The Communications Olympiad Announces Top 15 Schools Heading to The Grand Championship

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The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the country chapter of the world’s leading network of communication professionals, in partnership with COMCO School of Communications, the communication training and professional development arm of global award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises proudly announces the Top 15 schools advancing to The Grand Championship of The Communications Olympiad.

The Communications Olympiad is a premier communications training and competition program for collegiate students designed to empower the next generation of communicators by providing transformative knowledge and practical, real-world applications. Through a rigorous and immersive learning journey, participants sharpened their skills as emerging communications professionals.

The top 15 teams advancing to the Grand Championship, in alphabetical order, are Ateneo de Manila University, Baliuag University, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, De La Salle University – Manila, Far Eastern University, Laguna University, Mapúa University – Makati,  Mindoro State University, National University – Dasmariñas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Tarlac State University, University of Antique, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines – Visayas, University of Saint Anthony – Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

Before the competition, the qualifying teams underwent an intense training camp series with sessions on Best Practices in Communications, The Role of Communications in Environment Conservation, and Innovations in Communications. The Best Practices in Communications kicked off with insights on fundamentals, breaking down the Elements of Strategic Communications Plan, Writing 101 for Business Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Communication. This was followed by the session on The Role of Communications in Environment Conservation which opened a portal to communicating change with topics including Climate Change and Environmental Concerns, Sustainability Practices Among Businesses, and Environmental Communication and Education.

The Training Camp closed strong for Days 3 and 4 which dove into Innovations in Communications on Digital and Social Media, Responsible Use of AI, the IABC Rubrics, and Introduction to New PR and Smart Social, equipping the students for a more advanced and professional practice to aid them in the Olympiad-level competition.

After completing the training, teams were given just over 24 hours to develop a 10-slide communications plan based on a brief from One Meralco Foundation about their “Energy for Development” programs. The brief provided the teams with an opportunity to learn more about rural development and community empowerment through renewable electrification projects with the Olympians tasked to create an integrated communications plan that is impact driven, and clearly relays the call for action.

They then presented their proposals virtually, which were reviewed by a distinguished panel of communications industry leaders. This intensive challenge tested their creativity, strategic thinking, and presentation skills, ultimately determining the Top 15 teams advancing to the grand finals.

The Grand Championship

The Communications Olympiad is set to conclude through the on-ground Grand Championship happening on June 27, 2025, at the Meralco Center in Pasig City, where the Top 15 will vie for the category medals, highlighting their mastery of the different fields in communication. In the final run, only the Top 3 teams that garnered the most medals will grace the center stage for one last shot to be called the first-ever Grand Champion of The Communications Olympiad.

"Congratulations to our Top 15! Being named the first-ever Grand Championship of The Communications Olympiad is not just a showcase of skill and creativity but a reminder that the youth can make a difference in addressing the pressing concerns of society today.  Participating in The Communications Olympiad was not an easy task but I know that they will agree with me that it was a rewarding experience. While not all proceeded  to the Grand Finals, having made it  into program as well as undergoing The Communications Olympiad Training Camp can be considered already as a big win for the students and the schools,” shared Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Corporate Secretary and Lead for Youth and Education of IABC Philippines, and the Interregional President & Group Chief Executive / Head of Global and Strategic Communications / Partner & Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

“It is indeed my pleasure to witness one of the rising communications initiatives that will not only let universities and colleges compete but also to pool  talented minds to birth new innovations. In this case, environmental sustainability being our central topic is not just a theme but a commentary on how we need to act on these issues and provide viable solutions, starting with us in the communications field. With like-minded communication professionals, we hope the Olympians find their meaning and spot in the world to do good,” shared Ms. Belle Tiongco, President of IABC Philippines and Vice President & Co-Founder of Football for Humanity.

The Communications Olympiad is organized by IABC Philippines and the COMCO School of Communications, together with COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises and One Meralco Foundation as platinum sponsors; Globe Telecom Inc., Goodness Graze, Midea, Monde Nissin, and TP in the Philippines as gold sponors; Jollibee Foods Corp. and Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc. as silver sponsors; and Sony Philippines, Sustainability PH, and Uratex Monobloc as bronze sponsors. Its official media partners include Malaya Business Insight, SEA Wave Pilipinas, SEAWaveMag.com, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com. The official student organization partners are the Arts and Sciences Society of English Majors from West Visayas State University, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators - Silliman University, PLM Mass Communication Students’ League from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Team Communication from De La Salle University, University of the Philippines - Baguio On MIC, and the West Visayas State University Communication Student Council.

