In an exclusive event held at Anima, Green Sun Hotel last September 26, Manila’s tastemakers, VIPs, and trade partners celebrate Johnnie Walker’s legacy of inspiring personal progress in the form of the whisky brand’s latest campaign, “Keep Walking Philippines”. Through the campaign where the iconic Striding Man logo is seen casted for the first time in Philippine flag colours, Johnnie Walker aims to inspire Filipinos by highlighting incredible, real tatler_stories of heroism that have made a positive difference in the lives of others. 

“Keep Walking Philippines recognises the ambition that sparked the great journeys of ordinary individuals we now consider modern-day heroes,” shared historian Ambeth Ocampo, who serves as campaign consultant together with the award-winning Filipino comic book artist and writer Arnold Arre. “Being a hero doesn’t always require grand gestures, but rather the ability to inspire and provoke others to dream and make the world better.

In the launch, Johnnie Walker re-introduces individuals who were successful in their respective industries such as Xyza Bacani, a former overseas domestic worker turned internationally acclaimed photographer and NYU scholar despite financial limitations, siblings Aisa and Raphael Mijeno of SALt who created an alternative power supply for local communities using salt water amidst the lack of resources, and Brilliante Mendoza, the Cannes-winning filmmaker who continues to reinvent Philippine cinema though often criticised for his choice of subject matter. These individuals were recognised by the brand for becoming today’s generation’s inspiration to stretch the limits of our ambition. 

(Find out who's been seen at the Johnnie Walker event here)

Having mentioned the word “ambition”, guests were welcomed with the question “Are you ambitious?” and had them answer yes or no, which both have different doors leading to the event’s main hall. Both offer different routes, which walls were adorned by quotes from famous people that aim to inspire guests in pursuing their passions, dreams, and ambitions. 

The story of Johnnie Walker’s own rise as a global icon for personal progress also began with great ambition. “The story of John Walker—the brand’s founder—resonates well with present-day Filipinos," said Vanee Gosiengfiao, General Manager of Diageo Philippines. “It is one of humble beginnings undaunted by circumstances. The campaign brings us together as a nation and inspires all of us to keep walking towards our ambitions, no matter how daring and bold they may be,” she said.