According to Joan Mae Encarnacion of Publicis Jiminez Basic in Manila, the country has largely avoided the impact of China's slowdown and offers significant brand expansion opportunities that are drying up in other parts of the region.
In an exclusive piece for Warc, Encarnacion argues that the Philippines is an ideal market for brands seeking to expand in an emerging economy.
While the Philippines has generally been more interested in Western-oriented cultural trends than other South East Asian nations, the internet has also been a huge influence, particularly when it comes to awareness of international brands.
Two hundred foreign brands have entered the local retail scene over the past seven years alone – from budget fashion brands like H&M, Cotton On, and Uniqlo to FMCG food brands like Bonchon, Happy Lemon, and J&Co. Donuts.
Building an emotional rapport with consumers is a powerful tool for brands in the Philippines, where storytelling is an inherent part of the culture.
Warc subscribers can read more here on the advertising and marketing trends to expect in South East Asia in 2016.
Data sourced from Warc