There’s nothing like the surge of inspiration that happens when creatives come together, drawn by the charm of historic Manila, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best. This October, Sony Philippines brought a fresh focus on content creation with its first-ever Creator’s Fest, transforming the iconic grounds of Intramuros into a playground for photographers, filmmakers, and aspiring influencers. The event promised immersive experiences, expert-led sessions, and a space for creators to connect over their shared passion—and it delivered, marking the start of an exciting new tradition.
Throughout the day, Manila’s most passionate creators gathered to sharpen their skills and elevate their storytelling with hands-on access to Sony’s celebrated camera lineup. Against the rich cultural backdrop of Intramuros, the Creator’s Fest offered more than just product demos—it was a celebration of what’s possible when art and innovation meet. Expert mentors were on hand to guide participants through creative techniques, sparking ideas for the next chapter of content creation in a setting that felt as timeless as the stories themselves.
If you missed out on the action, here’s a recap of what went down at the first Sony Philippines Creator’s Fest in Manila.
Tools of the Trade: A Camera for Every Creator
The day began with a warm welcome from Sony Philippines’ President, Shuhei Suhigara, who highlighted the company’s mission to cultivate a deeper connection with digital artists and creators. “It is people that create and experience Kando,” he expressed, emphasizing Sony’s dedication to empowering impactful, emotionally resonant work. This sentiment set the stage for the event as attendees ventured into hands-on experiences with Sony’s impressive lineup of cameras, carefully curated to cater to every level of content creation.
Guided by Sony representatives, creators explored the range of tools that matched their storytelling needs. The ZV-1 II stood out as a favorite among beginners for its intuitive design and ease of use, while the FX30, tailored for more ambitious filmmakers, attracted those looking to push cinematic boundaries. Other models, like the versatile A6700 and the popular ZV-E10 II, showcased Sony’s commitment to meeting diverse creative needs, making it clear that every piece of equipment was crafted with creators in mind. By providing such an expansive and accessible setup, Sony reaffirmed its dedication to inspiring and equipping storytellers to bring their visions to life.
Elevating Skills with Expert Guidance
At the Creator’s Fest, five distinct zones offered an immersive learning experience, each led by seasoned content creators who shared their expertise in hands-on sessions designed to elevate participants’ skills in real-time.
The Fashion Photography shoot session, led by Janina Manipol and Marco Gallo, explored the captivating intersection of colonial and modern styles through the lens of editorial fashion photography. Set against the stunning backdrop of Intramuros, creators utilized professional equipment powered by Aputure PH to elevate their shooting experience. Under Janina and Marco’s expert guidance, participants sharpened their skills in capturing outdoor scenes, with a focus on natural light, creative angles, and background blur to enhance their images.
Throughout the session, attendees were encouraged to pay close attention to intricate details, ensuring that each shot told a compelling story. This hands-on approach allowed creators to experiment with various techniques, reinforcing the crucial role of composition and lighting in fashion photography. By blending the historic charm of the venue with contemporary aesthetics, the session illuminated how fashion can weave narratives that connect the past and present, creating a vibrant dialogue through imagery.
At the Gastro Experience with Erwan Heussaff and Abi Marquez, food photography and aesthetics took center stage at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, showcasing how to capture traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist. During this engaging session, Erwan and Abi exhibited how to plate and photograph the classic Filipino dessert, Brazo de Mercedes.
With the ZV-E10 II camera, participants learned techniques to highlight texture, color, and cultural context in their food shots. Attendees experimented with creative plating methods and mastered indoor lighting, transforming their culinary creations into stunning works of art. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their photography skills but also celebrated the rich flavors and artistry of Filipino cuisine—a true feast for both the eyes and the camera.
Showcasing the art of capturing elegance in her session, Jaz Reyes took charge of beauty photography. With the help of Ellana Cosmetics, the content creator demonstrated techniques that allowed participants to explore the interplay of sunlight, shadows, and textures.
By making the most of natural sunlight, they discovered how to create soft highlights and rich shadows that accentuated the textures and colors of both the cosmetics and the environment. This hands-on experience not only refined their photography skills but also emphasized the importance of storytelling in beauty photography, as each shot conveyed a narrative that celebrated the allure of Ellana Cosmetics amidst the city’s charm.
For those eager to master the art of travel storytelling, Anjohn Sorza guided creators through crafting compelling narratives that capture the essence of a place. Traveling through photography, Anjohn showcased how to create compelling travel content in collaboration with Herschel. Using the ZV-E10 II, A6700, and A7CII, participants explored Intramuros’ architectural charm, learning to incorporate historical elements into their visual stories.
Anjohn emphasized leveraging dramatic light and angles, encouraging attendees to experiment with different perspectives that highlight the beauty of their surroundings.
Lastly, Jessica Lee led a session focused on action photography at the Lifestyle Bar. Jessica guided participants through the art of capturing dynamic action shots during a live cocktail flaring performance with Hikaru. Creators learned how to freeze fast movements and enhance the shine and motion of bottles and glasses using innovative lighting techniques. This session challenged participants to capture the excitement and drama of bartending tricks from different angles, pushing their creative boundaries and encouraging them to think outside the box.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that each session had not only honed the participants’ technical skills but also fostered a community of creators sharing their stories through the lens.
A Day of Connection, Creativity, and Innovation
Beyond the workshops and demonstrations, the Creator’s Fest fostered a community of creators who connected, shared ideas, and envisioned what was possible with the right tools. Throughout the day, Sony’s product experts offered one-on-one guidance, helping creators explore features and settings to maximize their storytelling potential. Attendees also walked away with exclusive giveaways, making the experience feel both rewarding and inspiring.
With its first Creator’s Fest, Sony Philippines has set a new standard for creativity-centered events, uniting a community of individuals bound by a shared passion for capturing the world in their unique ways. This event was more than just a showcase of technology—it was a celebration of storytelling, innovation, and the beauty of coming together to create something out of the ordinary.