelerates collection and recycling ecosystem in Cavite

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank® announced that in 2022, they will together help to collect 10 million post-consumer PET plastic bottles to address and solve the global packaging waste issue while improving the lives of partner collectors and junk shops enrolled in the Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program. This is double their target in 2021, when 5 million used PET bottles were successfully recycled and diverted from landfills and oceans.

Through the Ecosystem Impact Week event, which will run from June 8 to 12, 2022 at Robinsons Place General Trias, Coca-Cola Philippines, Plastic Bank® and the local government of General Trias, Cavite, aim to educate more Filipinos on the value of collecting and recycling recyclable plastics. A collection booth has been set up for consumers visiting the mall, where they can bring clean and used recyclable plastic bottles and help give these a second life.

Coca-Cola Philippines, together with Plastic Bank, officially opened the Ecosystem Impact Week on World Oceans Day in Robinsons Place General Trias with a public exhibit on their waste collection initiatives, including a collection booth, where mall-goers can bring clean and used plastic bottles for recycling.

“At Coca-Cola, we recognize that we have a big role to play in helping solve the plastic waste problem,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific.

“With partners like Plastic Bank, the government, non-government organizations, civil society, industry and private sectors, we know that a World Without Waste with measurable, positive impact is possible.” Del Rosario added.

Plastic Bank is a social enterprise that builds collection and recycling ecosystems in coastal communities by working directly with individuals in the informal waste sector and micro and small enterprises like junk shops. Through the Plastic Bank Ecosystem, collector partners are given access to training, tools and equipment for efficient waste collection, and a source of livelihood. The program also connects collector partners to the market (Material Recovery Facilities or junk shop branches) that buys their collections to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Empowering communities one individual at a time

In January of 2022, Jenny Arcilla, owner of Jecka Junkshop, turned her business into a Plastic Bank Partner Branch. Through the partnership, her shop was refurbished and given the proper equipment, ensuring safe working conditions for her all-female staff. After receiving training, they also learned how to use the Plastic Bank App, which assists shop owners in tracking collections and sharing their waste collection impact online.

“Sa tulong ng Coca-Cola at Plastic Bank, na-upgrade ko ang negosyong simulan namin ng aking asawa. Nakaka-proud din na hindi lang pamilya ko ang aking natutulungan, pati na rin ang mga kababaihan sa aming komunidad,” said Arcilla.

Nanay Vicky, a waste collector in General Trias, Cavite, is among the beneficiaries of the partnership between Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank. While currently working as a street sweeper, she also collects plastic bottles that are cleaned and sold to junk shops.

Around the same time in January, Vicky Advincula (Nanay Vicky) also began working as a collector in General Trias. While currently employed as a street sweeper, Nanay Vicky also collects and cleans recyclable plastics that are sold to junk shops.

“Malaking tulong sa aming mga waste collector at sa aming barangay ang programang ito, dahil dito marami sa amin ang natutong bigyan ng importansya ang pag-recycle ng PET bottles. Nabibigyan din kami ng extra income dahil sa bawat makolektang plastic nakakakuha kami ng perang pandagdag sa araw-araw naming gastusin,” said Nanay Vicky.

“Plastic Bank works with about 500 recycling communities around the world and over 20,000 community members, most of whom are like Jenny and Nanay Vicky. By supporting collection communities in coastal areas, we effectively prevent plastic from reaching the oceans. Our partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines has helped us reach critical scale in just two years—from the volume of plastic we collect to the number of lives we directly impact,” said Gidget Velez, Chief Country Development Officer of Plastic Bank PH, says of Coca-Cola as a partner and as an enabler of sustainability programs.

Mall goers are encouraged to bring their own plastic bottles to Robinsons Place General Trias through the Ecosystem Impact Week exhibit that will run until June 12. At present, the partnership between Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank has diverted 5 million plastic bottles from oceans and landfills.

Creating a value chain for recycling

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company announced its global goal to help collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030 to achieve its vision of a World Without Waste. The beverage company strategically helps to build a circular economy through its three fundamental global goals:

· Design - make its packaging 100% recyclable globally by 2025, and use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030;

· Collect - collect and recycle every bottle and can that they sell by 2030;

· Partner - work with like-minded institutions to support a healthy, debris-free environment.

Coca-Cola Philippines has since invested in community programs and critical infrastructure to make the recycling value chain a reality. PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in the Philippines located at General Trias, is expected to process 30,000 metric tons of plastic PET bottles and produce around 16,000 metric tons of recycled PET resins every year. The facility works under a closed-loop recycling system, processing post-consumer plastic bottles and turning these into recycled bottles, allowing them to reenter the supply chain.

