Jollibee, Security Bank lead big winners at the 61st ANVIL Awards
January 30, 2026
From left to right: Franz De La Fuente; Andy Saracho, APR; Maria Luisa Paragas-Sebastian, APR; Jessica Soho; Ana Ruby Pista, APR; Abigail L. Ho-Torres, APR; Steve Michael Moore; Mikey De Quiros, APR; and Norman Agatep, APR.
29 January 2026 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The lights dimmed, the bass thrummed through the floorboards, and for a few seconds, the collective breath of the country’s top communicators was held in anticipation. This was the "61st Second" — the moment where the noise stops and the legacy begins.
Last night, the 61st ANVIL Awards “Gabi ng Parangal” proved exactly why it is dubbed the "Oscars" of Philippine public relations. Held under the theme “The 61st Second: Pushing Past Possibilities,” the gala was more than a trophy presentation; it was a high-energy celebration of stories that hit the mark and stayed there.
The evening’s gravity was set early on with the symbolic Banging of the Anvil. This year, the mallet was held by no less than broadcasting titan Jessica Soho. As the sound of metal on metal echoed through the ballroom, it served as a powerful reminder of what the ANVIL Awards stands for: the raw, unyielding strength of integrity and truth — values shared by both fearless journalism and the highest form of PR.
Jessica Soho formally bangs the symbolic anvil, marking the opening of the Gabi ng Parangal
The ‘Best of the Best’
When the time came for the major prizes, the room was electric. The night’s biggest honors went to institutions that didn’t just communicate, but connected.
Jollibee Group dominated the stage, taking home the coveted Company of the Year award. Their partnership with Stratworks also secured the night’s highest program distinction, the Grand Anvil, proving that their "Bida" spirit continues to resonate as a world-class Filipino standard.
In the realm of PR Tools, Security Bank Corporation stood out among a sea of high-caliber entries, bagging the Platinum Anvil. Their work was cited for its clarity, transparency, and its ability to turn corporate data into a compelling narrative of service.
The agency side saw a massive win for BrandPlay, which was crowned Agency of the Year, a testament to their creative agility in an industry that never hits the pause button.
Beyond the Glitter
While the stage was filled with celebratory cheers and camera flashes, the underlying message of the night was one of grit. Ana Pista, APR, Chair of the 61st Anvil Awards, looked out at the sea of faces and reminded the audience that the prestige of the trophy comes from the sweat behind it.
“Behind every submission you see tonight is a process that demanded patience, discipline, and heart,” Pista told the crowd. “Tonight, we are not just celebrating campaigns or tools. We are celebrating an industry that refuses to stand still — an industry that continues to learn, to serve, and to become stronger, year after year.”
She noted that while the industry faces pressures like misinformation and shrinking attention spans, the sheer participation this year was a victory in itself.
With 78 participating institutions — a significant jump from about 50 the previous year—the event signaled a deepening belief in the value of strategic, intentional communication.
The integrity of the wins was backed by a grueling three-tiered judging process, refined this year to focus on data-driven insights and strategic clarity. To ensure that every trophy was earned fairly, the entire process was meticulously audited by SGV & Co.
The 61st Second
As the hosts — Thale Joy Blanco Escuton, Franz de la Fuente, and Emver Cortez — brought the night to a close, the energy remained high. The message was clear: in PR, time can be a friend or a foe, but the best stories are those that make every second count even after the clock runs out.
As the industry looks forward to the 62nd year under the incoming leadership of Mr. Norman Agatep, the 61st Anvil Awards left everyone with one lingering thought: the possibilities aren't just being met — they are being pushed.
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About the ANVIL Awards
The Anvil Awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), is the highest symbol of excellence in the local PR industry. For over six decades, it has recognized the most outstanding PR programs and tools that shape public opinion and drive meaningful change in the Philippines.
