MANILA, Philippines (Jan 2025) – Four Filipino students are proving that the next generation of changemakers extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms, transforming personal passions into community impact with support from Globe Telecom’s youth development programs.
From a grieving pet owner who channeled loss into award-winning art to a Mindanao transplant who conquered imposter syndrome to launch a tech startup, these young Filipinos represent a growing movement of purpose-driven youth reshaping their communities.
Christiane Guanzon of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas thought Globe was just another telecommunications company when he first attended a campus discussion session. Today, he works as an intern helping organize Pitch Day, a Globe initiative where student organizations present passion projects to industry mentors at The Globe Tower.
“Globe didn’t just let me in the room, they gave me responsibilities, mentorship, and encouragement to lead,” Guanzon said. “It’s rare to find brands that really trust young people.”
The Pitch Day program brings together youth leaders, mentors, and Globe teams to nurture ideas focused on social good. Participants receive expert feedback and potential support for their projects.
Miguel Isiah Diva, a Technological University of the Philippines student, painted “Tails and Trails” as a tribute to his deceased dog Bochok. The artwork won Globe’s Art Toys Online Contest, leading to a live mural collaboration at Art in the Park supporting Pawssion Project, an animal welfare group.
“Winning that contest made me feel seen as a student, as an artist, and as someone who simply wanted to tell a story that mattered to me,” Diva said. “Globe helped me realize that my voice and my brush can make a difference.”
Moving from Mindanao to Manila for college left Franchezka Zapanta feeling like an outsider. Online classes during the pandemic made adjustment even harder. But attending Globe youth events changed her perspective.
“Showing up was my silent act of courage,” Zapanta said. “Then one day, I realized I didn’t feel out of place anymore. I felt welcome.”
That confidence helped her become president of DLSU SCALE, her university’s startup organization, and launch BitDigest.io, a tech platform she unveiled at The Globe Tower. At Pitch Day 2025, she returned as a mentor.
Jessie James Valera, a dentistry student from Our Lady of Fatima University, uses fashion, performance, and makeup to create what they call “wearable stories.” Globe connected Valera with Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park, plus community events like Kmmunity Reveluv Night.
“My art isn’t just about the look, it’s about telling a story, expressing emotion, and connecting with others,” Valera said. “Believing in your creative voice, even if it feels different or unconventional, can take you places.”
Andrew Lim, Globe’s Lead for Marketing Youth Cultures, said the company commits to supporting Filipino youth in shaping creative journeys and becoming future co-builders.
Students across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are stepping into leadership roles through art, technology, and advocacy. With proper support systems, they’re not just participating in the future but actively building it.
