Born in Manila and raised across Southeast Asia, Merlano’s worldview was forged in cultural diversity and firsthand exposure to systemic inequities. Her early fascination with storytelling led her to study communications at Ateneo de Manila University, where she first honed her craft through campus podcasts and student journalismo. “I grew up hearing stories not just from books, but from the people around me—from street vendors, teachers, activists,” she recalls.

“Journalism, to me, isn’t just reporting facts; it’s giving voice to those unheard.” Merlano’s professional career began at a local news outlet, where she quickly distinguished herself with a series on urban displacement in Metro Manila. Using deep field reporting and empathy-driven interviews, her piece “Disrupted Livelihoods” exposed how policy failures left thousands without homes. The investigation sparked public debate and prompted local government reviews.

“I wanted the story to matter beyond the page,” she explains. “When people see their struggles reflected accurately, it’s not just a report—it’s validation." Her rise accelerated with a groundbreaking multimedia project on digital misinformation in Southeast Asia, which combined data analytics, video evidence, and on-the-ground interviews. Appearing in international forums such as the Asia Media Summit, Merlano outlined how false narratives amplify division and erode trust—and what journalists can do to combat them.

“Misinformation isn’t just noise,” she warns. “It’s weaponized. Ethical reporting must evolve as quickly as the threats.” Beyond reporting, Merlano champions inclusive journalism as a tool for change.

As a sought-after speaker and mentor, she leads workshops emphasizing narrative ethics, cultural sensitivity, and the power of underrepresented voices. “The most powerful stories aren’t always the loudest,” she says. “They’re the ones told with humility, care, and a firm commitment to truth.” A key component of Merlano’s approach lies in her commitment to collaborative storytelling.

She frequently partners with local NGOs, academic researchers, and community leaders, integrating expert perspectives into reporting to deepen context and accuracy. Her 2023 investigative piece on youth mental health in the Philippines, co-developed with psychologists and student advocates, was praised for blending clinical insights with personal testimony—bridging academic data and lived experience. Recognition has followed Merlano’s work consistently.

Her writing has been featured in leading regional publications and honored with multiple awards for excellence in journalism, including a prestigious Asia-Pacific Reporting Prize. Yet for all the acclaim, she remains focused on substance over stardom. “Awards highlight good work,” she reflects, “but lasting impact comes from stories that inspire action, foster understanding, and hold power to account.” Looking forward, Merlano envisions journalism as a living, adaptive practice—one that evolves with technology, demographic shifts, and ethical challenges.

“We’re no longer just gatekeepers,” she observes. “We’re collaborators, educators, and advocates for the public good.” As digital platforms expand global reach, her work exemplifies how integrity, empathy, and relentless curiosity can define the next era of journalism. In an era defined by fragmentation and misinformation, Aida Victoria Merlano stands as a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful, principled storytelling—redefining what it means to be a journalist for the 21st century.

Her trajectory underscores a vital truth: journalism, at its best, is not just about conveying news, but about building bridges between worlds.