Cebu, known for its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and artistic spirit, embarked on an incredible journey through creative entertainment. The two-day Sugbo Entertainment Expo: Create Trip Summit, scheduled from October 20-21, 2023, at Il Corso Lifemalls, was poised to be a defining moment for the creative industry in this region. Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), this event was an integral part of the Cebu Business Months 2023, aimed to inspire, educate, and uplift the local creative talent.
The Sugbo Entertainment Expo: Create Trip Summit was a testament to Cebu’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative industry. Industry leaders, experts, and budding talents collectively envisioned to turn Cebu into a hub for creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
Charles Kenneth Co, the CCCI representative who opened the event, marked the summit’s inauguration with enthusiastic and visionary words. “Together, we have the power to shape Cebu’s creative industry, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Let’s set our sights high and inspire one another. And make SEE Cebu and Creative Summit 2023 a launching pad for a brighter, more creative future in the heart of the Philippines,” he emphasized in his speech.
Lawrence Panganiban, the CBM 2023 Creative Entertainment Chairman and the creator of the 13-episode action-adventure anime “Solemn Vow” in the Philippines, discussed the event’s rationale. He expressed his aspiration to significantly grow the entertainment industry in Cebu, aiming for students to eventually turn their creative passions into full-time careers, a collective goal to achieve someday.
Keynote Insights: A Roadmap for Success
Rene De Guzman, Vice President for Resource Development of Toon City and Toon City Academy, delivered a keynote address that offered invaluable insights into the creative industry. His experience and expertise gave attendees a clear understanding of the industry’s potential and the path to success.
Mario Panganiban, a CCCI Trustee and Champion for the Creative Entertainment Sector elaborated on the ambitious goal of achieving a P30 billion per year income for Cebu by 2023 in the Creative Entertainment Industry. This financial target reflected the tremendous potential of the creative sector in Cebu.
Panel Discussion: Fostering Cebu as a Flourishing Creative Hub in the Philippines
The panel discussion during the summit brought together diverse perspectives from experts to foster the creative and entertainment economy. Daniel Enriquez, Executive Director of the Animation Council of the Philippines, highlighted the importance of being selfless in the creative industry. He emphasized the value of staying open to new trends and ideas while shifting from selfish to selfless actions. His message to Cebuano creatives was to devote their time to doing something creative that people would pay them to do, and with that kind of mindset, they should build on it.
Bilal Muhammad Khan, a Social Sector Economist from the Asian Development Bank, underscored the economic impact of the creative sector and its crucial role in the growth of local economies.
Director Ma. Elena C. Arbon, the Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry 7, shed light on the role of creatives in the broader ecosystem and how their work contributes to economic growth. “We are also part of a bigger ecosystem. And in that ecosystem, there are players, stakeholders who are trying to grow the facilities and the environment for you to thrive. But we need you to get out of your shells because whatever we do, if there are no creatives and they do not respond, then we will not move forward,” she emphasized.
Lastly, Gil Zaire “Butch” Carungay, Focal Point of the Cebu UNESCO City of Design Commissioner and a Cebu City Tourism Commission member, urged creatives to engage proactively, sell themselves effectively, and add value to their work. He emphasized the significance of promoting one’s portfolio and delivering high-quality value to clients.
The Sugbo Entertainment Expo: Create Trip Summit was a testament to Cebu’s commitment to fostering a thriving creative industry. Industry leaders, experts, and budding talents collectively envisioned to turn Cebu into a hub for creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. With these shared insights and aspirations, Cebu will be poised to embark on an exciting journey toward a brighter, more creative future, firmly establishing itself as a creative powerhouse in the heart of the Philippines.
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CBM 2023 SEE Cebu: Unveiling the Future, Empowering Artists