Fueled by its commitment to uplifting the local creative economy, Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform, stands unwaveringly dedicated to fostering young Filipino talent and providing essential support to MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and the vibrant local creative community.

Add Care to Life

Emerging filmmaker Jerry Myer Mina, the winner of Lazada's esteemed "Add to Life" Film Competition, recently unveiled his heartfelt short film, "Regalo." The competition, which granted Php 1 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 beautifully 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 Lolo. His goal was to create a cinematic piece that resonates with young audiences, evoking emotions and connecting with hearts.

Extremely proud of this accomplishment, Mina expresses his enjoyment of every step 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 experiences 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 shared.

Watch "Regalo," written and directed by Jerry Mina, and be reminded to Add Care to Life, especially this holiday season.

Supporting the creative community

The Lazada Add To Life Film Contest is just one aspect of the company's efforts this year. Committed to providing a robust platform and support for the creative community, Lazada has formed a dynamic partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry to elevate the Philippine creative industries.

Lazada also backed "Alamat: Revisiting Philippine Folklore," a joint exhibition of contemporary Filipino artists Kidlat Tahimik and Leeroy New, launched last October during the Tim Yap-hosted Shake, Rattle, and Ball event.

Expressing his honor and pleasure, Tim Yap remarked on Lazada's shared passion for supporting the arts and Filipino artists. Yap shares, "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 Mrs. Kishida Yuko, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan, attended the exhibition on 3 November. Everyone can experience the 'Alamat' exhibition free of admission at the National Museum of Anthropology until 31 December 2023. The NMA is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Intricately weaving the love of art and zeal of joy into its initiatives, Lazada continues to play a crucial role in fostering creativity within the local community and stimulating economic growth. As Lazada 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.