diana dayao
 

Diana Dayao is a sought-after Manila-based event & broadcast host, specializing in executive events, relationship-driven corporate gatherings, and premium lifestyle experiences. Her clients include global corporate brands, cultural institutions, social impact organizations, and private families who value not only her quick wit and intelligence, but also her humor, elegance, and understanding of relational dynamics and audience engagement. She's also an accomplished singer-songwriter, recording artist with Viva Records, commercial model, and former beauty queen. Strategic Connections Architect: beyond her public-facing persona is a communication strategist behind headline-making communication campaigns & distinctive event experiences. She has provided executive PR coaching and leadership assessment to some of the most powerful leaders in the government, business, and advocacy space –all guided by the principle of meaningful human connections that generate business and social value. Founder, Manila Street Love – a grassroots charitable organization focused on mobile outreach and love campaign founded in 2010; first in the Philippines Founder of Thursday Society – an exclusive social club focused on high impact connections & mingling meaningfully In 2024, Diana’s Its Show Time interview with Vice Ganda took the country and overseas media by storm –dominating top-trending topics within hours of broadcast, and generating multi-million views and engagement. When a moment achieves that viral velocity, it naturally becomes a double-edged sword. But beneath the digital noise lay a powerful cultural resonance and a masterclass in courage. For millions of women across the country –it was a powerful testament to a woman choosing her standards over her pain, rising above the heartbreaks, and unapologetically owning her true worth. The Makings of Diana: Diana has lived a life shaped across different worlds. Part of her childhood was spent in the province, where she developed an early appreciation for simplicity and tradition. Moving back to the city at a young age introduced her to an entirely different reality — one that demanded resilience, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life without losing one’s sense of identity and values. Raised by hardworking parents in a humble household with high regards for education, Diana learned early how to navigate spaces that ranged from ordinary neighborhoods to circles of power and influence. Diana’s formative years were shaped by contrasting environments - from conservative catholic schools run by nuns, to public institutions with diverse urban communities. She spent her early college years as a resident scholar at the Lyceum of the Philippines University taking up Communication Arts major in Broadcasting, and completed her degree in Communication Arts at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a premiere school for scholars. Moving between the sheltered structure of private education and the grit often required in public institutions deepened her adaptability, perspective, and understanding of different social realities. These experiences would later shape both her communication style and her approach to leadership: grounded, people-centered, and rooted in genuine values rather than performative success. Likewise, her early exposure to public service and advocacy began after winning Miss Manila at the age of 19 — an experience that deepened her understanding of representation, and social responsibility. After graduating, instead of securing an entry-level job at a news or TV networks, she grabbed a TV hosting opportunity offered by a major network, while also writing for The Manila Times. Diana was introduced to the worlds of media, governance, and public influence - experiences that sparked her interest in communication not only as expression, but as a tool for creating social impact. Her career evolved into being a camera-facing host, a speechwriter and main protocol officer of the PAGCOR Chairman & CEO, a columnist for broadsheets The Daily Tribune & The Manila Times, a technical assistant in Malacanang, a communication coach for high-profile executives, tourism and public relations consultant, and resource speaker. In 2015, Diana founded Manila Street Love, the Philippines’ earliest and most recognized organized mobile outreach and love campaign organization, focused on bringing aid and human connection directly to the street kids, sick kids, and homeless. She later became the pioneer Director for Advocacy and Corporate Social Responsibility of a leading social platform, further strengthening her involvement in impact-driven work and community engagement. Alongside her communications and advocacy career, Diana is also a recording artist known for her sultry sound and emotionally reflective songwriting. Her 2017 debut album, Senti Sultry | Diana D. under Viva Records, marked her formal entry as a solo artist, though she had long been active behind the scenes as a songwriter for major artists and record labels in the Philippines and abroad such as Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kyla, Jed Madela, and Keith Martin. She has performed on various stages and shows such as Wish 107.5 Roadshow (Wish Bus), Myx Music Channel, IWantAsap, etc. Her work includes Awit Award-nominated songs, Platinum-certified hits, and a string of carrier singles for popular artists.