Manta is an ADFEST newbie. Here’s your chance to find out why the ADFEST loyals, a host of delegates, and battalions of judges come back. A lot. Experience ADFEST through Manta’s eyes. Here is Manta’s Day 2:
Waking up to the ocean never gets old, especially when you know a generous international breakfast buffet is waiting downstairs.
Last night, the jurors, guests, and part of the team, myself included, were invited to a VIP dinner hosted by Shot, the renowned content creation agency, at InterContinental Pattaya. The setup was stunning. A long, abundant spread set against a stretch of soft beige sand, glowing under decorative lights, with contemporary Thai villas framing the scene. Effortlessly luxe, yet still warm and inviting.
Back at PEACH, ADFEST 2026 is quietly coming to life ahead of its official opening tomorrow. I watched as signage went up, registration desks took shape, and rooms were transformed into spaces that will soon host talks, seminars, and workshops over the next few days. There is a certain anticipation in the air now, and I am genuinely excited to sit in on some of these sessions.
Today also marks the final day of jury deliberations. There is a noticeable shift in energy, still focused but more relaxed, as decisions are being finalized and the most intense debates are behind them. What stands out is just how seriously the process is taken. Awards are not handed out lightly. Every piece of work is examined, discussed, and challenged from multiple angles. There is a real sense of responsibility in deciding what deserves recognition. I can only hope that the winners understand how much thought and care went into choosing their work.
Sitting in on these sessions has made one thing very clear to me. Great creative work is never accidental. It takes a village and an immense amount of brainpower. Each submission comes with a brief, outlining the context, the insight, and the journey behind the idea. And you can tell none of it is rushed. These are the results of hours of research, rounds of pitching, back and forth discussions, reworking, scrapping, and starting all over again. There is a rigor behind the creativity that people do not always see.
As a writer, I tell stories, too. But my work feels much more personal. I write about what resonates with me and share it with those who choose to read. I am not competing with anyone but myself. Advertising, on the other hand, operates on an entirely different scale. It is designed to break through, to land in front of people whether they are looking for it or not, and to make an immediate impact in a fast moving, highly competitive world. There is a certain vulnerability in that. The work is out there for everyone to respond to, whether that is admiration, critique, or even rejection. One small misstep can undo everything. One subtle detail can be the difference between winning big or being overlooked.
It may look glamorous from the outside, but it demands far more than just talent or instinct to succeed.
Another thing I have found deeply refreshing is seeing so many women in the jury rooms. There is a strong presence across generations, and when they come together, it creates a dynamic that feels both powerful and nuanced. Their perspectives, shaped by experience and emotional intelligence, bring a different kind of depth to the discussions. More layered, more attentive to detail, more vibrant. It also softens the room in a way, allowing for conversations that feel more open, empathetic, and considered.
In the end, it reminds me that the best creative work does not come from a single voice. It comes from diversity, from emotion, from the tension and harmony of different perspectives coming together.
And maybe that is what makes it truly resonate.
