by Renzo David R. Bañaga, Vien Alyza Rose P. Ponciano, and Justin Christopher C. Ramos
Count your days in the University as you thrive and dive through the hoops of prospects that pass beyond the walls of Commerce.
With the same classrooms and professors, these alumni wandered a similar path towards the big leagues today. Their distinct stories will be unraveled as you press on with their accounts in your college journey. Scroll through the golden pages of these Tiger-bred individuals as they help define your path to success.
Chin Ann Obiedo, Freelance Editorial Writer
Before roaming the vogue and sophisticated landscape of the fashion industry, Ms. Chin Ann Obiedo was an Entrepreneurship student at the University. Just like any other Commerce student, the fashionista-in-the-making wanted a path that had something to do with writing or vogue: “Back then, it was considered to be a one in a million shot to break into either [industry], especially for someone like me who grew up in the province,” she shared. With her parents being reluctant of her dream, a light-hearted compromise led her to take a business program before pursuing her true passion.
In 2012, our trend-setter joined Commerce Journal (CJ), marking her by-lines in Features writing gave her a stalwart direction with her current profession. Later on, Ms. Chin launched into an in-house fashion stylist for Stylist in Pocket, then blossomed as an Editorial Assistant in Star Style PH and its partner brand, Beauty Bubble Online, where she further flourished.
Notwithstanding pressures, the stylish fashion lassie proved there are no boundaries in pursuit of one’s dream profession; wrapping up her interview with CJ, she shared three pieces of advice: “[First], believe in your talent, [secondly], work with the best,” the freelancing editorial writer then finally concluded the three things with the most important aspect and life advice in general—one should not be afraid of failure, “Failing is as monumental as winning, even more so at times. It shifts your perspective, reminds you to look at the bigger picture, and tests you as a person. So make your mistakes, as they are inevitable. Just make sure you learn from them.”
Carl Chuidian, The Chui Show
Through the lenses of a camera, Carl Chuidian of the Marketing Management batch 2017 made his shots to the corporate realm. Creating the “The Chui Show” which offers varieties of food and travel vlogs which he’s referred to as “Paps Chui”, he has a staggering number of 590,000+ followers on Facebook and 71,400+ subscribers on YouTube as of December 2021.
His memorable battles carved the opportunity to serve as the Vice President in the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA) where he utilized the perks of interpersonal skills to build the foundation of “The Chui Show”. Imparting him an edge on the entertainment industry as a Komersyo.
Climbing up mountains of opportunities, the YouTube sensation tracked as a Management Trainee Uniqlo Philippines, then entered the field of entertainment as a Marketing and Digital Officer at ABS-CBN Corporation. The Chuistar classifies himself as one that does not stay 8-9 hours stuck inside an office, but rather an entertainer by heart.
In August 2019, Mr. Chuidian joined YouTube and savored the perks of the trend. Comparable to a magnet, the vibrancy and distinctness of his content that educates on new cultures, sublime lifestyle, and helpful insights, attracted plenty of passionate and hardworking audiences on hearing their heartfelt stories while learning from it along the way.
Driving past the pinned destination towards the creative track, Carl Chuidan left a fruitful message to driven venturers: “Before doing what you love to do in full time, consider three things: Is it for good faith? Do you love to [do] that? [I]s it profitable?” He passionately shared, “We are designed to fail, but we are destined to stand up [and] prove that we are great.”
As one of my favorite movie characters named Rancho said, ‘Pursue excellence and success will follow.’”
Karen Daphne, The Marketing Visionary
With the soul of an artist within the gold button-up & blazer, Karen Daphne Madrigal rolled herself in for the calculated culture of Marketing Management after originally intending to enroll in the UST-College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD). Her creative talent roots gave her an edge at digital marketing campaigns. Feeling like a small fish in the pond, the College’s esteemed faculty assured our Marketista of bringing out her artistry and assisting her in attaining key elements to keep up with the competition.
In light of the presented opportunities, Ms. Madrigal became the first Creative Director of the Commerce Journal (CJ) in 2012. Trained by the College’s finest instructors, this Digital Marketista assiduously paved her way to her career path. Utilizing her knack for strategy and creative direction in her career as a Digital Marketing Officer in the evolution and competitive landscape of the Health and Beauty industry.
“Despite my first choice (Fine Arts), I don’t feel any regrets taking up Marketing because I have a broader knowledge in the field of business as it contains all facets of advertising, research, pricing, and monitoring of the performance of all related efforts,” she stated. Ahead of the constantly evolving market, this Tiger-bred Marketista maintains the quality standards of success in her company’s online marketing campaigns.
Working as a Digital Marketing Officer, she produces interactive content and assesses the efficacy of digital ad campaigns. Clearly, the industry is in constant need of Thomasian-produced business leaders that deliver technical know-how and street smarts.
Indebted for her successful career path, this Thomasian professional praises the College for giving her the chance to be involved and be part of CJ. As respective students venture into the professional industry, never neglect to explore and discover who you can be.
These Commerce alumni trekked the same trail, but every choice defines a different destiny. The power to mold a brighter future while enjoying what you do lies in your determination and forward-thinking. The challenges to overcome and countless all-nighters will pay off for the opportunities ahead! A few years in college will fly by, and next thing you know, you’ll get to what’s beyond the bend.