Coming together is just the beginning. Staying together equals progress. Working together leads to success. This has never been more true for Widescope’s dynamic duo, Mic and Ali. Two graphic designers that joined the company in 2019 have achieved an incredible milestone in their careers with their promotion to Senior Graphic Designer.

Taking a closer look at the two individuals, Alejandro “Ali’ Balawag always knew he would end up in the advertising industry, even before he graduated college. From his humble beginnings in performing basic graphic design and merely observing in photoshoots, he has now made his way to directing, presenting pitches, and mentoring some of the company’s newer members. A shining example of how hard work and determination leads you to bigger and better opportunities.

He shares his fondest memories of when he got to show his work to his directors for feedback that significantly contributed to improving his creative ideation. His advocacy for creative innovation displays an unmatched thirst to constantly better himself.  When discussing what Ali attributes his success to he says, “Consistency and the hunger for more wins, whether big or small, are my main motivations but really I just try to have fun with every project and not stress about it.”

In the pursuit of excellence, two individuals working towards a common goal, regardless of credit, can lead to extraordinary results. Michael “Mic” Herradura’s creative journey started in May 2019 when he started his first job as a Junior Graphic Designer. In contrast to the other half of this partnership, Mic never really saw himself going into advertising; he describes that it was his hunger for knowledge and a calling to better his artistic skills that led him to where he is now. Let this serve as an example to listen to that voice in your head that tells you to take that first small step in what turns out to be the right direction. Best exemplified by what Mic considers his most outstanding achievement, that small step led him to win the CREO award for one of his projects in 2021.

When asked what he was most looking forward to stepping into his new role as a Senior Graphic Designer, he said, “I’d like to continually improve my said skills such as illustrating, creative thinking, rendering etc. Most importantly I’d like to share my said skills to a junior or mentee.” The wheel never stops turning, lessons learned are also lessons given, and in the case of Mic and Ali’s partnership, we see how a common interest in comic books taught them to be each other’s yin and yang.

Widescope’s continuous efforts to be a playground for creative innovation and collaboration are so clearly felt in the dynamic between the two. “We’re like Thor and Loki (I’m Thor), Han and Luke (I’m Han) or Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti (I’m Chickenjoy). Basically, we don’t bring the same things to the table, and that’s what makes us work well together.” said Ali. Mic had something similar and equally poetic to say about him, “Ali and I would blend like complementary colors on the color wheel? We’re really close, but at the same time nagprepresent din kami ng magkaibang ideas sa table?” Their friendship is truly is a partnership born from an unlikely meeting of minds that sparked a flood of revolutionary ideas.

What’s perhaps even more extraordinary than the success they’ve achieved is when asked about how they feel stepping into new and unchartered waters together. The duo gave answers with such incredible grace and camaraderie that it’s hard not to take note. “Feels like Batman and Superman have given us blessing to take their mantles vibe? We’re both deserving and we’re pretty much ready to take the challenges full speed, head-on,” said Mic about the journey ahead.

A parallel to Ali’s sentiments, “I can’t see anyone else more deserving to take this new role other than Michael, before myself even, so being on the same pedestal together is going to be exciting.” These two individuals who’ve remained humble through their journey continue to be outstanding cheerleaders for each other’s success.

The Widescope family eagerly waits to see what the fantastic duo will do next because when everyone moves forward together, success takes care of itself.