The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) is gearing up for another groundbreaking celebration of Filipino creativity as it launches SARI-SARI Digital Young Creators (DYC) 2025. Set for September 19 at the Ayala Museum, the event promises to be the country’s ultimate bootcamp and competition for young innovators in advertising, marketing, media, PR, design, and digital production.
This year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and bursting with opportunities. With the theme SARI-SARI, DMAP is setting the stage for a diverse showcase of Filipino ingenuity—one bootcamp, two competitions, and countless chances to shine globally.
One Bootcamp, Two Competitions, Global Destinations
For 2025, the Digital Young Creators event takes on a fresh twist: not one, but two international pathways for Filipino talents.
DYC x Young Lotus
The Young Lotus category is open to creatives aged 30 and below. Winners will secure the prestigious honor of representing the Philippines at the Young Lotus Workshop 2026 in Adfest, Pattaya, Thailand. This opportunity puts them alongside Asia-Pacific’s brightest young innovators.
DYC x Young Innova
Meanwhile, the Young Innova competition is tailored for seasoned creatives aged 31 to 40. The prize? A chance to represent DMAP and the Philippines at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas—a global hub of culture, tech, and innovation.
By opening two stages for different age groups, DMAP ensures that more Filipino talents can make their mark beyond local borders.
Sari-Sari: A Celebration of Filipino Diversity
“Sari-Sari” isn’t just a theme—it’s a statement. For Co-Chair Raymund Sison, the name embodies the richness of Philippine creativity.
Just like the iconic sari-sari store, the competition is envisioned as a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and cultural influences. The event will bring together creators from every discipline—designers, strategists, coders, content creators, filmmakers, and marketers—into one vibrant space where collaboration and originality thrive.
“This year, we’re making it even bigger and better,” added Co-Chair Cams Sta. Ana. “More competitions mean more platforms for Filipino creatives to prove themselves internationally.”
Who Can Join?
The competitions welcome a wide spectrum of professionals and freelancers. Open slots extend to:
- Copywriters and Designers
- Art Directors and Technologists
- Community Managers and Programmers
- UX Specialists and Digital Producers
- Content Creators and PR Professionals
- Account Managers and Strategists
- Data Analysts and Creative Entrepreneurs
Whether working full-time in agencies, freelancing in digital spaces, or hustling in production houses, participants only need one thing—an unstoppable drive to create.
Star-Studded Mentorship and Training
One of the highlights of DYC 2025 is its promise of mentorship. Winners won’t just fly off to global competitions; they will undergo exclusive training sessions with the country’s top creative leaders.
This year’s lineup of mentors and speakers is stacked with industry heavyweights:
- Raxenne Maniquiz – renowned graphic designer and illustrator
- Jann Pascua – art director, Vogue Philippines
- Abi Marquez – the viral “Lumpia Queen” content creator
- Raco Ruiz – visual artist and multimedia creator
- Antoinette Jadaone – acclaimed film director and co-founder of Project 8 Projects
- Carl Chavez – founder of production company Lunchbox
- Merlee Jayme – chairmom and founder of Jayme HQ and The Misfits Camp
Each of these mentors brings a unique perspective, blending design, media, film, and digital innovation. Together, they represent the diversity of Philippine creativity.
Why It Matters: Elevating Filipino Talent Globally
DMAP has long championed the growth of digital marketing and innovation in the Philippines. Through the DYC, it has created a playground where emerging talents sharpen their skills, test their ideas, and connect with leaders who can open doors to global recognition.
“SARI-SARI DYC 2025 is a celebration of Filipino creativity,” said Dale Lopez, DMAP DYC’s director for creative. “Like a sari-sari store, it will be filled with diverse innovations and ideas. More than the competitions, we aim to be a launchpad for global exposure, where Filipino creatives can finally showcase their brilliance on the international stage.”
By linking Filipino winners to Adfest and SXSW—two of the most influential creative festivals in the world—DMAP is actively putting local talent on the radar of global brands and agencies.
How to Join SARI-SARI DYC 2025
Registration for the event is officially open. Filipino creatives ready to take on the challenge can apply through the official website.
- Regular registration deadline: September 12, 2025
- Extended deadline (with late fee): September 15, 2025
Interested teams can register at sarisaridyc.com or email awards@dmap.com.ph for more details.
DMAP also encourages the community to stay updated by following their Instagram account at instagram.com/dmap_ph and checking out their event launch reel here.
The Future Is Filipino and Digital
From mentorship bootcamps to international competitions, SARI-SARI DYC 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a movement to redefine how the world sees Filipino creativity.
For young professionals, it’s a golden chance to showcase skills, network with mentors, and earn a spot on the global stage. For the Philippine creative industry, it’s proof that the local talent pool is rich, competitive, and ready to take on the world.
As September 19 draws near, one thing is clear: the future of digital creativity is Filipino, bold, and unstoppable.
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