This is not the first time Netflix Philippines took to outlandish publicity stunts to promote its upcoming shows.
As midnight drew close last Saturday (November 13), netizens were shocked by the breaking news that the famous giant globe in SM Mall of Asia was reportedly stolen.
A viral video of a helicopter lifting up the display circulated fast enough on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Thankfully, just hours after the frantic news of MOA’s iconic display being stolen, the public was then given the information that the MOA globe is back.
Still, netizens were full of theories and hearsays on what actually happened. Who are those people behind this stunt?
But the bigger question is, why was it “stolen” in the first place?
"SM Mall of Asia is currently working with authorities in investigating the MOA globe incident," it said in a statement on Facebook on Sunday (November 14).
"With our security measures in place, rest assured that SM Mall of Asia continues to be a safe place for family and friends."
After this announcement, Netflix’s Facebook page then posted the obvious answer to the mysterious heist surrounding the MOA globe.
A 59-second video was posted on their page to give clues on who "stole" the globe.
Apparently, this is a big PR stunt for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds’ upcoming movie ‘Red Notice’.
The trailer went on to explain the situation.
"A masquerade mask was found onsite," the trailer suggested. "This is marked as crucial evidence as it could lead authorities to the suspects."
The video further revealed that the “MOA globe is back.” Scaffolding currently boards up the globe with a sign saying that it is under maintenance.
This is not the first time that Netflix placed a big PR stunt in the Philippines.
Just last month, the biggest Korean drama in the world, “Squid Game,” landed in one of the malls in Ortigas Center.
The infamous killer doll which stood about 10 feet tall was seen in the entrance of an Ayala mall patrolling jaywalkers in the area.
There's also the "vandalism" incidents on the giant billboards for the Philippine-made animated series "Trese" last July, which turned out to be another marketing strategy to promote the series.
Such PR stunts like these surely make the audience more engaged in the series or campaign they are meant to represent.
In today’s arena, an effective public relations strategy should not only be a cut above the rest, but one that also sparks conversations or influences behaviors.
Tags: #SMMallOfAsia, #MOAGlobe, #Netflix, #publicitystunt, #advertising