AACA Ambassador for the Philippines Gigi Santiago-Lara says 'media is connection'

GMA Network

18 hours ago

The Asian Academy Creative Arts (AACA) brought together the best names in journalism and film for an industry roundtable at the Wynwood Hotel in Pasig City on Thursday.
AACA Ambassador for the Philippines and GMA Network Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions for Entertainment Group Gigi Santiago-Lara gave the opening and closing remarks.
Santiago-Lara said the event is 'more than just a dialogue' between creatives, storytellers, and producers, but also 'a platform to explore production and co-production, opportunities and trends that are reshaping the global media industry while also placing a well-deserved spotlight on Philippine journalism.'
'As Philippines' ambassador, I'm proud to represent the nation that deeply values collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange,' she said.
With the media industry constantly changing in platforms, content, and the like, events like the roundtable do not just provide networking opportunities, but 'also for enriching content, culture, and innovation,' she added.
Following the roundtable discussion, Santiago-Lara concluded, 'We hope this gathering has reminded us that media is more than just content, it's connection, it's community.'
She thanked the broadcasters who attended for the reminder that there is 'heart and courage behind every headline.'
'To all our media professionals, creatives, and visionaries here, may the conversations we started today continue beyond this room, and may they grow into partnerships that uplift the Philippines, empower communities, and ignite change.'
The roundtable event was also attended by GMA executives including Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Executive Vice President for GMA Pictures Nessa Valdellon and Officer-in-Charge for Entertainment Group Cheryl Ching-Sy.
Award-winning journalists and presenters, GMA Network's Jessica Soho and Atom Araullo, were present and spoke about their purpose as journalists and the importance of telling the stories of underprivileged and marginalized communities.
More speakers include Chairperson & CEO of the Film Development Council Of The Philippines Jose Javier Reyes; Head of Content of Viu Philippines Garlic Garcia; President of The Ideafirst Company Perci Intalan; award-winning director and screenwriter Irene Villamor; and Gallagher Divisional Director Bernard Tan. They spoke about the current state of television and film, and their hopes for the industry.
Kapuso stars Kyline Alcantara and Christian Bautista also attended the roundtable. —JCB, GMA Integrated News