Republicasia turns 1

Photo courtesy: republicasia

IT SEEMS like only yesterday when republicasia bravely entered the media industry, with a vision to be the leading platform for the young generation through telling their stories and sharing topics that resonate deeply with them.

Today, November 5, the digital platform is now celebrating its first anniversary, continuing to live up to its vision and mission to redefine traditional news by combining the powers of digital platforms and civic journalism.

Over the past months, republicasia has produced hundreds of stories, both in the form of articles and vertical videos, that touched on issues and interests of the younger generations, particularly the Millennials and Generation Z.

These topics have covered news that matters to all Filipinos under republicasia’s “News” category, the young generations’ wide range of interests under “Generation” category, stories of individuals who have been making names in various industries and the like under “People” category, the young individuals’ voices under “Speak Up!” category, special reports that left an impact on people under “Focus Stories,” and explainers under “Decode,” among others.

Republicasia has also reached milestones one after another in producing these valuable stories for its young audiences.

Aside from delivering stories, republicasia also aims to equip young individuals with further knowledge on various topics.

This is why republicasia joined forces with iACADEMY to hold its first-ever summit called “Lead Like A Pro” in May, to give a deeper understanding of technology and digital media.

Republicasia believes that there is so much to learn about these two topics, and so it held its second summit called “Next Up” in October, which took aspiring journalists into the complex world of digital news.

In September, republicasia took a big step to form a stronger connection with its young audiences when it launched its digital magazine called, “Future Forward,” featuring 50 student journalists from different campuses nationwide for its first-ever issue.

It released its second issue, featuring the first multilingual and multiethnic Filipino boy group Alamat, best known for its brand of integrating Philippine culture and modern music in its discography.

Successful platform for the youth

Having been able to achieve all these in just a span of 12 months is a proud moment for republicasia’s millennial chief executive officer Bran Ferrer Reluao.

“We’re covering topics that matter to them [young generation] and telling stories that resonate with them in a way that they could easily understand and digest,” he said.

“We’ve been able to get our message across using not just the website but our various social media platforms,” he added.

Through hosting the summit, Reluao noted that republicasia was able to collaborate with experts and veterans to equip young individuals with useful tips and practical advice.

“Holding these events has shown me that the younger generations are eager to learn and to explore new ways of doing things. They are not afraid to push the boundaries and to innovate,” the CEO said.

He added, “But at the same time, they are willing to listen to experts and more experienced professionals, and to be guided by their wisdom.”

Republicasia’s chief future officer Henrick Chiu, meanwhile, said he is delighted to witness and be a part of the digital platfom’s growth and success since joining in August.

“I feel happy that I am able to celebrate RepublicAsia’s first anniversary. It’s indeed an exciting milestone that represents a year of dedication, innovation, and hard work from the entire team,” he said.

According to Chiu, republicasia’s growth has been “remarkable” since August. Citing the company’s data, the CFO said that the company’s social media reach jumped by 50 percent, with an 82 percent increase in online followers in just four months.

Chiu also emphasized the importance of republicasia’s role in providing the youth with crucial information that they can easily digest.

“The role of republicasia is important in sharing the stories and interests of the new generation because by keeping them updated with what’s happening in the country, we empower them to be active participants in discussions, debates, and decisions that will impact their lives and the nation’s future,” he explained.

A work in progress

Ups and downs are to be expected as a start-up company. Many businesses struggle as they maneuver an uncharted path in whatever field they intend to explore. Republicasia, like any other company, found its way to prosper in the media market.

The digital platform has established itself as a rising online media source and information supplier in the media industry in its first year of operation, all thanks to its hardworking staff, who never gave up despite the company’s difficulties.

Aya Malasig, who has been with the company for 11 months, said that republicasia is still a “work in progress.”

“I joined when the company was relatively new and seeing how far it has come with all the projects and collaborations makes me think that with enough time and patience, it’ll only keep growing,” she said.

JD Lacdao has been with republicasia for about a year and a month as a graphics artist in the Creatives Department. He and several other employees have witnessed how the media organization has come a long way.

“The experience was great since nandiyan na ako bago pa ma-launch ‘yung RA,” he said.

“Sobrang hirap and stressful bago nung launch talaga, and lalo na ang dami ko nang napagdaanan and nakita ko rin ang sarili ko na nag-improve with RA,” he continued.

Josh Ramos, who is also a pioneer employee, said, “The experience from the beginning to now has been challenging both physically and mentally.”

“A lot of changes [have] been made and a lot of decisions too, but change is a part of growth. And the company needs to keep growing,” he added.

Sales and Marketing Officer Danica Ulanday echoed this and emphasized the need for development.

“It was difficult for me and my team to adapt to the goal that we were going to achieve each day,” she said.

She went on, “Still, as Republicasia grows by the day, we were able to fully appreciate the notion of supporting the process as well as trusting the ideas of each member of the team.”

At the end of the day, each and every company’s primary goal must be growth. It may be hazy at first, but once everyone is on board, the company will certainly sail to its targeted destination.

Fun place to be

Working for a start-up company, especially a media company, is difficult given that you must develop your name and eventually generate your own audiences.

Anya Yabut, a platform manager from the Social Media Department, has adjusted to her work since starting in republicasia four months ago.

“It was rough at the start since I needed time to adjust to how fast-paced everything was, but my co-workers were [and still are], very patient and welcoming,” she said. “I’m happy to say that I’ve made really good friends during my time in RA.”

Yan Bernardino, a former intern turned-junior-producer, believes that republicasia can be a place where people can enhance not only their skills but also their personal growth. He said that all they have to do is put their love into their work.

“Being in this company taught me that in everything that we do, if there is heart, it will show,” he said.

“It taught me a lot of things–things that I never would have learned in school. The office culture, the bond between the employees, and the cause that can be seen carrying with every shoot, every article, and every video posted,” he continued.

Malasig, meanwhile, said that RA is a nice place to work.

“It was fun! I got to meet a lot of people and experience new things. I really treasure all the connections I’ve made in RA since these people really make the workdays lighter and better,” she shared.

Multimedia producer Josh Gerona also said that his four-month stay in the company has been an exciting experience for him as he gets to meet a lot of people from all walks of life.

“It was fun and great, and I love the working environment,” Gerona added.

Republicasia employees have also been a good support system for videographer and video editor John Gabriel Austin San Luis.

“In terms of workload, I have no problem with it. I like to take challenges when finishing a task. There are few bumps on the road, but the people in the office made it a lot easier,” San Luis said.

It has been a tough yet enjoyable experience for the young individuals behind republicasia.

Bumps on the road are to be expected, given that the company is still relatively new, but it has proven to be quite promising as it ages like fine wine in the very competitive media market.