Between the frenzy of shortlists, juries, seminars, and sun-drenched networking at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, there are moments that remind everyone why this industry matters beyond the trophies.
For the Philippine delegation this year, one of those moments happened over dinner.
Hosted by the 4As Philippines represented by David Guerrero of BBDO Guerrero, the gathering brought together Filipinos across every corner of the Cannes experience at Aux Bons Enfants—a charming, family-run Michelin Bib Gourmand spot tucked less than ten minutes from the Palais.
It was the kind of place that felt right for the occasion: intimate, unfussy, that offer plates of French classics made their way around the table.
It was a snapshot of the Philippine creative ecosystem—its present and future—gathered in one room.
Around the table were some of the country’s brightest representatives at Cannes: Marion Manabat of Ogilvy Manila for the the Lions Academy, and Lance Andrade from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde here for the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy.
There were the Young Lions Competition creatives from Propel Manila, Copywriter Sofia Jayme and Senior Art Director Arvin Chingcuangco, carrying with them the energy and hunger of a new generation.
Across from them sat the country’s Young Marketers Competition: Maria Margarita Yguico and Yves Jan Arl Nacpil, representing brand leadership at its sharpest from McDonald’s Philippines.
Here for the Brand Academy, Jean Thor Renzo Mutuc, Brand Manger at BEVI, while agency heavyweights from TBWA\SMP and GIGIL—Vinnie Pacleb, Ryan Caidic, Ronchris Cosme, and Raphe Ramirez—shared stories from the frontlines.
There was Patrick Miciano of OLIVER APAC, and Dean Aragon of Shell Global, joined by his wife Jane and daughter Nina.
Representing adobo Magazine were Angel Guerrero and Kimi Lim, alongside special guests from Thailand—Park Wannasiri of VML Bangkok and Kanokkan Pare Rinnachit of Yell Bangkok, a reminder that creativity in Asia is increasingly connected, collaborative, and impossible to ignore.
Hearing familiar accents. Swapping notes on wins, losses, and lessons. Watching young creatives sit beside seasoned leaders made the evening special. It wasn’t who was there. It was what it represented.
For one evening in the South of France, the Philippine creative community felt less like a delegation and more like family.
