CAN a ‘probinsyano’ make it in bigger cities?
Dabawenyo creative Willenito Tormis Jr. has been asking this question growing up. As a child, he was fond of watching television shows and creating anything that involves storytelling.
After graduating Bachelor of Arts in English Language at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep), Tormis had a short stint as an educator. But after a year of teaching at a college school, he pursued his passion and is now hustling in the entertainment and creative industry for almost a decade.
He started as a writer and producer for some of the multi-awarded and successful local entertainment shows in Davao City namely Agri Tayo Dito, Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka, and Mag TV Na.
Raised by his father Willenito and grandmother Ellen, Tormis shared growing up was never easy following the separation of his parents when he was seven.
“My father and Lola Ellen were two of the main reasons I finished my studies and continue achieving my dreams. My Lola made me appreciate the value of hard work and always encouraged me to never stop dreaming. I hope I'm making her and my family proud,” he said.
Pursuing a career outside “home”
He was slowly building his name in the industry in his home city but Tormis is craving to reach a wider audience. When he was laid off from work at a TV station in 2018, he saw this as a sign to pursue greater things. But the journey wasn’t easy.
“After I was laid off due to redundancy at ABS-CBN Davao, I immediately looked for a job, any job since I'm the breadwinner and losing a job while I'm trying to build my career was very hard,” he narrated.
He was hired as a marketing head for a food company, but he felt something is missing as he wanted to create more and grow out of the box. He resigned after a year and accepted an offer from ABS-CBN Manila as executive producer and writer of ABS-CBN and Kumu's first digital gameshow, Pera o Bayong.
“I identify myself as a 'visionary,' when I have an idea in mind; I make sure that it will be executed by any means. I think that was the turning point why I pushed through my career outside Davao City. I want to discover more stories, I want to echo and be the instrument to share every Filipino's story to the world,” the 30-year-old creative shared.
His pursuit in a bigger city was not a walk in the park. He was bullied and belittled by some because of his provincial background but he just continued to show his dedication and worked hard to give his best at all times.
“I competed with myself, not with others. I always pray to God that he'll give me what I deserve, what I worked for, and I'm grateful for every opportunity. That's why I'm giving my best in every work because I believe it is my mission, to discover stories, discover people,” he emphasized.
But just when things start to go his way, the Covid-19 pandemic hit and ABS-CBN franchise wasn’t renewed. He was laid off again.
He went back to Davao City and focused to be a part of Greenbug Media Production.
“Even if I have a career in Manila, I always make sure that I share my talent with my people (Dabawenyos), from time to time I render my services as part of Greenbug Media Production. Directing and writing different videos and telling stories of Dabawenyos and companies, making a big impact on the community,” he said adding he’s still looking for bigger opportunities.
So when Kumu, a Filipino-owned social entertainment app in the Philippines, asked him to join their team as Director of Creatives, he was quick to accept it.
He was the creative behind the online show "Game KNB?" with host Robi Domingo. He also handled big brands like Pinoy Big Brother, It's Showtime, Eat Bulaga, ABS-CBN, TV5, CNN, Miss Universe Philippines, and Binibining Pilipinas, among others.
One big milestone he earned last year was to be one of the creative directors for Top Class, hosted by Catriona Gray with KZ Tandingan, which was awarded at Asian TV Awards 2022 as "Best in Original Digital Entertainment."
Unfortunately, he was part of the employees laid off by his recent employer due to the digital industry’s uncertain landscape.
“I was laid off for the third time. But having been laid off multiple times taught me a lesson that no matter what will happen, you just need to trust yourself, trust your talents, and always believe that every rejection, it's a redirection from God to another destination. One day you'll thank yourself for being brave in these situations, just trust His plans,” he said.
Despite what happened, exciting things await Tormis as the creative industry continues to evolve.
Looking back, Tormis said he had a fair share of rejections, challenges, bullying, and even depression. But he rose above those hiccups and bumps and became better, stronger, and wiser.
“Kaya man diay nako, kaya pud ninyo! Layo pako, pero layo nako. Who would have thought that this probinsyano dreamer would be able to share every Filipino's story to the world. When you dream, you must work hard to achieve it,” he shared.
He also highlighted dreamers should always search for what's best for them and never be afraid to go out of their comfort zones as their milestones might be just waiting on the other side or outside of the box.
However, by doing so, Tormis reminded everyone to always be grateful and acknowledge the people who helped them along the way.
“I believe that in the end, God will give you what you deserve, what you worked for,” he said.
As a rising young creative in the Philippines’ entertainment industry, Tormis with his life experiences is indeed a living testament that dreams are always valid. ASP