MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Singapore-born PR and content agency Bud has formally planted its flag in the Philippines, marking a decisive step in its Asia Pacific expansion and signalling growing momentum for its disruptive brand portfolio in the region.
The new Manila office will be led by Kiana Carreon, newly promoted Account Director for Bud Manila. A seasoned practitioner with a proven track record in consumer and corporate PR, brand building and campaign strategy, Carreon will oversee the agency’s Philippine operations with the support of a growing local team.
The move is anchored by sustained growth from two of Bud’s flagship clients – ACMobility, the mobility arm of Ayala Corporation (along with automotive partners BYD and Kia) and Axelum Resources Corp, the country’s leading fully integrated manufacturer of premium coconut products. Both clients have expanded their engagements with Bud for a second consecutive year.
“Manila has become an obvious next step for Bud. The Philippines is full of creative energy and commercial opportunity, and it’s becoming a key market for brands growing across APAC.” said Oliver Budgen, Founder and CEO of Bud.
The appointment also holds personal significance for Patricia Malay, Bud’s General Manager, who has spent over two decades shaping the Philippine communications landscape. “I’ve seen firsthand how much the communications industry has evolved, especially how much talent and potential there is here. At Bud, we believe in building teams that reflect the pulse of the markets we operate in. Kiana’s leadership and local insight are exactly what we need to serve our clients with relevance and ambition. Manila is just getting started and we’re ready to grow with it.”
“I’m proud to be launching Bud Manila and shaping work that’s meaningful, strategic, and fresh. There’s a strong appetite here for communications that move the needle — and I look forward to growing our team, our impact, and the brands we’re entrusted with,” shared Carreon.
With its Manila launch, Bud is advancing its borderless agency model, drawing on Southeast Asia’s creative hubs to deliver regional insight with locally relevant execution. As the lines blur between markets, the agency is positioning itself to help brands navigate and capitalise on the region’s fast-changing communications landscape.
