40 Under 40 2024: Henson Wongaiham, Ad Hoc Marketing

Henson Wongaiham

Co-founder and managing partner
Ad Hoc Marketing 
Philippines

Henson Wongaiham’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience. In 2020, just as his agency, Ad Hoc Marketing, was gaining momentum, the global pandemic struck, wiping out nearly all of its business. To make matters worse, Wongaiham’s co-founder unexpectedly passed away during this challenging time. With business on the brink of collapse and overwhelming personal adversity, many would have folded—but these hardships strengthened Wongaiham’s resolve and leadership.

With belief in the power of his craft and a relentless drive to succeed, he rebuild Ad Hoc from the ground up. Under his leadership, the agency has renewed 100% of its existing top-tier clients such as KFC and Rebisco, and secured new business across various categories. This growth contributed to 61% spike in organic revenue, exceeding growth target by 137%, and solidifying the company's reputation as a creative force.

Despite managing a small team of nine, his staunch advocacy for diversity and inclusivity has opened doors to individuals from all walks of life. In 2023, he launched Ad Hoc's year-round internship program, allowing college students to work on live projects and advocacy initiatives. More importantly, he has enhanced the visibility and accessibility of diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community, through impactful advertising campaigns.

A notable initiative is Graduation Rights, a symbolic graduation ceremony for LGBTQIA+ students in Quezon City, which provided nearly 400 students a platform to express themselves authentically. He also launched a film highlighting the harsh realities faced by transgender students in schools, earning the agency its first creative award: a Bronze at the 2024 Kidlat Awards. Beyond LGBTQIA+ advocacy, Henson has headed campaigns addressing issues such as animal welfare, environmental sustainability, mental health, and human rights.

Wongaiham’s story, however, didn’t begin with crisis. His career in advertising started in 2008 at Campaigns & Grey, where he quickly made a name for himself as a rising star. A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Wongaiham has also worked with TBWA, where he took on the role of account supervisor. His work there earned him recognition in 2012 as one of the top account managers in the Philippines.

In 2015, after more than a decade in the industry, Wongaiham’s made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and pursue entrepreneurship. By 2017, he co-founded Ad Hoc Marketing, a full-service creative agency.

Interestingly, Wongaiham is also a certified tarot master and practices it in his free time. He is also a member of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Wongaiham’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability and the belief that even in the toughest times, creativity and purpose can pave the way to success.