FutureSmart scholars become future-ready

In an increasingly cutthroat world, you would want to stand out and let your individuality shine. 

Luckily for the youth leaders in the elite circle of the FutureSmart Program, a special hybrid seminar on Feb. 22 titled “Personal Branding” taught them just how to do that. 

Under the most recent event of PLUS (Pioneering Leadership and Uplifting Service) Factor, 60 scholars nationwide learned pointers on building confidence, enhancing credibility and standing out in a competitive landscape. 

PLUS Factor is a sustaining engagement with the scholars. The “Personal Branding” seminar followed two others held in 2024, namely, “Growth Mindset” and “The Power of Habits.”

The initiative is meant to follow the scholars in different stages of college life, equipping them with foundational mindsets, communication skills, productivity tools and leadership competencies to make them more capable when they enter the workforce.

The FutureSmart Program is under BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive. 

“I hope your workshop with BingoPlus Foundation will serve as one of your tools in achieving the best version of yourselves,” said two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo in a virtual appearance that excited the participants. 

The gymnastics phenom received support from DigiPlus, home to beloved brands such as BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, in his history-making campaign at the Paris Olympics.

Through discussions and hands-on activities, participants learned how to craft compelling narratives and confidently present themselves as authentic leaders, among others.

The scholars who attended the session in-person even practiced personal branding through designing an Outfit of the Day (OOTD). The FutureSmart scholar that topped the OOTD challenge took home ArenaPlus merchandise signed by Yulo.

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“While branding and personal image are important, always remember that staying true and maintaining your authentic self are the real keys to success,” Yulo reminded the group. “Don’t ever lose who you are and always look back to your old self to appreciate your wins today while striving harder to get to where you want to be in the future.”

In an effort to help more youth leaders gain a headstart, FutureSmart will add at least 10 new scholars for the upcoming academic year. Applications are ongoing through BingoPlus Foundation’s partners, SM Foundation and STI Foundation.