“At Coca-Cola, we realize that we cannot achieve our World Without Waste goals alone. As we look forward to the full operations this year of PETValue, we will need the collaboration and support of individuals and communities as we together help to create a circular economy for PET plastic in the Philippines, starting here in General Trias City,” said Del Rosario.

The company also said that the PETValue facility once operational will generate more than 200 local jobs that will support the livelihood of individuals within the waste value chain. Coca-Cola Philippines continues to work towards supporting strategic collection partners at the institutional and community levels across the country in a bid to adequately supply the plant with recyclable material for recycling.

Participate in the Ecosystem Impact Week by bringing clean plastic recyclables to Robinsons Place General Trias from June 8 to 12, 2022.

For more information about Coca-Cola's World Without Waste goals, visit www.coca-cola.com.ph/en/sustainability/worldwithoutwaste.

Coke Studio Season 3 : Sarah Geronimo with This Band

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

For many Filipinos, home is not a place. Home is family. For the season 3 Coke Studio episode that focuses on family feels, the artists featured feel a strong and particular resonance for the idea of family.

Sarah Geronimo

Sarah Geronimo has often been praised for her love and devotion to her family. “I really love my family and all the sacrifices they have made for me. Whatever happens in life, wherever my career takes me, God gave me a gift that grounds me and keeps me humble, so that I know who I am,” she declares. She also adds that being invited to be part of Coke Studio Season 3 is like being invited to a family reunion of sorts. “When I used to see the Coke Studio billboard, when I would get stuck in traffic, I found it so cool, and I really thought to myself, ‘Wow, I wish that I could be a part of that.’"

This Band are Andrea Manzano (vocals), Euwie Von Loria(guitar), Miccael Galvan (bass), John Kenneth Macaranas(drums), Melvin Carson (keyboard) and Reymart Gubat(lead guitar). They consider themselves as a family, since they all grew up near each other. They started their career jamming in the food parks around their neighborhood. They also consider Sarah part of their extended showbiz family because of their management group. Euwie says, “But at first, we couldn’t believe that this early in our career, we could be working with her. It’s as if our career will be fast-tracked, things are going beyond what we imagined.”  

This Band

Andrea adds, “And we’re so happy that we get to remake her song, because her music is really part of the soundtrack of our lives."

And just like in a real family, Sarah feels like an older sister, and she can pass on some wisdom to her young colleagues. Sarah reminisces, “When I was starting out, what was important, yung maging plakado. But now, the young ones, they’re so free. And that’s great because what really matters with any performance, is that you put your heart into it. So I would just remind them to always put your all into a performance.” 

Watch how Sarah Geronimo and This Band collaborate for Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them this coming October 26, at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN or online at www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH .

ADULTING #FEELS ON COKE STUDIO SEASON 3

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Rapper Al James and indie band Lola Amour felt an instant rapport when they met to discuss their Coke Studio Season 3 collaboration. 

“Match yung energy namin! They’re all so young so you feel that youthful vibe from them,” Al James said of their first meeting. 

On Lola Amour’s part, lead singer Pio Dumayas has this to say on working with a hip-hop artist, “We really believe that there is strength in numbers and so adding one more genre to the music can only be good. For us, we were just thinking of what could make a great song.”

Lola Amour is composed of eight musicians, seven of whom were part of a marching band in De La Salle Zobel and the youngest member is from the Philippine High School of the Arts. Joining Pio are backing vocalist and keyboardist Martin Kim, backing vocalist and bassist Raymond King, guitarist Mico Fernandez, guitarist Zoe Gonzales, trumpeter Angelo Messina, saxophonist JoxxPerez and drummer Renzo Santos. 

Raymond speaks for the band when he says, “Music is what keeps us sane…especially at this stage when we’re starting to face responsibilities…adulting na kami!” 

And Al echoes this sentiment. “Early on, from childhood, music started as an escape from reality until it became a kind of therapy, especially ngayon sa life and career ko…”

Pio puts it this way—"Music is what helps us to see, to see each other and who we really are.” And who they are is a unique combination of verve, spunk and swag, all rising to the challenge of adulting under the spotlight.

Watch Al James and Lola Amour as they collaborate on Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them on October 19, Saturday, at 10 a.m. on ABS-CBN or on https://www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2

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KZ TANDINGAN AND APL DE AP: WE WILL ALWAYS RETURN HOME 

If there’s one thing we Pinoys love, it’s a good underdog story. And it’s even better when that underdog goes way beyond our shores to fly the Pinoy pride flag. Then, when we know that they choose to return to the Philippines and spread the love, then it’s the modern day edition of the fairy tale, with a particularly Pinoy twist. For the finale of Coke Studio Season Two, artists who have conquered the international arena come together for a surprise collaboration that captures the soulful and complex journey of each and every Filipino proving their worth to the world. 

