The quest for the next local content producers has come to an end as YouTube and leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) officially unveiled the 12 finalists for NextUp Philippines 2021! NextUp is a contest that allows Filipino content producers a chance to fulfill their full potential and expand their YouTube careers.
As part of YouTube’s commitment to diversity, fairness, and inclusion, this year’s batch includes emerging talents from all around the Philippines. Among the 2021 finalists are a dermatologist, a novelist, a transgender guy, and a poultry farmer. The NextUp Philippines 2021 winners are:
- Abbey Sy, an artist, popular author, and small company entrepreneur who uses attractive educational films to empower Filipino creatives.
- Mark Mendoza (Diskarte with Mendy), a “life hacker” who strives to assist people discover their way around a business, career, or craft.
- Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, a dermatologist who wants to help Filipinos with beauty and skincare advice
- Egypa Balindong, a digital developer and filmmaker representing the Maranao Muslim minority in the Philippines.
- Guji Lorenzana, an artist who wants to build his music and share more of his life with his followers and other budding artists.
- Michelle Gacasan (Michelle G.), a lifestyle vlogger from Cagayan De Oro, lets her audience in on her everyday and student life.
- Myra Caray (Mai Goodness), a food and lifestyle YouTuber with the goal of assisting people in starting their own home baking or culinary company and serving restaurant-quality foods from the comfort of their own homes.
- Meljean Solon, a ‘probinsyana’ lifestyle and travel vlogger who promotes Cebu’s natural beauty. In the following 12 months, she wants to reach one million subscribers.
- Keoni Tamayo (Reps to the Rhythm), a fitness teacher who wants to encourage everyone, newcomers and pros alike, to keep healthy via dancing.
- Van Vincent Go (VandomVincent), a proud transgender guy who uses his material to promote and empower the Philippines’ transgender community.
- Aj Añavesa (Wandering Soul), a chicken farmer in the Philippines who wants to share his skills and information with his colleagues and aspiring chicken raisers.
- Arra Solis (Rookie Mommy PH), a stay-at-home mom who wants to assist others in finding enjoyable and reliable sources of income, particularly during these challenging times.
The NextUp winners will attend an online Creator Camp, where they will receive a crash course in production skills as well as in-depth training to help them grow their channels further. They’ll be mentored by previous NextUp winners, YouTube stars, and industry professionals as they produce their dream content. The YouTube Creator and Artist Development Team will also provide them with advice and strategic account management support. There will also be a series of online training courses for non-finalists and other artists.
Each of the 12 candidates will get a P100,000 equipment stipend and free data packs, with three winners receiving a 12-month Smart sponsorship deal.
“Filipino content creators are talented, passionate, and purposeful. Helping them realize their full potential is important to YouTube and we’re honored to collaborate with Smart to bring a bigger NextUp in the Philippines. Through NextUp, they will learn important knowledge and skills so they can thrive on the platform. When they succeed, not only they will inspire other content creators but they will be able to uplift the lives of people around them and use their channel to make a positive impact.”
Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.
“Our support for Filipino content creators all these years stems from our commitment to bring amazing experiences to our subscribers through cutting-edge technology made simple by Smart. In the same way that we enable our subscribers to pursue their passions and share their craft powered by our world-class network, we’re glad to partner with YouTube to further hone and empower a promising breed of Pinoy content creators through the NextUp program.”
Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Strategy at Smart.
In 2017, NextUp made its debut in the Philippines. Renee Dominique, Team Lyqa, Hype Streetball, Lesha, and other successful creators have all been started through it.
