MAKATI-BASED iACADEMY invited Oscar-nominated animator, character designer, and director Bobby Pontillas as speaker at the iACADEMY Nexus Campus on Sept. 21 to talk about his experiences in the animation industry.

Pontillas is expected to discuss about his work with companies like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Blue Sky Studios, and TAIKO, the VISION OPEN, and likewise hold a special critique session for a selected number of students to give insights and help improve their works.

The VISION OPEN is spearheaded by the VISION Creative Unit, the elite group of iACADEMY students who have embarked on their creative journeys under the mentorship of the country’s most sought-after creative professionals and unparalleled industry leaders in the field of arts and design.

“It’s a thrill to have an artist like Mr. Pontillas, who has achieved such heights in his craft on the world stage, sharing his wisdom. It’s inspiring for both students and faculty. We’re honored he took the time to physically be with us,” Creative Director of iACADEMY’s VISION Creative Unit Keith Sicat,

“As what we have always promised, we will continue to broaden the opportunities, both locally and globally, to give our students a competitive edge in the arts and design industry even before they are ushered into the real-world. With all our promising talents, I’m looking forward to what we can still accomplish this year and beyond,” Vanessa Tanco, President and CEO of iACADEMY, said.

Last May, pioneering members of Vision Creative Unit Alma Ramos, Faith Ann Moreno, and Zoe Samantha Panganiban made headlines as the only students from Asia and the Philippines to qualify as finalists in the Negative Space Comic Book Writing Competition along with top design schools like SCAD and Northern Michigan University, USA.

Also a member of the Vision Creative Unit, Danica Sy was named finalist for the MBC Short Film Festival for animated film “Bahay Bound”.

Following the school graduates’ 96 percent job placement rate and the recent achievements of iACADEMY students in the School of Design and the Arts, the Makati-based academy was recently recognized by the international publication Global Business Review Magazine in UAE as the Best Design School and Most Innovative Education Provider (Philippines) for the 2nd time since 2021.

It was also hailed as the Leading Computing, Business and Liberal Arts, and Design Education Provider in the Philippines by World Business Outlook Awards.