What makes a story matter, and who gets to tell it, were at the centre of a partnership information session hosted by The Philippine Times on 20 March 2026 in Melbourne.
Held in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General of Melbourne and supported by the Victorian Government, the session brought together community leaders, organisers and volunteers for a shared conversation on visibility, storytelling and digital engagement.
From the outset, the focus was clear: community media is not just about promotion, but about trust.
Philippine Consul General Gary Domingo underscored the long-standing relationship between the consulate and The Philippine Times, highlighting the value of working with a trusted platform within the Filipino community.
“We’re very proud and happy to have The Philippine Times as our steadfast partner,” ConGen Domingo said.
That idea of trust carried into the presentation of Silvia Renda, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), who spoke about the role of familiar and reliable platforms in reaching multicultural communities in an era of rapid misinformation.
“So what we know is that trusted information doesn’t just come from institutions; it comes from people and platforms that communities already know and rely on,” she said.
Alice Nicolas, publisher of The Philippine Times print edition, then positioned the publication within that space. She outlined its 35-year history as Australia’s longest-serving Filipino newspaper and its continuing role as a bridge connecting the Philippines and more than 300,000 Filipinos in Australia.
Through print, digital and social media platforms, The Philippine Times has documented community life – from celebrations and milestones to everyday stories – while providing visibility and credibility to organisations and individuals. Nicolas also pointed to the publication’s reach and partnerships, highlighting opportunities for organisations to work with media more strategically.
The discussion took a more reflective turn when editor-in-chief Jason Cordi explored what makes a story resonate.
What began as a conversation about events and engagement quickly broadened. Attendees raised issues that are often difficult to address publicly – domestic violence, human trafficking, and the experiences of vulnerable members of the community. The exchange highlighted the responsibility that comes with storytelling, particularly within a close-knit community where sensitivity and care are essential.
A separate but equally engaged discussion focused on consent, particularly when photographing children. Participants shared perspectives on balancing documentation with respect for privacy, underscoring the need for ethical practices in community media.
Consul Ralph Abarquez offered insights from the perspective of the Philippine Consulate, focusing on how organisations can work more effectively with official institutions. He emphasised the importance of coordination and communication, while also recognising the role of media in documenting and amplifying community activities.
“The presence of The Philippine Times allows us to breathe a little more,” he said.
The session also addressed the practical side of storytelling in today’s digital environment.
Participants were encouraged to think of social media as part of the event itself – before, during and after. Rather than attempting to capture everything, the focus was on selecting key moments, using good lighting, and prioritising quality over quantity in visual content.
Short-form videos, particularly vertical formats, were highlighted as an effective way to reach wider audiences. Simple, authentic clips were noted to perform better than heavily edited content, especially when paired with clear captions and timely posting.
Practical considerations were also discussed, including the use of mobile phones as primary tools, basic editing applications, and the importance of avoiding copyright issues by using music available within social media platforms.
Across the discussions, a common theme emerged: effective communication is not about producing more content, but about producing content that is clear, relevant and easy to understand.
The session concluded with a reminder that strong storytelling begins with preparation – planning ahead, sharing information clearly, and recognising the value of media as part of community work.
An open discussion and networking dinner followed, where conversations continued more informally and potential collaborations began to take shape.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to support Filipino-Australian organisations in strengthening their storytelling, digital presence and engagement with the wider community.
