It will be an honor to guest this coming September 25 on Wej A Minute, the program of Wej Cudiamat, who will be honored as Best Male News Anchor in the Philippines at the 3rd Philippines Finest Business Awards on September 30 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay City.
This recognition celebrates Cudiamat’s exceptional talent and dedication to delivering news with integrity, clarity, and professionalism. His ability to present critical information in a compelling way has earned the admiration of viewers nationwide. His passion for journalism and dedication to his craft continue to set the standard for excellence in broadcast journalism.
He has extended his deepest gratitude to La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel for this honor. As anchor of Mata ng Agila sa Tanghali and Mata ng Agila Weekend on NET25, he combines professionalism and charisma in his role.
As a journalist, Cudiamat is known for his accuracy and comprehensive reporting. His work goes beyond the headlines, reflecting thorough research and balanced perspectives. His contributions to both daily and weekend newscasts highlight his role in shaping public understanding and strengthening standards in Philippine journalism.
Malaysia’s National Day
At the 68th National Day of Malaysia, recently held at Shangri-La Makati City, I spoke with Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, who graciously welcomed his guests. Among those present were U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson; Connie Guanzon-Garcia with her husband, former Ambassador Victor Garcia; artist Ramon Orlina with his Malaysian wife, Lay Ann Lee Orlina; writer Danton Remoto; journalists Arlo Custodio and Chino Hansel Philyang; and Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.
That night also featured a performance by the students of the Sisters of Mary School of Silang, Cavite. I even won a minor raffle prize courtesy of the Malaysian Embassy Manila.
A Round-Trip Ticket to Kuala Lumpur
During the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 at One Ayala Mall in Makati City, I unexpectedly won a round-trip ticket to Kuala Lumpur, valid for one year. The award was presented onstage by Earl Sanchez, senior marketing executive of AirAsia Philippines—primarily owned by Capital A Berhad through AA Com Travel Philippines Inc. of Malaysia, the parent company of the AirAsia Group.
I immediately shared the news with my cousin, foremost Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, along with relatives and media friends Arlo Custodio and Chino Hansel Philyang. At the time, I was balancing my online classes for Mabalacat City College—teaching Strategic Management to 4th-year tourism management students and International Business and Trade to 3rd-year students. That rainy Friday, I held my virtual classes at Seattle’s Coffee shop, right across from the venue. One case study we tackled was an anonymous airline scandal where four passengers were forcibly removed from their seats to accommodate airline employees.
The quiz portion at the launch was hosted by Ms. Anj Maniego, my lucky angelic charm, who asked the question I managed to answer. Still, I wondered: while the airfare is free, where will I stay in Kuala Lumpur to cover Visit Malaysia 2026? Hopefully, accommodations and visits to scenic spots will be part of the package.
My first trip to Kuala Lumpur was in March 1986, as a United Nations fellow with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs delegation.
Pinay Beauty
At the Visit Malaysia 2026 event, I met the amiable Catherine Muguerza, national director of Legend Universal Beauty Pageant Philippines 2025. She kindly invited me to Malaysia.
More TV and Radio Guestings
Thanks to Undersecretary Robert Torres Rivera and Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera, hosts of the award-winning DWIZ program Pilipinas, Ngayon Na, for inviting me and singer Sofi Fermazi one Monday afternoon.
I also enjoyed a Wednesday morning coffee and tea chat with multi-talented Guia Cruz Buenaventura, host of Coffee, Tea on MHE on Media House Express.
My thanks as well to energetic Gilbert De Los Santos and the ever-engaging Mencho Cabactulan of Magnum Radyo’s Magnum Sabado Night Talk with Magnum Gilbert and Magnum Mencho in Cagayan de Oro City, who welcomed me warmly on a Saturday evening.
Visit to Barangay 539
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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