MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Propel Manila – the global digital independent agency of the year – is going even bigger with its creative department. Hiring brand-building creative lead Jao Bautista, developer of some of the Philippines’ most iconic ideas. And multi-award-winner Michelle Edu, craft powerhouse with local, regional, and global campaign experience.
Jao brings 20 years’ worth of creativity, effectiveness, and leadership. With a career path that spans award-winning and heart-winning ideas for brands like Chippy and Neozep at Harrison Communications; locally and globally relevant campaigns like Modess’ “Make Your Move,” BayanTel’s “Lola Techie,’ and the Department of Tourism’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” at BBDO Guerrero; and work-elevating creations for Filipino classics like EQ Diapers, Fita, Magnolia, and Purefoods at Publicis JimenezBasic. He’s also a grad school instructor at De La Salle University; a volleyball clinic trainer, coach, and organizer; and an avid reader with an online book-review series.
Michelle strengthens Propel Manila’s Creative Council, coming from nearly nine years of craft and innovation work at BBDO Guerrero. Only 29 years old, she’s already worked on and led campaigns for huge regional and global brands like Mountain Dew, Snickers, Pedigree, and Spam. She’s also had hugely successful local work, like the design-based conductive-ink installation “Touch Me Not” for Chalcot Audio, and the award-winning “Font Books” work that led her to represent the Philippines at the adobo-LIA Young Creative Competition in 2019.
Collectively, Jao and Michelle’s works have led to wins and recognitions from international and local creativity and effectiveness shows, like Cannes Lions, Clio, One Show, London International Awards, New York Festivals, Webbys, Global WARC, Adfest, AdStars, Spikes Asia, The Work, Kidlat, adobo Design Awards, and Boomerangs.
“I’m excited to bring my ideas and craft to an agency that puts innovation and purpose at the heart of what they do,” Michelle enthused. “And I’m looking forward to collaborating with new (and old) friends alike.”
As for Jao, “Propel’s momentum is nothing short of inspiring. Growing its talents, body of work, industry involvement, creative accolades, business, and clients’ businesses — all at the same time. I am thrilled to contribute to this fun, exciting, and meaningful ride.”
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see brilliant creative talents like Jao and Michelle join our creative department. A dream come true for us,” shared Raymund Sison, Creative Chief of Propel Manila. “I am excited to see how their creative leadership will impact our culture, our people, and the work we do for our clients and community.”
