A Filipina journalist-turned-content creator based in Dubai has been named one of five standout winners at the inaugural TikTok x Creators HQ Bootcamp—the first program of its kind in the Middle East.
Held in partnership with the UAE Government’s Creators HQ, the five-day intensive program brought together a select group of digital creators from across the region for hands-on training in video storytelling, editing, production, and creative strategy.
Originally from Legazpi City, Albay, Justin Aguilar was the only Filipina participant in the program. Despite being relatively new to content creation and having a smaller follower base than many of her peers, she stood out for her authentic, story-driven approach, impressing both mentors and TikTok officials.
@heyitsjustinaguilar #CreatorHQxTikTok Lights, camera, action!! 🎬🫶 Here’s what I learned from the #Day1 of the #TikTokBootcamp here in #Dubai #UAE #MENA 🥰 #ofw #tiktok #pinoy #pinoytiktok #dream #goals #contentcreator #Filipino #howto #content #videoediting #tutorial #summervibes #educational ♬ Funk10583 – SonicMusic
“As a beginner in this space, I never expected to win—especially among creators with millions of followers,” said Aguilar, who has worked as a journalist for the past nine years. “This experience gave me a massive confidence boost and affirmed that I have something valuable to offer. I feel so privileged to have learned directly from TikTok. It was a creative reset that reminded me why I love storytelling in the first place.”
The bootcamp, held in June 2025 at Creators HQ in Dubai, featured workshops on photography, studio production, CapCut editing, and storytelling techniques led by industry experts and high-profile creators. Aguilar was among five participants awarded the program’s top honors, which included a share of a USD 15,000 cash prize, a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, an exclusive tour of TikTok MENA Headquarters, a meet-and-greet with TikTok’s regional team, premium membership to Creators HQ, access to its state-of-the-art facilities, and VIP passes to the upcoming 1 Billion Summit in 2026.
Throughout the program, participants received guidance and insights from regional creators and executives including Khalil Shattara, Founder and CEO of Sukoon Studio; Anas Shattara, Co-Founder and COO of Sukoon Studio; Sara Al Mouaz, Lifestyle & Education Creator Manager at TikTok MENA; Yan Kanaan, Creative Product Manager at TikTok MENA; Abed Agha, CEO of Sociata; and several influencers such as Walid El Musrati (@walidelmusrati), Chahrazad Al Hajjar (@chahrazadscuisine), Antoun Ghosn, TikTok LIVE Agency Lead; Hubert Sepidnam (@mr.taster); and Miled and Melissa Rahal (@miledandmelissa).
@heyitsjustinaguilar #CreatorHQxTiktok What if your fridge is a portal, what’s on the other side? Here is my final output for the #TikTokBootcamp Thank you @TikTok MENA @Creators HQ | مقر المؤثرين for the chance to #learnontiktok 🫶 #booktok #stemtok #dancetok #motivation #editingtips #capcut #howto ♬ original sound – Justin Aguilar
The bootcamp aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital creators. Creators HQ, launched in January 2025 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is supported by a AED 150 million (~USD 40 million) Content Creators Support Fund and hosts over 300 creator-focused events annually.
“Winning was incredible,” Aguilar added. “But more than that, it felt like being seen—not just as a creator, but as a storyteller. Being able to represent Filipinos in this regional space made it all the more meaningful.”
