The Agora Youth Awards is a prestigious annual competition and recognition program organized by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) to honor outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional marketing practices and contributed to the growth and development of the marketing profession in the Philippines.
In its 31st year, the Agora Youth Awards competition commenced with a series of events that showcased the marketing brilliance of young minds. Held on July 26, 2023, at National University, MOA Complex, Pasay, the competition kicked off with the Marketing Presentation, where participants showcased their exceptional case studies, ingenious solutions, and strategic marketing approaches. Following the Marketing Presentation, participants were immersed in the enriching Marketing Experience held on July 27, 2023, at Airspeed and Primer Group of Companies. This unique opportunity allowed the young marketing talents to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge marketing techniques and invaluable insights and expertise. Engaging in real-life simulations within the dynamic operations landscape, they continued to craft marketing masterpieces while learning directly from seasoned industry practitioners.
The selection process for the Agora Youth Awards involved a rigorous screening of nominees by a panel of distinguished judges composed of industry experts and thought leaders from various sectors. These esteemed professionals ensured that the nominees’ marketing strategies, results, and impact on their respective industries and communities were thoroughly evaluated.
The preliminary judges for the Junior Marketing Association (JMA) category included: Ms. Alpha Gracias C. Allangui, Chief Partnership Officer, United Neon Media Group, and Ms. Franz Concepcion, General Sales Manager, UBIX Corporation.
For the Individual Category, the preliminary judges were: Ms. Lulu Tamayo, Assistant Director, Commercial Sales, Traveller’s Intl Hotel Group, Ms. Joanna Nina V. Cordero, Marketing Director, Punto Central Luzon Print and Online News, Mr. Brian Jeffrey Dalin, Senior Product Manager, Getz Pharma, Mr. Carry Romeroso, Operations and Marketing Manager, Carino Grooming Company, Mr. Jojo Villamin, Founder, Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality, Inc (PARTH)
The finals judges for the Individual Category were: Ms. Therese Castrojas-Galang, Chief Marketing Officer, Airspeed, Ms. Chiqui Escareal-Go, President & CEO, Mansmith & Fielders, Mr. Roberto Dimayuga, former PMA Director for Youth & Academe, and Mr. Edgar Allan Caper, Managing Director, Caper Group.
For the Final Question and Answer – Individual Category: Mr. Marco Antonio Montes, Agency Head – Altos Region, Manulife (Chairman Board of Judges), Ms. Mary Faith Abaño, PMA Former President / General Manager, Celestial Media Services Inc., Mr. Archiemedes Nicasio, Cluster Director of Marketing Comms, Marriott Hotel Manila, Ms. Mikaela Manuel, Integrated Marketing Comms Officer, BPI, and Ms. Donna Mel Donato, Marketing & Business Devt Manager, Blogapalooza navigated the final interview.
For the Finals – Junior Marketing Association Category that panlist was joined by Mr. Jos B. Ortega, Chairman, Havas Ortega, Mr. Joseph Albette Buddahim, VP & Chief Marketing Officer, Primer Group of Companies, Mr. Raoul Villegas, President, UBix Corporation, and Ms. Lory Ann Dela Cruz, AVP Sales Administration, UBIX Corporation
After rigorous challenges, young marketing brilliance emerged victorious and winners were recognized at the Diplomatic Hall, Marriott Hotel last July 28, 2023. For the Outstanding Student Marketing Association of the Philippines 2023, DLSU Junior Entrepreneur Marketing Association was able to successfully secure 4th place. This was followed by PUP Manila – Junior Marketing Executives in 3rd place, San Beda Junior Marketing Association in the 2nd Place, and claiming the 1st place is none other than Central Luzon State Univ – Junior Marketing Association. In the photo from left to right, is PMA’s 69th President, Rz Angel De Guzman, Reymark Collado, Kenneth Vera, Mary Rose Morales, Sherlyn Pascual, Chair Leah Ayeng, and Director Christina Corpuz of the Youth and Academe.
Furthermore, the top 10 Outstanding Marketing Students of the Philippines were celebrated for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the marketing field
Include in the list from left to right — was Ericka C. Romano from Central Luzon State University, Sarah Noelle B. Camoda from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan,Xyrus Edward C. Quesada from National University – Manila, Jurmae R. Niverba from Bicol University, Arielle M. Alejandrino from University of Santo Tomas, Juan Miguel R. Robles and Joshua Q. Angeles both from Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila, Aaron Rowen T. Parcon from Silliman University, amd Gabriel Joaquin D. Morales from San Beda University.
For this edition of Agora Youth Awards, Gabriel Joaquin D. Morales was named the batch salutatorian (in the photo below). He shared that “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for being awarded the batch Salutatorian in the 31st Agora Youth Awards. I felt relieved as all the hard-work, effort, and sleepless nights I had with my support team paid off. I hope this indescribable feeling that I felt will ENGAGE and inspire more marketers to push themselves to achieve marketing excellence”.
Juan Miguel Robles was hailed as the batch valedictorian. After weeks of winning she expressed that
“Congratulations, Miggy!”
“So proud of you, Our Valedictorian!”
“You’re so relatable and an inspiration to us!” “A well-deserved recognition!”
“Are you even for real”
I received congratulatory statements after being recognized as the Most Outstanding Marketing Student of the Philippines — 31st AYA Valedictorian. Yet, I kept replying to them, saying, “Thank you, and I didn’t expect to win talaga.”
Coming into the awards night, I was anxious and uneasy — I was pressured due to the high expectations of the people who supported me. At the same, I didn’t want to disappoint my parents. I know I did my best, and I am hoping for the best outcome. I feel like my performance is worthy to at least maintain my rank; hence, I was blessed to be valedictorian.
There are nights that I would still cry and reach out to my friends, venting out my overwhelming emotions—simply because it still feels surreal! I still get giddy and immediately hug people who congratulate me. Being celebrated for my accomplishment is new for someone like me who never had experienced the fun of accomplishing something since we even couldn’t celebrate before. I’m beyond grateful and honoured to receive this award. As I’ve mentioned, this is for the people who supported me and the causes I believed in.
Numerous opportunities have been knocking on my door and even offering a managerial position to a big company. I may be receiving offers and opportunities, but I’d like to take it one step at a time and focus on my preparation—as I march to the halls of PICC for my graduation.”.
