Banat News, reporter honored in Outstanding Brand of the Year awards

CEBU, Philippines — The Freeman’s sister publication, Banat News, and one of its reporters, Ana Preciosa Bacalso, received national recognition at the Philippine Outstanding Brand of the Year 2024 awards by the Best Magazine last Friday night at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Banat News was named Outstanding Local Dialect Newspaper, while Bacalso was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Youth awardees in the country.

Bacalso made it to the final list for her efforts in juggling her regular role with The Freeman's online team and later with Banat News, while also hosting, singing, and showcasing her talent in theater performances—not only in the Philippines but even abroad.

In addition to Banat News and Bacalso, several Cebuanos were honored by a panel of selected judges, including the awards guru himself, Richard Hinola.

San Nicolas Proper Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Ninal was awarded Philanthropist of the Year. His brother, Dr. Lucilo “Junn” Ninal Jr., president-elect of the Philippine Dental Association, was named one of the Most Outstanding Men and Women of the Year, alongside fellow Cebuanos, Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Jed Carlos Lazaga, Tabuelan Councilor Alberto Comahig, and businesswoman Esther Ceballos.

Other awardees included Cebu’s Ester and Guiller, named Outstanding Souvenir and Delicacy Hub; DYHP Cebu, named Outstanding Regional AM Radio Station; GMA Balitang Bisdak, named Outstanding Regional TV News; Adorno by Arnell Santillanas, awarded Outstanding Philippine Culture and Arts Manufacturer; and content creator Laagan sa Sugbo, recognized for Excellence under the Philippine Pageantry Awards.

In August of this year, Best Magazine also named The Freeman as the Most Outstanding Regional Newspaper under the Best Brand Excellence Category at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City.

In the same event, this writer, Freeman sportswriter and investigative journalist, was named one of the Philippine Empowered Men and Women of the Year 2024. — (FREEMAN)