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My Emily in Paris moments in BGC


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My Emily in Paris moments in BGC

By Gia Andrea Laderas - Junior Creative

Landing My Junior Creative Role at JG Worldwide

Landing my Junior Creative role at JG Worldwide, felt like stepping into a dream, much like Emily’s arrival in Paris—excited, a little nervous and completely unprepared for what was to come. But this wasn’t like a fairytale. This was a fast-paced, grind-it-out world of advertising and marketing, and JG Worldwide, an industry powerhouse, was about to give me the steepest learning curve of my career.

I remember my first production shoot vividly. It was like walking onto a set, except I wasn’t the director, more like Emily on her first day at the French marketing agency, standing in the back of the room, trying not to trip over her own feet. I had no idea where to stand, what to do, or how to not mess up. "You need to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” I told myself, just like Emily had to navigate Parisian work culture and business meetings despite all the awkward moments that seemed to follow her. But unlike Emily, I didn’t have an effortlessly chic wardrobe or a boss who mysteriously admired my gutsy ideas. Instead, I had an impostor syndrome, a growing to-do list, and a chocolate addiction that somehow never satisfied me.

Then came the revisions. Oh! the revisions. If I could  have a hundred peso for every time I had to tweak a design, adjust a video edit, or rework a concept, I could afford an overpriced BGC hot chocolate every morning, Emily in Paris style. It was endless, like the never-ending pressure Emily faced as she tried to win over skeptical colleagues and navigate difficult clients. There were moments when I thought, “Do I even belong here?” But just like how Emily survived her own struggles with her team and clients, I learned that the key to surviving was flexibility, a lot of patience and a really good eye for details. 

Chocolate-Fueled Days

If there’s one thing that kept me going through long hours, tight deadlines, and late nights, it was chocolate. I don’t know if it was the sugar rush or just the comfort of a familiar satisfaction, but chocolate became my fuel. Every chaotic, caffeine-driven day, I’d find myself reaching for another chocolate, always promising myself that this would be the last one. It became a sort of ritual, a way to push through when I was too tired to think straight.

In many ways. Chocolate became my metaphor for survival at JG Worldwide. Like Emily’s pursuit of perfection in Paris, my relationship with chocolate was never entirely healthy. But I’d always come back for more, and somehow, it helped me through the most difficult days. Every chocolate-fueled moment seemed to bring energy that helped me get through yet another round of revisions, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. Chocolate kept me going when everything else felt like it was on the verge of falling apart.

A quick bite between deadlines—less Parisian café, more survival mode.

Living the Dream, Just Not the Instagram Version

Outside of work, my living situation wasn’t exactly glamorous either. I shared a tiny, crowded condo, where I often ended up sleeping on the floor with nothing but a comforter. It wasn’t Paris with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, but rather a survival game in the middle of Makati. I had to  laugh at my own situation, just like Emily found humor in her misadventures in Paris. Despite the exhaustion and unglamorous circumstances, I was living a dream, just not the polished, picture-perfect one we see on social media. Instead, it was a messy, sleep-deprived and full of chaotic growth, much like Emily’s life as she balanced her career, friendship and unexpected love affairs in the City of Light.

There were also moments where my work and personal life collided in the most unexpected ways. Much like when Emily found herself at a high-profile event, unsure of her place, I once found myself in an office room full of Gabriels and Sylvies, experienced, confident, and well-connected. I, on the other hand, was sitting awkwardly in the corner, clutching my laptop bag strap like a lifeline. But then, just like Emily would, I took a deep breath, introduced myself to a group, and somehow walked away with new connections and a fresh sense of confidence.

Holding on tight, not just to my bag strap, but to my nerves and ambition.

My Road to Growth

My experience at JG Worldwide wasn’t just about the struggles. It was about growth. Just like how Emily in Paris wasn’t just about croissants and cute outfits. With every mistake, every stressful deadline, and every revision, I was learning. I was becoming better. Emily might’ve charmed her way into the hearts of everyone around her (and onto some fabulous Instagram-worthy locations), but I was learning the deeper lessons that come with putting in the work, facing rejection, and bouncing back stronger.

The guidance of my team leader, Ms. Geneva Malit, our Associate Creative Director, much like Sylvie's quiet but sharp mentorship to Emily, pushed me beyond my limits. My team, Team Alpha, was a dynamic force that helped shape me into the creative I am today. JG Worldwide completely changed the way I saw creativity and marketing. I used to think it was all about making things look good, just like Emily initially thought she could impress by bringing an American flair to French luxury brands. But I learned it was so much more. It was about strategy, storytelling, and connecting with people in a way that actually mattered. It wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about making ideas work and making sure they resonated with the audience—no matter how much I really wanted to avoid revisions.

So, while my journey may not have been as glamorous as Emily’s filled with French parties and romantic entanglements, it was real, raw, and incredibly rewarding. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this, “You’re never fully ready for the next step. You just take it.” And I did, one chaotic, chocolate-fueled day at a time.

Every task felt like a test, but like Emily, I was proving I belonged here.

Much like Emily found herself swept up in the fast-paced world of Parisian marketing, I’ve embraced the challenges of life at JG Worldwide. From our creative space at 1907 One Park Drive, Bonifacio Global City, we’re not just executing campaigns, we’re telling bold stories, navigating the evolving marketing landscape, and chasing ambitious goals, one project at a time. It may not be Paris, but it’s an adventure all the same.

The next stop? Contact us at hello@jgworldwide.ph to secure a spot in our client roll.

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