Manni Coloma receives ‘Best Special Events Director’ award

The Aliw Awards, the Philippines’ premier recognition program for excellence in live entertainment, honors the outstanding contributions of individuals in 56 award categories, highlighting their unparalleled creativity and skills. Veteran events producer and director Manni Coloma was recognized as the “Best Special Events Director” at the 36^th Annual Aliw Awards. He was cited for his outstanding work in staging the Asia CEO Awards held last October 2023. This was held last week at the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall.

Manni is creative producer and director at Blitz Marketing & Events Inc., a 20-year old corporate communications, audio-visual, and multi-media production company that he co-founded with his wife Yvette Fernandez-Coloma and partner Leo Riingen of Informatics. He has become known for creating exceptional corporate and lifestyle events with a focus on meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology.

As early as his sophomore year as a communication arts major at the Ateneo de Manila University, he served as technica supervisor and floor director for PTV, IBC, RPN, GMA, and ABS-CBN. He was mentored by industry stalwarts Maria Vargas Montelibano, Johnny Manahan, Romy Veron, and Cocoy Jimenez. His first major event was Bigats & Bagets held in 1982 at Folk Arts Theatre that was directed by Al Quinn, featuring top musical artists and emerging talents like Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano.

From 1983 to 1992, he served as Director or Floor Director of notable television shows such as “The Penthouse Live,” “Martin & Pops Twogether,” “Not Soo Late Night With Edu,” “Oh No It’s Johnny!” and more. Between 1986 and 1997, he was the regional producer for Procter & Gamble’s Pantene Shampoo with Grey Advertising across Asia. In 1999, he was involved in the pioneering hybrid event for Second Opinion, Inc. that featured teleconferencing and product demos with a streaming hub in Israel and remote sites in the UK, USA, and the Philippines.

He made his debut as a full-time director in 2000 when he launched Aboitiz Transport System’s Superferry brand with five groundbreaking events in one day including the ship terminal inauguration. He also directed Aboitiz Transport System’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2007, with interactive live streaming sites in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

Manni’s notable clients and projects include, among others, Aboitiz Power Corporation, Union Bank of the Philippines, Bancnet, PILMICO Foods Corporation, AP Renewables, Toyota Alabang Inc., and Rotary International districts and clubs.