It isn’t unusual to see a likeness of a dragon gracing branding activities and marketing strategies of companies in the country—after all, the dragon has always been considered the ultimate symbol of good fortune in Chinese astrology.
Whether it’s in the logo, print advertisements or even windows displays, the emblem of the dragon has been very visible—even more so this year, for sure, because of 2012’s significance as the Year of the Dragon.
Chinese Astrology views the dragon as bearer of the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. Perhaps this is because among the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, the Dragon is the only “mythical and mystical” as compared to other earthly, more realistic animals.
The Inquirer scoured the metro in search of companies that have employed the element of the dragon in their respective businesses in the most creatively crafted ways—some on a more permanent basis while others to keep up with the spirit of the Chinese New Year. Here are some:
1. Marks & Spencer
The
high-end shop keeps the Chinese New Year spirit alive with a windows display in
its Glorietta branch in Makati where a red dragon is prominently placed against
a yellow backdrop.
In this Giordano store in Robinsons Galleria, a windows display shows the company's latest offerings against the backdrop of a creatively crafted dragon, several Chinese characters and red lanterns are there, too, to complete the look.
3. Marriot Manila
A classy
likeness of the mystical being replaces the letter "g" in "dragon" to complete the word. This
booth of Marriot Manila in SM Megamall also sells a dragon gingerbread, among
others.
4. Shangri-la Plaza
The posh mall is advertising its Water Dragon Sale with a huge billboard right smack in the middle of the establishment, where everyone can practically see it. Here, the dragon’s likeness is artistically shaped to form the word “Shang.”
5. McDonald's
The number one quick service restaurant is heavily advertising its “Lucky Ang Pao” campaign, handing out the discount coupons with the likeness of the dragon forming a number 8.
6. Robinsons Galleria
Huge banners advertising free Robinsons gift certificates for qualified transactions of the Robinsons-Cebu Pacific Mastercard are up inside the mall's premises. Being that the mall franchise is owned by a Chinese, this is hardly surprising.
7. Collezione C2
Collezione C2 has put up dragon-fronted signs in its many stores advertising a sale for the duration of the Chinese New Year. Of course, the sign is in red with the requisite "Kung Hei Fat Choi," too.
8. Dragon Wok
It isn’t surprising to see the likeness of the dragon in this Chinese restaurant’s logo, after all the mystical being is part of its name. Located in Park Square in Makati, the restaurant is known for its dragon sipa dish as well as its Szechuan-based dishes. It has been in operation for more than 17 years.
9. Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant
This
cozy cafe and restaurant in Binondo, Manila, has the likeness of the
dragon (in fact, there are mirror images of the dragons) prominently
placed at either side of its gift certificates.
10. Shulong
Shulong, which literally means “comfortable dragon,” is a footwear brand available at Res Toe Run stores. In the shoe brand’s logo, a red dragon is prominently placed at the center.
More photos:
No comments:
Post a Comment