Cebu City, Philippines – Marking a significant milestone in its nationwide engagement efforts, the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) held its first-ever Regional General Membership Meeting (GMM) on July 17, 2025, at the newly reopened Puso Village in Cebu City. The event was a bold step forward in the Council’s mission to decentralize the creator economy and empower regional voices in the digital and creative industries.
With the theme “Connecting Brands and Creators for Community Growth,” the event convened over 80 attendees—from creators and brand leaders to agency partners and educators—for an immersive evening of cultural experience, strategic dialogue, and collaborative exchange.
The GMM served as the first formal gathering at the new Puso Village, a cultural landmark inspired by hawker-style community spaces, which celebrates Cebuano identity through food, art, and performance. CICP was honored to be the venue’s first institutional guest, symbolizing the alignment between community heritage and the evolving influence economy.
Opening with a live weaving demonstration, tribal performances, and a ceremonial welcome, the event grounded participants in Cebu’s vibrant cultural roots. This set the tone for CICP’s leadership presentations, which included a reflection on the Council’s 2025 accomplishments and a preview of strategic plans focused on broadening reach and impact across the regions.
CICP Vice President for Internals, Mich de Guzman, officially welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of the first regional GMM, underscoring the Council’s intent to sustain presence and programs beyond Metro Manila. In closing remarks, CICP President Jel Directo echoed the importance of regional inclusion and invited stakeholders to co-create a more equitable and thriving creator ecosystem.
The forum’s main program featured two anchor sessions. A panel discussion moderated by Inka Magnaye brought together brand and agency leaders to explore “Building Authentic Brand Partnerships.” Panelists included:
The conversation covered key themes such as creator-brand alignment, cultural relevance, trust building, and long-term collaboration in the regional context.
Following this, a fireside chat with Cebu-based creators Issa Perez-Gandionco and Doc Xavier provided firsthand insights on what it takes to grow as a regional content creator, maintain authenticity, and engage meaningfully with both community and brand partners. Their reflections affirmed that VisMin creators are not only culturally resonant but also strategically positioned to lead in localized storytelling and influence.
Beyond the discussions, the event also offered facilitated networking and a dinner showcasing Cebuano cuisine—creating space for deeper connection among creators, marketers, and collaborators. With immersive programming and high engagement from attendees, the forum proved that meaningful industry-building can thrive outside traditional creative hubs.
As CICP closes 2025, this first regional GMM affirms the Council’s commitment to inclusive growth, regional empowerment, and professional development for all Filipino creators—wherever they are in the country.
About CICP
The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) is the country’s leading industry organization for digital content creators, influencers, and brand partners. It works to professionalize the creator economy, foster ethical standards, and champion sustainable collaboration among creators, brands, agencies, and platforms nationwide.