LOS ANGELES – A group of seasoned Filipino journalists, broadcasters and news photographers have formed a new media group to help professionalize the Filipino-American media industry in their efforts to serve the information needs of the Filipino community.
The Philippine Global Media Group, Inc. (PGMG) brings together journalists in print, broadcast and social media, initially in Southern California, with hopes of including media professionals from all over the United States and the global Filipino diaspora to better serve Filipinos in their respective communities, according to veteran journalist Val G. Abelgas, publisher-editor of the Philippine Post and president of the new group.
“Filipinos play a very important role in the US and in other countries all over the world, and it is paramount that the Filipino media professionals come together and help inform their countrymen in the global diaspora of news developments in their respective communities and in our homeland, the Philippines,” Abelgas said.
“By sharing a common goal of rallying fellow Filipinos to play an even more pro-active role in their communities, Filipino journalists can help improve the image of Filipinos before the world and, at the same time, support the Philippines’ development goals,” he added.
The PGMG will hold its inaugural induction and gala night on February 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Vineyard Ballroom of Double Tree by Hilton-Norwalk at 1311 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Consul General Edgar B. Badajos will be the inducting officer and keynote speaker, while T. J. Manotoc, North America bureau chief of ABS-CBN International, will deliver an inspirational address.
The officers of the PGMG are: Val G. Abelgas, president; Lydia V. Solis, associate editor of the Philippine Post and Weekend Balita contributor, and Nimfa U. Rueda, US Bureau chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, vice presidents; Dan E. Nino, columnist of the Philippine Post, Asian Journal and freelance journalist, secretary; Rick Gavino, photographer of Philippine Post, treasurer;
Manny Ilagan, former Philippine Department of Tourism regional director and freelance writer, chairman of the board; while members of the board include: Ruben V. Nepales, Rappler columnist; Meh M. Guevarra, editor of Philippine Tribune; Bobby Crisostomo, chief photographer of the Philippine Post; Marc Pijuan, publisher of San Gabriel Examiner; Julian Oriel, publisher of Philippines & Asian Reports (San Diego); Abner Galino, former news editor of Weekend Balita and now associate editor of the Post; Donnabelle Gatdula Arevalo, correspondent of Asian Journal; Joe Cobilla, photographer of Philippine Post; and Ella Wagner, former Editor of California Examiner and freelance journalist.
List of officers and new members will be updated after the induction ball.
The PGMG plans to hold seminars and workshops to uplift the professional and ethical standards of its members, launch scholarships for deserving Filipino journalism students, hold press forums for community organizations, Filipino-American local officials, and visiting Philippine officials in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General.
Early sponsors of the Induction Night are Philippine Airlines, Rajah Tours, Dichoso and Company, CPA, Inc. and Azul Balikbayan.
For ticket and sponsorship inquiries for the Induction and Gala Night, please call or email Val Abelgas (562) 469-8030 [email protected] ; Manny Ilagan (213) 447-7087 [email protected] ; Rick Gavino (323) 868-9932 [email protected] ; Dan E. Nino (562) 508-8099 [email protected].
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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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