Andrea Beldua
Arielle Guevara
Ayana Camille Tolentino
Chiara Garcia
Daphne Sze
Euclid Reyes
Erwin Canlas
Gabrielle Angela Gloria
Grace Ann de Luna
Helene Enriquez
Janella Gangat
James Christian Go
Kitkat Pajaro
Mara Gabriela Serrano
Mich Cervantes
Mika Manikan
Murphy Katigbak
Neal P Corpus
Pamela Musni
Paolo Aljibe
Patt Abutog
Reynold John Frias
Rogin Losa
Ross Du
Sabina Sysantos
Samantha Ang
Ysabelle Shivers
Dear Open Call hopefuls,
Thank you for participating in the first YS Open Call. At the beginning of the year, we surveyed Young Star’s bench and saw that, while our pool of collaborators remained strong, the section was due for new blood and new flavor. For a section that runs on fresh ideas and the idea of the ineffable “what’s next?”, it seemed like the perfect way to kick off our 19th year.
We set out to look for writers, photographers, and artists with fresh eyes and new perspectives and we think we’ve found them.
Over 200 young creatives applied and after much deliberation, we are happy to report that 27 of the hopefuls will be part of our stable of collaborators. As a team, we went through the work and evaluated each applicant on the basis of skill, potential, professionalism, and personality. We think the 28 and their skills can be potentially invaluable assets to the section.
And though we would have liked to accept more, the reality is we can only accept so many. For some, it’s just a matter of time. Give it a few months or years and we’re sure we’ll hear from you. For others, it’s a matter of fit. The talent was there but there might be a better avenue for your skills to flourish. And still, for others, it’s a matter of preparation. Always make sure you know what you want before you go for them. A little research goes a long way.
At the end of the day, we think you all have something to offer, either in Young Star or elsewhere—the fact that you were brave enough to put your work out there means you’re ready to take risks and hone your craft.
Like with all things, there’s always room for growth in Young Star. From what we saw at the Open Call, there is a clear opportunity for promising creatives such as yourself to grow with us.
Exciting times are ahead. With the candidates from the Open Call, the future looks brighter and just a little bit more fun. We’re happy to share this journey with you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us. We’d love to hear from you.
We’re glad to count all of you in as part of #TeamYS.
Best,
The Young Star Team