Lights, Camera, Action: Cebu Chamber Rolls Out Creative Forum

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is excited to announce the Creative Entertainment Business Forum on August 29–30, 2025, at Montebello Villa Hotel. Held as part of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2025, this event highlights the creative entertainment industry’s powerful role in driving economic growth and cultural innovation in Cebu and the Visayas.

This 2-day forum aims to connect local creative talents, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with international industry experts and investors—showcasing how the creative sector can complement traditional industries and open new frontiers for Cebu’s growth.

This must-attend conference offers an excellent opportunity to explore innovative trends, engage with key investors, and highlight Cebu’s growing role as a dynamic creative hub in the heart of Southeast Asia’s entertainment industry.

The event will explore how sectors like animation, gaming, film, digital content, and entertainment technology can spark job creation, attract investments, and position Cebu as the Creative Entertainment Hub of the Visayas.

Key topics include:

• How the Creative Industry Can Boost Traditional Business

• Cebu, the Creative Entertainment Hub of the Visayas

• Entertainment Industry Conferences in the Philippines

• Financing the Development of the Cebu Creative Ecosystem

• How to Make Money in Entertainment Investment

• The Southeast Asian Entertainment Industry

• The Business of Japanese Anime and Games

• International Support to Make Cebu a Creative Hub

Distinguished speakers from Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia will share insights on global trends and regional opportunities.

Day 1 Highlights

CCCI President Jay Yuvallos will kick off the forum with an inspiring keynote on how the creative industry can drive innovation and add value to traditional businesses. Former CCCI trustee Mario Panganiban will follow with a compelling presentation on Cebu’s strategic rise as the Creative Entertainment Hub of the Visayas.

Industry thought leaders from the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), and SIKAP will share vital updates on national creative industry developments and upcoming events that are shaping the sector’s future.

Adding a dynamic close to the day’s conversations, Anderson Tan, founder of Anderson Management Capital, will deliver a powerful keynote on unlocking funding opportunities and building a sustainable financial ecosystem for Cebu’s creative sector.

The afternoon sessions promise high-impact insights, with Chan Gin Kai, CEO of Silver Media Group, and James Lo of Taktyl Studios revealing how investors and creators can capitalize on entertainment ventures. Rounding out the day, David Anthony Chan of HIP Studios will showcase original Filipino narratives with global appeal—highlighting the rich storytelling potential of Philippine creatives.

Day 2 of the Forum will spotlight the dynamic Southeast Asian entertainment landscape, featuring expert voices from the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. A highlight of the day, Takumi Furusato of LUDiMUS (Japan) will dive into The Business of Japanese Anime and Games, while Ikuko Kogiso of Creative Minds LLC will explore collaborative opportunities between Southeast Asia and Japan.

A cutting-edge Entertainment Technology Showcase will introduce breakthrough innovations in virtual production, AR/VR, and AI, demonstrating how technology is reshaping content creation and immersive storytelling.

Leaders from ACPI, GDAP, and SIKAP will update attendees on key industry trends and upcoming events shaping the creative sector’s future

Adding a global business perspective, Jens Knauber, COO of Gamigo, will discuss what it takes to set up an international game studio in Cebu, and why the city is ready for it. The ASEAN Secretariat will also give an overview of how the Southeast Asian creative economy is evolving and where Cebu fits in.

To cap off the forum, a high-level panel discussion with representatives from UNIDO ITPO Tokyo and the Philippine Trade Investment Center will explore international support mechanisms to help realize Cebu’s vision as a global creative hub.

As a strategic step toward putting Cebu on the global creative map, this forum reflects CCCI’s strong commitment to nurturing a creative ecosystem that is globally competitive, innovation-driven, and proudly rooted in local culture.

We invite creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry advocates to join this unique gathering and help shape Cebu’s future as a leading hub for creativity and innovation.

For inquiries or to register, please contact the Cebu Chamber at (032) 232-1421 or email us at info@cebuchamber.org.