THE best advice this columnist can share is to surround yourself with creative, interesting and driven people. I’ve been lucky to know some of the best, and among them is the new president of the United Print Media Organization (UPMG) Ricky Alegre. In his own way, he has inspired me, pushed me, and helped me fuel my passion for innovation.
Twenty-six years ago, he began his journey into the world of media when he first joined the Philippine Star as a cub reporter. Then he became a radio reporter for dzXL in 1989, joined ABC5 in 1994, and then returned as station manager of dzXL in 1995.
In 2002 he came back to the print industry as vice president for marketing and sales of the Philippines Graphic Publications Inc. In 2006 he took over as vice president for corporate affairs of the BusinessMirror. He was elected as president of the Philippine Marketing Association the following year.
It’s been awhile since I’ve really dug in and written a good profile, and I thought this would be a great chance to challenge myself on a topic that I’m close to. After all, he was my immediate superior in BusinessMirror.
Not only has he been great to work with on a personal level, but with his considerable experience and background, I can’t think of anyone better to write about. I wouldn’t be where I am now were it not for him teaching me about respect and the importance of listening. And I also want to thank him for continuously fostering a sense of exploration in me.
He lets people shine on their own. If you are good, you have a chance to go all the way up. In fact, he would never say, “I never gave you this position for nothing.” Very open and fair—getting people to move along, integrating the ideas of so many.
A popular speaker in industry events, Ricky is humbled by having been elected by his peers and has the honor of being in the company of past UPMG presidents Tita Pat Pineda of Manila Bulletin and Pepito Olarte of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“Their exemplary leadership of the UPMG has brought this print media organization to what it is today—the premier print organization that is respected and relied upon for its vital role in dissemination of news and information,” he said.
He now faces the challenge as the new president of UPMG, which will carry the theme “Print Connects!” When there’s a will, there’s a solution to any given challenge.
With technology enabling a tighter global economy and fading of international boundaries, this situation is quickly changing as it keenly forces marketing and advertising professionals to think out of the box, using tools outside of the usual repertoire. This leads to several challenges, with one leading to another.
“Print connects because it has embraced digital,” he further said, noting that the UPMG has adapted to the digital age and has found ways to be a major player in the marketing communications industry.
Ricky is committed to moving forward today as he was in his first day in office. So many have carried the torch of cool, but few can match Ricky’s smoldering mix of talent, mystique and magnetism. He plans his next moves as every smart person does. It has to make sense for who he is. It’s not about showing people what he can do; it’s about doing what he can do, becoming great at it, and doing that time and time again. That’s how he stays relevant.
If you know him, he is proudly La Sallian. He is the intellect that provides sharp analysis and direction. But one might say that he is the simplest of men. He used to tell me it did not matter what people thought, as long as one did the right thing and stood up for what one believes. It’s like saying, if you don’t focus on clear targets, you can’t score a bull’s-eye.
His attitude is characterized by a keen awareness of the competition, the industry he’s in, current events, and the marketing scene. But for the moment, the ball is in his court as UPMG’s new president.
Being in a publication that requires a wide range of marketing vehicles, not just news and information, is like being a horse-and-buggy store on automobile row. Ricky is aware of the reality of advertising and knows exactly what it takes to make advertising work. What it takes is a commitment. That commitment is his advantage. Naturally, many other factors such as quality and service must be part of the deal.
If you are lucky to know Ricky, you’ll be glad. Like I said, the list of people I respect and admire in this industry is really long. In fact, that could be another book.
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Bubuwit Squeaks
Effective Management
AN account manager recounted the story of her first boss. A pending audit had caught them unprepared, and he asked her to inventory all the computer equipment in his office. It was outside her job scope, and a little entry level for her tastes. But she respected her boss and didn’t want to let him down. So that night, she stayed late and tallied everything. By the next morning, the list was on his desk. This boss was skilled in holding people accountable without having to use the whip. This account manager didn’t really think of that. She just said he was a great boss and she would have hated to disappoint him. That really says it all.
