Uniquecorn Strategies strengthens leadership team to fuel 360-degree growth

Independent PR-first marketing agency Uniquecorn Strategies announced two senior leadership appointments as it accelerates its transition into a full-service communications firm. Irene Manansala has been promoted to Managing Director, while Jojo Serrano joins the agency as Business Development Director.

The appointments coincide with the firm's upcoming fifth year in the business, a milestone marked by a 20+-strong full-time team and a 60+ percent client retention rate. The agency continues to manage high-growth accounts including Anko Philippines and Instructure Philippines, reflecting a sustained demand for its earned-first approach to brand building.

Over the past year, Uniquecorn Strategies has expanded beyond traditional PR into large-scale events, influencer marketing, and social media management, with a sharper focus on consumer brands. This evolution allows the agency to complement earned media with strong owned-channel storytelling, positioning clients for sustained visibility as it looks toward a landmark 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 rigor scale together.”

Manansala joined Uniquecorn Strategies in 2021 as the agency’s first employee and has since risen through the ranks from Senior Public Relations Specialist to Senior Associate Director. In her new role as Managing Director,  she will oversee the agency’s operations, client strategy, and team performance, ensuring the agency’s earned-first, integrated approach continues to scale with its growing client portfolio. 

Prior to joining the company, Manansala spent six years working in advertising and marketing agencies, gaining hands-on experience in integrated campaigns, activations, and brand execution. Combined with her journalism background, this experience has shaped her approach to leading an agile creative PR team grounded in strong storytelling, execution discipline, and a clear understanding of how media and audiences engage with brands.

“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 complement this operational leadership, Uniquecorn Strategies is also strengthening its growth engine with Serrano joining the agency as Business Development Director. A seasoned industry veteran, Serrano brings over two decades of experience across the Philippines' most prominent advertising and marketing firms, having managed accounts for global brands. Serrano’s expertise spans the full spectrum of marketing communications—from high-level client servicing to spearheading complex below-the-line initiatives.

At Uniquecorn Strategies, she will lead the agency’s growth initiatives and partnership development. Her deep experience in managing diversified portfolios will be critical as the agency scales its 360-degree service offerings—particularly in retail and consumer sectors—and executes its 2026 roadmap of expanding its footprint both locally and within the ASEAN region.

Founded in 2021, Uniquecorn Strategies has established itself as the leading PR-first marketing agency for startups and growth-stage brands. While deepening its footprint in the Philippines, the agency has expanded its reach to serve a growing roster of international and regional clients.