MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Franc Mangahas and Eri Carunungan of Lennon Group received the highest award at this year’s DYC Young Innova Competition and will represent DMAP at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas. While Sofia Jayme and Arvin Chingcuangco of Propel Manila bagged the highest award at DYC Young Lotus Competition and will represent the Philippines at Young Lotus Workshop at Adfest 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand.
SXSW-bound Franc said, “We approached the brief asking how we can use creativity for good and I’m grateful that our little idea resonated.” Eri added, “It was definitely a challenge knowing the expectations were high for the Young Innova entries, so I feel very honored and excited about our win. I’m really looking forward to experiencing SXSW with Franc next year!”
ADFEST-bound Sofia expressed, “All we aimed for was to get others to care about an idea we cared about. In that simple goal, we let our belief in the idea drive us until the very end.” Arvin added, “Beyond wanting to win, we really wanted to inspire people like us to volunteer, and to give their time and effort to make their communities better.
Here are the other winners for DYC Young Innova:
Silver: Trixie Boñales and Jox Gonzales of Dentsu Creative
Philippines Brand Stars: Vinnie Pacleb and James Mendoza of TBWA SMP
Here are the other winners for DYC Young Lotus:
Silver: Christian Ryan Malli and Mico Benitez of Nuworks
Bronze: Jeremiah Stephen Capacillo and Kezia Marie Brana of Nuworks
Brand Stars: Marco Robillos and Michaela Macalinao of Propel Manila
“The works we’ve seen from this batch of young creators are proof that the next generation of creatives are more than alright. They’re passionate, they’re brilliant, they’re innovative,” DYC Co-Chair Raymund Sison said. “And they’re ready for the world!”
This year’s theme for DMAP DYC is SARI-SARI. A celebration of creativity, innovation, culture, and all kinds of digital creation. “This year saw the biggest DYC that gathered over 300 young creators, innovators, and digital leaders in a bootcamp with learning sessions and mentoring breakouts aimed to nurture the next generation of digital talents,” Cams Sta Ana, Co- Chair of DYC 2025 said. “But more than getting bigger, DYC has also gone wider and deeper,” Raymund added. “Turning the competition into more than just besting each other out and transforming the usual briefing into a full-day of learning bootcamp.”
This year DYC also opened the doors wider than ever, giving chances to both the young ones and the young once, making all kinds of digital creators feel included, welcoming participants not just from the usual creative agencies and digital agencies, but also from content houses,tech start-ups, production houses, PR agencies, event companies, including brands.
“Congratulations to all the winners, the best of the best in this year’s DYC,” said Cams. “I am excited about all the things they’ll create.”
