Unleashing Creative Potential: SLU Students Take on the Advertising World
In a bold step towards embracing their creative futures, four Communication students from Saint Louis University, Philippines, embarked on an exciting journey at Adobo Magazine's "Portfolio Night '25". This event, hosted by one of the country's leading publications, brought together a vibrant community of advertising professionals and aspiring creatives.
The Global Reach of Portfolio Night
Portfolio Night, an annual extravaganza organized by The One Club for Creativity, is not just a local affair. It's a global phenomenon, taking place in cities like Auckland, Singapore, Milan, Paris, and Buenos Aires. This year, Manila played host to an inspiring gathering of students, graduates, and young professionals, all eager to showcase their talents and connect with industry experts.
A Night of Networking and Inspiration
On November 18, 2025, the Ayala Museum in Makati City buzzed with energy as 54 students from 14 universities, including Saint Louis University, came together. The event offered a unique platform for participants to present their portfolios and receive valuable feedback from 19 esteemed portfolio reviewers. It was a night of intense one-on-one sessions, where ideas were exchanged, and connections were forged.
The Mission: Inform, Inspire, and Connect
Angel Guerrero, President and Editor-in-Chief of Adobo Magazine, emphasized the event's objective as a local ambassador of the global initiative. The goal was clear: to "inform, inspire, and connect" the next generation of creative talents. Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity, also shared a virtual message, highlighting the importance of balancing powerful creative concepts with the integration of AI and data-driven insights.
SLU's Creative Quartet
Among the attendees were Communication seniors Marielle Kassandra Louise Baes, Korinne Larisse Beyer, Cherry Ann Castro, and Jovan Quincy Pascua. These talented individuals showcased their best academic works, ranging from copywriting and graphic illustrations to photography and marketing campaigns. In return, they gained exclusive insights, constructive feedback, and the opportunity to network with local industry giants.
Portfolio Reviews and Recognition
Each participant was assigned three creative reviewers who meticulously evaluated their portfolios and provided valuable feedback. The reviewers offered advice not only on individual portfolios but also on the broader creative industry landscape. Participants were judged on a stringent criteria, including consistency, originality, strong ideas, and impeccable execution. The top three portfolios received recognition with plaques, and the most outstanding portfolio holder earned the chance to represent the country in the Portfolio Night All-Stars global program, with a potential trip to New York on the line.
The Impact of Creative Domains
In a world where various career fields are thriving, creative domains often risk being overlooked. However, events like Portfolio Night serve as a powerful reminder of the immense contributions of creative professionals. Angel Guerrero emphasized the role of human creativity as a powerful force, shaping culture, driving innovation, and propelling society forward. Choosing a career in advertising or the creative industry is about turning ideas into movements that make a lasting impact.
SLU's Commitment to Creative Excellence
SLU's participation in this event aligns with its missionary goal of nurturing creative and competent individuals who can compete on a global scale. In line with the CICM advocacy for peace and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Partnerships for Goals, as well as the CEAP JEEPGY goal of engaged citizens and youth empowerment, these delegates were empowered to embark on their creative journeys. They left the event equipped with knowledge and connections, ready to make their mark in the advertising industry.
Encouraging Future Participation
The success of SLU's delegation at Portfolio Night '25 inspires the university to encourage more students to participate in future portfolio nights. By doing so, SLU aims to empower provincial talents, often underrepresented in such events, and provide a platform for artists and young creatives to establish their presence early on in the advertising industry.
And this is the part most people miss...
The impact of events like Portfolio Night extends beyond the recognition and networking opportunities. It's about fostering a community of creative minds, inspiring collaboration, and igniting a passion for excellence. So, as we celebrate the achievements of these SLU students, let's also reflect on the power of creativity and its role in shaping our world.
Thoughts? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
(Article by Korinne Larisse Beyer, Jovan Quincy Pascua, and Marielle Kassandra Louise Baes | Photos by Cherry Ann Castro and Adobo Magazine)