KZ first came to national prominence when she won a major reality show on one of the country’s top free television networks. She joined the contest so that her family could help out in the building of their parish church. She became a part of ABS CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP and also sang theme songs for Star Cinema movies. But KZ went way beyond her comfort zone when she joined a singing contest in Beijing where she trended on the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, aka Weibo. “Even if the schedule would allow me to be home only for one day, I would go. I just couldn't be away from home too long. Home is where I can just really be myself and I needed to feel that so I could be my best at the competition.” 

Apl de Ap, born Allan Pineda Lindo, was actually legally blind as a child and this condition qualified him for an operation in America, sponsored by the Pearl S. Buck foundation. When he got to California and settled there, he then befriended a neighbor, William James, who then became more famous as rapper and songwriter Will.i.am; Apl then went on to worldwide phenomenal success. They won Grammy’s and sold -out stadiums and arenas all over the world. But Apl always made it a point to remember his roots. “I try to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me. The Pearl S. Buck foundation helped me and so I want to do the same. If I come back to help my countrymen, it’s because I love my country and want to see us be competitive among the best in the world.” In this light, he has set up the Apl de Ap foundation, which concentrates on empowering Filipino youth especially in the fields of arts and technology. On a personal note, he says, for him coming home can be summed up in three words. “Family. Food. Festive.” 

When it was time for KZ and Apl to collaborate, it is reasonable to imagine that the younger KZ would be intimidated.

“I had followed Season 1, and did want to be included but when it was time to meet Apl and also start recording, I was a bit quiet. He was always asking me, ‘how do you feel about it?’ or ‘how would you change it?’ And my first thought would always be, ‘Who am I to do that? What gives me the right to tell you anything?’ But after a while , I would give my inputs and suggestions, and I think I was able to add my own flavor to it. He allowed me to see that my complexity can be my strength. And so our song reflects the story of the Filipino who has to go away, how they manage their fears. ” 

 Apl says of their song, “It’s the story of every Filipino. It’s about trials and tribulations. It’s about having to to seek a better life.” 

 When he is traveling, Apl loves it when he lands at an airport with a lot of Filipinos who love to call out to him, “Kabayan.” He reveals, “They know that I know what they’re going through. I did what they’re doing.” KZ also gets a rush when she does shows for the Filipino communities abroad. “When they come to our shows, it’s a way for them to get to feel they’re at home, even if they’re still far from home.” 

For both KZ and Apl, music is also their home, and through music they can bring that feeling of home to all who share in their art. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on November 18, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH

Coke Studio Season 2 : Collaborations and Coming Home

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Coke Studio Season 2 goes deep to the heart of what we all want: to come home. 

And to give life to this idea of home, Coke Studio has gathered stellar talents from diverse genres, differing music scenes and backgrounds and even distant (and not so distant) shores to create works that not only reflect our times but could also define them. While the first season gave audiences a very real look into what goes into the production of a song, Season 2 delves more deeply into the back stories of the artists. 

This year, the format is also tweaked, as Coke Studio ventures out into the studio to let us all in each artist’s journey and yes, sometimes, literally, their very own homes.

What is homecoming all about? 

It’s all about taking the best lessons of all your journeys and letting them all come together. It’s knowing that no matter how far you go, there will always be a place that is your home. It’s about roots. It’s where you’re accepted for who you are. It’s where you’re reunited with what you love. And who you love. That love and freedom gives you the power to voice out your views. To state what you believe in. To simply be listened to. To reignite what your heart desires. To simply be where you grew up. To return to where it all began. To feel, see, hear, and lift your spirits. Every single day. Homecoming is a chance to be all that you want to be, all that you can dream you can be, and to feel that faith that there is still so much more left to do! It’s about bringing out the best in you and being surrounded by those who inspire you. 

Coke Studio bridges musical categories and brave artists to come up with collaborations that will break new ground. 

Moira Dela Torre

 IV of Spades

Quest

Moira Dela Torre brings her distinct and deeply felt artistry to this season’s stellar selection. Folk indie band and style rule breakers IV of Spades, bring the sound of now. The power of words is given a new dimension with rapper Quest. 

Sam Concepcion

AJ Rafael 

Sam Concepcion, who has made forays into theater and movies, returns to his first love: music. AJ Rafael crosses genres and general preconceived notions of music today. 

Ben&Ben

Kriesha Chu

Ben&Ben who frames family within the flow of music itself. An exploration of what girl power can really reach is a fun and fresh K-pop but Pinay sensation Kriesha Chu. 

