Jollibee Launches its First Mobile App Using Augmented Reality

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kids nowadays belong to the digital generation who could easily learn how to use gadgets and technology. I sometimes find myself getting overwhelmed by the amount of information and adaptability they show in learning how to use new devices in terms of both hardware and software.

Thus, it is not surprising that many companies are now going with the trend since it is the inevitable direction for all especially if we want to belong among those moving forward with the use of technology in most of our activities, may it be at our home, schools or offices. Doing everything from work and learning to entertainment and leisure now involves taking advantage of what technology has to offer.

One of the most popular technological advancement is the proliferation of mobile apps for just about everything from office productivity tools to fun and games. These mobile apps have changed how we do almost everything and whether we would admit it or not, we have embraced its power for our benefit.

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food chain, is equally jumping into the bandwagon by recently unveiling its first-ever mobile application called JolliDance Showdown app that is sure to be a hit among Jollibee fans of all ages.

The big reveal held on September 24, 2016 at Ascott Hotel in Bonifacio Global City made public the all-new mobile app that was developed by renowned Los Angeles-based mobile innovation agency, Trigger. The agency has produced applications for other clients like Sony Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment, and Lucas Film.

The JolliDance Showdown app will make use of augmented reality (AR) with the help of the Jollibee Kids Meal box. It allows kids to try some interactive fun with the fast-food chain’s famous mascot, Jollibee.

A video presentation featured the Trigger team sharing their experience in creating the app that captures the lovable persona of the dancing Jollibee. Trigger Senior Director of Client Services Natasha Weinstein shared their impression, “Everyone just really loves going to Jollibee. It struck us an important part of the Philippines’ pop culture."

This quick immersion of the app’s designers determined the features and the overall appeal of the app. Trigger President and Executive Creative Director Jason Yim explains the app plays on the sense of community. “Getting friends involved and getting your own avatar involved, that’s definitely the most fun part. You can’t help but smile when you do it."

Going live with Jollibee AR beats

Radio jock Chico Garcia and mom entrepreneur Bettina Carlos, along her daughter Gummy, were the first to try these features. Child actor of Nathaniel Teleserye, Marco Masa, joined the two host that day to show off the app to the delight of the attendees. The experience began by watching the JolliDance Showdown app transform Jollibee’s friendly face on the Jolly Joy Box into a platform. These guests then captured photos for their screen avatars and, after choosing their image on screen, they watched Jollibee and friends enjoy Electro, Pop, and Rock beats.

Other features of the JolliDance Showdown App were also discussed, including unlocking new characters with every visit to Jollibee branches and scanning the Jolly Kiddie Meal promo board located at the store counters.

Yim said, “The app is pushing how we can engage kids with augmented reality. It’s more than just having characters appear. It’s interactive and gives a much deeper experience.”

Aside from Bettina and Chico, there were also other celebrity guests with their kids namely Tintin Bersola-Babao and her two kids, Antonia and Antonio; and Camille Pratts-Linsangan with her son, Nathan. Bettina's daughter, Gummy, also participated in the presentation of Jollibee's Jolly Pinoy collectibles.

The event shared the most recent effort of the leading fast-food brand to augment the langhap-sarap experience. Francis Flores, Jollibee Global brand chief marketing officer, says of its new partnership, “We are glad to work with Trigger to help enrich the Jollibee experience for children and for the young at heart with the launch of our JolliDance Showdown App. Being the first local fast-food to come up with an augmented reality game, we are very excited for our loyal customers who love Jollibee and Friends, as this gives them an opportunity to interact in a fun way using their mobile phones and tablets. Combining great-tasting food and augmented reality to level up their Jollibee experience -- now that is really an exciting way to engage our customers.”

Gummy, helped show us all five Jolly Pinoy collectible toys where Jollibee is shown beside a jeepney, Hetty beside a vinta, Twirlie with a sorbetero, Mr. Yum with a kalesa, and Popo with a carabao.

The JolliDance Showdown App is free for download in iTunes and Google Play Store. Get the app and watch the Jolly Joy Box go live. The Jolly Joy Box comes free with every purchase of the Jolly Kiddie Meal.