MANILA – As a celebration of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines’ 10th anniversary, the IMMAP didn’t only decide to launch the first DigiCon. They also arranged a special talk targeted towards their younger audience. In contrast with the millennial stereotype of lazy yet self-entitled, self-centered kids, a keynote speech and talks from 10 notable speakers gave insights about merging passion and profession.
Hence the title of the event: IMMAP Youth Congress 2016: Passion x Profession. The Congress was opened by senator/social entrepreneur Bam Aquino, who narrated how he manages to balance his strict profession and the necessities of his creative, entrepreneurial passion.
The following speakers, as the morning turned into afternoon, spoke about being viewed as stigmas to their profession but were able to juggle back and forth through several careers also known as slashing.
The 10 notable speakers were:
- Designer/Global Developer/Coffee Connoisseur Brian Tenorio
- Teacher/Triathlete/Blogger Jake de Guzman
- Musician/Music Producer Raimund Marasigan
- Actor and Film Director Quark Henares
- Communications Director of Nestle Philippines/Theater and Arts Enthusiast Paolo Mercado
- Start-up Entrepreneur/International Marathoner Mench Dizon
- Blogger/Musician/Entrepreneur Saab Magalona
- Creative Director/Crafter/Type-nerd Maan Agsalud
- Publisher/Crossfit Athlete Jolly Estaris
- Brand Builder/Start-up Marketer Pepe Torres
With the many inspiring speakers that had shared their experiences and advice, it was inevitable to absorb wisdom, but here were some that left even more of a mark. “Figure out what you want to do in life but don’t limit yourself in doing just one thing,” Saab Magalona said as she concluded her talk. Indeed, one could dream of numerous paths. One must not be afraid of learning, and through this could one create their brand.
It is never too late to chase your passion, as every one of them said, that wherever you are in life, no matter what the things you are currently engaged in, as long as you have the passion, you can never be limited by your age.
Director Quark Henares added, “The path to your passion is not always a straight one.” No matter how confusing the path is, no matter how close you are in giving up… don’t. A straight road does not exist. However crooked it may be, as long as you get there, the curves and detours won’t matter in the end.
Aside from YouthCon, IMMAP also hosted a young creative competition that was awarded later that night at the Boomerang Awards naming the two young creatives, Wacky Torres and James Mendoza from Ogilvy & Mather Philippines, as representatives of the country to the 2017 Cannes Young Cyber Lions.
Read more about Wacky and James’ victory here.
