Through the late actor-politician Butz Aquino and Reli German, I was baptized in street protests and rallies. Through them, I came to know ATOM, or the August Twenty One Movement.
Today, Volt Bohol is the president of ATOM, a civic organization in the Philippines advocating for good governance, anti-corruption, and the preservation of democracy. As a vocal activist, he leads protests against corruption, specifically issues like flood control project anomalies, and encourages public accountability.
Moreover, he defends the 1987 Constitution, participates in the “ROAR: A Walk Against Corruption,” and commemorates the EDSA People Power Revolution. On February 22, there will be a “ROAR! Walk for People Power” at Araneta Center Cubao in Quezon City at 7 a.m.
Certainly, as I met Volt Bohol during a press conference with Jesuit priest Father Tito Caluag, Running Priest Father Robert Reyes, and Kiko Aquino Dee—regarding the “Trillion Peso March Part 3: Tayo ang People Power laban sa Korapsyon at Dinastiya” for the February 25 EDSA People Power Revolution’s 40th Anniversary—he emphasized that “the Filipino is worth fighting for” and has been advocating for citizen vigilance.
Who’s Francis Kong?
Francis Kong is a renowned Filipino motivational speaker and leadership expert. I vividly remember that Francis has engaged with the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), where I was connected as a writer, and similar public sector initiatives by sharing his expertise on ethical leadership and organizational growth.
I saw him recently during a press conference at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. He was a featured speaker at SpeakersCon 2026, held last February 11, 2026, at Space at One Ayala in Makati City.
As a renowned leadership expert, he joined a lineup of speakers and focused on “Redefining Authenticity,” leadership, and impactful communication. The event, which carried the theme “Moving people through clarity, credibility, and character,” promised insights on influence, leadership, and personal growth.
Other speakers I saw were Mark Schaefer, Inka Magnaye, Ida Tiongson, Eri Neeman, Kia Abrera, Alan Reyes, and Dr. Donald Patrick Lim, who is a prominent Filipino business leader widely regarded as the “Father of Digital Marketing” in the Philippines and the 78th president of the Management Association of the Philippines.
Filipinos Shine in NYC Billboard
It caught me by surprise.
Right at the heart of Broadway, at 1627 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, a massive 2880 x 960 px LED billboard is shining bright anew, powered by Alegre de Pilipinas.
The billboard features the prestigious 4th Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers 2026, organized by La Visual Corporation and Sirbisu Channel.
I am fortunate to be included on the billboard with four other Filipinos: Lae Manego, the pop-rock singer-artist; Charrie Rose Apilado, Vice President/CEO of BCLS Logistics Services; Dr. Allen M. Quirit, MD, Internal Medicine/Adult Disease Specialist; and Steward Fantilaga, SCPA Development owner; along with myself, Rogelio Medina, freelance journalist.
From the Philippines to the world stage, this is more than exposure—this is GLOBAL RECOGNITION. This is excellence without borders.
Ready to be a part of the next wave of honorees? For further information, you may contact:
- Web: www.
philippinefinestbusinessaward. com / www.lavisualcorporation. com - Email: Info@
philippinefinestbusinessaward. com / contact@lavisualcorporation. com - Phone: (+632) 721-91823 | +63917-137-2316
The spotlight is waiting. Will your name be next on Broadway?
U.S. AI and Technology Policy
I recently attended an Artificial Intelligence (AI) briefing via Zoom, thanks to the New York Foreign Press Center and the Manhattan Institute.
The Manhattan Institute in New York City hosted an in-depth virtual and onsite briefing led by two of its distinguished scholars, Danny Crichton and James Meigs. This session focused on the critical role of AI as a “U.S. national security imperative,” as articulated in the National Security Strategy (NSS).
The speakers explored the strategic implications of AI and how U.S. technology policy, including global standards and economic/military benefits, positions the United States as a global leader and sets an example for the world.
Among those who attended the virtual portion of the briefing were Kerry Soropoulos (host), Africa-Related Nigeria, Andres Fidanza, Jukka Lehtinen Kauppalehti, Lorie Baker, Marie-Astrid Langer (NZZ), Melissa de Teffe, Tomomi Shimizu of Jiji Press, and myself, Rogelio Constantino Medina of Asian Journal Publications.
PAFTA Awards on Feb. 21
The Philippine Arts, Film and Television, Inc. (PAFTA) is a professional arts and entertainment organization dedicated to recognizing excellence and outstanding achievements in Philippine arts, film, television, and related creative industries. It serves as a credible platform that honors artists, performers, filmmakers, media practitioners, and creative professionals whose work contributes to the cultural enrichment and global recognition of Filipino talent.
The PAFTA Awards will be held on February 21 at the Manila Hotel. PAFTA is headed by Filipino women: Teresita Tolentino Pambuan, a retired teacher from the U.S. and wife of a former ABS-CBN executive vice president, and Rotarian Christina Aliada.
Biblical Inspiration
Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
Birthday Greetings
Happy birthday to Gina de Venecia (Feb. 15); Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Nini Veloso, Rochie Hernandez Pedersen (Feb. 17); Mylene Padilla, Christopher Clark Coria Quito, Regina Benitez (Feb. 19); director Nuel Naval, Lorenzo Leviste (Feb. 20); Richard Hinola, Teresita Tolentino Pambuan, Yul Servo Nieto (Feb. 21); writer Gina Marissa Tagasa, Jeff Dy (Feb. 22); Tin-Tin Solomo, Ana Marie Tabora-Echevarria, and Adrian Elisan (Feb. 23).