OPPO is The Second Best-Selling Smartphone Brand in the Philippines as of July 2016 - GFK

German research agency Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK) has just disclosed that Chinese handset company OPPO Mobile is now the second bestselling smartphone brand in the Philippines, which is currently the fastest growing mobile market in the entire ASEAN region.

From having a market share of only 3.2 percent in July 2015, OPPO was able to more than double its sales enough to get 8.5% in June 2016 and 8.6 percent of the pie as of July 2016. As a result, the brand quickly rose to the number two position in terms of total units sold in this priced territory.

The brand attributes this landmark achievement to its F1 Series Selfie Expert Android smartphones that complemented Filipinos' fondness for taking pictures of themselves and their loved ones. The company introduced the OPPO F1 handset in February this year, followed by the more expensive and powerful OPPO F1 Plus in April.

Playing with the best-selling OPPO F1s during its exclusive media launch held in Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club at Hamilo Coast last month.

Released just last August, the new OPPO F1s was completely sold out three days after its launch both in concept and dealer stores across the archipelago.

According to OPPO, given the way that Filipinos' received the F1s, the company is optimistic that they will eventually dominate the Philippine selfie market.

"Our increasing shares show how we are able to capture what Filipinos want in a mobile device. We not only meet consumer demands for quality smartphones, but we also offer them at more affordable prices. This is an important factor that paved the way for our growth over the past year," shared our good friend Mr. Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines' Brand Marketing Manager.

He added, "OPPO will continue pursuing its growth in the market by indulging the Filipino fascination for taking selfies."

If you ask me, though, (as a tech blogger who's witnessed OPPO's rise in the Philippines) I'd say that their success can be attributed to a number of things done right. Let me give you a rundown: I think OPPO got a great celebrity endorser in Sarah Geronimo; Even her followers - the "Popsters" - have already adopted the brand as their own. Also, the company's advertising campaigns on TV - particularly their partnership with Philippine Basketball Association - made them a household name. Likewise, they also stepped up their traditional and trade marketing campaigns and activities including mall shows and event sponsorships. And on top of all that, OPPO works very closely with bloggers from various niches - including Tech, Travel, Fashion, Showbiz, and Lifestyle - to help them express to consumers what exactly makes their smartphones a stand out from all others.

Great job, Team OPPO! Thumbs up!