The recent Law and Governance Forum in Makati City stood as a premier convergence of legal wisdom, ethical leadership, and enlightened discourse.
Organized by Rising Tigers Magazine and its holding company TAG Media Group, in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines and the Carl E. Balita Review Center, the event highlighted the power of multi-sectoral cooperation. Together, these institutions created a platform where governance, diplomacy, media, and youth leadership intersect—an inspiring testament to how collaboration can elevate national conversations.
The speakers were as follows: Supreme Court Justice Midas Marquez; Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, Congressman Brian Poe Llamanzares, Atty. Margarita Nograles, Atty. Lyca Balita, and Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.
The forum was moderated by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (President and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine, and the first female President of the American Association of the Philippines) and Faye Arellano Marquez (Board Member of the Indonesia Philippines Business Association). Their presence brought depth and dynamism, reflecting Rising Tigers’ vision to highlight today’s most inspiring leaders.
The forum offered another avenue for active citizenship—shaping dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, and cultivating leaders who can guide the nation forward.
3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards 2025
I was deeply honored to learn from Maria Liza F. Lorenzo that I will be recognized at the 3rd Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards 2025, to be held on November 23 at Lancaster Hotel, Mandaluyong City.
To my surprise, I will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Freelance Journalism.
The organizers shared this humbling tribute on their Facebook page:
“Honoring a Leader with a Heart to Serve! We are awarding Rogelio Constantino Medina the Lifetime Achievement Award for Most Outstanding Freelance Journalist of the Year. His work goes beyond titles; he serves with compassion, integrity, and genuine concern for others. Through his dedication, he has touched countless lives and inspired many to lead with kindness and purpose. Congratulations, Sir! Your legacy of service is truly worthy of recognition.”
Other awardees include Director Romm Burlat, Elia Ilano, Camille Postolero, Jigo Postolero, Nanette Medina, Tonz Llander Are, Cyline Emerlli Tabares, Cyean Ernest Gabrielle Tabares, Joselito Alamares, Darwin Leonardo Granados, Ronald Timogan, Leah Deang Ocampo, Hannah Marie Alejandro, Jefrey Hernandez, Jinwen Emei Sumanda, Nicol Ramador, and Sixteen P. Ablero, among others.
Two Pinoys Shine at SXSW in Austin, Texas
Two Filipino artists, Kimmortal and Muri, made waves at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas—a globally recognized celebration of technology, film and TV, music, education, and culture.
- Kimmortal (Kim Villagante): A Filipino-Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, and visual artist based in Vancouver.
- Muri (Muriel Gonzales): A Filipino indie R&B/soul-pop singer-songwriter and violinist, also a member of The Ransom Collective. She has gained international recognition for her soulful melodies and genre-blending artistry. In March 2025, CITEM supported her exposure through its benchmarking mission at SXSW.
Founded in 1987, SXSW has become a premier destination for global professionals to network, discover talent, and achieve creative goals. It is renowned for launching careers and shaping cultural trends, while generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact for Austin annually.
The 2026 SXSW is scheduled for March 12–18 at Brazos Hall, 800 Congress, and The Downright.
First Lady Trump & Second Lady Vance in North Carolina
US First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance spent time with military members and their families in North Carolina this holiday season, expressing appreciation for their service.
Their engagements included activities with students on base, focusing on children’s education initiatives. The day concluded with formal remarks to a large gathering of service members and military families at a hangar in Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River.
Dr. Sonny de Guzman Installed as MCC President
A historic milestone for Mabalacat City College (MCC) unfolded during the 2025 Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) National Conference at The Heritage Hotel Manila, as Dr. Sonny N. De Guzman was formally invested as MCC President.
The solemn ceremony was led by Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE (President of ALCU), alongside Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez (Secretary of TESDA) and Henry Rhoel Aguda (Secretary of DICT). Their participation underscored the importance of strong leadership and collaboration between local colleges and national institutions in advancing education and innovation.
This investiture marked a defining moment in MCC’s journey, symbolizing renewed commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service under Dr. De Guzman’s leadership.