Cheeno Marlo Sayuno

Cheeno Marlo Sayuno serves as Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Children’s Literature (currently on leave) at the Department of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, while also holding a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of Illinois. His academic identity bridges scholarly research in children's media ecosystems and creative practice as an award-winning storybook author.

His educational trajectory includes a PhD in Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman, an MA in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and a BA in Mass Communication (Major in Journalism) from Cavite State University.

• PhD Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
• MA Communication Arts, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
• BA Mass Communication (Major in Journalism), Cavite State University, Philippines

Sayuno's research interrogates Filipino children's transmedia engagements across literature, digital games, and television, examining how these interactions foster creativity, agency, and empowerment within complex sociopolitical contexts. His work critically explores gender representation in Philippine cultural narratives, queer perspectives in children's literature, and pandemic-era mediatization of childhood experiences through health-related storybooks. Methodologically, he employs arts-based research, narrative analysis, and qualitative gaming studies to center children's voices in academic discourse.

His publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on decolonizing childhood studies through Philippine-specific frameworks, with recent works analyzing Duterte-era children's literature, transmedia gaming communities in Minecraft/Roblox, and aesthetics of national children's television programming. The interdisciplinary nature of his scholarship bridges communication theory, literary criticism, and cultural studies.

Sayuno's exceptional contributions are recognized through prestigious awards including the UP Artist 1 distinction (2019-2024), UP Los Baños Centennial Professorial Chair (2023-2025), and multiple Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. His creative writing achievements span both English and Filipino language categories.

• UP Artist 1, University of the Philippines Arts Productivity System Awards (2019-2024)
• UP Los Baños Centennial Professorial Chair (2023-2025)
• Outstanding Teacher and Researcher Awards, College of Arts and Sciences (2022)
• Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (2013, 2017)
• 1st Normal Gender-Inclusive Literature Award (2021)
• Salanga Prize Honorable Mention (2015)

Supported by the One UP Faculty Grant in Creative Writing for Children's Literature (2019-2024), Sayuno actively mentors emerging scholars in communication and children's literature studies. His international conference engagements demonstrate growing influence in global childhood studies networks, particularly through presentations at ICA and IRSCL venues. Future research directions include expanding transmedia literacy frameworks and developing culturally responsive children's media during political transitions.

Sayuno's collaborative approach is evidenced through co-authored presentations at international forums including the Asian Festival of Children's Content (Singapore) and Communication Research International Conferences, where he examines mediatization of Philippine children's literary production and co-construction of gaming experiences.