Mr. Carandang is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Economics. He spent his first years as a professional in the investment industry, working as an Analyst and Sale Executive for various stock brokerage houses like Pryce Securities, HG Asia Securities and Kim Eng Securities. In 2000, he helped establish the investigative journalism magazine Newsbreak where he served as Business editor and President. He also joined ABS-CBN where he worked as a reporter, presenter and commentator. Citing his expertise in the field of communications and his track record in finance and economics, he was appointed Secretary of Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning by President Benigno S. Aquino III. He left government in December 2013. He is concurrently the CEO of Ronin Consultancy Services and Head of the Integrated Corporate Communications Unit and Vice President of the First Philippine Holdings Corporation..