ADSPEAK’25: ADGORITHM, Power of Digital Influence

The AdSpeak Students’ Convention concluded another groundbreaking year with the successful staging of AdSpeak’25, centered around the timely and relevant theme: “ADgorithm: Power of Digital Influence.” Organized by the Advertising students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila, the nationwide event once again proved to be a convergence of creativity, integrity, and meaningful innovation.

This year’s convention delved deep into how algorithms, digital platforms, and influencer culture are reshaping communication, branding, and storytelling in the advertising industry. True to its mission of integrating values into creative practice, AdSpeak advocated the 7 ARAW Values—reminding future advertisers that ethical responsibility is just as vital as engagement metrics.

Students from different colleges and universities participated in the competition and attended Adspeak at Letran SC Auditorium with energy and curiosity. Students from various schools participated, including Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa Manila, St. Edward School, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Bulacan State University, Colegio De San Gabriel Arcangel, City College of San Jose del Monte, and of course, Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila.

With an engaging lineup of expert speakers, the convention tackled topics on crisis management, digital influence, and art direction—providing students with practical knowledge and inspiration to navigate the fast-evolving advertising landscape.

Ms. Jessica Pag-iwayan, Supervisor of the Online Data Research Department at Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, reminded students of their agency as consumers: “As a consumer you have that power to call out. In this generation, we can use that as a power to be heard.”

Mr. Jann Pascua, Creative Director at Vogue Philippines, encouraged purposeful design thinking: “When you're designing, it needs to solve a problem and serve its purpose.”

Mr. Dan Valdeavilla, Digital Marketing Director at AdGarlic Inc., emphasized the synergy between technology and creativity: “AI was made for humans to utilize. Use it to enhance your craft and creativity.”

One of the most anticipated parts of the event was the awarding of the most impactful and value-driven student campaigns. Here are the winners of this year’s AdSpeak categories:

PRINT AD CATEGORY
Title: Pinocchio Paradox
By Vian Rich Dela Cruz, Yanah Maxine Velasquez, Elduard Jovi Macaraig, Shinna Marie
Gonzales, Eon Marco Escoto
(Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila)

TV AD CATEGORY
Title: Okay Na ’To
By Aizen Dolim, Aldreich Pascual, Ramier Vincent Pediangco
(Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila)

RADIO AD CATEGORY
Title: Danas
By John Stephen Catipol
(Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila)

DIGITAL AD CATEGORY
Title: STAIN
By Johnfil Crisjim Nunez, Edsel Gasmen, Ilyssa Panoy, Tanshin Trinanes
(City College of San Jose del Monte)

Each of these entries exemplified not only creativity and technical skill, but also a strong grounding in the ARAW Values—highlighting truth, integrity, and social responsibility in today’s advertising.

“The idea behind this year’s theme was to make AdSpeak more relevant and thought-provoking, especially in today’s digital era. The goal of AdSpeak: ADgorithm is to help students understand the power and responsibility that comes with digital influence. With topics such as crisis management, art direction, and digital influence, we aim to prepare them for the fast-evolving landscape of advertising and media.” stated by Hanna Mae Enteria, project head of AdSpeak’25.

The success of AdSpeak’25 reaffirmed its role as a launchpad for future creatives, marketers, and thought leaders. It was not just an event. It was a movement that sparked dialogue, empowered young voices, and challenged participants to embrace both power and responsibility in the digital age.