adobo magazine Issue 64 | Page 73

g n u o Y s e s s e Lion L 1 5 words ike many things, several emotions will be redefined by a Cannes Lions experience. Overwhelmed becomes finding out you were chosen to represent your country in the most prestigious advertising event in the world. Euphoria, basking in the immense support offered by your industry and peers. Surreal, is stepping into Cannes’ bustling Palais des Festivals for the first time. Confidence, what you bring as you enter the YL Competition and anxiety, what you will inevitably face amidst it. Humility, is most often what you leave with but ambition, what follows you all the way home. The Cannes Lions Festival was easily the most inspiring event we have ever had the opportunity to participate in. In all its splendor, it is nearly impossible to recount in a way that would give it justice. Like flying first class, Cannes Lions is simply one of those things you will never know you’re missing until you try, and in this same respect, you’ll never want to be without again. This year, the festival was grander than ever and continuously evolving. The creatively functional theme presented attendees with vibrant lists of advice on how to maximize the experience at every turn. Adopting this, we strayed from the predictable retelling and crafted our gained experience into an applicable survival list for the next lucky few. 72 adobo magazine | July - August 2016 ANDI OLBES AND NIKKI SUNGA BE BOLD LET IT GO There are no cowardly lions in this town. If you are an introvert, let this be a turning point for you to be more outspoken. Cannes Lions, if anything, is about networking. Take the initiative, introduce yourself; you have absolutely nothing to lose. Don’t fret when things don’t go your way, it’s part of the learning experience to be adaptable. Don’t let what happened in the past days affect your outlook on the oncoming ones. Even in loss, live every day in Cannes as a new experience and an opportunity to grow. CARPE DIEM ET NOCTEM With a nearly 10PM sunset, take advantage and maximize your days. Rise early, power through hangovers, attend talks, explore the vast festival grounds, or lose yourself in the captivating city and neighboring towns. Afterwards, enjoy the nightlife and find yourself in “The Gutter,” where you should witness at least one Cannes sunrise. 2 SPLURGE ON EXPERIENCE 3 You didn’t just fly halfway across the world to sit in your hotel or eat fast food. If you do, you don’t deserve to be there. Get lost, taste the delicacies, purchase those vintage prints, and do the shot. Let the experience overwhelm you and don’t give yourself the burden of a ‘maybe.’ SYNERGIZE You are going to be coexisting with your partner for quite a stretch. Learn how to complement each other’s qualities and quirks; you have a lot to learn from each other. There is nothing more likely to kill the vibe (or your chances of winning) than a strained partnership. BE PRESENT 6 Put your smartphone down. You’re already at the event, there’s no use reading about it on your device. Don’t waste the opportunity by being unable to take your eyes off your tiny screen and take in the bigger picture. REPRESENT You are there to represent the country; do it with pride and promise. Everyone you meet will take home generalized sentiments based on their interactions with you. This is a chance to advertise your country’s competence with your intellect, skill, and of course, your dazzling personality. 7 ROAR 8 Cannes is not the end goal, it’s the catalyst. With its grandiose reputation, anyone can get lost in the glamor of the festival, but it shouldn’t become what you need to feel affirmed. A lion is the loudest of the big cats; its roar can be heard over eight kilometers away. Dream big and let your work roar.