Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman and chief executive officer Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes led 20 other media professionals honored during the 3rd Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards held recently at Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite in General Trias City.
Direk Joey was bestowed with the Icon of Media Excellence Award, the highest honor among the Laurus Nobilis awards, for his significant contributions to Philippine media and cinema.
In his video acceptance speech, Direk Joey emphasized the importance of media professionals dedicated to truth and honesty, especially in an age of widespread misinformation. He also challenged media students to rectify the mistakes of previous generations. FDCP technical consultant for academic linkages Seymour Sanchez accepted the award on his behalf.
Several awardees were present to receive their trophies, including Elijah Canlas (“Uninvited”) and Candy Pangilinan (“Road Trip”) for Film Acting, Pia Arcangel and Jeff Canoy for TV News Presentation, DJ ChaCha of True FM and Johnson Manabat of Radyo 630 for Radio News Anchoring, and DJ Robin Sienna of Love Radio for Radio Disk Jockeying (Female).
Other awardees, who were unable to attend the event, also sent representatives and video messages. These included Kara David (“I-Witness”), Kim Atienza (“Dapat Alam Mo!”) for Public Affairs Hosting, Amy Perez (“It’s Showtime”) and Paolo Ballesteros (“Drag Race Philippines”) for Entertainment Show Hosting, BINI and TJ Monterde for Musical Performance, Maja Salvador and Andres Muhlach for Brand Endorsement, Ashley Ortega (“Pulang Araw”) and Rabin Angeles (“Mutya ng Section E”) for TV Acting, Lenie Aycardo and Hajie Alejandro for Online Content Creation, and Papa Jackson of Energy FM for Radio Disk Jockeying (Male).
Mary Grace Arroyo-Vasquez, Communication Program chair of LPU Cavite, praised the honorees as role models who inspire young people and use their platforms for positive change, amplifying voices, and promoting truth and creativity.
The event, organized by senior LPU Cavite Communication students, carried the theme “Luminaries in Media: Beacon of Youth Empowerment.”
Arroyo-Vasquez highlighted the profound impact of stories, music, films, and digital content in shaping perspectives and fostering a more informed, engaged, and empowered youth.