Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Apr 14, 2026 08:06 am

This coming April 26, celebrities Jennifer Lee, Patricia Javier, Angelique Lazo, and many others, including myself, will be putting on our best smiles (and yes, our fabulous outfits!) as we head to the much-anticipated Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel.

Patricia Javier

This event, led by its hardworking chairperson, Nel Talavera, is not just about handing out trophies; it’s about honoring people who have used media as a platform to inspire, inform, and uplift. In a world flooded with content, it’s refreshing to celebrate those who still choose purpose over popularity, and substance over noise.

Personally, I always believe that media is more than just exposure—it’s a responsibility. Every story we tell, every performance we give, has the power to touch lives. And that’s exactly what this awards night is all about: recognizing those who continue to use their voice for something bigger than themselves. Here are the awardees for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts:

Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee -This former Viva Hotbabe Turned DJ was chosen to receive the award in Performing Arts for her badass portrayal of Miru in Maria (2019), a Netflix movie produced by Viva Films starring Christine Reyes. If you watch the film, you will give the now successful events DJ a standing ovation for her action movies and acting prowess.

Angelique Lazo

Angelique Lazo – Currently PTV 4’s news anchor for their daily afternoon newscast program Sentro Balita. Asian Mass Media Awards is giving her this for the Excellence award in Mass Media for her expert engagement with social impact in her talk show, In Person with Ms. Angelique Lazo.

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Patricia Javier- After recently winning three back-to-back awards this past three months – the Huwarang Filipino Award 2026 last February, the FAMAS Prestige Beacon of Timeless Beauty and Inspiration this March, and the 6th Crystal International Women's Award early this April – this Excellence in Performing Arts will be another diamond added to the crown of this Noble Queen of the Universe 2019.

Giselle Sanchez

Giselle Sanchez – I would like to use my column to thank the Asian Mass Media Awards for the award. As I quote the letter they gave me, “We would like to award you the for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts for 1) promoting Filipino achievers and excellence as a writer in Manila Bulletin, 2) Your outstanding performance as Vanessa in the award-winning Netflix series Niña Niño, 3) for your top-tier world-class performances in stand-up comedy, singing and hosting in your concert performances held last year in the United Kingdom, Europe and Dubai giving joy to the overseas Filipino workers.

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Other awardees include Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Martin Nievera, William Thio, Lovely Rivero, director Jeannie Villarico, and Jessica Soho.

UPLIFT: Pragmatic crisis response for people's welfare

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 14, 2026 12:05 am

The government’s response to external shocks is often judged not by the scale of its spending but by the precision of its intervention. In this regard, the April 9 announcement by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of targeted relief measures under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) committee reflects a calibrated and pragmatic approach to a rapidly evolving crisis triggered by renewed conflict in the Middle East.

At the core of the initiative are two key components: the grant of a service contracting subsidy to 50,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) operators, and a 20 percent fare discount for commuters. These measures are clearly designed to stabilize public transportation, a critical artery of the Philippine economy,—while easing the burden on ordinary Filipinos already reeling from rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures.Philippine Travel Guides

Unlike broad-based ayuda or traditional dole-out schemes, the UPLIFT interventions are purposeful and sector-specific. They recognize that shocks such as surging oil prices do not affect all sectors equally. Transport operators face immediate cost escalations that threaten their viability, while commuters—especially minimum wage earners and informal sector workers—bear the brunt through higher daily expenses. By directly addressing both supply (PUV operators) and demand (commuters), the program strikes a balance that promotes continuity rather than mere temporary relief.

Targeted support ensures that limited government resources are deployed where they are most needed and where they can generate the greatest stabilizing effect. This approach is a welcome departure from past practices where blanket subsidies often led to inefficiencies, leakages, and fiscal strain.

However, the unfolding geopolitical situation underscores the need to extend this calibrated strategy to other vulnerable sectors.

Agriculture, for instance, remains highly sensitive to fuel and input cost increases. Farmers and fisherfolk require support mechanisms such as fuel subsidies, access to affordable credit, and investments in climate-resilient technologies to sustain productivity and prevent food price spikes.

In trade and industry, particularly among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rising energy and logistics costs can erode already thin margins. Targeted assistance—whether through tax relief, credit facilities, or supply chain support—can help businesses stay afloat and preserve employment.

