Ogilvy is thrilled to announce that Senior Art Director Marion Manabat has been selected as a recipient of the highly coveted LIONS Scholarship 2026 for the Creative Academy. Marion stands out as one of only five creatives worldwide to receive the honor, and the sole representative from the Philippines, chosen from an impressive pool of over 400 applicants spanning 67 countries. This achievement highlights her exceptional talent and innovative approach but also reinforces Ogilvy’s commitment to nurturing creative excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of Marion’s achievement,” says Chino Jayme, Executive Creative Director of Ogilvy Manila. “Her selection for the Cannes Lions Creative Academy brings us honor and showcases the caliber of creative minds we foster within the Agency.”
“This scholarship means so much to me because it’s a chance to represent. As a Filipino woman who didn’t grow up with much, opportunities like this often feel out of reach, like something you only dream about. Every time a Filipino step onto the global stage, we send a message to younger creatives: it’s possible, we belong, and we deserve a seat at the table!! I’m really excited to meet industry leaders, learn from them, and bring those insights back home,” said Marion.
The LIONS Scholarship is a cornerstone global program by Cannes Lions, dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative and marketing talent. The learning program emphasizes diversity across location, gender, race, class, and perspective. The competitive selection process involved an initial screening followed by a rigorous final evaluation by a jury comprised of over 40 global creative leaders. Marion’s selection as one of ten under-30 individuals globally (five for Creative, five for Brand Marketers) underscores her position as a rising star whose work embodies the future of impactful communication and her potential to shape the industry’s landscape.
Apart from the five-day Creative Academy, Marion’s LIONS scholarship grants her full access to the Cannes Lions Festival. She’ll engage with world-class leaders in masterclasses and workshops designed to hone her creative leadership and strategic problem-solving skills, directly contributing to Ogilvy’s continued innovation.
