Want to be a YouTube Star? #OwnIt

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As far back as eight years or so ago, when Mommy Mundo was just about to be "born", I'd hear trendspotters predict that video will eventually become a strong, if not the main, platform for sharing online. After the popularity of websites, then blogs and social media, videos, especially through YouTube is now probably the go-to platform especially of the youth. When my boys, who are now in their late teens, were growing up, they would love watching Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network, or dvds of their fave cartoon characters, but now, our TV is rarely on except if Gary and I want to watch something. I noticed that more and more, the kids just access videos on their tablets and phones, and most of the time they would be YouTube.With the popularity of YouTube which now has more than 1 Biliion users, also comes the stars which it has helped create. Many singers like Justine Bieber, Pentatonix and even our very own Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda were discovered on YouTube, and content creators like Fil-Am Happy Slip and the ultra popular Kids' Toys unboxing channel have not only made it big in name but also in earnings. What's amazing is most of these stars merely recorded and published their videos because they wanted to showcase their talent and passions, we could say fame and money just came as a bonus.Recognizing this trend while seeing that there is still so much potential for Filipinos to make it big on YouTube considering we are such a creative nation, Smart recently launched its “Own It” campaign to encourage more Filipino content creators to utilize video and YouTube, "to share their passions to the world, giving them a voice larger than themselves." Under this campaign, Smart unveiled Launchpad last weekend, a program to help budding content creators and aspiring YouTube stars to upload their own work on YouTube, buy likes on Youtube to jumpstart their subscriber audience and broadcast it to the world via Upload Stations which opened in Sm Megamall Atrium and soon to go all over the country.Smart LaunchpadSmart executives, Katrina Luna-Abelarde, Head of Wireless Consumer Operations for Smart, with host RaizzaI, along with my fellow "Smart Moms", Michelle (@mymomfriday), Neva (@manilamommy) and Fleur (@mommyfleur) had fun learning more about the campaign and visiting the first Smart Launchpad Upload StationSmart LaunchpadView from the top. The Smart Upload station in Megamall AtriumSmart LaunchpadFirst step is to register here!Then you can get fixed up at the hair and make-up station if you need to.SmartInside the recording studio, there is also a wardrobe assistant and some outfits. You're of course welcome to come all dressed up already.SmartThis is the seat to YouTube stardom!SmartNeva and I checking out if we can be the next YouTube band to be discovered by Ellen!Smart LaunchpadSmart partnered with Samsung who provided all the gadgets needed for the video uploads.SmartAfter you're done, you can avail of a free photo in this pop-up studio.SmartSamsung also provided Samsung VRs for visitors to experience.SmartThe #Smartmoms band! What do you think?SmartSmartBe the next Bogart the Explorer or Michael Josh Villanueva of Gadget Match.The Smart Launchpad Upload Stations will be touring these selected malls in key areas nationwide:July 30 - 31 : SM MOAAugust 7 - 8 : SM BaguioAugust 13 - 14 : SM ClarkAugust 27 - 28 : SM IloiloSeptember 3 - 4 : SM North EDSADuring weekends, Smart subscribers can meet and hang out here, create their own videos, collaborate with other fellow content creators and upload in real time using Smart’s fast Internet connection and Samsung devices. Upload Stations will also be visiting different campuses and hotspots to bring the experience to the Filipino youth.Plus, listen up! Aspiring content creators will get the chance to participate in Launchpad Workshops where they will learn from industry professionals and top YouTubers. Smart subscribers can join the workshops by creating an account on YouTube, uploading original videos on their account, and registering online at www.smart.com.ph/launchpad. Registration is open until September 15, 2016. In these learning sessions, they will learn more about building their brand online, professionalize their craft, monetizing their YouTube channel, and creating engaging and creative content. By the end of the workshops, Smart will chose 3 deserving content creators to fly to Los Angeles, USA to collaborate with international YouTube stars.To join and to read the full mechanics, visit www.smart.com.ph/launchpad or check these videos below for more inspiration:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications/videos/10154345397652311/TW: https://twitter.com/LiveSmart/status/757814978908860416YouTube: https://youtu.be/1QsrY1j63fk