A Dynamic Force of Compassion and Resilience
Carrying an expansive portfolio spanning various industries that include fine art retail, marketing, media and blockchain technology, Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares is a multi-faceted, award-winning journalist, philanthropist and public servant from the Philippines. He believes in exploring new ventures and actively serves Filipinos in times of crisis through his advocacy for volunteerism with FPJ Panday Bayanihan. Despite his young age, he completed 21 certificate programs and earned a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Perpetual Help during the pandemic. Recently, Brian published a book titled “A Sustainable Future”, which tackled sustainability issues and catastrophe resilience in the Philippines. A modern-day renaissance man, Brian continues to give back and serve the public.
Brian explains how FPJ Panday Bayanihan draws inspiration from Fernando Poe Jr.’s iconic film “Ang Panday,” where “Panday” means “to forge or build”, and “Bayanihan” embodies the Filipino community spirit. The mission is to foster this spirit, uniting Filipinos to support those in need. Originating during Typhoon Maring in 2013, Brian’s organisation had consistently aided disaster-stricken communities, including victims of Typhoon Yolanda, the Marawi siege, and the Taal Volcano eruption. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Panday Bayanihan remained at the forefront, distributing relief and protective gear nationwide through the selfless contributions of people, and he believes that together, they forge a resilient nation through collective action and compassion.
The work that must be done is challenging but fulfilling for Brian. Coordinating disaster relief is complex, with logistics reaching remote areas, and coordinating with partners requiring careful execution. “We believe in hard work and dedication, with a bit of luck at times. Our tireless team and community support, drive our success, allowing us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need through the spirit of Bayanihan,” he shares.Passionate about community service and social impact, Brian grew up with the spirit of Bayanihan and believed in helping others. He expresses that witnessing their positive impact on others’ lives is trulya blessing. Their smiles are incredibly rewarding, and their happiness fuels his tireless dedication. He adds that “the team’s camaraderie and unwavering support from volunteers and donors inspire me to lead by example. Together, we aim to create a more compassionate society, pushing boundaries to achieve our mission of helping those in need throughout the Philippines.”
Brian Poe Llamanzares derives his inspiration from his grandfather Fernando Poe Jr. He aims to foster the same empathy and compassion that his grandfather once championed. He envisions a united Philippines where everyone actively helps those in need, addressing challenges like disasters and poverty. The organisation ‘FPJ Panday Bayanihan’ symbolises hope, inspiring others to support their fellow countrymen and women in need.
Leading by example, Brian Poe Llamanzares is a remarkable individual with several awards and accomplishments. He received the ‘Outstanding Television Reporter Award’ from Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption in 2015. Academically, Brian earned his Master’s degree in Liberal Arts in Climate and Society from Columbia University in 2018 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration in 2022 from Perpetual Help University. He also won the Youth Inspiration Award during the Global Youth Parliament in 2018, the C2C Sustainability Fellow and Green Stone Awardee from Bard College in 2017, he was recognised as one of the “Men Who Matter” by People Asia Magazine in 2020. He was honoured as one of the “People to Watch” in 2023 by Rising Tigers Magazine and was awarded the UAE Authors Award at the UAE Mastermind Awards in 2023.
As FPJ Panday Bayanihan’s leader, Brian inspires and empowers others to work towards a shared vision. To him, leadership means setting a positive example, fostering trust, and motivating people to reach their potential. Brian exclaims that his goal is to create more leaders, nurturing skills and encouraging unique perspectives. By doing so, he believes to have built a stronger and more resilient country. As an exceptional leader, he lauds his team’s collective efforts at Panday Bayanihan, which is a key reason behind their success, and also ensures that their mission endures and positively impacts the lives of those they serve. Lastly, he extends his heartfelt gratitude to the organisation’s supporters, volunteers, and donors for their unwavering dedication. He also thanks his mother, Senator Grace Poe, who guided him along this path of public service. Each act of kindness creates a ripple effect of compassion and hope, and he believes that this will forge a stronger, more compassionate Philippines.
