Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform, expressed its commitment to fostering young Filipino talent and providing essential support to micro, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and the local creative community.
Emerging filmmaker Jerry Myer Mina, winner of Lazada’s “Add to Life” film competition, recently unveiled his short film “Regalo.” The competition, which granted P1 million to produce the film, demonstrates Lazada’s commitment to empowering artists and creators.
“Regalo: Add Care to Life” revolves around the endearing characters of grumpy Lolo Miguel and the hard-of-hearing boy Anthony. The narrative illustrates how Anthony’s simple gifts not only transformed Lolo Miguel’s life but also left a lasting impact on Anthony’s own journey.
Mina drew inspiration from personal experiences, expressing a deep longing for his grand father. His goal was to create a cinematic piece that resonates with young audiences, evoking emotions and connecting with hearts.
Mina expressed his enjoyment in creating the film. Despite juggling his time as a student while directing a production of this scale, the young filmmaker is profoundly thankful for the valuable learning gained from the collaborative process.
“I really loved how everyone was so welcoming, and I learned so many things by just working with them. I am very grateful to the Lazada team, UxS and everyone for guiding and helping me to achieve this kind of short film. I really did not expect that I could do something like this,” Mina said.
“Regalo” was written and directed by Jerry Mina.
The Lazada Add To Life Film Contest is one aspect of the company’s efforts this year. Committed to providing a robust platform and support for the creative community, Lazada formed a dynamic partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to elevate the Philippine creative industries.
Lazada also supported “Alamat: Revisiting Philippine Folklore,” a joint exhibition of contemporary Filipino artists Kidlat Tahimik and Leeroy New, launched in October during the Tim Yap-hosted Shake, Rattle and Ball event.
Yap remarked on Lazada’s shared passion for supporting the arts and Filipino artists. He said: “I look forward to further collaborations with Lazada to advance homegrown talent and bring more people together in support of the local creative scene.”
Early visitors, including First Lady Liza Marcos and Kishida Yuko, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan, attended the exhibition on Nov. 3. Everyone can experience the ‘Alamat’ exhibition free of admission at the National Museum of Anthropology until Dec. 31, 2023. The NMA is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lazada continues to play a crucial role in fostering creativity within the local community and stimulating economic growth. As the company expands beyond its traditional e-commerce role, its impact on the artistic community becomes more evident, positioning itself as a hub for those dedicated to fostering and celebrating creativity.