For updates, visit our Facebook facebook.com/communicationsolympiad , Instagram at @communicationsolympiad, and official page at comcomundo.com/the-communications-olympiad.

COMCO Marks Epic 7 Years with the Launch of TARO AOX Digital + Integrated Communications

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From a Disruptive PR Agency Start-Up to a Powerhouse Group of Communication Companies

In just seven years, COMCO Southeast Asia, from being a trailblazing and disruptive PR Agency start-up, has transformed into COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a global award-winning powerhouse group of communication companies and is now marking its seventh year with the official launch of TARO AOX Digital + Integrated Communications.

TARO AOX Rises

TARO AOX Digital + Integrated Communications is the newest addition to the COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, alongside COMCO Southeast Asia (SEA), COMCO Middle East and Africa (MEA), and SEA Wave Pop Culture Studio, among others, and it specializes on digital marketing, integrated communications, and technology and digital PR. It also offers social media management, influencer marketing, content marketing, digital activation, media planning and buying, video storytelling, multimedia arts, virtual event staging, and website and platform development.

TARO AOX is already in full swing and has been servicing clients such as Samsung Mobile, Sun Life Asia Service Center Philippines, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Anti Head Lice Shampoo, and APLGO.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Epic 7^th Year

COMCO SEA, the PR and events company of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, continues to champion New PR and Smart Social and also offers services such as Events and Activation, Branding, and Special Advertising Executions. The multi-awarded agency continues to make waves in the region as it recently won inter-agency pitches and acquired accounts such as Sony Philippines, Uratex Mattress, Uratex Monoblock, Alaxan, Century Tuna, and LaLiga. COMCO SEA also continues to manage a portfolio of highly regarded brands and organizations like Jobstreet, Remy Martin, Teleperformance, AXA, European Union, Eastern Communications, ASEANA City, Philusa Corporation, Babyflo Cotton, RHEA Generics, RHEA Vitamins, World Vision, and WWF-Philippines.

COMCO Southeast Asia is also gearing up for the prestigious and much coveted PRCA APAC (Public Relation and Communications Association Asia-Pacific) Awards as it has been cited as a regional finalist for the Medium Consultancy of the Year Award; the PR / Communications Leader Award for Ferdinand L. Bondoy, the COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder; the Media Relations Award for the Agency’s Meaningful Storytelling with COMCOmigos initiative; and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for COMCO’s long-time client/brand partner Teleperformance.

The Growth of the COMCO Brand in Middle East and Africa

Established in 2021, COMCO Middle East and Africa led by its Managing Director / Partner and Co-Founder, Tricia Cusi-Jimenea, has successfully brought the COMCO brand into this market and has been regarded as among the major players in the region’s PR and marketing industry.

In a span of two years, the Agency has serviced a total of 30 brands which includes Empire Entertainment, Middle East Film & Comic Con, Metacon, Central Park, Dubai London Hospital, Shop Electric Pawn, Ezra, Hyde and The Wizarding World in the Mall of Emirates, to name a few.

An Industry Leader

COMCO has a major role in the PR and Communications industry here in the Philippines, in Asia-Pacific and across the globe. COMCO Mundo’s Ferdinand L. Bondoy is currently serving as the Corporate Secretary and PR and Digital Committee Head of the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Philippines, Regional Board Member as well as Workplace and Culture Committee Member of the Public Relations & Communications Association Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) based in Singapore, and Online Events Head and Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) International headquartered in the United Kingdom.

“In just 7 years, we have already garnered 100 brands and 150 metals and have produced 110 graduates from our long-running and award-winning Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. We thought we’ve already done it all, but as they say, we’re just getting ready for the most exciting part. We are empowered to do more and bigger things for the industry and with my great team beside me, we are definitely up for the challenge. Our 10-year master plan is just in its second phase and there’s still a lot of bigger things in the pipeline, to be unveiled very soon,” stated Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder.

“As COMCO grows exponentially in its seventh year, its success also means the growth of its people, a value that inspired the company to create a benefits and compensation program upgrading for its team which includes health benefits extended to dependents, wellness allowance, leave conversion and acquired leaves for critical illness or long-term hospitalization, group insurance, retirement fund, overseas team travel, stock options, and partnership leadership opportunities, among others, which can be considered as the most comprehensive in the industry,” shared Joan Icotanim-Maslang, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Corporate Services Director and Comptroller / Partner.

