Markus Castro
DDB Group Philippines, a leading advertising agency, has rebranded itself as “GGC Group Asia,” signifying its transformation into an independent creative entity.
The move comes after Omnicom Group, which owns the marketing communications network DDB Worldwide, decided to retire the DDB brand worldwide by the end of the first half of 2026, following its acquisition of Interpublic Group in November last year.
DDB Group Philippines was founded in 1992 through an innovative partnership between New York-based DDB Worldwide and the Filipino-owned agency Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA). It operated as the local branch of the DDB network in the Philippines for over thirty years until the brand was dissolved this year.
As GGC Group Asia, the company will maintain its collaboration with Omnicom Group as required, ensuring clients retain access to global marketing communications tools and resources.
Legacy and a Bold New Beginning
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Gil G. Chua, Chairman and CEO of GGC Group Asia—whose initials inspired the company’s new name—said the organization supports Omnicom’s global decision to retire the 75-year-old DDB brand, while respecting the legacy established through many years of collaboration.
“GGC Group Asia moves forward with deep gratitude for our long-standing partnership with Omnicom and DDB Worldwide — a relationship that elevated our standards, sharpened our thinking, and gave Filipino talent a global stage,” he said. “We are entering a defining chapter not by leaving something behind, but by fully coming into our own. We are embracing our future with full independence, full responsibility, and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity.”
On a personal note, Chua mentioned that this new chapter enables him to keep contributing to his legacy in an industry he has devoted much of his life to.
“This rebrand is more than a change in name — it is a proud affirmation of the legacy, leadership, and vision that have guided our businesses through the years. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see my own initials become synonymous with the businesses that my family, our business partners, and I have passionately built, nurtured, and grown together over the years,” Chua said.
Further Rebranding and Integration of Businesses
As part of this development, three of the group’s integrated marketing communications (IMC) companies that also carry the DDB brand name, or that of its digital arm Tribal Worldwide, have also rebranded: DDB Philippines is now Velocity+, DDB MNL is now Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines is now The Tribe.
The group’s other advertising-related companies shall continue to operate under their current names as follows: Optimax Communications (IMC), Agile Intelligence (data analytics), Ripple8 (PR), Touch XDA (media planning and buying), and Bent and Buzz (content and events management).
Alongside this transition, DDB Group’s sister companies from the FCT Group are integrated into GGC Group Asia, comprising business solutions firms, namely FOSA, Caishen, Track Mnl, Xpress Move, Strawberry Jam, and PhilMovers.
With this integration, the GGC Group Asia will comprise 14 companies across 18 office locations nationwide, with a combined workforce of over 7,500 employees.
This strengthens the group’s ability to deliver a full spectrum of solutions—from advertising, public relations, and media planning and buying to logistics and other marketing and sales support services. It also reflects the group’s growing capability to serve markets beyond the Philippines and throughout Asia.
No Changes to Leadership and Operations
The group clarifies that the rebrand will not affect leadership, talent, client relationships, or ongoing operations. All contracts and service agreements will remain in full force and effect.
“While our name evolves, our commitment to creativity, effectiveness, and strong client partnerships remains unwavering. Our clients and partners can expect seamless continuity of service and the same standard of creative and strategic excellence that has defined the organization from the very start,” Chua said.
GGC Group Asia shall also continue to be guided by a commitment to building businesses that create not only profit, but also lasting impact — ensuring that business growth is aligned with the greater good of clients, talent, and the communities it serves.
Carrying Forward a Tradition of Excellence
Prior to the rebrand, DDB Group Philippines had established a strong track record, with the group and its agencies earning local and international recognition for creativity, effectiveness, and advocacy-driven campaigns developed in partnership with clients and non-profit organizations.
Key achievements of the group include the Philippines’ first Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions and its first Gold at the 2013 Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness (AME) Awards. They also earned the Philippines’ only Gold at Spikes Asia 2025, and the “Best in Management of Business-Network Agency of the Year” award at the 4As Philippines AOY Awards in 2022. Additionally, they received multiple “Agency of the Year” awards at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards in 2013, 2014, and 2019, as well as the PRSP Anvil Awards in 2024.
DDB Group Philippines also received numerous accolades and certifications recognizing it as a “great place to work” or one of the “best companies to work for” from both local and international award-giving bodies, including the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards–Asia Pacific and Global, HR Asia, the International Stevies, Great Place To Work®, and the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work Awards.
This tradition of excellence and award-winning work will continue into its next chapter as GGC Group Asia.
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