Melandrew T. Velasco, or MTV, has worn many hats throughout his life—as a journalist, author, PR strategist and businessman. Today, the role that brings him the most joy is being a family man and an advocate for others and the environment.
His journey is deeply intertwined with Philippine politics starting in the 1980s, having worked behind the scenes with politicians, generals, and CEOs. He shared confidential insights with a former president, a presidential candidate who nearly became one, and other influential leaders.
Velasco’s political and business expertise runs deep. He has chaired business chambers, spearheaded political campaigns, and initiated awards that recognize deserving individuals. Despite these feats, he is most well-known as the biographer of former President Fidel V. Ramos and his family as well as a civic leader and environmental advocate who spearheads a campaign to plant over a million trees annually.
Early life
Velasco, who turned 60 this year, was born on Sept. 21, 1964, in the fishing village of Carael, Dagupan City. His mother, Marcela Bautista Tirao, was a rural dentist, while his father, Perry Pio Palma Velasco, worked as a finance officer at Dagupan’s electric company.
As the youngest of five boys, he was raised with strong service-oriented Catholic values, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Velasco dreamt of becoming a doctor and a priest. He attended Binmaley Central School and later entered the Mary Help of Christians Seminary, where he edited the school’s paper and yearbook. His priestly aspirations took him to Christ the King Mission Seminary, but a crisis of faith eventually led him to leave and pursue a different path. “The more you know, the more you doubt,” Velasco reflects on his time there.
Velasco took summer classes at the University of Santo Tomas before deciding to leave the seminary altogether. He completed his degree in Mass Communications, majoring in Journalism, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, in 1985. “That was a tumultuous time, going to EDSA Revolution amid economic downturn. I also became an activist and joined the League of Filipino Students,” he says.
Early career
On the day of graduation, Velasco married his girlfriend Tess Viray, who was pregnant with their first child. They were just 20 years old but faced the trials together. “I had two degrees, one in Journalism and the other a marriage degree,” he says. “If there is someone who could really be lucky in life, I think I am one of those.”
Velasco juggled multiple jobs to support his family, working as a college instructor at Lyceum University, editor-in-chief of the community paper The Village Voice and a correspondent for the Manila Bulletin. He was recruited by then Pangasinan Governor Demetrio Demetria as media consultant and was tapped by Billy Esposo, President Cory Aquino’s Media Bureau chief, to join the Philippine Information Agency and the Presidential Management Staff, where he served for a year until 1990.
Despite these promising positions in government, Velasco realized he wasn’t suited for bureaucracy and ventured into the private sector. In 1991, he established a PR outfit in Makati City, which marked the beginning of his successful career in public relations and events management.
PR and politics
Velasco’s reputation as a reliable PR strategist grew, leading him to become the executive assistant to Dagupan City Mayor Al Fernandez in 1992. He played a crucial role in launching key initiatives and also served as the events and PR manager for then Pangasinan’s provincial director, Colonel Amado Espino. This collaboration led to milestones like the 1995 “Lingayen Gulf War” commemoration and the Palarong Pambansa.
His association with First District Rep. Nani Braganza, a nephew of President Fidel Ramos, opened doors to a significant turning point in Velasco’s career. His close ties with President Ramos led to him becoming the Ramos family biographer, marking his journey as an author and publisher.
In 2001, Velasco’s expertise extended to various government entities, including serving as a media adviser/consultant. In 2003, he supported the late Fernando Poe Jr.’s presidential campaign while also serving as a special envoy of Dagupan.
Throughout his career, Velasco remained instrumental in planning significant events in Dagupan, such as the annual Bangus Festival. Prior to 2004, he established Media Touchstone Ventures Inc. (MTVI), a multifaceted company focusing on PR, publishing, printing, consulting, and business development. To date, Velasco has authored 43 books, documenting historical events and personal narratives.
Environmental advocacy
Aside from his work in politics and PR, Velasco has dedicated much of his life to environmental causes. As president of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., Velasco leads the Million Trees Challenge—an ambitious project initiated by former Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator General Reynaldo Velasco.
Over the years, Velasco has received awards, including the JCI Senator of the Year Award in 2020 and the Golden Award for Literature and Arts in 2008. He also co-founded prestigious awards like The Outstanding Filipino Physicians (TOFP) Awards and The Outstanding Filipino Awards, which celebrate excellence in various fields.
Health crisis
In 2023, he faced a life-threatening health crisis requiring emergency surgery. Thankfully, after another procedure at UCI Hospital in early 2024, he has made a full recovery and is now cancer-free.
“I am just grateful for surviving the ordeals,” he says. “That is one gift from the Lord that I will always treasure.”
This health battle deepened his faith and underscored the importance of the love and support he receives from family and friends.
Family life
Today, Velasco enjoys spending time with his family, whether in Dagupan City, where he can be with his daughter Magi and her three children, or visiting his two older children, Angel and Andrew, in California with their own families. His youngest daughter, Me-Anne, lives with him and his wife, Tess, in Quezon City.
Velasco’s zest for life remains undiminished.
He loves traveling with his wife, often crossing destinations off their bucket list. As a cancer survivor, Velasco is more determined than ever to make the world a better place, one tree at a time, while continuing to inspire others through his stories and actions.
