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 front row: Country Manager Jayjay Viray, Product Devpt Officer Mike Yu; back row: Content Supervisor Aimee Marcos, Brand Officer Leah Cabalde |
What is 88DB? The double-eight stands for opportunities and infinite possibilities – which can become available through this multimedia classified ads portal of the Philippines.
How? 88DB is a one stop shop for all lifestyle needs, from employment to pets, from spas to weddings, and everything else in between. 88DB creates another plane where people can click, create and connect. With an existing database of over 17,000 members and more than 6,000 ads, 88DB aims to become the biggest database in which anybody can log on and advertise themselves and their businesses - and they can presently do so for FREE.
Starting the 11 a.m. program that was an AVP exemplifying the capabilities of the site, which was followed by a virtua
 Carlos Celdran |
A host ‘walked the crowd through’ each and every channel and interviewed an 88DB personnel that was stationed per channel. Ms. Pia Hontiveros was the cheerful emcee in the morning, and during the evening’s festivities the role was filled by Mr. Carlos Celdran. 
Following the virtual walk was a fashion show that showcased four looks that represented the spirit of the exhibitions: casual, sporty-preppie, yuppie and ‘night out’ looks from major labels Esprit, Bayo, British India, and the rising Philippine line, Viktor Jeans. The evening ended with a string of popular 
acoustic bands that created a welcoming atmosphere for anybody who wanted to try out the site; because in each vignette or booth, a computer opened up to the channel it represented.
During the morning launch, the Lounge of the Podium was buzzing with up to 60 representatives from the media, including 19 print publications, 8 TV stations, and 1 radio station.
Two hundred representatives from 88DB’s partner and client companies celebrated the night during the evening cocktails.
The country’s General Manager, Ms. Jayjay Viray, Mr. Mike Yu, Business Development Officer of 88DB, Ms. Leah Cabalde, Brand Officer of 88DB and Ms. Aimee Marcos, Content and Communications Supervisor of 88DB, were present to field questions that came from the press regarding the site.
“The main purpose of the site,” Ms. Viray said, “is to change the way classified ads are seen.”
Ms. Cabalde adds, “What we are trying to do is to promote a level playing field on the web where both individuals and businesses, big or small, can advertise their services, and in doing so, hopefully create communities for them to interact.”
“We aim to be the platform on which people can share their talents and capabilities online,” Mr. Yu said.
But then what about those who do not have access to the Internet?
“Well, you can just call us,” informs Ms. Cabalde, “at 91488DB (or 8832), and we will just ask for your basic information and contact details, then we will design and put up an ad for you.”
“We pride ourselves in making sure that all information on the site is up to date and that all contact details are true and correct,” Ms. Marcos continues.
Ms. Viray concludes, “This site hopes to start a new trend in the way information is dispersed and used through the use of the Internet, various forms of multimedia and encouraging communities and connections to blossom from there.”
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