At only 19 years old, filmmaker and content creator Josiah Lebante has already carved a space for himself in the country’s creative industry.
Born and raised in Palawan, Lebante has been making waves online with his cinematic travel films, tutorials, and viral content challenges.
Last week, he stepped onto an even bigger platform, becoming the youngest speaker at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (WPPP) Photo & Video Congress 2025.
The annual congress, held September 26–29 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City, is one of the country’s most respected gatherings of photographers and videographers. Industry veterans, well-known names, and rising talents gather to exchange knowledge and showcase new techniques.
For Lebante, who only began gaining traction a few years ago through social media, the invitation was both unexpected and transformative.
“Sobrang bagong experience para sa akin dahil first time ko mag-speak sa kahit anong event, at sa Manila pa. Ang daming tao kaya medyo nakaka-overwhelm, pero naging memorable kasi doon ko naramdaman na ang dami palang nakakakilala sa akin at sa mga gawa ko,” he said.
“Sa workshop, ang dami ring nagtanong at namangha sa mga pinakita ko. Na-appreciate ko talaga yun lahat. Takeaway ko… kahit gaano ka kaba o baguhan sa isang bagay, kung genuine ka sa passion mo, makakarating ka rin sa stage kung saan may mga taong handang makinig at matuto mula sa’yo,” he said in an interview with Palawan News.
His talk, titled “From Ground to Sky: The Advantage of Aerial Storytelling,” focused on how aerial shots can change the way filmmakers approach stories.
Using DJI’s latest Mini 5 Pro drone, he demonstrated how shifting perspectives from the ground to the air can create more dynamic, immersive narratives.
For a generation used to consuming short-form videos, the ability to make content visually striking is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of engagement.
But beneath the technical discussion was a deeper purpose. Lebante admitted that his real goal is not just to showcase what he can do, but to encourage others to try.
“Goal ko ay maka-inspire ng ibang kagaya ko na mahilig sa paggawa ng videos at films. Gusto kong i-share yung knowledge ko tungkol sa filmmaking, lalo na sa social media, para makita ng iba na posible rin para sa kanila na mag-create at magkwento gamit ang camera,” he said.
That sense of accessibility, of showing that creativity is not confined to those with big budgets or formal training, has been at the heart of his content.
His TikTok clips, YouTube tutorials, and short-form challenges are often simple, yet they spark conversations and participation.
This has helped him build a following that extends beyond Palawan, turning him into one of the province’s most recognizable young creative voices.
Still, his journey has not been without setbacks. Lebante candidly shared that there were times he doubted whether his efforts were worth it.
“Simple lang… if masaya ka talaga sa passion mo, just do it. Dumating din ako sa point na gusto ko nang mag-quit kasi pakiramdam ko walang progress yung ginagawa ko,” he said.
“Pero pinili kong ipagpatuloy dahil masaya ako sa ginagawa ko—at ngayon, unti-unti ko nang nakakamit yung mga bagay na dati ay pinapangarap ko lang,” he added.
His words resonate with many young creators who are navigating the challenges of building an audience while staying true to their passion.
In an industry often dominated by older, more established names, his presence at WPPP symbolized a generational shift—a reminder that talent can come from anywhere, including the provinces.
For Palawan, his milestone is more than a personal win. It reflects the province’s growing creative community, one that continues to produce artists and storytellers recognized on the national stage.
In the years ahead, Lebante hopes to keep pushing his craft forward, experimenting with new formats, and mentoring others who share his passion.
From the ground to the sky, and now from Palawan to Manila, Josiah Lebante’s story is still being written.
But for those who listened to him at WPPP, his message was clear: passion, when pursued with persistence, has the power to lift you higher than you ever thought possible.
