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Public Relations in the Philippines: Steve cuts the ribbon at the 13th National Public Relations Congress in Manila on September 28. Steve was keynote speaker at the conference, sponsored by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. Participating in the ribbon cutting are members of the PRSP Board of Directors (from left): Joel D. Lacsamana, APR, director of communications, Manila Water Company; Maloli K. Espinosa, vice president of corporate communications, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation; Steve; Ritzi Villarico-Ronquillo, Manila Electric Company; Ma. Amylyn C. Sison de Quiros, APR, president of PRSP; and Matthew Lussenhopp, first secretary and spokesman, US Embassy, Manila. Steve is wearing a barong, the ceremonial dress shirt worn for formal occasions in the Philippines, presented to him as a gift from PRSP. |
Despite the worst typhoon to hit Manila in 11 years, the 13th National Congress of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines took place as scheduled late last month, and Steve was the keynote speaker at the height of the storm. More than 200 public relations practitioners took part in the two day conference, even though large portions of Manila lost electric power and water when the storm crashed through the city on September 28. Steve spoke about the public relations value of social media like podcasting and blogs. The US Embassy also arranged for Steve to speak at two local universities; other speaking appearances were cancelled because the storm closed schools for several days.
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This banner was hung at the Department of Mass Communications at the
University of the Philippines at Diliman, where Steve spoke to more than
100 journalism students about careers in public relations
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As Steve began his presentation on podcasting and blogs, the lights flickered, the microphone crackled, and Typhoon Milenyo made its presence known. Hotel generators kicked in, and the program continued with more than 200 participants in attendance. If you are interested in the audio from Steve's presentation, send us an email at steve@lubetkin.net |
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| After his presentation, Steve took questions from the 200 public relations practitioners at the conference. Outside, the worst typhoon to hit Manila in more than a decade was raging. |  |
| Members of the Mass Communications Faculty at the University of the Philippines meet with Steve and US Embassy First Secretary Matthew Lussenhop, seated at right. |  |
| Steve spoke at De La Salle University in Manila: His appearance was photographed by Marie Kris Rodriguez, president, Junior Entrepreneurs Marketing Association (JEMA) of DLSU, who posted photos of Steve's appearance on her Multiply.com blog. |  |
During the De La Salle University visit, Steve, a 1974 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ, had the opportunity to meet with faculty and students including Bro. Cecilio, a member of the same Christian Brothers teaching order that operates Steve's high school. From left to right: Dr. Jaime Ong, chairman, Marketing Department, De La Salle University (DLSU); Ms. Marie Kris Rodriguez, president, Junior Entrepreneurs Marketing Association (JEMA) of DLSU; Mr. Jose Luis Liongson, faculty adviser, JEMA; Mr. Linus Reyes, JEMA executive; Mr. Richmond Fang, logistics head, JEMA; Mr. Steven Lubetkin, APR and fellow, Public Relations Society of America; Br. Cecilio Hojilla, DLSU; Dr. Trinidad Osteria, president, Yuchengco Center, DLSU; Ms. Agnes Caballa, information specialist, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy, Manila; Dr. Leonardo Garcia, professor, Marketing Department, DLSU. |
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Steve also met the Communications Research students from the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications, who are this year’s Grand Prix Champions of the Student Public Relations (PR) Plan Competition of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). The students' winning entry was a PR initiative to promote reading among young people. They received a Junior Anvil at the PRSP's Public Relations Congress. Read more about their project here. Shown are (from left): Pamela Joy Sumanga; Joyce Miranda ,Jenna Atun,
Kathleen Dorico, Carlito Parungao, Steve, and Charissa Cortuna. |
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