YouTube is gearing up for Year 2 of the YouTube Ads Awards — the competition that seeks out to honor the best in digital content in ads. As the program returns for a bigger second year, the stakes have been upped with more in store, including a star-studded jury panel composed of the most celebrated names in the creative industry.
Now, YouTube is on the lookout for exceptional ads that can exceed last year’s roster of winners. But what exactly is the competition looking for? Year 1 saw an exciting wave of memorable entries that set the standard for outstanding digital storytelling. It’s time to look back at the set of teams that swept away last year’s line of trophies: the Crystal Awards, the highest honors, and the Second Prize cups.
“Beauty Queen Fail” – Bactidol
J. Walter Thompson Philippines
Second Prize:
Health & Nutrition
Tapping into Pinoys’ love for international beauty pageants is “Beauty Queen Fail” from Bactidol. With a video that runs just under two minutes, it’s a humorous and relevant video that clearly sends its message across, riffing on specific Miss Universe events that have made its way into local pop culture.
“Gabay Guro” – PLDT
Ace Saatchi & Saatchi
Second Prize:
Charities & Non-Profit and Long-Form Storytelling
All great people were students once, and before these legends excelled in their respective fields, they were diligently guided by teachers who helped them reach their potential. This is the crux of PLDT’s “Gabay Guro” video, helmed by Ace Saatchi & Saatchi. The story showcases a moving montage of different luminaries reciting at a roll call — a fitting tribute for the 10th anniversary of this PLDT-Smart foundation.
“Because You Can Never Have Too Many Dog Videos”
Globe Telecom
Second Prize:
Storytelling for Occasions
Globe Telecom takes home another trophy with “You Can Never Have Too Many Dog Videos” showing the brand’s affinity and natural instinct for engaging digital content. An unassuming caption that reads, “Check out this cute doggo” belies an emotional and heartwarming video about unexpected friendships and lasting relationships.
“Change for Good”
Cebu Pacific Air
Second Prize:
Charities & Non-Profit
Sometimes, it’s the simplest narratives that tug at the heartstrings. Taking home the Second Prize for Charities & Non-Profit is Cebu Pacific Air’s “Change for Good”, in partnership with UNICEF, showcasing cabin crew asking for donations — in the form of loose change — that benefit Filipino children in impoverished communities. The video humanizes Cebu Pacific as a brand and appeals to viewers’ kind and generous hearts.
“Son”
Unilab
Seven A.D.
Crystal Award:
Corporate Image & Public Sector
Second Prize:
Health & Nutrition
A heartwarming story of unconditional love, this two-minute film short explores the relationship between mother and son, as they navigate through the difficulties of growing up as an artist in a harsh and judgmental world. Exceeding average engagement figures for any pharmaceutical brand, the emotionally powerful ad won second prize for the Health and Nutrition category, as well as the Crystal Award for Corporate Image & Public Sector.
“Kaleidoscope” Ep 2 and Ep 3 – Globe Telecom
Crystal Award:
Multi-Video Storytelling
Evolving beyond their call as a telecommunications brand, Globe Telecom has sought to create original and creative content for the digital landscape. “Kaleidoscope”, their mini-documentary series, shed light on talented individuals in their fields, all overcoming their own challenges in pursuit of their craft. The Kaleidoscope series took home the Crystal Award for Multi-Video Storytelling.
“Wait Lang Po” – McDonalds Philippines
Leo Burnett Manila
Crystal Awards:
Food & Beverage and Storytelling for Occasions
Ad of the Year – Year 1
Second Prize:
Retail & Restaurants
Ultimately, it was McDonalds Philippines’ “Wait Lang Po”, a heartwarming Father’s Day ad that emerged as Year 1’s “Ad of the Year”, taking home two Crystal awards, the top honors for Food and Beverage, and Storytelling for Occasions. Running just over a minute, the video showcased a simple yet powerful narrative — a montage of different fathers waiting at different times in their life, from the most mundane to the biggest life milestones.
Which entries will take home the Crystal Awards this year, as well as the coveted “Ad of the Year” title? The YouTube Ads Awards Year 2 Call for Entries is now open to storytellers, content creators, and advertisers in the Philippines!
Submit your entries here before July 11, 2019. Click on the link below and read up about about the categories, eligibility, requirements and other details.
More info on the website: adobomagazine.com/ytaa
