Gary V, Brent, Darren, Jarren, Jhong, and Sarina add excitement to event
ABS-CBN stars, journalists, and executives gathered at the Pinoy Media Congress 2026, where they shared industry insights, personal journeys, and practical advice with hundreds of communication students from across the country.
Organized by ABS-CBN, the Philippine Association of Communication Educators, and Assumption College San Lorenzo Makati, the two-day event, held on April 29 and 30, brought together industry leaders and storytellers who shared their insights with students on the ever-evolving media landscape and real-world industry practices.
From newsrooms to film sets, radio booths to digital platforms, communication students learned about research, radio broadcasting, news reporting, education, music, content creation, lifestyle, film restoration, international distribution, creative communications, careers in media, film directing, and production management—offering students a clearer understanding of how the industry is changing across platforms.
Some of the big names who engaged with students were “Mr. Pure Energy” himself, Gary Valenciano, who energized the crowd with a performance and reflections on staying relevant through the years, and Jhong Hilario, who shared his experience of completing his education during the pandemic while balancing his career and family life. He was joined onstage by his daughter, Sarina, during a segment that highlighted both personal growth and family.
Digital content creator Esnyr also connected with the audience as he shared tips in building a personal brand through experimentation and persistence in the fast-changing online space.
Meanwhile, director Mae Cruz Alviar shared her journey of shifting from advertising to filmmaking, underscoring the realities of starting over and working her way up in the industry.
Among those who led the conversations were ABS-CBN executives and creatives such as Creative Communications head Robert Labayen, News head Francis Toral, ABS-CBN Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan, ABS-CBN Music Creatives, Content, and Operations head Jonathan Manalo, DNA Music label head Gab Tagadtad, former head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration Leo Katigbak, International Sales and Distribution head Pia Laurel, ABS-CBN Studios business unit head for non-narrative programs Marcus Joseph Vinuya, head of Content Research Dia Agoncillo, Talent Acquisition head Paulo Tatad, broadcast journalists Karmina Constantino, Alvin Elchico, and Robert Mano, Metro Magazine and Metro editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra, Metro Beauty and Wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago, Knowledge Channel Platforms and Partnerships head Danie Sedilla-Cruz, and Fifty5Blue managing director Jay Bautista.
Adding to the excitement, Kapamilya stars Brent Manalo, Darren Espanto, and Jarren Garcia lit up the stage with special performances and student interactions, while MYX VJs Robbie Jaworski and Eya Almamaari kept the energy high with games and campus interviews.
Launched in 2005, the award-winning Pinoy Media Congress has earned recognition from the Philippine Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines and the Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.
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