Mediaboss Marketing

Print connects! is the theme chosen by the United Print Media
Group (UPMG) as the print body strives to keep the group’s
publications connected. “Through the years, we have managed to
find ways to make print relevant. From special executions to
advertorials, event sponsorships and event tie-ups, specialized
publications, unique advertising executions, even the ongoing
impeachment shows that the choice is print. Hardly any ads on
TV and radio,” said the newly elected President Ricky Alegre
during the recent induction of officers at the Maynila Grand
Ballroom of the Manila Hotel.

Former Sen. Francisco “Kit” Tatad represented Vice President
Jejomar Binay as guest of honor and speaker with AdBoard
Chairman Andre Kahn as the inducting officer.

More than a hundred industry colleagues packed the ballroom and
applauded the changing of guards. Prospects suggest that the
industry will still be in even better shape and industry
heads—Manny Fernando (IMMAP), Ed Acosta (Oaap), Joe Vale, Delia
Magtoto, Frank Abueva, Tessie Celestino Howard (IBA), Allen
Velez (ASAP), Roy del Valle (ASAP), Venus Navalta, John
Rojo (PANA), Rudy Villar (PANA) and Alex Syfu (4As)—predict a
brighter future for print.

Print is still a viable medium, according to Alegre, in
reaction to reports that the newspaper business is a dying
industry. “We at UPMG believe otherwise, our membership has
grown threefold in the past 10 years. In fact, we just inducted
three new members. That brings our total to 40
member-publications, with a combined strength of over 200
titles. Imagine the strength of this organization and the
millions of readers it reaches daily.”

Alegre also said there is still much to do as the publications’
digital format is still a cost center, “but it is the future
and we are already very active on the Web”—integrating the
social media into how they operate and are being realistic
about and committed to that integration.

Citing other activities lined up for this year, Alegre said the
holding of the 3rd Tinta Awards will once again recognize
excellence in creative print ads. “Just like the first two
Tinta awards, expect the organizing team to bring in the top
guns of the ad industry, both foreign and local, to judge this
year’s awards.”

The 2nd Print Media Congress will tackle the challenges the
print industry faces in the digital age. There are also plans
for the 1st UPMG fun run. The new board will also focus its
attention on the protection of its trade to ensure viability
and growth. This involves a dialogue with the Department of
Trade and Industry and LGUs so that the group’s frontliners in
selling the hard copy are protected.

The new stalwarts of the UPMG are Vice President Barbie Atienza
(Manila Bulletin), Board Secretary Jay Sarmiento (Philippine
Star), Treasurer Vivienne Motomal (Journal group), Auditor Ron
Tamayo (Monica publishing), PRO Angel Guerrero (adobo magazine)
and Directors Danny Ocampo (BusinessWorld), Doris Bermudez
(Hinge Inquirer), Noel Godinez (Asian Journal publications),
President Emeritus Pepito Olarte and Chairman Emeritus Pat
Pineda.

The UPMG is a strong and active member of the AdBoard committed
to the goals and aspirations of the AdBoard. “We commit to work
closely with the nine other associations under the AdBoard to
uphold, promote and defend the self regulatory functions of the
industry,” Alegre said.

In Photo: AdBoard Chairman Andre Kahn inducts
the incoming officers of the United Print Media Group at the
Maynila Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel. From left are Ricky
M. Alegre, president; Barbie L. Atienza, vice president; Jay
Sarmiento, corporate secretary; Vivienne A. Motomal, treasurer;
Ron B. Tamayo, auditor; and Directors Danny G. Ocampo, Doris L.
Bermudez and Noel O. Godinez. Former Sen. Franciso “Kit” Tatad
delivered special remarks in behalf of Vice President Jejomar
C. Binay.

Read the original post:
UPMG reels off with ‘Print Connects!’