I have been in a very long loving relationship with Pepsi.

On a casual night in Baghdad while we were visiting my aunt's, my cousin and I were sent on a mission to buy Pepsi bottles for everyone. At that time, economic sanctions were imposed on Iraq so there was no real Pepsi but Saddam Hussein had found a way to make Pepsi from date sugar instead. It was a bit weird when I think about it now but it still tasted fizzy and yummy anyway and they were in these super long old school glass bottles.

My cousin and I picked up the Pepsi bottles, perhaps around 20 or so in a large bag, him holding one end and me holding the other. We stopped along the road shortly before reaching the house to compare the bottles and chose the ones that were the most full for ourselves hehe. Greedy devils!

Pepsi or so popularly referred to as "bebsi" in the Arab world is an important staple especially after meals.

Perhaps that was my earliest memory of Pepsi.

Vivid memory.

My love of Pepsi continued all the way to Libya and to Nottingham then to Canada and beyond!

I loved indulging in a Pepsi especially after eating a hearty Iraqi meal usually on the weekends when we would have a big family lunch. We even have a special saying in Iraq that we usually use to describe Pepsi. We say "It greets the heart". And it really does. It's so cold and refreshing and goes down your throat and makes everything so much better.

I made this video as part of my Boss Rant series questioning why the world hates on the lovely Pepsi. I really don't understand it. Pepsi is wonderful.

Pepsi is evident in many areas of my life. Some choose beer, I choose Pepsi.

During high school in Calgary, I would buy a Pepsi almost everyday after lunch break and take it to class with me and savour every sip. I know drinking Pepsi everyday is not healthy but I was so young, I didn't even consider health as something so important at that time. Until many years later, I started developing cavities in my teeth from the sugar and I had to cut down my Pepsi intake. Since I am quite a disciplined person, sometimes I cut Pepsi off for long stretches of time or others I would drink it only once a week. But me and Pepsi could never part.

Enjoying a Pepsi while walking around Montreal during corona.

Pepsi has also made some really good advertisements. Cooler than those of Coca Cola I would say. Let's recap some of the best Pepsi advertisements that I find the most memorable.

The Gladiator Ad (2004)
  • The Concept: Set in a Roman Colosseum, gladiators Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink refuse to fight for Emperor Enrique Iglesias. Instead, they drop their weapons, stomp their feet to Queen’s "We Will Rock You," and take back the Pepsi.
  • Why it’s iconic: A massive global cinematic production featuring three of the world’s biggest female music icons sharing the screen.

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    And this isn't the first time that Britney Spears appears in a Pepsi ad. She had one more prior to the above.

    Joy of Pepsi" / "Through the Ages" (2002)
  • The Concept: At the height of her pop superstardom, Britney Spears starred in a series of lavish production commercials. The 2002 Super Bowl spot saw her dancing through different decades of American history—from 1950s diner culture to 1980s leather jackets and modern pop.
  • Why it’s iconic: It encapsulated early 2000s pop culture perfectly and remains one of the most celebrated musical ad campaigns in history.

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    And my personal favourite ad which I find so cheeky:

    Pepsi made this ad in response to Coca Cola claiming that they largely surpassed them in sales. I find it hilarious. Please watch the comic genius.

    Pepsi is also a badass company because they made history in 2006 by making Indra Nooyi the CEO. She became the first woman of colour and first immigrant to head a Fortune 50 company. Now, that's seriously badass!

    I made this video whilst living in Dubai in the hopes that Pepsi sees it and makes me their brand ambassador but unfortunately, that did not happen. Not losing hope though. Perhaps one day!

    Pepsi is a simple drink but somehow it has captivated my heart. It's yummy and has a kick to it. I definitely prefer it to alcohol. Alcohol is bad for you and makes you fat. Everything in moderation is good. I don't drink Pepsi everyday, maybe just a couple of times a week or sometimes when I feel a little sad and need a pick me up. Picking up a Pepsi at the supermarket on my way home makes me very happy. I especially like to pick the coldest Pepsi on the shelf.

    So ladies and gentlemen, as you can so clearly see, Pepsi has been a major part of my life. From the early childhood days to full blown adulthood. It has been a companion to me that has comforted me during difficult moments, brought me joy during happy moments and quenched my thirst during the hot summer days. Pepsi is king, Pepsi is legend, PEPSI IS LIFE!

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    The End.

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    My Greatest Love
    Written by 
    Sura
    A polymath whose meandering thoughts span the globe from east to west.