In spite of their soaring popularity, remarkable talent, mass appeal, and potential for longevity in show business, very few decision makers in the advertising industry recognize their commercial potential.
Thus, projects fall on the laps of the same familiar faces resulting to an overload of endorsements that is actually damaging to the brands, especially those that don't have so much budget for production. Brands should be differentiated and the endorsers should be able to help achieve that.
I remember how confusing it was back then when Sharon Cuneta's instant noodle and ice cream TV commercials ran simultaneously. There were at least three unmistakably identical visual elements used in both materials--the dark blue hue, the cinematic texture and gloss, and the endorser and her wardrobe. The saving grace of these materials were the longer product and consumption shots.
Let's not forget too that a celebrity's endorsement value diminishes as more and more products are associated with him/her. The public begins to doubt whether he/she really believes in the products or if it's all for the money.
Enough said, here is the first batch of the 10 most underrated celebrity endorsers today and the brands and products that could best utilize them as endorsers.
CHARICE PEMPENGCO
As far as I can remember, Charice is endorsing only three brands-- a sandwich spread (Was it? I honestly forgot!), a ballpen brand (which placed an unflattering photo of her in the billboard) and a cosmetic procedure of a medical group (which caused so much flak from her fans especially abroad.)Charice, who is currently a part of the hit TV series "Glee," deserves something better, something as grand as her stature as an international pop princess. Youth-oriented brands and beverages that are known for its musical linkages like Pepsi and NESCAFE 3in1 should take advantage of her pull in this market segment. A bidding between Smart and Globe should also start now, and the highest talent fee offer gets her.
Just a friendly reminder to advertisers, get Charice now. She may be expensive but at least some of you may still afford her.
REGINE VELASQUEZ
Have we all forgotten that Regine Velasquez single-handedly made Wendy's a big hit in the 90s when she sang its jingle in TVC? The one and only Asia's Songbird caters to a very broad market segment. The masses can relate to her rags-to-riches story as proven by her milk advocacy commercial. The high-end market loves her music and so she can easily endorse fashion and beauty products as well as beverages and food supplements.
With a superb level of credibility and believability, she can persuade consumers to rush to the stores and purchase whatever she endorses.
MARIA VENUS RAJ
It's been so long now since she won fourth runner-up in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant and no single endorsements yet? What's going on Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI)? How come the screaming gay fans in pajamas have now their very own KFC commercial while Venus has none?
The poor farm girl from Bicol who made her country proud by grace and beauty deserves to cash in her popularity. Technically any brand can create a good campaign revolving around Venus, from beauty and personal care products, fashion brands, food supplements, to beverages. (Paging Unilever!) Her story is inspiring and the public is interest to know everything about her.
SPONGE COLA
While most local bands silently faded behind the shadows of the KPop trend, Sponge Cola maintained its popularity, releasing one hit after the other. The group led by health buff Yael Yuzon are all educated in a prestigious university. The band managed to maintain a clean, youthful image on and off the screen. So far, Sponge Cola's only endorsement was a toothpaste product where they were asked to perform a cover of its jingle.
An extensive list of brands could take advantage of Sponge Cola's popularity and appeal to the youth market. Let's start with the obvious and self-explanatory Coca-Cola or Pop Cola, telecommunication companies, food and beverages, and even advocacies.
DENISE LAUREL
Denise has everything a woman aspires for-- exquisite beauty, versatile talent, intelligence, and of course pedigree. The gorgeous great grand daughter of former Philippines President Jose Laurel embodies natural beauty and unpretentious glamour. She exudes raw sex appeal and charismatic character.
So the biggest mystery is, why is she just a contrabida in a soap opera-inspired TVCs with Sarah Geronimo? The former Pond's girl has grown up and she is ready to become the next face of multinational beauty and skin care products, food and dietary supplements, beverages, and almost everything that requires nothing less than a perfect woman.
