Story by Laurence Teologo, Communications Officer
Sometimes, the most meaningful moments at a leadership camp happen between the scheduled sessions.
They unfold in conversations over meals, questions raised during mentoring circles, stories exchanged with alumni, and moments of laughter among batchmates. These are the interactions that often stay with participants long after the program ends.
From August 3 to 7, 2026, 37 Shell-PhilDev and PhilDev scholars from 10 partner universities gathered at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo for the annual Shell-PhilDev Leadership Camp.
Over five days, the scholars reflected on their personal journeys, prepared for life beyond university, connected with mentors and industry leaders, and explored the many paths their futures could take.
Understanding Themselves and One Another
For the younger scholars, the camp began with the LEAD Workshop, which encouraged them to look inward while building connections with one another.
They shared the stories behind their names, reflected on their happiest and most difficult moments, identified attitudes they hoped to change, and spoke about their dreams for the future. They mapped their life journeys, shared stories about their families, and imagined the milestones they hoped to reach in the years ahead.
As the sessions progressed, scholars who had only recently met began to open up to one another. They were no longer simply members of different batches or universities. By listening to one another’s experiences, they began to recognize the stories and aspirations they shared.
Preparing for Life Beyond University
For the junior and senior scholars, the conversations shifted toward life after graduation.
Sessions covered résumé writing, job interviews, career planning, decision-making, artificial intelligence, and the changing world of work. These discussions helped the scholars consider not only how to enter the workforce but also how to adapt to an increasingly complex and unpredictable professional landscape.
Members of the Shell HR team spent the day facilitating sessions and sharing practical insights drawn from their own professional experiences.
The scholars also joined mentoring circles with Shell HR representatives and Shell staff volunteer-mentors. These smaller conversations gave junior, senior, and newly graduated scholars an opportunity to ask candid questions, seek guidance, and discuss their individual aspirations.
Some of the volunteers had served as mentors in previous camps. Their return allowed earlier conversations to continue and relationships built over the years to deepen.
Learning from Unexpected Journeys
The conversations continued through the fireside chat, “Unexpected Paths, Purposeful Journeys,” where scholar-alumni reflected on the choices, challenges, and turning points that shaped their lives after university.
Their stories showed the scholars that careers do not always follow a straight or predictable path. A change in direction does not necessarily mean losing one’s way. Sometimes, an unexpected turn can lead to greater clarity, growth, and purpose.
The Industry Leaders’ Talks offered another perspective on the future of work.
Ronna Sieh, PhilDev Board Trustee, shared insights on artificial intelligence, future-ready skills, and industry readiness. Paulo Angelo Arias, PSFI Board Member and former Shell Pilipinas HR leader, spoke about leadership, purpose, and navigating change in the workplace.
Paulo’s participation extended beyond his scheduled talk. He arrived as early as 6:30 a.m. and, while waiting for his session, joined the alumni fireside chat. He later connected those conversations to his own presentation before staying to participate in the mentoring circles and speak with as many scholars as he could.
Other industry mentors also shared their time and experiences with the scholars. Ian Estinozo of Intel Philippines, Allen Gorrecita of Analog Devices Inc., and Ami Diaz of Dana Asia joined scholar-alumni mentors in the conversations.
Together, they gave the scholars an opportunity to learn from professionals at different stages of their careers and to ask questions that do not always find space in a formal presentation.
Growing as One Community
Beyond the workshops and career conversations, the camp created space for fellowship.
Scholars from different universities and batches formed new connections, while alumni returned not only as former scholars but also as mentors and familiar faces within a growing community.
For the culminating activity, each batch prepared and presented a song and dance number. The performances brought the different groups together in a shared celebration of creativity, teamwork, and camaraderie.
What began as a gathering of scholars from different schools and stages of their academic journeys gradually became a community shaped by shared experiences.
Seeing Possibilities Up Close
The camp concluded with a visit to Analog Devices, where the scholars gained a closer look at an actual workplace and saw how the knowledge and skills they are developing could translate into professional life.
More than a workplace tour, the visit became an extension of the conversations that had shaped the camp from the beginning.
The scholars spent time with mentors from Analog Devices, asked questions about their experiences, and gained a clearer view of the opportunities and challenges they may encounter in their own careers.
For some, the visit offered a first glimpse of a possible professional environment. For others, it gave greater shape to goals they had already begun to pursue.
Moving Forward, Together
The Shell-PhilDev Leadership Camp gave the scholars time to step away from the demands of university and consider questions that are not always answered inside the classroom: Who am I becoming? What kind of work do I want to pursue? How can I prepare for a future that may not unfold as planned?
After five days, the scholars left with practical lessons, broader perspectives, new connections, and questions that could continue guiding them beyond the camp.
Leadership, after all, is not simply about knowing exactly where to go. It also requires the willingness to explore, listen, adapt, and learn from others while finding one’s own path.
The camp was made possible by the mentors, alumni, partners, and volunteers who shared their time and experiences. At its heart, however, were the 37 scholars whose curiosity, openness, and willingness to connect transformed five days of activities into a shared journey of learning and possibility.
