Media and the Global Filipino (Pasig City, Metro Manila)

Media and the Global Filipino

Last October 23, 2026, in celebration of United Nations Day and Global Media and Information Literacy Week, a Media Discovery Event which united media practitioners, UN advocates, local enterprises, and sponsors, under the theme "Global Goals. Filipino Stories. Global Impact," took place at Nerou Tower, Elements Residences in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. 

 

Resource speakers - L-R: Ms. Leanna Alonto, Mr. Lance Raymundo, Ms. Pilar Bautista, Dr. Sandra Sanchez-Montano, Dr. Cecilia La Madrid-Dy and Mr. Roderick Cruz

The event was co-presented by Pinoy World TV (on Cignal TV) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC).  Pinoy World TV is a digital media network, content hub, and production ecosystem dedicated to showcasing Filipino talent, stories, and global advocacies while UNGC is an international advocacy organization promoting global citizenship, cross-border partnerships, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Anna and Jakeson Quiatchon

From late afternoon till evening, Mr. Jakeson Quiatchon and Ms. Anne Quiatchon, both of Axelore Business Consultancy Services, skillfully anchored the event by framing discussions on media ethics, national identity, and international cooperation and sharing their personal experiences as former OFWs.

 

Ms. Jenny Pearl Bautista-Ninalga

The event moderator was film director and writer Ms. Jenny Pearl “Direk JP” Bautista-Ninalga, President of UNGC and Director and Executive Producer of Pinoy World TV, who presented the expansive Pinoy World TV ecosystem, detailing production pipelines, digital growth strategies, and upcoming media projects aimed at broadcasting authentic Filipino narratives internationally. Ms. Anne, deeply relating to the panel discussion, expressed her gratitude to Direk JP for honoring and giving meaningful recognition to overseas workers who make immense sacrifices abroad to secure financial stability for their families.  

Dr. Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros, former Director IV of the Department of Education International Cooperation Office and a recipient of the Carlos P. Romulo Award from UNAP and the Moral and Innovative Leadership Award from the Global Peace Foundation, delivered the keynote address, highlighting how critical thinking, ethical storytelling, and digital literacy serve as essential drivers for the SDGs. 

 

Mr. Roderick "Ric" Cruz

This was followed by an opening message from Global President of United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Mr. Roderick “Ric” Cruz who delivered an inspiring message emphasizing global citizenship, cross-border cooperation, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the featured panelists, he also expounded on The Filipino and Sustainable Tourism (which emphasizes the challenges of eco-conscious development that protects cultural heritage), noting that the influx of foreign visitors is, strangely, very low in places like Isabela which he considers better than both Vietnam and Bangkok.

 

Dr. Sandy Sanchez-Montano

Later, an insightful panel discussion took place. Dr. Sandra "Sandy" Sanchez-Montano, Founder and CEO of Cheers Global Retirement Nursing Homecare, spoke eloquently on The Global Filipino of Care (celebrating the empathy and dedication of Filipino healthcare professionals and dementia care nurses worldwide) as well as her extensive experience caring for patients suffering with dementia (a debilitating decline in mental ability, it is an umbrella term covering a group of with symptoms affecting memory, thinking, language, orientation, and reasoning severe enough to interfere and disrupt with daily life).  This inspired her to launch, by next year, the International Association of Dementia Care Nurses which aims to advance specialized care and support for individuals navigating the challenges of cognitive decline and the healthcare professionals who serve them.

 

Dr. Cecilia La Madrid-Dy

Dr. Cecilia La Madrid-Dy, UNAP Treasurer, says she is overwhelmed by how social media has taken over our lives, even leaving scars on our children, that she challenges us to take the road less travelled by media tending to release more sensationalized and damaging news and stories, by leaning towards the good side of disseminating positive narratives to influence. 

Prof. Pilar Bautista, a distinguished professor from the University of Southern Mindanao and UNAP Auditor, spoke on Progress from the Grassroots to the World, demonstrating how community initiatives scale into models for regional growth.  

Engr. Arriane Symmes, a digital media publisher and Cloud apps engineer, addressed the empowerment and advocacy of overseas workers as modern heroes and true cultural ambassadors in The Balik Bayani.  

Mr. Lance Raymundo

Mr. Lance Raymundo II, a renowned actor, model, singer and performer, spoke on The Filipino and the Global Stage, sharing how artists bring authentic identity to global entertainment.  

Ms. Leanna Alonto

Ms. Leanna Alonto, a representative for youth and young professionals with a Master’s Degree in Developmental Communication, spoke on digital media influence in Young Professionals on The Power of Posts, challenging digital creators to use social media intentionally for truth and advocacy. 

 

Engr. Herminio J. Orbe

One of the highlights of the event was a formal Memorandum of Agreement signing with Pinoy World TV strategic partner Engr. Herminio J. Orbe, former Chairman and President at H&B Communications Trading, Inc., who has aligned his advocacy with supporting the underprivileged, driven by a shared mission with Pinoy World TV’s dynamic directorship to spotlight inspiring local entrepreneurs. 

To amplify Filipino advocacies worldwide, Certificate of Accreditations and Recognitions, as official UN Global Media Partners, were awarded to Global Fusion Media (GFM) and Wazzup Pilipinas (headed by founder Mr. Ross Flores Del Rosario), officially distinguishing them as UN Global Media Partners dedicated to amplifying Filipino advocacies on a worldwide scale. 

Led by founder Ms. Ma. Leonila “Leony” Garcia (PRO and Media Lead of UNGC) of ABS-CBN Online and News Central, GFM included Ms. Maria Ana Lim "Ann" Esternon of Bilibb.Ph, Ms. Elvira “Elvie” C. Altez of Abante, Ms. Cris Gadion of Negosentro Media, Mr. George Buid of Manila Stories, Mr. Teodoro “Teddy” Pelaez of Bravo Filipino/Events Observer and travel writer, author and blogger Mr. Benjamin L. Layug of Business Mirror. 

 

Global Fusion members - L-R: Ms. Cris Gadion, Mr. Benjamin L. Layug, Ms. Ann Esternon, Ms. Leony Garcia and Mr. George Buid

Also speaking at the event was Commissioner Bai Norhata Macatbar-Alonto, President of UNAP Mindanao.  In closing, Direk JP reminded everyone that storytellers and brand leaders hold the key to shaping public consciousness among cross-border unity.

Bai Norhata Macatbar-Alonto

The event also showcased local enterprise from sponsors and exhibitors including The Paradise Cuisine PH (who brought authentic Filipino dining concepts), MJRC Restobar "Bakit Shrimp?" (showcasing local culinary favorites), Shangme Skin (a local beauty and skincare brand), Vlooms Aesthetics Studio (a beauty and wellness sponsor), Axy Couture ( a fashion and apparel exhibitor showcasing local craftsmanship), Maria Clara Sangria (a refreshment and beverage sponsor celebrating Filipino heritage enterprise), Simple Bites Grazing Table (official food grazing and spread provider), Memora Villa (hospitality and event sponsor), UPAD Hotel (hospitality partner for accommodations and staycation services), NaPro.Ph ( a health and natural wellness solutions provider) and Project Rentals (official equipment and event rentals sponsor).