Top 6 Republic Day Press Ads 2010

Here is my first assignment as outlined by our highly qualified and equally as entertaining ‘blog’ editor-in-chief: EBAR

Republic Day

Republic Day: the second public holiday for the month in September (gotta love T&T yes!) should bring us a sense of pride and compassion for our fellow man (even more importantly) and woman.  Check out the actual definition of the word below in the TT Post ad.  Remember – these are just my opinions and you’re welcome to agree or disagree.  Leave comments below!

6. Crix

I put this as #6 on the list not because it’s the worst – please note that there were MANY that did not make the cut, we have simply reached #6 on the countdown.  I like this ad, it’s kinda cool in a way.  I might be biased because I have a real strong connection to steel pan thanks to my pops.  It’s got ‘local’ stamped on every inch of the page and I’m sure related with a lot of people who may have come across it over the Republic Day weekend.  I’m not bitter – good job Crix.

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5. TT Post

Yes – Ghost was a great movie but that’s not why TT Post comes in at #5.  Imagery is eye catching and it stood out to me in the paper.  Instant connection is made to the brand with the stamp effect going on.  Nice copy and I like that Republic is defined, makes the reader stay there just a little longer.  Advertising is fun – sure it gets stressful and super hectic, but I really dig my job.  We got a delivery from TT Post.

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4. Intercommercial Bank Ltd. (IBL)

We’re a little partial to one of our own pieces but I think it deservedly sits where it is… at #4 – I’m only sorry that this piece that our artist created wasn’t printed on a high gloss photo quality paper or made into a poster – it’s pretty awesome.  That aside, I think the use of the flag at the top immediately pulls you down to the BOLD copy in the middle.  Like a waterfall effect you reach the bottom and there you are.  Thanks IBL.  Good work team.

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3. NP

Where we reach now? eh? oh right, number #3.  As I was flipping through the various newspapers on my mission to write this blog, I stumbled across this piece.  I say stumbled because I caught myself in mid turn and went back to see more (that’s a very good thing in our world). I think the original artwork to this must be really vibrant, it’s kinda disappointing to see a really special piece of art in newspaper quality stock – yet equally as rewarding to see in print regardless.  I say words like ‘piece’ and ‘art’ throughout this review instead of ‘ad’ because a lot of these are worthy of the category jump.  Kudos NP.

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2. Repsol

I have a good friend working at Repsol – Happy birthday!  But yeah, here’s what I like about this one – It appeals to a whole different demographic.  It’s ideally what T&T is all about.  All colours; One people.  Every creed and race together.  Really strong copy designed to instill a sense of pride in the country.  Strong imagery ties back to the message.  Perfect day, bright colours and use of national flag as created by the chalk in their hands – very nice Repsol.

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1. Angostura

Drum roll please….. (pause) ….. The #1 ad on the Top 6 Republic Day Press Ad countdown is this piece which ties in perfectly with their new campaign.  I am sure that you must have seen the new look of the refined House of Angostura.  Whether in print or as yuh mixin’ a drink, Angostura has been creating a buzz with their latest messages.  This ad is well put together from top to bottom.  The headline says it all – “BOLDNESS” is what we’re talking about here and there is no mistaking it.  The reproduction of this was okay but I did some touching up in Photoshop to really bring out the definition (I enhanced all, remember these are newspaper scans).  I like everything about this – CONGRATS to you Angostura.

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Well, that about sums it up for me.  Agree? Disagree? Got one to add? Comment below:
BS

4 Comments
  • Dennis Ramdeen

    1 October, 2010, 1:21 am

    My own preference is for ads that find a way to recognise the Day being celebrated without being the centre of attention of the ad. I recently read that people ask you how your weekend was but their real intention is for you to ask them how theirs was. If you’re wishing your country and its citizens Happy Republic Day, then do that. Don’t turn it into a celebration of you under the guise of celebrating me, dr

  • Bjorn

    1 October, 2010, 3:06 am

    I hear ya – good vibes

  • Uninspired

    20 October, 2010, 12:00 am

    Loving the Crix and the Bold ads. The others not so much.

  • Bjorn

    21 October, 2010, 1:57 pm

    Thanks for your comment “Uninspired” – What do you love about these 2 ads in particular?