Having renowned parents either inspires or puts pressure on children who, in truth, have their own set of skills regardless of the blood that runs through their veins.

In the entertainment industry, there are successful individuals whose parents are well-known who pursued similar jobs and attempted other paths.

Meet Benedict Yalung, the CEO of Universal Vision Philippines and son of famed Filipino filmmaker and producer Ben "M7" Yalung, known for iconic films such as "Zuma" (1985), "Anak ni Zuma" (1987), and "Jones Bridge Massacre" (1989), among others.

Yalung grew up on his father's film sets, surrounded by legendary movie stars such as Fernando Poe Jr., with whom he became captivated. He witnessed firsthand his father's hard work and discipline.

Praising his father and sharing the lessons he learned from him, Yalung told ABS-CBN News, “If you want something, you have to discipline yourself first. Sa family namin, he allows us to do whatever we want. Sumama ako sa kanya. I was 10. I remember, ‘yung pelikula kay FPJ sa Los Baños. Those things. Also, you enjoy. You’d be amazed with the actors and the people behind. You have to do your best.”

He continued, “My dad kasi follows his goals once he believes in them. He’s very strict when it comes to business. As a dad, he always gives us advice. When he started, he wasn’t a director. He was a businessman who worked his way up and do what he really wanted. He had previously told me that he enjoys watching movies. Almost every day tumatakas siya sa parents niya para manood ng movies. Ako na ‘yung sumunod pero naging magkaiba kami.”

While the movie sets, cameras, and work ethics of the production crew piqued Yalung's interest in filmmaking, he did not exactly follow in his father's footsteps, instead forging his own route and currently runs Universal Vision Philippines.

Universal Vision Philippines founder Benedict Yalung talks about his roots and success. Photo by Josh Mercado

His company grew rapidly, eventually transforming into a full-service brand communications and marketing organization. Universal Vision now provides a variety of services, such as Strategic Planning, Social Media Management, Public Relations, and Video Production Services.

Megaworld, Asian Formula 3, the Pacquiao-Broner fight, Villa Escudero, and the "Love the Philippines" campaign were among his company's marketing initiatives.

Despite his success in marketing and strategic communication, Yalung does not allow it control him as a person, as evidenced by his interview with the press.

When asked if his idea of success was inspired by his father, he told ABS-CBN News, “We've always looked up to him. We saw success as he viewed it. Kapag sinasabing successful, ayaw niya ‘yun. Success is within in you, not what you have. Stay on the ground. Ganoon siya. He’s still working. Feeling niya, it’s not over. Ganoon kami.”

His advice for aspiring creative leaders? He shared with ABS-CBN News, “Don’t give up. It’s tough out there.”

“Dumaan ako sa butas ng karayom. Huwag kang matakot. ‘Yung kids ngayon, kapag na-burn out, ayaw na nila. In order to succeed, you have to fail. Totoo ‘yun,” he added.

He also revealed that one of his biggest achievements is related to the continuing "Love the Philippines" campaign, in which his company played a vital part in shaping the country's global tourism image.

What comes next for him? Yalung stated that he remains committed to expanding Universal Vision Philippines and putting the country on the world map through creative media. Beyond simply boosting tourism, he sees his work as part of a larger attempt to improve the country's image, one that goes beyond scenic landscapes to highlight Filipino culture, creativity, and tenacity.

He was also one of the producers of "Nelia," a Metro Manila Film Festival 2021 entry starring Winwyn Marquez. When asked if he will still produce movies, he stated that he is still open.

Starting from scratch, Yalung has carved out his own path, not as a director like his father, but as a creative leader who also believes in the power of storytelling. Now that his story has been told, it is clear that he is more than the "Zuma" legacy.

“I may not be directing movies, but I'm still telling stories. I'm still shaping how people see the world — just through a different medium,” he said.

“Maybe I didn't take the exact same path as my father, but we share the same passion. At the end of the day, it's about storytelling — and that's in my blood,” he ended.