Paolo Garrido Wins AirAsia Ph's CreateCamp First Storyteller

Paolo Garrido with AirAsia Ph CEO Comendador

The very first time I learned about Air Asia Ph's CreateCamp searching for its very first StoryTeller, my heart jumped. I want to join so bad only to learn in the end that it's restricted for twenty-something yuppies. My Facebook feed always shows up what's going on with this show every once in a while but I'm so busy to check the finalists. That's why when I got an invite to cover the Grand Finale of announcing who's the lucky one, I did not think twice. 

I honestly don't know about them but there was a part where we are given a chance to guess who is the winner. From those who guessed right, three flights are up for grabs: Bali, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh. I gladly joined and voted for Paolo without a clue of what he is actually. I only based on the videos they showed us where each of the contestants tells a story of themselves, their purpose for joining and takeaways now that it has come to end. 

The final 4 

The only girl was shedding a few tears (for me it means showing your vulnerability) already while the other two boys didn't quite made a good impression to me. Their answers are correct but there was no X factor that could really push me to vote for them. When it's Paolo's turn, his answers are great - there's nothing extraordinary but what sets him apart is the power to touch our emotions. He said he doesn't want to think that this contest is about "fighting" against the other 4 but it's against himself. This way, he is forced to get out of his comfort zone and strive to be better than before. I mean skills can be learned through practice but character is earned throughout our life. 

With an official hashtag of #AirAsiaCreateCamp, this contest is a social media reality search for young, aspiring, and creative individuals with photography and videography skills. It aims to develop and empower young Filipino talents by providing mentorship programs and technical know-how. There were over 500 entries from all over the Philippines. It was narrowed down to 50 by selected panel of judges then the top 5 finalists were chosen based on creativity, originality and quality of storytelling.   

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said "Aside from the quality of work, admirable level of skills and creativity, we would like to emphasize the value of hard work, attitude, and passion among the youth. Paulo represents these values during the rigorous camp that took them from highlands to islands for one month period."

Who are the other finalists?

Raymond Baguilat from University of Baguio, Angela Cara Durano from De La Salle University in Cebu, and John Paul Saluba from University.  They traveled to Bohol, Palawan, Tacloban, and the Cordilleras under the mentorship of AirAsia storytellers Patrick Martin, Kyrke Jaleco, Neila Lomotan, Ayen dela Torre, Rachel Halili, Javi Cang, Enzo Cruz, Benj Ramos and Paolo Cuarteron.  Their final entries documenting their journey were shared in AirAsia's social media platforms for public voting. Cara is First Runner Up and also People's Choice award. Ray is Second and Jaip is third.

(L) With the event's rangers of the night. (R) With fellow blogger friend Claire Madarang  

Wait, isn't it they are a total of 5 not 4?

That's my question too. We arrived very early so we were able to get the table nearest to the stage where the finalists have their own table too. I asked one of them at the end of the show, he said the other one quit because of personal reasons.

Prizes for the grand winner

It's one million peso worth of flight that can be used to all of AirAsia's local and international destinations! I actually told him when we got the chance to have a photo op with him, he is already a millionare by plane rides. Other prizes are Apple Macbook Pro 13, Nikon D5600 mirrorless camera, 3d2n complimentary stay at Amorita Resorts in Bohol and the best part is he is now an official member of AirAsia StoryTeller's community.

AirAsia Ph's Brand ambassadors/ Storytellers

Will there be second round of AirAsia's CreateCamp?

Good question! Heck, yes! Please wait for the official announcement of AirAsia Ph for that.  

The season 2 is rumored to be held international and finally open to all ages! Yeeees!

Won a Roundtrip Manila to Guangzhou AirAsia flight tickets

I feel as victorious like Paolo that night too because I won from a raffle a roundtrip ticket Manila to Guangzhou, China. Though not sure if I can take this flight because I have no Chinese visa. Since it says on the T & C that it's transferrable, I am looking to swap this to any airline miles to Taiwan or India. I am specially looking for a travel buddy to Ladakh, India to have a 7d6n free motorbiking trip. Click HERE if you wanna know more. Let me know if you got a friend whom we can work things out!

Manila to Guangzhou AirAsia flight ticket

For more information and to keep updated, please visit AirAsia Ph's fan page HERE and visit www.airasiacreatecamp.com.