18 Awards from the 12th Paragala, Honoring Media Figures

The 12th Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards, organized by the HAU Communicators’ League (CL), took place at the University Theater on November 14, 2025.

Recognized as the largest student-based award-giving body in the Philippines, Paragala annually honors outstanding media practitioners for their excellence and impact. With this year’s theme ALPAS: Breaking Limits, Changing the Game, the event celebrated media trailblazers who challenge norms, push boundaries, and pave new paths forward.

The program opened with performances from the HAU Chorale and Pride Rise, followed by welcoming remarks from Mr. Alfredo E. Santos, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “Alpas means to break free, to transcend limits and rise above misinformation as we pursue truth with courage and responsibility,” he stated.

A total of 18 awards were presented, including 12 Major Awards and 6 Special Awards. For Paragala’s Most Transformative Journalists 2025, Mr. Reiniel Pawid Jr. (local) and Ms. Jessica Soho (national) were honored for their in-depth reporting. Meanwhile, Ms. Mika Salamanca and Mr. Esnyr John Ronollo received Paragala’s Most Resonant Entertainment Figure Awards for local and national divisions.

Other major recognitions included Paragala’s Most Ingenious Advertising Agency for Leron Leron Sinta, and Paragala’s Most Impactful National Advertising Campaign for TBWA – Baha for Breakfast. Under Paragala’s Most Catalyzing Social Initiative, the Liwanag at Dunong Project (local) and Adobo Magazine’s SheCreative Network (national) were awarded.

In the arts and digital categories, Mr. Dennis Trillo and HAU alumna Ms. Psychee Eve were named Most Revolutionary Artists, while Ms. Karla Reyes Ong-Balagtas (local) and Sassa Gurl (national) received the Most Catalyzing Digital Voice Awards. “The voice is powerful, especially when it speaks even when others try to silence your truth,” Sassa Gurl said in her speech.

Special Awards honorees:

Ms. Chay Florentino-Flores – Paragala Tanglaw ng Karunungan
Ms. Melai Cantiveros – Paragala Alab ng Sining at Pamana
Ms. Avon Ang (Altermidya) – Paragala Alab ng Plumang Mapagpalaya
“Sunshine” by Dir. Antoinette Jadaone – Paragala Lente ng Liberasyon
Angat Buhay Foundation – Paragala Kampeon ng Masa
Mr. Marcel Lacap – Paragala Kasapi ng Midya

Performances by Mr. Nino Joseph Aloba, Anak Bale-Balayan, and Psychee Eve highlighted the program.

Institutions across Central Luzon participated in the selection and voting process, including Bataan Peninsula State University, Bulacan State University, Centro Escolar University, Wesleyan University-Philippines, National University-Clark, University of the Assumption, Tarlac State University, Gordon College, and more.

As it concluded, the 12th Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards stood as a testament to the resilience and impact of media professionals, honoring their excellence and reaffirming the vital role of media in shaping stories, inspiring communities, and empowering society.