The energy sector itself demands close attention. While the government has declared a national energy emergency, more granular interventions are needed to cushion consumers and encourage efficiency. Investments in renewable energy and incentives for conservation must be accelerated to reduce long-term vulnerability to global oil price volatility.

Tourism, which is still in recovery mode, is another sector at risk. Higher travel costs could dampen both domestic and international demand. Strategic promotions, infrastructure support, and targeted incentives can help sustain momentum.

Housing and urban development also warrant focus, particularly for low-income families whose budgets are squeezed by rising costs of living. Measures that ensure affordability and access to basic services will be crucial in maintaining social stability.

Finally, there is a compelling case for extending support to members of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Temporary relief measures—such as loan payment moratoriums or flexible terms—can provide much-needed breathing space for workers navigating uncertain economic conditions.

The UPLIFT initiative demonstrates that government action need not be indiscriminate to be effective. On the contrary, precision, timeliness, and responsiveness are the hallmarks of sound policy in times of crisis. As external pressures mount, the challenge is to sustain this targeted approach across sectors, ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind while preserving fiscal discipline.

In an increasingly volatile world, resilience is built not only on resources but on the wisdom to deploy them well.

Jessica Sanchez on balancing career comeback, motherhood: My daughter runs my schedule

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

April 13, 2026 | 12:00am

Jessica Sanchez has opened up how motherhood — she’s mom to months-old daughter named Eliana May with husband Rickie Gallardo — has completely changed her life.     

MANILA, Philippines — Following her “America’s Got Talent” big win late 2025, Jessica Sanchez is set to headline her Philippine homecoming concert on May 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marking the kickoff of her “Seasons” world tour.

And this time, the powerhouse vocalist is taking on more than rehearsals and recordings, she’s doing it all as a first-time mom.

She described how motherhood has quickly become both her biggest joy and her toughest challenge.   “I love it. It’s the most amazing thing. It’s the biggest challenge I think I’ve ever gone through. It’s taught me how to be a stronger woman and I just love it. I love my baby girl and I love being a mom,” she said during a recent virtual press interview.

“I have baby fever with my baby. And they grew up so fast. It feels like yesterday she was just a newborn and now she’s this chunky girl. So I’m like, what’s going on?

“And plus I want her to have a little brother, sister very, very soon. But hopefully, you don’t hear me announcing on the stage in May I’m pregnant,” she quipped.

One thing’s certain, this new role has reworked her everyday life in ways she never imagined.

“I thought being on ‘AGT’ nine months pregnant was a challenge. But the first two weeks postpartum was probably the craziest experience I’ve ever gone through in my life. The hardest. I had no sleep and I didn’t realize that, you know, after giving birth, you’re like, immediately a mom, and it’s like go time and there’s no stopping,” she shared.

Now past five months postpartum, Jessica said she’s learning to embrace the unpredictability that comes with parenting.

“And honestly, my daughter, she runs my schedule, so she’s the boss. And I’ve learned to love it and just kind of listen to her and get into a flow,” she said.

That adjustment comes as she prepares for a packed schedule, including a new album, her first all-Tagalog EP and an international tour.

“Preparation is crazy... This is like a whole new level. Being a new mom, like, has really, you know, strengthened me as a woman. It’s really fun and exciting and also crazy just trying to figure out how to navigate my days,” she admitted.

“Because not only am I a new mom, but I’m also working on an album and a Tagalog EP and getting ready for the concert. Also other gigs that are going on. I’m just trying to do my best.”

Even simple things like travel now come with added layers of planning.

“It has been a little crazy traveling. I’ve been trying to figure out my travel situation with the baby,” she said, noting that details for her tour stops are still being finalized.

Aside from these, motherhood likewise changed how she uses her voice.

“The hormones have been really difficult. I think it’s been harder to figure out my voice than it was when I was pregnant because of all the hormones that have been happening in my body.

“But I am working with, you know, an amazing vocal coach out here who really knows the scientific process of the vocal cords.

“He’s been teaching me a lot and helping me kind of regain that strength and how to sing in a healthier way. So I am giving you guys the best of the best for May.”

Amidst her hectic schedule nowadays, Jessica finds it fulfilling that she now has a mini-me to share her passion for music with.

