The sari-sari store has always been more than just a convenience stop in every Filipino neighborhood. It’s a place where different tastes, ideas, and stories collide in one colorful space.
This year, the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) is channeling that same energy into SARI-SARI DYC 2025 — the ultimate bootcamp and competition for young Filipino creatives.
Happening on September 19, 2025, at the Ayala Museum, the Digital Young Creators (DYC) Bootcamp and Competition promises to be bigger, bolder, and brimming with opportunities.
One bootcamp, two competitions
“This year, we’re making it even bigger and better. One bootcamp, two stages, two competitions,” said Cams Sta. Ana, Co-Chair of DMAP DYC 2025. “That means more chances for our young creators to shine on the world stage.”
The competitions are divided into two tracks, giving creatives across age groups a chance to step up:
- DYC x Young Lotus: For creatives 30 and below, with winners earning the right to represent the Philippines at the Young Lotus Workshop 2026 in Adfest, Pattaya, Thailand.
- DYC x Young Innova: For creatives 31 to 40, with winners heading to SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas — one of the world’s most influential stages for creativity, tech, and innovation.
Both tracks are open to a wide spectrum of talent: copywriters, designers, art directors, technologists, community managers, programmers, UX specialists, digital producers, content creators, account managers, strategists, and data analysts. Whether you’re freelancing, hustling in an agency, or driving innovation in-house for a brand, DYC 2025 is a launchpad.
The “Sari-Sari” theme
This year’s theme, “Sari-Sari,” is a tribute to diversity and abundance in Filipino creativity.
“It’s the ultimate showcase of young digital talents. It celebrates creation in all its forms — a melting pot of ideas, innovation, culture, and digital makers,” said Raymund Sison, Co-Chair of DMAP DYC 2025.
In true sari-sari spirit, participants can expect a mix of mentorship, collaboration, and competition. The bootcamp will bring together top Filipino creative minds who are reshaping marketing, advertising, digital media, entertainment, and design.
Star-studded lineup of mentors
This year’s bootcamp boasts a powerhouse lineup of speakers and mentors who have redefined what it means to be a Filipino creative in the global arena:
- Raxenne Maniquiz, acclaimed graphic designer and illustrator
- Jann Pascua, art director of Vogue Philippines
- Abi Marquez, content creator known as the “Lumpia Queen”
- Raco Ruiz, visual artist and creator
- Antoinette Jadaone, award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Project 8 Projects
- Carl Chavez, director and founder of Lunchbox
- Merlee Jayme, creative trailblazer, chairmom of Jayme HQ, and founder of The Misfits Camp
For young talents, these sessions are not just lectures—they’re career-shaping encounters.
Why it matters
In a time when digital-first campaigns and content drive brand success, competitions like DYC 2025 help cultivate the next generation of Filipino storytellers, innovators, and makers. More importantly, winners don’t just take home trophies — they carry the Philippine flag to global stages where ideas from Asia are gaining recognition like never before.
“SARI-SARI DYC 2025 is a celebration of Filipino creativity. Expect this year to be like a sari-sari store: filled to the brim with diverse ideas and innovations. More than the competitions, we’re looking forward to being the launchpad for creatives to experience global exposure and recognition,” said Dale Lopez, DMAP DYC’s Director for Creative.
For an industry that thrives on fresh ideas, this is not just a competition — it’s a pipeline for the Philippines’ creative future.
Registration now open
Registration for SARI-SARI DYC 2025 is officially open. The regular deadline is September 12, with late registrations accepted until September 15, 2025 (with corresponding late fees).
Interested teams can register at sarisaridyc.com or email [email protected].
For updates and inspiration, follow @dmap_ph on Instagram or check out the launch reel here.
Just like the sari-sari store, DYC 2025 is for everyone — a gathering where no creative idea is too small and no vision too bold. With mentorship from industry leaders and the chance to represent the Philippines internationally, this year’s competition is shaping up to be the most exciting yet
Because in the world of digital creativity, the future belongs to those brave enough to make their mark — sari-sari style.
