REPUBLICASIA is a digital media platform geared toward younger generations, specifically Generation Z. With the goal of increasing its online presence, the organization launched “Future Forward,” a digital magazine aimed at empowering future generations.

“Future Forward” came to exist owing to the innovative concepts of republicasia’s management led by CEO Bran Reluao. The project aims to improve its platform for creativity, collaboration and celebration of what Gen Z has to offer today’s society.

Chief Executive Officer Bran Reluao. Photo courtesy: republicasia

Furthermore, a colorful story demands a platform that will elevate an already appealing story. This has also been a goal of republicasia’s “Future Forward” digital magazine: to provide a forum for new generation stars to express themselves.

With a desire to provide an empowering place for the next generation, republicasia’s “Future Forward” is the ideal platform for cultivating personalities that appeal to younger audiences.

Empowering the rising generation

Many people may emerge from nowhere in an ever-changing digital media world, as digital media allows people to create and grow relationships in real time. People are exposed to a wide range of ideas, cultures and possibilities because of borderless connections. 

Furthermore, digital media such as “Future Forward” empowers young people by fostering global/local connectivity, facilitating creative expression, forming communities, and establishing opportunities that will help them as they continue to explore the domain of media.

As society navigates the digital terrain, it is critical to lead young people to maximize their potential for growth and development. According to republicasia’s chief future officer Henrick Chiu, this is the driving reason behind “Future Forward.” 

Chief Future Officer Henrick Chiu. Photo courtesy: republicasia

“The vision is to empower the rising generation to stimulate and to develop their innate skills in creating ideas, in expressing their values, and in promoting their causes or advocacies to have an impact on the lives of our community,” he said.

Given that the media environment is shifting toward young people leading the way for society, “Future Forward” would not only serve as a platform for them to express themselves, but as a platform for them to gain critical knowledge.

“The new generation is relevant to ‘Future Forward’ because we believe that they are the changemakers of the world today,” Chiu said. “They can make a positive change in our society, and ‘Future Forward’ equips them to be innovators, content creators and journalists of today’s generation.”

Meanwhile, republicasia’s creative director Sven Gaffud envisions a digital magazine that speaks directly to the heart of this age, a magazine that encapsulates the trends and lifestyles of the younger generation.

Creative Director Sven Gaffud. Photo courtesy: republicasia

“During the process of creating our digital magazine ‘Future Forward,’ we primarily anchored our ideas on the interest of the new generation, that is, mostly millennials and Generation Zs,” he shared.

“Therefore, we need to align our creative skills with the fresh ideas of young people to realize this vision. This requires us to listen and accept new ideas and suggestions from the Gen Z people,” the creative director.

Although it appears to be a well-decorated notion, “Future Forward” is difficult to pull off at first, given how broad its scope is. It comprises various fields that are brimming with talented individuals for each covered topic.

“Pinaka-challenging is to combine lahat ng ideas. As a leader, I want to have one goal, one strong philosophy, and one drive for the company. It’s very challenging to marry all those ideas, especially if magagaling ang mga team, marami silang ideas,” said Chiu.

Indeed, great ideas can be difficult to realize, but not when you have a group of outstanding young people working toward the same goal.

Future of journalism

“Future Forward” successfully issued its inaugural edition, “The 50 New Plaridels,” in September. This edition brought together 50 fearless student journalists from across the country to cover the Philippines’ three major island groups.

The chosen scope coincided with the country’s observance of National Press Freedom Day. According to Danica Ulanday, the 23-year-old executive producer of “Future Forward,” this is because republicasia intends to synchronize its “Future Forward” concepts based on monthly moments.

Executive Producer Danica Ulanday. Photo courtesy: republicasia

“Usually, we align the concept of ‘Future Forward’ depending on the monthly moments or cultural moments, specifically for the vision of the company. We depend on what is trending, and what is in for the new generation,” she explained.

