Q&A with Cannes Young Lions Cyber contestant Toby Fournier

(Editor’s note: We asked all our delegates and student representatives to answer five questions regarding their attendance in this year’s Cannes Lions. Now we ask Toby Fournier of Publicis Manila, one-half of the duo who competed in the Cannes Young Lions-Cyber event.)  By Charmaine Bautista Pamintuan, Krizia Dela Cruz 

 

POP! Team: What was the first thing you put inside your bag when you were packing your luggage for Cannes?

 

Toby: Barong Tagalog. I’m planning to wear it if I win and go up the stage.

 

POP! Team: What was the first thing that came to your mind when you saw all these representatives from different countries during the festival briefing?

 

Toby: “Wow, mga boss ang kalaban ko.” Common mindset kasi sa atin na kapag foreigner, mataas na ang position. Curious ako kung paano sila mag-isip at magtrabaho dahil galing din sila sa iba’t ibang kultura.

 

POP! Team: What exactly was running through your mind when you were working on the project, particularly one hour before the submission time?

 

Toby: “Kaya pa!”  Towards the end, we were exhausted already. Uncomfortable pa sa competition area. Kaya hilong-hilo na kami after. Pero laban talaga hanggang huli. 

 

POP! Team: Give us a quick summary of your Cannes Lions experience.

 

Toby: Truly an eye opener. Nakita ko yung level of the industry internationally. It gave me the hunger to learn more. I also discovered that the advertising industry is now evolving.

 

POP! Team: Do you think the Philippines has a shot at winning a Lion? Yes or no? Why?

 

Toby:  Yes! We are a very creative country. May mga ideas na tayo lang ang makakaisip. Actually, the Philippines was part of some of the talks that I attended. We have a lot of problems in our country that can be solved through collective creativity. It’s a good opportunity for us. And siyempre, hindi rin talaga tayo napapagod lumaban, matindi ang fighting spirit. Kaya thank you sa Inquirer sa walang pagod na pagsuporta sa amin. 

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