Showbiz, media figures gather for UP CMC’s 60th anniversary celebration
After the name was officially changed in January 2025, the University of the Philippines College of Media and Communication (UPCMC) marked its glorious 60th anniversary last Feb. 28, attended by many prominent graduates through the years.
Sen. Loren Legarda led the list of distinguished guests and alumni who joined and graced the memorable event. Celebrities who were seen in the big celebration included National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, TV host-actress Tessie Tomas-Pullin, directors Chito Roño and Jeffrey Jeturian.
Also in attendance were Linggit Tan, Chit Guerrero, Ging Reyes, Charie Villa, Willy Inong (Hill Billy Willy), Cielo Villaluna, Tessa Jazmines, Carlo Pajar and Joy Buensalido.
The UP CMC Alumni Association (UPCMCAA) is led by its indefatigable president, Malou Choa-Fagar, also the general manager of PTV 4. She is also at the helm of the UPCMCAA Board of Trustees.
“Our beloved college, founded in 1965 as the UP Institute of Mass Communication (IMC), is now officially a diamond,” Malou proudly said. “Just like a diamond, we shine under pressure, whether it is deadlines, breaking news or thesis defense panels.”
The UPCMCAA handed out the prestigious Glory Awards, now in its ninth year. The awards, formally known as the Gawad Gloria Feliciano (named after Dr. Gloria Feliciano, the college dean for two decades), were given out during the UPCMCAA annual homecoming at the Commission on Higher Education Auditorium in UP Diliman.
“The Glory Awards celebrate alumni who embody our tradition of excellence,” said Malou. “Let’s be honest, our alumni are everywhere. At any given day, they are writing groundbreaking stories, engaging audiences by the millions, plotting communication strategies or steering communication that matters.”
Five outstanding alumni of the UPCMC have been named recipients of the 2025 Glory Awards for bringing honor and laurels to the institution through their work. They were honored for their significant contributions to media and communications.
The awardees were veteran journalist Roberto Coloma, digital market research trailblazer Melissa Abad Santos-Baron, community worker and civic leader Elena Buensalido-Mangahas, independent filmmaker Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil and The Philippine STAR business editor-columnist Iris Gonzales.
“Each of them proves that UP CMC graduates don’t just survive in the real world,” Malou added. “They thrive, innovate and lead. They remind us that excellence isn’t just a tradition, it’s a habit.”
The trophy for the Glory Awards was designed by UP professor emeritus and UPCMCAA board member Gigi Javier Alfonso. This year’s jury included UP vice president for public affairs and past UPCMC dean Dr. Elena “Neny” Pernia, Philippine Communication Society past president Dr. Lourdes Portus, professor and former Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino chairperson Dr. Gary Devilles, veteran television producer Chit Guerrero, TV commercial director and 2024 Glory awardee Mandy Reyes, UPCMC dean Dr. Diosa Labiste and former ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) and CNN (Cable News Network) Philippines news director Jing Magsaysay, representing the family of Dr. Gloria Feliciano, who led the college from 1965 to 1985.
The Glory Awards were established in 2017 to recognize alumni whose achievements in journalism, film, communication research, broadcasting and allied fields evoke the legacy of Feliciano, the pioneering dean of UP’s mass communication program. The present college dean of UP CMC is Prof. Diosa Labiste.
Malou was supported by her hardworking team of UPCMCAA officers — vice president Pey Velasco, secretary Arminda Santiago, treasurer Ivy Lisa Mendoza, PRO (public relations officer) Jingjing Villanueva-Romero. Directors are Gigi Alfonso, Alex Arellano, Jojie Banzon, Olive De Jesus, Oscar Gomez, Gina Lumauig, Eric Montelibano, Ging Reyes, Ritzi Villarico Ronquillo and Jun Sepe.
Sen. Loren received an eminent special recognition award.
“Tonight, I return not just as a public servant but as a proud Iska, student number 77-09178,” said Loren. “Compute na niyo (smiled).”
“Tinatanggap ko po ng buong pasasalamat ang natatanging pagkilalang ito na para bang muli akong tinawag pauwi sa kolehiyong higit na nagpatatag sa aking paninindigan at nagpapa-unawa na ang bawat salitang aking binibitawan at bawat desisyong aking ginawa ay laging dapat nakataya para sa bayan.”
Also awarded was UP Samaskom, an organization within the college that marked its 30th year for its “Live AIDS” (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng Samaskom), the longest-running comedy musical onstage.
Honored in the program was the late college employee Consuelo Agapito, fondly known to everybody as Aling Suming. The award was received by her son, Raymond Agapito, as well as Prof. Evelyn David, whose award was accepted by her son, Nico David.
Tuesday Vargas and RS Francisco, both alumni of the UPCMC, hosted the program that ended at past 11 p.m.
“Pwede ba nating ipangako every year that we will attend the homecoming?,” RS asked the alumni. “We celebrate not just the past, but the journey each one has taken since graduation.”
“Pipirma na tayo ng kasulatan after the program,” added Tuesday. “Next year, we will fill even the UP Theater with alumni. That’s a dream. That has been a part of us, ingrained in us because we are also part of the entire UP community.”
“(Next year) dapat ang gathering natin sa Philippine Arena na,” said RS. “Buong UP nandu’n na.”
UP’s 22nd president, Atty. Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez, also delivered the message for the awardees, guests and alumni present.
Originally known as UP Institute of Mass Communication (IMC) from the time it was established in June 1965, it was elevated to college status and became known as the UP College of Mass Communication (CMC) in April 1988.
The college is home to the Department of Broadcast Communication, Department of Communication Research, Department of Journalism and the UP Film Institute.
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