Uniquecorn Strategies bolsters senior leadership amid expansion beyond PR

Manila, Philippines — Independent PR-led marketing agency Uniquecorn Strategies has announced two senior leadership appointments, naming Irene Manansala as managing director and Jojo Serrano as business development director, as it moves towards operating as a full-service communications firm.

The appointments come as the agency approaches its fifth year of operations. Currently, Uniquecorn Strategies has a team of more than 20 full-time employees and reports a client retention rate of over 60 per cent. Its portfolio includes accounts such as Anko Philippines and Instructure Philippines.

Over the past year, the agency has expanded its services beyond traditional public relations to include large-scale events, influencer marketing, and social media management, with an increased focus on consumer brands. The shift reflects a broader strategy to combine earned media with owned-channel storytelling.

“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 rigor scale together.”

Manansala joined Uniquecorn Strategies in 2021 as its first employee and has progressed from senior public relations specialist to senior associate director. As managing director, she will be responsible for overseeing operations, client strategy, and team performance.

Before joining the agency, Manansala spent six years working at advertising and marketing agencies, with experience in integrated campaigns, activations, and brand execution. She also has a background in journalism.

“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.

Meanwhile, Serrano joins the agency with more than 20 years of experience in the Philippines’ advertising and marketing sector, having worked across several major firms and managed accounts for international brands. Her experience spans client servicing and below-the-line marketing initiatives.

In her role as business development director, Serrano will lead growth initiatives and partnership development. The agency said her appointment supports its plans to scale its service offerings, particularly in the retail and consumer sectors, and to expand its presence in the Philippines and the wider ASEAN region by 2026.

Founded in 2021, Uniquecorn Strategies works primarily with startups and growth-stage brands and serves both local and international clients.