New Leaders of LA-based Philippine Global Media Group Installed

Photos: Joe Cobilla, Bobby Crisostomo, Nikki Arriola, Phillip Ner

CERRITOS, California — Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles (PCGLA) Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz officially led the induction ceremony for the newly elected officers and board members of the Philippine Global Media Group (PGMG).

Sworn-in for 2026-2028 terms are: Dan E. Nino, president; Val G. Abelgas, chairman of the board; Lydia V. Solis, Nimfa Rueda and Janelle So, vice presidents; Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo, secretary; Meg Ilagan, treasurer; Rick Gavino, auditor; Ellen Rodriguez-Swing and Joe Cobilla Jr., public relations officers; and members of the board: Marc Pijuan, Louinn Lota, Alfred G. Gabot, Bobby Crisostomo, Meh M. Guevarra, Julian Oriel, Vics Magsaysay, Joy Marino, Doeleth L. Gatdula, Nemen Cabatuando, Isidric M. Panganiban, Mylene K. Capati, Eddie C. Ferrer, Melandrew T. Velasco, and Benny Uy.

The prestigious event gathered media professionals, public officials, community and civic leaders to witness the formal installation of the organization’s new leadership core.

During the ceremony, Cruz administered the oath of office, charging the incoming leaders with the responsibility of upholding journalistic integrity and fostering stronger ties within the Filipino diaspora.

In his keynote address, Cruz commended PGMG for its unwavering commitment to delivering accurate news and amplifying the voices of overseas Filipinos.

He emphasized the crucial role of ethnic media in keeping the community informed, connected, and engaged with developments both locally and in the Philippines.

The newly inducted PGMG executive team expressed their gratitude and shared their strategic vision for the upcoming term.

The board pledged to expand their media reach, launch new community-focused initiatives, and champion collaborative projects that support Filipino media practitioners globally.

PGMG also extended its heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors whose support helped make the gala possible: GCash, Our Community Mortgage Inc., E.C. Ferrer Custom House Broker Inc., LOGO Cargo, CN Travel, Atlas Shippers International, O Skin Care, Western Union, Force Demolition & Shoring Inc., Erlinda Granada-Sabah & Family, Summit Tax & Business Counselors, Philippine Department of Tourism -USA, IMProductions/IMPrints, Pen Homes Inc., Law Offices of Jemela A. Nettles, Lydia V. Solis & Family, CSI Professionals Inc., The NoyPitz Bar & Grill- Long Beach, Virgina Harris, Elena Lapid-Salonga, Mi Amore Culinary.

PGMG also thanked Rex Smith, Mylene Capati and Femme MNL for sharing their talents and made the event even more memorable.

Filipino public officials who graced the event were: Cerritos Mayor Lynda P. Johnson, Cerritos Pro Tem Mark Pulido, former Cerritos Mayor and current Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, Former Artesia Mayor and current Councilmember Melissa Ramoso, former Hawaiian Gardens Mayor and current Councilmember Dandy de Paula, Bellflower Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines, and ABC School Board Vice President Tatiana Yokoyama Bui. Carson City former Mayor and current Councilmember Jim Dear and wife Monette Gavino Dear and Genevieve Angel, a Philippine-born nurse practitioner who is running for Congress in the 44th congressional district, also attended the event.

The PGMG leadership also conveyed its profound gratitude to its media partners: Asian Journal, Philippine Post, Weekend Balita, USAsian Post, San Gabriel Valley Examiner, Philippine News Today, The Philippine Star, Los Cerritos, Community News, Philippine & Asian Report, Philippine Press Photographers-USA, Inquirer.Net and The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN).

Another highlight of the event was the fundraising portion where the live auction was won by FilAm Producer and Director Ted Benito. Part of the proceeds from the Gala night will go to the Manny Ilagan Memorial Foundation which aims to give grants to Filipino journalism students.

Founded in November 2023, PGMG aims to serve as an entity to unite the various practitioners in print, broadcast and digital media with the mission of uplifting the journalistic and ethical standards among men and women initially Southern California, with an eye to expanding the group to include media practitioners in the global Filipino diaspora, and thereby be of better service to the information needs of overseas Filipinos in their respective communities.