We proudly celebrate five distinguished alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication (UPCMC) who have been named recipients of the 2025 Glory Awards (Gawad Gloria Feliciano) for their exemplary contributions in journalism, digital research, civic leadership, filmmaking, and business media.
Honored awardees:
Roberto Coloma – Four decades in journalism, bureau chief of AFP in Singapore and Malaysia, covered Martial Law, People Power, and global events from Hong Kong’s handover to the Trump-Kim summit. Honored with the Catholic Mass Media Award and France’s National Order of Merit.
Melissa Abad “Issa” Santos-Baron – Co-founder of GoodThinking Research and FastforwardMR, championed digital and agile research methods. Three-term MORES president, industry leader, and advocate for consumer rights and cancer care.
Iris Gonzales – Philippine Star columnist and investigative journalist, exposed corruption and policy failures in energy, gambling, and finance. Multiple awards from the Economic Journalists Association; known for reporting on marginalized communities and humanitarian missions.
Elena Buensalido-Mangahas – 34 years in public service in California, advancing workforce development and immigrant advocacy. Volunteer leader in Asia Pacific Concerns Committee, Little Manila Rising, and Rotary Club of Central Stockton; active in arts and Filipino American heritage.
Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil – Independent filmmaker and founder of Erasto Films. Works such as Boses, Mga Pusang Gala, and Lakbay2Love highlight resilience, child protection, and environmental awareness. Her 2025 film Lakambini revived interest in Katipunan heroine Gregoria de Jesus. Co-founder of Pelikulove.com, nurturing new voices in film and theater.
The awards will be formally presented on February 28, 2026 during the UPCMC annual homecoming at the Commission on Higher Education Auditorium in UP Diliman.
Now in its ninth year, the Glory Awards Night, presented by San Miguel Corporation and organized by the UPCMC Alumni Association, coincides with the College’s 60th anniversary—a milestone that underscores the enduring legacy of excellence in communication and media.
Source: UP College of Media and Communication Facebook
