Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Filipino-themed Disney commercial touches hearts around the globe


A scene in the Disney commercial showing "mano po" is a highlight of the commercial.


Filipino social media around the world went crazy at seeing a 3-minute Christmas commercial produced by Disney with a Filipino theme and released Monday morning.

The animated tale titled "From Our Family To Yours" depicts the touching story of a grandmother and her granddaughter as they celebrate family traditions that connect them.


Its heart-warming storyline features Lola (Tagalog for "grandmother"), her granddaughter alongside a familiar friend – Mickey Mouse — which was Lola’s favorite toy given to her by her father back in 1940 in teh Philippines.

The short film featured the Philippines' Christmas parol lanterns and depicted gesture pagmamano, or mano po, gesture upon greeting one's elders.


The commercial was developed and produced by Disney EMEA’s in-house creative team led by Filipino Angela Affinita, director of brand marketing and creative, in partnership with Flux Animation Studios. “The story was inspired by (Affinita’s) personal experience and her relationship with her grandmother. All content has been created locally in EMEA, but with a global audience in mind,” stated a Disney spokesperson.

The singer in the background is Filipina Brit artist Griff, a rising star in Great Britain. She is the one who sang the original song ‘Love Is A Compass’. 

“I was excited to get involved in Disney’s Christmas campaign, in support of Make-A-Wish," said Griff. "The lyrics of the track and the storytelling in the advert are powerful, and important. The theme of family and loved ones are so front of mind for many of us – especially this Christmas.”

Disney EMEA further said: “Titled ‘From Our Family To Yours’, the ad was created by Disney’s Consumer Products, Games & Publishing business, based on insights around the role that Disney plays at Christmas for families. The story reflects the themes of traditions, bringing families together and nostalgia that families across EMEA identified as being important to them over the Christmas period. It was produced by Flux Animation Studios in New Zealand.”

“We also worked with cultural consultants in the Philippines to ensure that the references made to locations — such as when we first meet Lola — are as accurate and realistic as possible,” Disney further said.

The Christmas campaign by Disney EMEA is in collaboration with children’s charity organization Make-A-Wish as they celebrate 40 years of their partnership. 


Tasia Filippatos, SVP Disney EMEA said:  "Christmas is a time for giving and giving back, and we’re delighted to debut this festive ad campaign supporting our long-term charity partner Make-A-Wish®.

"Our goal was to tell a universal story that inspires through the themes of family, love and special holiday traditions. We hope that Disney fans enjoy the short."


Singer Griff, left, and Angela Affinta, right, collaborated for the Disney commercial.

The Disney commercial went viral around the world. Here are some samples of the response from the Filipino diaspora:





EDITOR'S NOTE: A word of caution, this is news sprinkled with opinion. Readers are encouraged to seek multiple news sources to formulate their own positions.




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