DMAP Holds Digital Young Creators Program Boot Camp
The boot camp aims to prepare participants for the Digital Young Creators Program.
The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) successfully held the Digital Young Creators program (DYC) boot camp at the Ayala Museum in Makati in September.
Over 300 young creatives, innovators, and industry leaders gathered for the learning boot camp, which precedes the much-anticipated competition.
“Sari-Sari DYC 2025 celebrates all kinds of young digital talents,” said DYC Co-Chairs Raymund Sison of Lennon Group and Cams Sta. Ana of Meta Philippines during the program’s opening.
“It celebrates creation in all its forms–a melting pot of diverse ideas, innovations, culture, and all kinds of digital makers. A launchpad for digital young talents!”
Sari-Sari DYC 2025 Boot Camp Keynote Speakers
The boot camp featured workshops, panel discussions, mentor sessions, and interactive activities to prepare the participants for the program.
Keynote speakers who shared their insights and experience in the digital space include the following:
- Abi Marquez – content creator and Lumpia Queen
- Antoinette Jadaone – Director and Co-Founder of Project 8 Projects
- Carl Chavez – Director and Founder of Lunchbox
- Jann Pascua – Creative Director of Vogue Philippines
- Merlee Jayme – Chairmom and Founder of Jayme Headquarters and The Misfits Camp
- Raco Ruiz – content creator and visual artist
- Raxenne Maniquiz – one of the Philippines’ top graphic designers and illustrators
“We’re looking forward to the ideas that are super crazy,” said Jadaone and Chavez. “The ones that they didn’t edit because they believe in their craziness. I want to see how crazy they’ll bring their craziness.”
Ruiz talked about the multipurpose power of digital creativity, emphasizing that participants should “embrace the cringe.”
“Just make the first step and don’t stop. If you make the first step, that’s a huge accomplishment,” Ruiz explained. “But if you stop, the momentum will go back to square one. Make the first step even if your art sucks.”
Jayme, on the other hand, wants participants to understand the importance of ideas.
“Thinking ideas is one skill that I find rare now with the young ones,” she said. “So I hope that with this year’s DYC, creatives will think of their ideas while they master digital.”
Fireside Chat
The boot camp was also the venue for a fireside chat on The Power of Unstereotyping. Speakers of the firechat include Kim Patria, Campaigns and Communities of Practice Director of Investing in Women, and Mullenlowe TREYNA’s Adrian De Guzman, Creator of Right To Care, Purple Boomerang 2024 winner.
The participants were also coached by Nikki Sunga, Jao Bautista, Rey Tiempo, and Marcel Lacap.
Boot camp participants were vocal about their experience and shared their insights.
“In our industry, it really is important to stay on top of things,” said Ogy Yap and Justine Racho, Creative Directors of Oddefy Agency.
“Institutions like the DMAP and events like the DYC give us a good opportunity to stay connected and updated on how we can utilize technology,” they added.
What’s Next for DYC Boot Camp Participants
Following the boot camp, the participants will move on to the DYC, where two exciting competitions await. They will have the opportunity to gain mentorship, collaborate with industry leaders, and represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Specifically, the winners of DYC will represent the Philippines at Adfest Young Lotus 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand, and SXSW 2026 in Texas, USA. After the competition, winners will also receive exclusive training from the country’s top creative and digital experts.
“The boot camp is a taste of what creatives can expect at the DYC,” said Dale Lopez, Co-Founder of Tony &, a tech-first creative lab, and DYC’s Director for Creative. “The wisdom shared here, from amplifying your purpose through digital to embracing the cringe, are the things that will set young creatives apart at Adfest Young Lotus and SXSW 2026.”
For more information on DMAP DYC, check out DMAP’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also check out Sari-Sari DYC’s official website.
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