Leaders Unite for Nation Building: Successful TopNewsAsia Magazine Signing at the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2026

The National Book Store in Araneta City, Cubao, transformed into a vibrant hub of inspiration and civic engagement as it successfully hosted the TopNewsAsia Magazine Signing event. Held as a prominent feature of the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2026, the afternoon gathering brought together key figures from government, defense, and publishing to champion the power of literacy, education, and public service.

​A Star-Studded Gathering of Changemakers

​The highly successful exclusive magazine-signing event featured an influential panel of leaders:

• ​Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia  Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman
• ​Brig. Gen. Michael "Mikee" L. Romero Philippine Air Force Reserve and former House Deputy Speaker
• ​Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas  President, Editor-in-Chief, and Author of TopNewsAsia Magazine

​Empowering the Next Generation Through Literacy

​During the event, discussions centered heavily on how reading, writing, and critical thinking serve as foundational pillars for national development.

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Brig. Gen. Mikee Romero delivered an empowering message to students and book enthusiasts in attendance, drawing from his own life experiences to inspire ambition and grit. "I became a billionaire because I was persistent and hardworking. I started from home, stayed focused on my goals and never gave up. If I can do it, our young students can do it, too," Romero shared. He further emphasized that current circumstances do not dictate one's destiny, urging youth to utilize education and discipline to shape their own success stories.

​Insights and Message from COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia

​Adding profound depth to the successful gathering, COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia shared key insights emphasizing the vital intersection of civic participation, institutional integrity, and youth empowerment. Highlighting the core values featured in TopNewsAsia Magazine, Chairman Garcia reinforced the message that active public engagement and an informed citizenry are crucial in safeguarding the nation's democratic processes. He encouraged the audience, particularly the younger generation to value education not only as a tool for personal growth, but as an active responsibility toward shaping a transparent and progressive society.

​Special Message from Editor-in-Chief and Author Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas

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Expressing her gratitude and vision for the publication, Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas delivered a compelling message on the importance of storytelling and shared platforms in driving positive change. She noted that TopNewsAsia Magazine is more than just a publication. It is a dedicated avenue to chronicle authentic stories of Filipino leadership, resilience, and excellence. Engr. Bondad-Nicolas underscored that by giving visibility to nation builders and forward thinkers, the magazine aims to ignite a collective spark among readers to take active roles in community and national development.

​Celebrating a Resounding Success

​The event concluded with an overwhelming turnout of book lovers, professionals, and students lining up to meet the esteemed guests and secure signed copies. The collaborative presence of Chairman Garcia, Brig. Gen. Romero, and Engr. Bondad-Nicolas underscored a shared commitment from public and private sector leaders to foster an informed, progressive, and well-read Filipino youth, marking the magazine signing as one of the standout highlights of the festival.