Out of Your Bubble: A Filipino Germ-Fighting Spot, Edible Soap, Twix, and the 'Fizzooka'

Out of Your Bubble is a global creative reviews series which uncovers campaigns from across the world that are getting creatives talking. Campaigns that are brilliant and popular - but might be missed if you’re not in the local market.

This edition’s contributing leaders are Chrystel Jung, CD at BETC Paris; Hannah Tarpey, CD at Mother London; and founding contributor Psembi Kinstan, group CCO, DDB Melbourne.

Psembi> Let’s get a bit weird. This Filipino spot for anti–bacterial soap is nothing like the generic scientific product demos you associate with the category. Sure, this is a product demo too, but now the germs are humans and they’re about to be killed off in a soapy tidal wave.

The production design is great, the mountains of skin are just as creepy as that sounds.

And the strategy is an interesting zag; you’ve got different germs, so you need a different soap to whatever you’ve grown up with. I’m not sure that’s true, but who cares, I’m entertained and now I like Defensil.

Hannah> There is a lot to like about this. The thing that lets it down is the deeply generic packaging at the end, which doesn’t fill me with confidence that it’s a new type of product.

But hey, nice strategy and fun to see fun in a usually dry category. I could see this zag working in the UK, especially in our post-COVID world.

Chrystel> HAHAHA. I was entertained too. It has the merit of being different from anything I’m used to seeing. Considering how hard it is to make standout work for this kind of product, that makes it even more interesting. Tough act to follow, and sorry if I’m killing the vibe, but here’s a more serious soap: the edible soap.

It was created to symbolise the impossible choice millions of people face every day: eating or washing. It aims to raise awareness about hygiene poverty.

Psembi> Chrystel, I love that. The perfect demonstration of the decision faced.

Back on my side of the world, let’s stay weird. This Thai spot is an Asian superhero pastiche. Think Power Rangers, but made the way only Thailand could. The best thing to do with a dumb idea is make it dumber, and this fully commits. Wait for the mountain timelapse.

Check out the director of this spot too -- I’d love to see more of him in other markets.

Chrystel> Thai ads are the best. They’re like Marmite, you either love them or hate them. They never ask for permission to be weird or stupid. After the risks of sugary drinks, here’s one about the risks of drinking alcohol, featuring Ricky Gervais.

Hannah> Making noise for launching in Fortnite, the 'Fizzooka' for Mentos from BBH. 
Do gamers love or hate this kinda brand activity though? I think it’s cool, but I’m certainly not the audience.

Chrystel> That’s my favorite ad of the year so far. It’s so hard to come up with something new around Fortnite. This one really nailed it. It would’ve been a 10/10 if it had been done in partnership with Coke.

Hannah> And in a very traditional 60” shape, this Twix ad. For me, it takes a while to get going but I adore the end line and the potential in it. Two is more than one. Seems to be a global positioning and with a truth that solid, we can probably look forward to varied comedy from different markets.

Chrystel> The new Twix commercial is perfect. Great storytelling with suspense and a real twist (or should I say… Twix) at the end! Love it!

In a completely different style. I’m usually not that into music or dance-focused ads, but I found this one for Desperados really refreshing.

And to end on, one I really like from Paris. Super simple and refreshing.