According to Chiu, there’s no other way for a media organization like republicasia to begin with something profound, soulful, huge and contemporary, except to showcase the country’s current status of journalism.

Photo courtesy: republicasia

“As a news media company, we know the importance of upholding our democracy and protecting the truth amidst the challenge of misinformation and disinformation. And we cannot fight the battle alone,” stressed Chiu.

“We need the rising journalists to be with us in defending the truth. And we were grateful that these university publications responded to our call. And that started the birth of the 50 Campus Journalists, The New Plaridels, The Torchbearers of Truth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gaffud emphasized that republicasia intended to convey that journalism is a dangerous profession. However, by emphasizing the truth, this can be a job that promotes harmony and peace in society. 

“We chose the National Museum, particularly the Tree of Life, simply because we think that these student-journalists could save lives with what they are doing,” he said, explaining the choice of location for their fashion editorial shoot.

“The Tree of Life embodies the protection and conversation of life, the interconnectivity of all living things, journalism could also do that. They can protect and save lives from the dangers of misinformation,” noted Gaffud.

Celebration of cultural diversity

Following the popularity of its debut issue, republicasia continues to rock the digital world with the October release of “Future Forward,” which astonished P-pop fans by featuring boy group ALAMAT on its second issue.

Photo courtesy: republicasia

Unlike the first release which featured a monthly event, republicasia attempted to highlight a cultural celebration given that ALAMAT is known as the country’s first multilingual and multiethnic Filipino boy group.

“We chose ALAMAT as our main cover page for October, to promote and honor the cultural significance in our country,” said Ulanday, the 23-year-old executive producer.

“We chose them as our subject because we believe that they have the same vision with our concept, and we believe that they have what it takes to represent the vision of our ‘Future Forward,’” she explained. 

Chiu oversees every aspect of the project. He remarked that “Future Forward” is always motivated by relevant causes such as cultural significance and diversity.

“We wanted to feature someone who embodies that holistic idea. Someone who is now making a buzz, and who promotes cultural advocacies in the form of exceptional talent,” he said.

“ALAMAT represents the concept of individual uniqueness and cultural diversity. These talented young artists should be given recognition for their contribution not just to the music industry but to our cultural identity as Filipinos,” he added.

Gaffud ensured that the cover was well-balanced in terms of execution. They did not use a full-fledged cultural vibe in the magazine because they considered the interests of the younger generation.

“The interest of the younger generation is now more into K-pop and modern hip-hop aesthetics. What we did, therefore, is to input modern elements as well in the visual design so the look would be a combination of traditional and modern, of the past and the present,” he said.

Vision to the future

The “Future Forward” project is off to a strong start, given how much it promises to offer. In its first two editions, the digital magazine demonstrated its ability to cover a wide range of themes for its audience to indulge in. 

Given that the project is still in its early stages, there is always room for development in the next editions. republicasia will also meet a slew of people with stories and causes that have an impact on other people’s lives.

“Basically, nangangapa kami sa lahat. From the concept, the production, to the actual execution itself. However, upon checking doon sa previous until dito sa [latest] cover namin, ang laki ng growth niya kasi we already have the basis,” said Ulanday.

The establishment of “Future Forward” not only allows Filipinos to share their tales and the art they practice, but it could potentially leave a good impact on society. 

As promised, audiences can anticipate bigger projects and bigger people from various fields sharing their personal stories.

“We are thrilled to launch our next cover which we believe will inspire our new generation in pursuing their passion and transforming the lives of the people. I cannot reveal everything yet, but this will be very exciting,” teased Chiu.

What was once a vision is slowly becoming a reality as the company moves forward. Marking its first anniversary, the organization will undoubtedly prepare itself for a more fruitful and influential future.

Indeed, achieving the future necessitates forward movement. As most of us believe, tomorrow is always there for the taking. republicasia will continue to advance and empower the next generation to be advocates for change and to live in the direction of a brighter tomorrow.