On 18 November 2025, four Communication students joined “The One Club for Creativity’s Portfolio Night Manila ‘25” hosted by Adobo Magazine, one of the leading and multi-awarded Philippine publications. Held at the Ayala Museum, Makati City, big advertising professionals and other young creatives converged in this passion-filled event that ushered participants the opportunity to connect and showcase their prized portfolios to learn and be honed into industry-ready professionals.
Portfolio Night, an annual global event by The One Club for Creativity, takes place in cities like Auckland, Singapore, Milan, Paris, and Buenos Aires. It brings together students, graduates, and young professionals, whether representing their university or company, for one night of portfolio reviews and networking. This year, 54 students from 14 universities, including Saint Louis University, participated in the event, where each review took place through one-on-one sessions between participants and the 19 portfolio reviewers who were present.
Furthermore, Angel Guerrero, President and Editor-in-Chief of Adobo Magazine, reiterated their objective as the local ambassador of the global event which was “to inform, inspire, and connect” as a means of uplifting the next generation of talents. Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity, also delivered a virtual message at the onset of the program. In his remarks, he picked up on the cruciality of striking a balance for creative industries to interweave powerful, creative concepts with the layers of AI and heavy data as a backing.
Communication Seniors, Marielle Kassandra Louise Baes, Korinne Larisse Beyer, Cherry Ann Castro, and Jovan Quincy Pascua, were among the attendees who sported some of their best works in the academe. Flaunting pieces from copywriting, graphic illustrations, and photography snapshots to marketing campaigns and video editing, the students compiled their notable pieces and standout productions. In exchange, they were able to acquire exclusive insights, points for improvement, and cultivate connections with local giants in the industry.
Each participant was assigned three creative reviewers, who evaluated and discussed their portfolios and the projects they’ve curated. The reviewers gave advice about their portfolios or about the creative industry as a whole. The participants were also judged and scored on a tight criteria of consistency, originality, strong ideas, and impeccable execution, wherein the three portfolios garnering the highest scores receive a plaque for recognition. In addition, the person selected with the most outstanding portfolio shall represent the country in the Portfolio Night All-Stars global program and stand a chance to secure a ticket to New York to attend earmarked events.
As creative domains are at risk of lying flat among thriving career fields, major undertakings like these are a testament to their contributions in espousing culture, driving communities, and boosting economies. To boot, Guerrero underlined human creativity as a powerful currency – shaping culture, driving innovation, and pushing society forward. Pursuing a career in the advertising or creative industry signifies the impact of turning ideas into movements.
SLU’s participation in this event further propels its missionary goal in producing creative and competent individuals who are geared to be globally competitive professionals. In line with the CICM advocacy of peace, United Nations Sustainable Goal 4 Quality Education, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and 17 Partnerships for goals, as well as the CEAP JEEPGY goal engaged citizens and youth empowerment, these delegates were empowered to embark on their creative journey as young professionals, equipped with the knowledge and connections ready in their arsenal.
More SLU students are encouraged to participate in future portfolio nights to hone their creative and excellence as provincial talents who are often underrepresented in these types of events, bolstering more artists and young creatives to find their footing early in the advertising industry. (Article by Korinne Larisse Beyer, Jovan Quincy Pascua, and Marielle Kassandra Louise Baes | Photos by Cherry Ann Castro and Adobo Magazine)
