With over 600 delegates from more than 70 schools, the Laguna University (LU) Department of Communication participated in the recently concluded Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) 2026, held from April 29 to 30 at Assumption College San Lorenzo, Makati City.
The university delegation was led by Program Chair Ms. Rhia Obiniana, alongside faculty members, Mr. Darwin Aguilar and Ms. Jonna Lee Gonzaga, and selected communication students, including Angel Dicen, Sean Aebren Callanga, Aisha Donayre, Kirstin Mallanao, and Claire Tolentino, who also actively engaged with the discussions during the event’s Q&A portions.
Organized by the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) in collaboration with ABS-CBN, PMC is one of the biggest annual gatherings of communication students and practitioners nationwide.
The two-day event was filled with meaningful discussions about various topics in communication, entertainment, and journalism.
Veteran broadcast journalists Alvin Elchico and Robert Mano shared their lived experiences in broadcasting while highlighting the importance of the job and the huge responsibility that comes with it.
ABS-CBN Integrated News Head Francis Toral discussed how news matters in the digital age, while ANC Anchor Karmina Constatino-Torres imparted techniques and her experiences during an interview encounter with different personalities.
Star Magic artist and content creator Esnyr shared tips for creating relatable content that would resonate with the audience.
Among those who also led the discussions were ABS-CBN executives and creatives, including Creative Communications Management head Robert Labayen, Music and Integrated Events head Roxy Liquigan, Music Creatives, Content, and Operations head Jonathan Manalo, former head of Film Restoration Leo Katigbak, International Sales and Distribution head Pia Laurel, Business Unit Head for Non-narrative Programs Marcus Joseph Vinuya, Content Research head Dia Agoncillo, Talent Acquisition head Paulo Tatad, and Star Cinema Film and TV Director Mae Cruz-Alviar.
Additionally, 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 tackled lifestyle, educational content, and the current media landscape, respectively.
According to Mr. Darwin Aguilar, a fourth-time PMC attendee and a faculty member from LU – College of Arts and Sciences, “Tumalakay siya [the event] sa mga kailangan ng panahon na ito, tulad ng responsableng pamamahayag at content creation.” He added that the event is “tugon sa hamon ng makabagong komunikasyon.”
Meanwhile, freshman BA Communication student Aisha Donayre expressed that joining the said event provided an avenue to gain knowledge and insights directly from industry professionals.
“…I grabbed the opportunity to learn [from the professionals]…and it was worth it! They fully did the job of giving us what it’s like behind the scenes on camera,” she added.
The congress concluded with surprise performances from Kapamilya artists, including Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, Asia’s Heartthrob Darren Espanto, Jhong Hilario and his daughter Sarina, Brent Manalo, and Jarren Garcia.
Written by Sean Aebren Callanga and Claire Tolentino
