The Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) recently held a meaningful gathering to officially induct new members and renew the commitment of existing members, reinforcing the group’s mission to uphold ethical, responsible, and positive content creation. The event, hosted by Kasal.com, took place at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center on July 5, 2025. It opened with a founder’s message from Mr. Robby Alugar, President of RMA News, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and truth-telling in today’s media landscape.
The occasion celebrated growth within the organization. In a bold step toward digital innovation, CONPC unveiled its plans for digital transformation with CONPC.TV, a new media platform launched in collaboration with JCAD TV. Ms. Julienne Guanzon, Station Manager of JCAD TV, provided the rationale and overview of CONPC.TV, a newly launched platform set to broaden CONPC’s digital presence.
The event also featured the soft launch of The Next Level Lifestyle television show. According to CONPC founder Robby Alugar, the channel will feature creative and news content produced by members, with opportunities for them to earn through exclusive segments and contributions.
Members of CONPC were formally introduced, leading to the highlight of the event: the induction of new members and the renewal of the oath of commitment for current members. The ceremony was a reaffirmation of their shared responsibility to deliver trustworthy news and creative content that matters.
“Your collective efforts have truly made a difference throughout the years of our group’s existence,” Alugar expressed in gratitude to its members, underscoring CONPC’s unity.
Ms. Lilu Alino, Managing Director of Lilu Ads and Board Trustee of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a congratulatory message, lauding the group’s resilience and growth.
“It’s hard to be in the media. There are many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. But this group is so resilient and so productive,” she said.
Alino emphasized the group’s vital role in driving progress for Cebu. “We have a commitment to be ethical. We have to be responsible so that we will become resilient and continue to drive this city, this Cebu province into action,” she added, echoing the Cebu Chamber’s call: “Padayon Cebu. Let’s all progress.”
Ms. Marivic Bathan, President of Children’s Paradise Montessori School, gave an inspiring speech, reminding members to always choose to be “the voices that truly matter and voices that transform.”
“You are not just a press corps, you are a community of torchbearers,” she said. “You are called to be lights in the midst of darkness. Amplifiers of truth. Builders of bridges in a world that often divides.”
Marivic reminded the group of their vital role in shaping public trust. “Let every post, every video, every headline carry with it light, clarity, and above all, hope.”
The program concluded with the giving of tokens of appreciation to Ms. Lilu Alino, Ms. Marivic Bathan, and Ms. Maria Thelma Ong, Editor-in-Chief of Kasal.com, in recognition of their support and partnership.
In an exclusive interview, Ong stressed the significance of the Kasalan at Kotilyon 2025 Wedding Expo, calling weddings “a once-in-a-lifetime event” that holds deep meaning in every Filipino’s life.
Ong shared that the expo carefully curates all its suppliers to ensure couples are connected to trustworthy partners. “Each supplier undergoes a review process, we check their business papers, portfolios, and industry reputation to ensure quality and avoid scams,” she explained.
Now in its 19th year nationwide, the event is expected to welcome around 1,000 guests. Ong also emphasized the value of their partnership with the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC), saying it helps promote their advocacy for Cebu Wedding Tourism and reach more communities.
The Cebu leg of Kasalan at Kotilyon 2025 drew a crowd with wedding promos. Jehd Ombos, Senior Sales Manager of Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Cebu, shared exclusive wedding deals at Kasalan Tapiliya 2025, offering packages from ₱2,000 per head with free deluxe rooms. “When you book 100 persons guaranteed, you can avail of three deluxe rooms for free,” he said. The hotel saw strong interest, with bookings exceeding 10 couples by lunchtime on the expo’s opening day.
Similarly, Golden Prince Hotel and Suites unveiled exclusive wedding promos at the expo, offering affordable, customizable packages for soon-to-weds.
“We offer a Wedding Dress-Up Package with room choices like the Royal Suites and the Golden Prince Suite,” Hershey Herrera-Canonigo, PR & Marketing Manager, Golden Prince Hotel, shared.
The hotel also offers pod share options for entourages, with weekday and weekend rates, plus freebies like food and drinks for stag parties and bridal showers.
“What’s good is when you book our function halls, we also offer a free overnight stay for the couple,” Hershey added. Hershey noted growing interest from couples seeking DIY-style, personalized weddings. “At Golden Prince, we always promote a unique, one-and-only experience.”
First-time exhibitor Patricia Rachel Farrarons-Akomo of PRF Events found the wedding expo a great space for wedding suppliers to share what they can do and offer. “Kasalan at Kotilyon has become a platform for that. Not just for big venues and suppliers, but even for us micro and small entrepreneurs,” Akomo shared.
Kasalan at Kotilyon 2025 held Cebu Power Women X Bridal Designers Show.
This much-anticipated bridal showcase featured stunning bridal gowns by renowned Filipino designers, including Dexter Alazas, IA Joca, Rabby Pogoy, Griffins Malazarte, Cris Escobido, Philipp Tampus, Rei Escario, and Rhon Balagtas.
Gracing the runway in these exquisite creations were empowered Cebuana women: Zoey Viosin, Amapola Buhat, Sachiko Sato, Rosh Condes, Dr. Angela Ivy De Pio, Cristine Gonzalodo, Ron Bernabe, Leilan Chua, and Congresswoman Rachel ‘Cutie’ Del Mar.
