Reality show ‘Project GO’ wants to empower Filipino entrepreneurs during a pandemic

Crafting a reality show during a global pandemic is definitely not an easy task. However, AXN Asia and GoDaddy took that challenge head on, while empowering Filipino entrepreneurs in the process.

The result, Project GO, is set to premiere its first season on November 19. 

Project GO features Filipino entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a set of mentors. The entrepreneurs have a chance to win P1 million pesos to help fund their ideas and make their business a reality.

Open auditions started in August 2020. In the end, nearly 20 groups were asked to present their pitches to the show’s mentors via video conference.

In a virtual launch held on Wednesday, October 21, the mentors and production heads talked about their experience working on the show. 

“Being able to host and mentor is so fulfilling. When I was first starting out, I didn’t really have any mentors besides my husband,” said Maggie Wilson, furniture business Acasa Manila owner. In addition to being a mentor, Maggie hosts Project GO.

“It’s such an amazing show and I’m so excited to be part of it.”

“My favorite part was meeting these new entrepreneurs. Even as a mentor, I’m still learning and starting out new ideas. It’s very fulfilling and refreshing,” said Mikko Tung, Vice President of Production at Ligo Sardines.

Joining him as mentors are his brothers Mark and Macky, Ligo Vice President for Sales and Vice President for Marketing, respectively. 

Macky shares his brother’s enthusiasm over meeting the entrepreneurs. “It was definitely a fun experience, collaborating with entrepreneurs and trying to make a positive impact in the world, and seeing that fire burn,” he said.

Production on Project GO began while the pandemic was in full swing. KC Global Media’s Vice President of Production Derek Wong said that they had to make a lot of adjustments to ensure the success of the show, as “doing a production during the pandemic was very difficult.”

“A lot of adjustments we had to make in terms of production, but we wanted to ensure that we continue bringing exciting content to AXN’s fanbase,” Wong said.

Despite these challenges, Wong is confident about Project GO.

“We were very confident from the beginning with our expertise in production and creativity, combined with GoDaddy’s resources and support, plus our knowledge about the Philippine market. We managed to pull off an amazing project,” he said.

Also part of the panel of mentors are GoDaddy Asia’s Marketing Director Tina Shieh and Rappler’s Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor Bea Cupin. 

“GoDaddy is an empowering brand and we want people to take initiative in their ideas. During the pandemic, we wanted to bridge the gap with technology, and working with AXN and Maggie [Wilson], the synergy just came along perfectly,” Shieh said.

Cupin was also very excited about the project and talked about Filipino entrepreneurs’ fresh perspectives. “The entrepreneurs of today think outside their bubble. They think about those in the fringes. There’s this earnestness for people who do not have the same opportunities they have,” Cupin said.

Wong said viewers will find themselves rooting for the entrepreneurs in the show. “It’s not a show you just watch, it’s one where you get emotionally involved and you want the contestants’ businesses to grow,” he said.

Project GO is set to premiere on November 19, 2020 at 8:25 pm on AXN.

AXN Asia and GoDaddy Asia’s YouTube channels will also broadcast weekly simulcasts. – Rappler.com

Rappler is Project GO’s media partner

Jericho Ignades is a Rappler intern