EP. 6 — “Nobody Prepared Me for This Life” with Yam Mercado | Later Na Lang Podcast

What happens when life gives you responsibilities you never imagined taking on? In this episode of LATER NA LANG, Mark sits down with Yam Mercado — entrepreneur, business partner, and someone who’s learning to navigate business, creativity, and adulthood one challenge at a time. From stepping into sales without a corporate background to managing ILVISO Studios and producing her first theater production, Yam shares what it’s like to take on responsibilities before feeling completely ready. But beyond business, we explore the more personal side of her journey — dealing with the loss of her brother, finding strength during difficult times, and discovering how to keep moving forward. And because it’s LATER NA LANG, expect plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and a little K-pop and K-drama along the way. Sometimes, life doesn’t wait until you’re ready. You just have to show up and figure things out. 🎙️ LATER NA LANG — Real conversations about life, ambition, relationships, and everything we keep saying we’ll do later. Subscribe for new conversations every Wednesday. Follow all the socials: ig:   / laternalang.podcast   spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/31akhab... tiktok:   / laternalang.podcast   facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LnLGs... #LaterNaLang #PodcastPH #YamMercado #Entrepreneurship #Adulting #LifeLessons #FilipinoPodcast #ILVISOStudios #MarkRivera 00:00 - introduction 03:10 - Yam's routine 06:40 - kpop influence 09:07 - commercial era, how we met eachother 12:25 - ILVISO project and vision 13:50 - the big decision to go to Manila 16:45 - looking at BTS as an example of work ethic 18:50 - chemistry working together 20:15 - the new theater production 22:40 - doing sales even being an actor 26:10 - the struggles working for SÙLA 27:50 - prepared for the new business 30:00 - ILVISO new reality 35:50 - Filipino believes 39:20 - something you didn't do because LATER NA LANG 43:30 - matching energy at work 46:27 - middle child's perspective 49:00 - ANINO play in ILVISO STUDIOS 54:20 - conclusion