Reflection Paper of the Onsite Seminar Title: Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025

        I attended the "Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025," a 5-day event organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council at SMX Convention Center. My groupmates and I participated on September 6, focusing on uplifting the Philippines' creative industries, with guest speaker Maria Luisa B. Gatchalian, a pioneer in entrepreneurship education known for empowering young entrepreneurs and women.

        The topic of supporting local businesses is crucial, especially in the Philippines, where the creativity and hard work of entrepreneurs often go unrecognized. The recent seminar provided valuable insights into starting a business, highlighting our persistence, creativity, and passion.

        During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Filipinos adapted by launching online businesses, showcasing our resilience and resourcefulness. However, a tendency to favor foreign products persists, often due to perceptions of higher quality, which harms local businesses and the economy.

        The seminar inspired a deeper appreciation for local products and featured exhibits of Filipino art. Upon our arrival at the event, we received a brochure to explore nine creative domains, collecting stamps for freebies along the way. Engaging with activities like testing Mac devices, games, and a Canva photo booth enriched the experience. Overall, the event celebrated Filipino talent, culture, and innovation beautifully.

        The event was crucial for showcasing Filipino artworks and recognizing the talented artists behind them. Supporting their creations helps them gain the recognition they deserve, which resonates with me as I aspire to be an artist. Despite art facing challenges in an AI-driven world, I believe that passion and creativity are essential in my work. This event inspired me to take pride in my creations, love what is unique to us, and uplift one another.

        I truly wish I could have attended the entire 5-day event, but financial constraints and limited time held me back. Many artists would be inspired by the wonderful creations showcased. Ma’am Maria Luisa was an excellent speaker who passionately discussed empowering entrepreneurs. Her confidence and warmth created a welcoming atmosphere, and she engaged us even before the event started, acknowledging our efforts to attend. She encouraged participation by inviting us to share our expertise in drawing, which helped us enhance our skills. Overall, the event was enjoyable, with a friendly atmosphere, plenty of freebies, and exciting exhibits. I would definitely consider attending future events and recommend them to family and friends.