Social entrepreneurs Bam Aquino and Reese Fernandez are new breed of role models

MANILA, Philippines - Dedicated social entrepreneurs Bam Aquino, pioneer of the HaPinoy store program, and Reese Fernandez, co-founder of social business enterprise Rags2Riches, are among the nine Jollibee Yumbassadors. They are joined by seven other young Filipino achievers. Together, they form a new breed of role models that the country can proudly present to the rest of the world.

They are Francis “Niño” Alcantara, 2009 Australian Open Boys’ Junior Doubles champion; Miro Frances Capili, the youngest three-time Palanca awardee; Sam Concepcion, youth role model and topnotch performer; Carmela Lao, the first Filipina to bag International Mathematical Olympiad medals; Nasser Lubay, a self-taught visual artist who placed 2nd at the Celeste Prize in Germany; Stefano Marcelo, world-class karting driver who is a top 10 finalist in the 2008 ROK World Championship, and the only Asian team member of Tony Kart; and Sunshine Plata, renowned coffee painter whose fan base includes Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and whose works were also featured on the Martha Stewart Show in the United States.

The Jollibee Yumbassadors bring to life Jollibee’s latest campaign line: “I am young. I am Pinoy. I Yum.” These three simple declarations sound off the Filipino youth of today as they lead vibrant lives by pursuing their passion and inspiring Pinoy pride along the way.

As the youth’s number one ally, Jollibee has been known to promote individuality and excellence through fun, relevant and highly-engaging activities. Strengthening its advocacy in youth empowerment, Jollibee recently introduced its Yumbassadors through a special photo exhibit at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, naming nine Pinoy Youth Icons who champion causes in academics, sports, literature, arts, and social entrepreneurship.

“From a brand that espouses real Pinoy taste and experience, Jollibee has evolved to become an advocate of Pinoy pride,” said Albert Cuadrante, Jollibee vice president for marketing. “Our biggest patrons, the youth, can attest to that as they enjoy the unique, langhap-sarap goodness of our Yumburgers. Dynamic and unique as they are, the young ones still come together at our stores because their love for world-class Filipino products and services stems from their inherent love for the country.”