The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) ushers in a new chapter today, 24 February, as AKTOR — League of Filipino Actors Founding President and Chairman Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III and President Iza Calzado-Wintle lead the oath of office of the organization’s 2026 board during this morning’s Induction and Recognition Ceremony at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City.
The event will gather industry and corporate leaders, longtime partners, and members of the entertainment press to mark the formal turnover of leadership and recognize institutions that have supported SPEEd and its annual movie awards, The Eddys, championing Filipino talent.
To be inducted as president is Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor of The Manila Times. Joining her in the new roster of officers are Maricris Valdez Nicasio (Hataw), vice president for internal affairs; Gerardine Trillana (Malaya Business Insight), vice president for external affairs; Ervin Santiago (Inquirer Bandera), secretary; Rohn Romulo (People’s Balita), co-secretary; Dondon Sermino (Abante TNT and DWAR 1494), treasurer; Anna Pingol (Pika-Pika.com), co-treasurer; Jerry Olea (PEP.ph), auditor; and public relations officers Nickie Wang (Manila Standard), Janiz Navida (Bulgar) and Neil Ramos (Tempo).
The rest of the members of SPEEd are past presidents Eugene Asis (People’s Journal), Ian Farinas (People's Tonight) and Salve Asis (Pilipino Star Ngayon and PangMasa), along with Nestor Cuartero (Manila Bulletin and Tempo), Dinah Ventura (Daily Tribune), Jun Lalin (Abante), Nathalie Tomada (Philippine Star), Bobby Requintina (Manila Bulletin), and reitred editors Dindo Balares (Balita) and Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer).
During the program, SPEEd will confer its first Recognition Awards on partners who have stood by the organization through the years. To be honored are Claire Papa, assistant vice president and head of External Affairs and Social Partnerships of Unilab Inc.; Maria Yolanda “Yoly” Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer of Globe Telecom; Joy Andrade, director for Corporate Communications at Newport World Resorts; Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, board member of SoundCheck Inc.; Juancho Robles, president and chief executive officer of ChanRobles & Company CPAs; and Rhea “Rei” Anicoche-Tan, president and chief executive officer of Beautéderm.
“As we mark our 10th year as an organization, it is only fitting that we honor the partners who have helped us grow, sustain The Eddys and champion Filipino talent through every milestone,” incoming president Mauricio-Arriola noted. “Their continued support reflects our shared commitment to excellence in Philippine entertainment.”
SPEEd will also acknowledge their member publications in grateful recognition of their continued editorial support for the organization’s mission to uphold integrity, professionalism and responsible entertainment journalism.
The ceremony will be held at the Bayanihan Center, a well-known events venue within the Unilab compound in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Known for its flexible main halls, modern technical facilities and on-site parking, the center has long accommodated corporate conferences, award ceremonies and large industry gatherings.
With its 2026 officers formally sworn in and industry partners recognized today, SPEEd moves forward with renewed resolve, reaffirming its commitment to champion Filipino talent and uphold credible, principled entertainment journalism.