At a loss for words while using KakaoTalk? Let Guyito do the ‘talking’
KakaoTalk users can now send stickers of the lovable, yet politically informed carabao, to each other on the popular mobile chat application.
For Inquirer Megamobile director of operations, Brigette Tan Villarin, the Guyito stickers are perfect for those who enjoy discussing current events and political issues.
“Because of his outspoken manner and cuteness, Guyito can get away with commentary on political topics,” she said.
Villarin pointed out that the Guyito stickers are also useful for people who find it uncomfortable discussing politics with friends and family.
The free Guyito stickers also marks a first for Filipino companies. The Inquirer is the first-ever local company outside of Kakao to offer an entire sticker set for free.
Guyito first made his print debut on the Philippine Daily Inquirer back in 1985 as the sassy, talking kalabaw with fearless views in Jess Abrera’s iconic comic strip, A. Lipin.
In the 30 years of Guyito’s existence, there have been dramatic changes on how people communicate with each other.
“A lot of conversations today are not so much text-based, but on chat,” Villarin said of the shift from SMS to chat apps. “A lot of people would use stickers because there are some things that you can’t really express using text.”
KakaoTalk’s preference for localized content fits perfectly with the Filipino perception of Guyito, she added.
“We’ve selected mostly casual expressions (for the stickers),” Villarin explained. “KakaoTalk users are mostly young people, and are very casual and informal (in their speech).”
The stickers are available for download from August 10 to September 10. Dan Paurom
