Uniquecorn Strategies appoints MD, business development director ahead of fifth year

Independent PR-first marketing agency Uniquecorn Strategies has announced two senior leadership appointments as it accelerates its evolution into a full-service communications firm ahead of its fifth year in operation.

Irene Manansala (pictured, right) has been promoted to managing director, while industry veteran Jojo Serrano (pictured, left) joins the agency as business development director. The moves reflect the agency’s push to scale its integrated offering as client demand shifts towards more holistic, earned-led brand building.

The appointments come as Uniquecorn Strategies marks a period of steady growth, with a full-time team of more than 20 and a client retention rate exceeding 60%. The agency continues to handle high-growth accounts such as Anko Philippines and Instructure Philippines.

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Over the past year, Uniquecorn Strategies has expanded beyond traditional public relations into large-scale events, influencer marketing and social media management, with an increased focus on consumer brands. This broadened remit allows the agency to pair earned media with owned-channel storytelling, as it positions itself for what it describes as a landmark year in 2026.

“These appointments mark a clear inflection point in our growth,” said Dean Bernales, founder and CEO of Uniquecorn Strategies. “As we deepen our work with consumer brands, we are intentionally strengthening our senior ranks to ensure creativity, commercial thinking, and operational rigour scale together.”

Manansala joined the agency in 2021 as its first employee and has progressed from senior public relations specialist to senior associate director. As managing director, she will oversee operations, client strategy and team performance, ensuring the agency’s integrated, earned-first model continues to scale alongside its growing portfolio.

Before joining Uniquecorn Strategies, Manansala spent six years in advertising and marketing agencies, working across integrated campaigns, activations and brand execution. Her background in journalism has also shaped her leadership approach, grounding creative output in strong storytelling and execution discipline.

“Having grown with the agency since its inception, I’m excited to lead our next chapter. Our focus remains on building deep client partnerships where disciplined execution and creative bravery coexist,” Manansala said.

To support its growth ambitions, the agency has also brought Serrano on board as business development director. With more than two decades of experience across leading advertising and marketing firms in the Philippines, Serrano has managed accounts for global brands and led complex below-the-line initiatives alongside high-level client servicing.

In her new role, Serrano will lead growth initiatives and partnership development, playing a key role as Uniquecorn Strategies scales its 360-degree service offerings. Her remit includes supporting expansion in the retail and consumer sectors, as well as advancing the agency’s 2026 roadmap to grow its footprint locally and across ASEAN.

Founded in 2021, Uniquecorn Strategies has built its reputation as a PR-first marketing agency serving startups and growth-stage brands. While strengthening its presence in the Philippines, the agency has also expanded its reach to support an increasing number of regional and international clients.

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