I was grateful to the Washington DC Foreign Press Center for the FIFA World Cup 2026 media briefing led by Andrew Harold Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association, which is the French name for the International Federation of Association Football. It is the international governing body for the sport of football (soccer) and is responsible for organizing events like the FIFA World Cup.
There were many credentialed media members of the Foreign Press Center who attended onsite and online thru Zoom, including me.
Online, I saw those 71 press members from La Croix-France, Hungarian Publication, Catalunya Radio, Aljazeera Media, TV 2 Norway, Xinhua News Agency, Asahi Shimbun (where I was a stringer), Fuji TV Japan, NHK Broadcasting Japan, Kyodo News, Mainichi newspaper, Jiji Press, TASS, German Presse Agency dpa, YTN South Korea, La Republica Italy, The Shaka Speer covering Africa, La Politica Online from Argentina, and a lot more.
I realized I was the only Filipino journalist who was participating. I did not see a representative from The Japan Times newspaper in Tokyo where I was a correspondent and columnist when I was based in Tokyo as a journalist.
Thanks to Gim Staab, Bryce and Zina Wolfington, all from the Foreign Center, for the assistance.
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More on FIFA World Cup
The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 is dedicated to leading and coordinating federal efforts in support of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026. In collaboration with executive departments and agencies, the Task Force will facilitate comprehensive planning, organization, and execution of the largest sporting events in the history of mankind.
Through interagency cooperation, information sharing, and strategic support, the Task Force aims to ensure the successful hosting of world-class international events that reflect the values, security, and hospitality of the United States of America.
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Pres. Trump Receives the 1st FIFA Peace Prize
FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald J. Trump the inaugural 2025 FIFA Peace Prize.
The said Peace Prize is dedicated to an individual who achieved exceptional and extraordinary action to promote peace and unity around the world.
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John Rey Malto’s Birthday
Talent manager John Rey Malto expressed his gratitude after a recent memorable birthday celebration with showbiz stars, directors, entertainment production and media personalities.
Among the attendees were singer Joice Espinoza, Hasna Cabral (former Pinoy Big Brother housemate from ABS-CBN), Sarkis Obeid, Vivamax artist Denise Esteban, beauty queen Jefahlyne “Jaja” Del Rosario, social media star Jiniah “Arya” Manalang, Albert Langitan (director of the TV series Totoy Bato), Cinepop director Benedict Salgado, independent film directors Aldwin Bonggao, Vic Tiro, Mark Jason Sucgang and Bon Labora, Viva directors Johnrey Ramos and Marvin Medina, award-winning international film director Arvin Belarmino, and talent manager Paula Qui.
Also in attendance were the Solaire Girls composed of Samantha Gracioso, Rose Ann Laquindanum, Abigail Reyes, Abigail Manahan, April Rose Geres, Dianna Marie Agbu, Cristina Tan, Rishma Luba, Francine Comadizo, Marissa Galima, Maria Ederlyn “Aya” Escoreal, Ailene De Jorge, Francesca Jamella Ramirez, Aurielle Mary Joy Tagura, Arlene Jade Eliseo, Sigrid Rafael, Ira Dizon, Angelica Redito and Marjorie Ebio Cagro, and Viva Entertainment director
Kristian Paolo Selga with Viva associate producer Catherine Dela Cruz.
The event turned into a joyful gathering of creative and passionate individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry.
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Katrina Ponce-Enrile’s Corgi LUKE
Congratulations to LUKE who finished the year as the #1 Pembroke Welsh Corgi in the Philippines.
This achievement meant more than just a ranking for it represented “our passion, our dedication, and our love for the breed. This also reflects the heart and soul of everyone who supported Team LUKE.”
Wency Vilanueva, the trainor of the pet, began showing Luke in the Philippines only nine months ago, but “it feels like we’ve shared a lifetime already. From the very first time I held the end of his lead, I felt that instant bond, that unspoken understanding. Our hearts connected right away. And from that moment on, I knew we were meant to chase dreams side by side in the show ring. I bring him all around the country, some part in Asia and also in the amazing America. We’ve built so many unforgettable memories along the way, and every single one of them will stay in my heart.”
Wency attributed this success to “Ms. Katrina C. Ponce-Enrile, who has been our guide, our #1 supporter, and the visionary behind this journey. I remember the day we first talked about this dream, and now, look where we are.”
Added Wency, “She’s an extraordinary owner, like myself. She also always believes in her dog! We share the same passion, the same love for the breed, and the same unwavering heart. I am truly thankful for her trust, her encouragement, and the love she has shown to us.”