Juan Miguel Severo

December Avenue

December Avenue, known for their soulful sound and the many layers in their music, show off the depth of their musical talents. Spoken word pioneer Juan Miguel Severo combines wokeness with wit and word play. 

DJ Patty Tiu

Shanti Dope 

Khalil Ramos

The rap prodigy Shanti Dope will wow with his deftness and mad skills. Khalil Ramos reveals his deep affinity for singing and composition. DJ Patty Tiu expands the definition of dance music. 

 KZ Tandingan

And vocal powerhouse KZ Tandingan showcases a more vulnerable and heartfelt part of her artistic journey. There are also some surprises that will wow music lovers of all genres and generations. 

The second season of Coke Studio further establishes itself as a hub of Pinoy talent by going beyond our local shores and connecting with Filipino talents of various genres.

“We received such an overwhelming response during the first season of Coke Studio PH and this really inspired us to work harder this second season and explore ways to take it further. Last year, Coke Studio became a home for OPM and now we want to continue and strengthen that legacy, making sure that the younger generation and the new lineup of artists can feel the same sense of belonging,” enthuses Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Vice President for Marketing. 

And as this generation knows, more than any other in the past, that we all have the same home and same duty to care for that home, our planet Earth, Coca-Cola is going all out to make a big grand gesture on recycling. Along with the announcement of Coke Studio Season 2, Coca-Cola announced an industry-first goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle it sells by 2030, in line with the Company’s vision of a World Without Waste. 

At all Coke Studio events, all teens are encouraged to deposit their PET bottles in designated recycling bins. The Coke Studio TuneCycle, a stationary bicycle that grinds recyclable PET bottles will also be a part of all Coke Studio events; this will give a second life to the recyclable PET bottles and turn them to new materials. 

Coke Studio emphasizes divergent musical acts coming together, and all these environmental initiatives are also programs for consumers and the company to come together. Every collaboration goes to the heart of connection, which is really what music is all about. When time and talent are given a free space to come together and just connect, the works brim with magic. Coke and music have always been deeply and constantly connected, to provide moments of fun and high spirits. Iconic jingles and unforgettable campaigns have, time and time again, captured the dynamic energy and infections optimism of being young, being with friends and just being yourself. With Coke Studio Season 2, that special buzz and the undeniable electric wonder that only music can bring comes alive again. 

Catch them every Sunday at 11:15am before ASAP on ABS-CBN.

Musical worlds collide at Coke Studio with Abra and Gracenote collaboration

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The distinct sound of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) thrives in collaboration. With Coke Studio, an OPM rap icon and a fast-rising rock band push the boundaries of music by combining two contrasting genres to create a unified sound that showcases each of their musical mastery, yet brings to light a fresh, new take on OPM—Abra’s striking flow and wordplay fused with Gracenote’s haunting and melodic lyrical tunes.

Abra (a play on his surname “Abracosa”) is famous for his collaborative works with Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda, Maja Salvador, Reese Lansangan, Loonie, and Ron Henley, to name a few. The witty, fast-talking veteran emcee has made a name for himself as one of the most important wordsmiths in the local hip-hop scene with his significant, unapologetic, and poetic lyrics channeled through a unique rap flow. 

“That’s [Abra] what people really call me and it also fits because it can be short for ‘abracadabra’, which is not only a magic word, but is old Aramaic for ‘I create words’ and that’s what I do,” said Abra.

As a part of the line-up of refreshing collaborative musical acts of Coke Studio, the synco-pop-punk-electro-rock trio of Gracenote—Eunice and Jazz Jorge, and EJ Picha—is paired with Abra, where the rapper’s energetic and aggressive style will be complemented by Gracenote’s classical rock background to send shivers down the spines of every listener. 

“The grace note is not the biggest note; it is a small note which makes an impact. If you remove it from the song, it will be really felt,” said Gracenote lead vocalist Eunice on the band’s important musical quality.

Unusual but full of possibilities, the collaboration between the two different artists is a surprise for many, but it brings forth a new, exciting dimension for OPM. 

“We are always looking for something fresh,” said Eunice.

Indeed, fans can only imagine Gracenote’s playful piano and violin tunes, catchy beats, and haunting vocals, overlaid with Abra’s stinging wordplay on life and important social issues, as it brings the house down. For now, Filipinos can only look forward to the new episodes coming up.

With different perspectives coming in from a variety of sources, the stage for groundbreaking new music is set, fresh tunes produced by local Filipino artists are in the works, and OPM continues to evolve with Coke Studio’s flair for collaboration.

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as Abra and Gracenote collaborate for Coke Studio. 

Catch it on August 26, Saturday, at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH