More than meets the eye
The “Car-Throbs” Special Valentine issue was the brainchild of our boss in Daily Tribune (DT) in February last year. Its inception came about with the idea of featuring various individuals in the automotive world who not only necessarily have the looks but also the smarts to go along and pair with it. It was a good way to feature people and get to know them beyond their usual mundane façade — to know that there’s always something more than meets the eye. Of course — not to mention — since it’s love month, it was also somehow in a way to tickle the other fun and romantic side of the person.
True enough, the automotive realm — like any other industry — is rife with bona fide heartthrobs — “men and women in the big leagues who do not necessarily have to be in the same room as an auto startup whiz kid, a handsome Formula One driver or Mr. Popular in this neck in the woods” — who have won the hearts of the common folk, making people swoon, admire and even emulate them.
For this year, we were able to come up with our second issue which was published last 27 February, Saturday. Here, we were able to profile various individuals with various interests and personalities. In fact, here’s one example. Meet Kia Philippines’ lovely digital marketing specialist, Marikit Ligaya Bati.
True enough, the automotive realm — like any other industry — is rife with bona fide heartthrobs.
DT: Tell us something about yourself. M: “I am 30 years of age. I studied communications with specialization in advertising at De La Salle University Dasmariñas in Cavite. I’ve been working in the automotive industry for almost 11 years. I started as branch marketing and customer relations associate at Honda Cars Alabang before becoming part of the Central Marketing Services team of Honda Cars Makati Inc. in 2018. After a year, I transferred to Kia Philippines as a Digital marketing specialist. Currently, I am handling both advertising and digital marketing functions.”
DT: Why the automotive industry?
M: “It was never really a part of the industry I’m considering since I was really into creatives and was hoping to land for a graphic artist job. But my mom advised me to not be too picky since it’s challenging to look for a job most especially when you lack experience. A distant relative was able to refer me to Honda Cars Alabang and the rest was history.”
DT: What makes your job fun and exciting?
M: “Marketing is really an amazing field. You don’t get bored since there are so many things happening at the same time. You get to be innovative in bringing something to the table that differentiates your brand from the rest. You get to learn new things about the industry you are in, the market, how to reach them and many others. These are just few of the many things that excite me.”
DT: What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had so far in your line of work and why?
M: “Working from home during a pandemic, I believe. It’s exhausting since it feels like you’re always ‘on’ most of the time — but somehow — it’s also fulfilling because this period has taught me a lot of things about my line of work and it has pushed me to new ways of working.”
DT: What’s the most challenging part of your job and how were you able to overcome it?
M: “The most challenging part of my job, most especially during this pandemic, is keeping myself creative on a daily a basis. There will be times when it seems like every project has no end in sight. Allowing myself to breathe helped me overcome this challenge. Stepping away from work for a while and doing something else like walking or even doing nothing can really refuel your creative engine.”
DT: How do you see yourself in your career?
M: “I love marketing. For me, the best way to say is would be: ‘for as long as I am in this field, l’ll never stop learning and I’ll never get bored.’”
DT: What’s your most favorite car in your lineup of vehicles and why?
M: “The Kia Rio Hatchback. I love hatchbacks. I think it expresses my personality more. Its unique style makes it a rare find and a head-turner.”
DT: If that car were a guy, what would be its most distinguished or sexiest feature/s? Why?
M: “I want to say it’s the looks but I prefer its ride comfort more. As a lady, you want to feel secure. I want a ride that can provide a blissful haven from road terrains. Being comfortable is really important to me since I am fond of long drives and road trips. Needless to say, that’s what you need in a relationship — the type that would last.”
DT: What’s your motto in life? How can you relate it to cars, your career or the automotive industry?
M: “What you resist, persists’ — Carl Jung. It became my life’s motto since the day a colleague mentioned it to me. If you have a strong and optimistic mindset, there will be endless possibilities. You become whatever you strongly believe you’ll be. And if I were to relate it with the Kia, I think that this mindset will resonate with our consumers. That through our brand, they will get inspired with a movement that enables them to discover new perspectives and we believe that we can make a difference this year and beyond.”