Val G. Abelgas, the outgoing president of the Philippine Global Media Group transfers the gavel of authority to incoming President Dan Estabillo Niño during its Induction Ball on August 8. From left: Emcee and Board Member Eddie C. Ferrer, Secretary Donna Gatdula-Arevalo and Vice President Lydia V. Solis (extreme right). – Photo credit Nikki B. Arriola
By Dan E. Niño
As I envisioned through my work ethic of “leaving no stone unturned” as president of the Philippine Global Media Group, our recent Induction Ball, Gala Night and 3rd Anniversary Foundation at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel became a memorable, inspiring and successful celebration. The turnout, sponsorships, community support, program flow and overall presentation exceeded our expectations.
Philippine Consul General Adelio Soriano Cruz, the keynote speaker, set the tone for the evening.
“Tonight, we celebrate a new chapter of the Philippine Global Media Group as you welcome a new set of leaders,” he said. “We are also here to recognize the important role that Filipino media continues to play in serving our community across the U.S. Southwest.”
Cruz encouraged media practitioners to embrace the spirit of bayanihan by working together, supporting one another and serving the community.
He also urged journalists to uphold integrity and professionalism, particularly at a time when misinformation can spread quickly.
“Responsible journalism matters more than ever,” he said. “Your work is not only to inform but to build trust and ultimately help unite and strengthen our community.”
Cerritos Mayor Lynda P. Johnson followed with inspirational remarks highlighting one of PGMG’s core initiatives, the Manny Ilagan Memorial Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing Journalism and Communication Arts and encourages the next generation of Filipino newsmakers.
“When the PGMG was founded in October 2023, it created more than just a media organization,” Johnson said. “It created a unified and diverse collection of newsmakers who believe that every community deserves to see itself accurately reflected in the pages, screens and airwaves that shape public engagement.”
She recognized PGMG’s writers, editors, photojournalists, broadcasters and community advocates and thanked the incoming officers and board members for taking on leadership roles.
“The City of Cerritos is pleased to celebrate with PGMG in its efforts to inform residents, businesses and visitors on key initiatives that make a difference in their lives,” Johnson said.
She also thanked members of the press organization for covering community milestones, spotlighting local businesses and public servants and helping preserve Filipino heritage.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido continued the evening’s civic theme by recognizing the growing number of Filipino American elected officials in southeast Los Angeles County.
He cited Johnson, Cerritos Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, Artesia Councilmember Melissa Ramoso, Hawaiian Gardens Councilmember Dandy de Paula, Bellflower Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines and ABC School Board Vice President Tatiana Yokoyama Bui.
Pulido also acknowledged former Carson Mayor and current Councilmember Jim Dear, who is married to a Filipina, for his longtime connection with the Filipino community.
Genevieve Angel, a Philippine-born nurse practitioner running for Congress in California’s 44th Congressional District, was also among those who attended the event.
Pulido praised PGMG members for their work as journalists, broadcasters and digital and social media practitioners.
“It’s such a joy being here tonight,” he said. “You are empowering your next set of leaders.”
He also recalled that PGMG Vice President Lydia V. Solis had been covering him since 1992, when he became the first Filipino American president of the UCLA Student Council.
Pulido mentioned fellow UCLA alumni Ted Benito and Winston Emano, both of whom have built careers in mainstream and community media, public relations, entertainment and sports coverage.
Hosted by former broadcaster Eddie C. Ferrer, the program began promptly at 6:30 p.m. with a parade led by yours truly and Consul General Cruz, joined by special guest performer Rex Smith, dignitaries, VIPs, PGMG officers and sponsors.
Former teen idol Rex Smith quickly energized the audience with four songs: “Forever,” “Let’s Make a Memory,” his signature hit “You Take My Breath Away” and “Simply Jessie.”
Consul General Cruz recalled that “You Take My Breath Away” played a memorable role in his courtship with his wife, Catherine.
“Rex, you are the reason that I married my wife,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Songbird Mylene Capati provided dinner entertainment on keyboard, while Manila-based Femme MNL, a recent gold awardee in the Arizona Hip Hop Mega Crew Division World Championship, later brought high-energy dance performances to the program.
In my inaugural remarks, I thanked the guests for their presence, which I said affirmed PGMG’s continuing role in community building and civic engagement.
“As journalists, we can shape public opinion for the betterment of our community and country,” I said. “We are here to listen, to inspire, to illuminate, to enlighten and, above all, to empower and engage productively.”
As members of the Fourth Estate, we carry the responsibility of telling stories truthfully, advancing worthy causes and serving the communities that continue to place their trust in us.