“It’s so funny because here’s a little story. When I was on ‘AGT’ and I sang Golden Hour, that’s the song that she would really kick inside my belly to all the time. Every time. Every time I sing it now that she’s here, when we play it on YouTube, she calms down,” she shared.

“Every time she’s screaming, when we play it, she stops crying. She actually really enjoys my singing, which is really sweet.”

She continued, “I feel like she’s gonna naturally want to sing because I’m always singing to her and I’m always playing music. Whether she wants to be a singer professionally, like, that’s up to her, but I think she’s gonna love music,” she said.

Motherhood has also influenced her artistry, pushing her to venture into a more emotional direction in her music.

“I’m just embracing my emotional side and I really want to give my supporters what they’ve been asking for, which is the vocals and just the deeper lyrics,” she said.

“I’m excited to release more music and release those kind of songs.”

Jessica couldn’t stress enough how grateful she is for this phase in her life, experiencing personal fulfillment and career momentum.

“It’s been a little crazy, but I am so grateful and so blessed to be able to have these opportunities,” she said.

“And I just cannot wait to land in the Philippines, give you guys an amazing show.”

Tickets to the concert, presented by Wilbros Live and co-produced by RS Francisco of Frontrow, are now available on Ticket World outlets and website.

Women find success in a digital world

 

BY LINDA BOLIDO

APRIL 13, 2026

Honorees of the Inquirer Women of Power Awards 2026 gather on stage, celebrating leadership, innovation, and impact across industries.

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Women leaders who have successfully navigated an increasingly technology-driven world took center stage at the recent Inquirer Women of Power awarding ceremonies, an event that underscored how leadership today is being reshaped by both innovation and intent.

Across the two-part gathering, which included the Women of Power Summit themed Guarding Legacies, Guiding Generations, honorees and attendees demonstrated a shared understanding: leadership in this era demands the ability to apply technology with clarity, responsibility, and purpose.

Globe Business Special Recognition for Digital Innovation recipient (center): Gigi Puno, chief information and technology officer of GoTyme with presenters.

As co-presenter, Globe Business highlighted women who are actively shaping this shift. Filipina leaders who are driving meaningful transformation within their organizations while ensuring that technology remains grounded in human insight and real-world impact need to be celebrated. These are women advancing their industries and influencing how innovation is designed, governed, and sustained.

Globe Business Special Recognition for Enterprise Excellence recipient (center): Leah Gonzales, artist and repertoire director of 1Z Entertainment with presenters.

Globe Business shared that the strategic intent behind every innovation should be considered equally important as the pace of implementation. As KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business, emphasized at the summit, true leadership is anchored in the “why” behind the technology. By focusing on how tools create meaningful value for enterprises and society, the company champions putting people first. This human-centric approach is fueled by a long-standing commitment to empathy, collaboration, and malasakit.

Paolo Prieto, president of Inquirer Interactive Inc., delivers the closing message at the 2026 Women of Power Awards.

At the heart of the celebration was the Globe Business Special Recognition, which honored women who exemplify leadership across three key areas:

DIGITAL INNOVATION – for leading initiatives that drive transformative change through technology and digital solutions

ENTERPRISE EXCELLENCE – for demonstrating leadership and strategies that advance business growth and organizational impact

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INNOVATION – for harnessing innovation to uplift communities, teams, or industries

Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, chairperson of Inquirer Interactive Inc., delivers the opening remarks at the 2026 Women of Power Awards.

Each awardee reflected a different facet of leadership in action, but all shared a common thread: the ability to turn technology into something purposeful, measurable, and inclusive.

Beyond the formal program, the event created space for connection and exchange. Attendees engaged in conversations with peers across industries, shared experiences, and built new networks. Moments of celebration—from candid interactions to creative photo installations—captured the energy of a community that continues to grow in both influence and impact.

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For the awardees, the evening marked a recognition of their contributions and the paths they have forged. For the broader audience, it offered something equally valuable: direct insight into how today’s most effective leaders think, adapt, and move forward.

More than a celebration, the Inquirer Women of Power served as a reminder that the future of leadership is already taking shape—driven by women who are choosing to lead with purpose, act with intention, and build systems that enable others to succeed alongside them.

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