A push for positivity

MANILA, Philippines – The idea of spreading positive vibes among Filipinos is nothing new to Team Manila.

Followers on Twitter will remember a regular call for happy thoughts and good vibes, usually through an informal hashtag campaign.

Fun as a starting point

Things started taking shape, incidentally, when the Department of Tourism launched its “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

Critics of the tagline notwithstanding, the message was contagious — so much so that Team Manila decided to take it to a different level. It inspired their next design campaign altogether.

“I think there is a clamor for more positive and uplifting messages to balance out all the bad news in our lives,” posits Jowee Alvia, co-founder of Team Manila. 

Being a lifestyle brand, Team Manila easily put their thoughts into tangible form: merchandise. 

From neo-nationalists to positivity advocates

A cursory look at Team Manila’s history displays an evolution from a graphic design outfit to one of the pioneering urban lifestyle brands.

Their initial inspirations were drawn from everyday Filipino objects, elevating commonplace signs and images to new levels of cool — or what they termed as “neo nationalism.” We can easily associate the term to their famous graphic representations of silhouettes of national icons.

“We always try to be the voice of the youth,” Jowee proclaims, explaining that their T-shirt collections have been their primary medium. 

In early 2012, the movement for good vibes began to manifest. Shirts bearing the words “Ambassador of Fun” appeared on store shelves.

It was, apparently, a precursor to a whole new advocacy.

Last August, Team Manila gathered friends for the formal launch of their “Ambassador of Positive Vibes” campaign as they re-opened shop at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center. Aside from statement shirts, affirmative messages screamed from tote bags, canvas wallets, ID lanyards and tumblers.

Positivity emissaries 

Before we send out the wrong idea, it must be said that it’s not all about sales points or retail strategy.

“We believe that positivity can be viral. Filipinos are basically happy people,” Jowee says. “With all the negative issues, news and calamities happening in the Philippines, we thought of coming up with a campaign that can spread positive vibes to give hope to everyone, everyday.

“Sometimes, you just need to read something positive to make your day.”

And, sometimes, you need emissaries to help spread your message far and clear.

The campaign launch’s highlight was the introduction of Team Manila’s Ambassadors of Positive Vibes: “eventologist” Tim Yap; designer Rajo Laurel; blogger Cecile Zamora (Chuvaness.com); musicians Diego Mapa, Raimund Marasigan and Jugs Jugueta; TV host and singer Tuesday Vargas; fashionista Divine Lee; and the Everywhere We Shoot photography duo, Ryan Vergara and Garovs Garovillo (who also contributed in making “Good Vibes” artwork).

“We chose Ambassadors who believe in the power of change,” Jowee points out. “(Those who) have contributed immensely to their craft and industry.”

Incidentally, these ambassadors carry serious clout in the social media sphere — a worthy quality when on a mission to convert and evangelize.

Positive vibes, positive change

Jowee further points out that positivity is not just about looking at the bright side of things, oblivious and ignorant of reality. “It’s about change — positive change.” 

It sounds daunting, but the idea really is to start small and let the little pockets of positivity grow.  

Jowee shares a few tips they like to give out, quoting their positivity slogans

“’Don’t be nega, be mega.’ Why exhaust your efforts into being negative? You should be concentrating more on being great for others.

‘Make your smile viral.’ When you wake up in the morning, post something positive online, even a smiley. Collectively, we might even start a positivity trend.” – Rappler.com

Use the hashtag #goodvibesMNL in all your social media accounts when spreading positive vibes. Learn more about it on www.teammanila.com.