The Philippines continues to strengthen its presence on the global creative stage as Fran Palines, Creative Director at VML Manila, is named part of the Awarding Jury for the Audio & Radio Lions at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
A respected creative leader with over a decade of experience in the industry, Palines brings with her a body of work that has consistently elevated Philippine advertising on the world stage. Since starting her career as a copywriter at BBDO Guerrero in 2010, she has honed her craft across some of Manila’s top agencies, earning more than 90 local and international awards.
Her accolades include metals from prestigious global award-giving bodies such as the One Show, New York Festivals, London International Awards, Clios, MadStars, and Spikes Asia, as well as wins at Cannes Lions, AdFest, and the APAC Effies. Notably, her work for Fully Booked secured the Philippines its fifth Gold Lion, while her radio campaigns for Nestlé Maggi became the country’s one of the most awarded in the category, winning across major international platforms.
Palines also brings valuable jury experience, having previously served as a juror for New York Festivals, Spikes Asia, and Gerety Awards.
“Audio & Radio have always held a special place in my heart—and I’m honored to help celebrate the work that reminds me why,” Palines shared in a social media post announcing her appointment.
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is set to take place from June 22–26, 2026.
And as part of this year’s jury, Palines will join a powerhouse panel of industry leaders headed by Oriel Davis-Lyons, Chief Creative Officer of Mother, USA. Together, they will be evaluating work that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, craft, and innovation in Audio & Radio.
With her inclusion, the Philippines once again earns a seat at the table where the industry’s most defining ideas are recognized—reinforcing the country’s growing influence in shaping global creative standards.