To learn more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

To learn more about COMCO Mundo, go to comcomundo.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/COMCOmundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo, and @comco_mundo on Instagram.

COMCO marks 6th Anniversary with its new global headquarters, Middle East & Africa branch full rollout, and major account and metal wins

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Coming from its groundbreaking Blazing Sapphire milestone, COMCO Southeast Asia (SEA) celebrates its Sweet 6th year this 2022 with the unveiling of its global headquarters, the full rollout of its COMCO Middle East & Africa (MEA) branch, major account wins, and awards from prestigious international award-giving bodies.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s growing team during the unveiling of the COMCO Mundo global headquarters

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Unveils New Global Headquarters

This year brings yet another milestone for COMCO SEA as it opens its global headquarters in Makati’s Central Business District as part of its expansion. The new headquarters will house COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ current and upcoming ventures - COMCO Southeast Asia (SEA), COMCO Middle East & Africa (MEA), Camp COMCO Alumni Society, Citizen COMCO Advocacy Program, SEA Wave Pop Culture Studio, and Taro Digital AOX. 

Each area is inspired by different pop culture references rooted in COMCO’s love for movies, series, music, books, and all the emerging platforms out there. The COMCO SEA workstation is called the “Millennium Falcon” while the executive office is dubbed the “Cerebro”. The rest of the areas are “Rivendell” for the Corporate Services Unit, “Black Castle” for the Digital and Multimedia Arts Unit, “Watch Tower Hall” for the conference room, “Bifrost Bridge” for the reception, “Room of Requirements” for the stock room, and “Wooley Hall” for the lounge area.

COMCO Middle East and Africa in Full Swing

Following its launch during COMCO SEA’s Blazing Sapphire anniversary event last year, COMCO Middle East and Africa is now in full blast servicing various brands in the market. In its first year, COMCO MEA has already worked with notable brands in the Middle East such as Buono Buono, Nolte, Open Thrill, Paus, POPC Live!, Red Shrimp, TruCARE, Victor, Yas Plaza Hotels, Belcanto Restaurant, Empire Movies, Central Park Towers, Dubai London Hospital, Electric Pawnshop, GESS Education, R&B Kids, Playbook, Universal Trading Company LLC, MaKiRa Dubai, Hudson Tavern Dubai, Katsuya, Najah Connect and Middle East Film & Comic Con. COMCO MEA, together with COMCO SEA, also recently conducted the property roadshows for Phiippine property firm RLC Residences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as among the group’s first of many synergy initiatives.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Major Account Wins

The Agency also continued to strengthen its client portfolio for its 6th year, winning major accounts in recent inter-agency pitches for premiere brands/organizations such as MR. DIY, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Lenovo, Skechers, Takeda, ASEANA City, Lalamove, and Philusa Corporation together with its wide range of brands - Rhea Generics, Cleene Cotton, Cleene Clio, Babyflo Baby Care, and Love My Honey, Phinma Education, Remy Martin, AXA Philippines, and European Union.

Harvest of Metals Across the Globe

In its 6 years, COMCO Southeast Asia has won recognition garnering a total of 135 awards from various prestigious local, regional and international award-giving bodies with the most recent wins and citations from PR Awards Asia-Pacific, PRCA APAC (Public Relations and Communications Association Asia-Pacific) Awards, CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) Excellence Awards, The Gold Standard Awards, Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards, Stevie Awards, and IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Quill Awards.

Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and
Chief Executive Director

The Agency made the cut in this year’s PR Awards Asia-Pacific organized by Marketing Interactive Asia held in Singapore. COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, bagged the Gold Award for the PR Champion of the Year (Agency). COMCO SEA’s initiatives “Dear Survivor: The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2" and "Blazing Sapphire: The COMCO Southeast Asia 5th Anniversary Celebration” received finalist citations in the Best Use of Micro / Niche Influencers and Best Anniversary Campaign categories respectively. The Agency is also a finalist for the PR Team of the Year (Agency) award.

COMCO Southeast Asia's flagship initiative "Dear Survivor: The Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2" is the big winner of the much-coveted Purpose Award of the PRCA APAC Awards, besting other campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region. COMCO SEA also received finalist citations for the Medium Consultancy of the Year Award, Workplace Champion Award, and Strategic Communications Award for the Blazing Sapphire 5th Anniversary Celebration campaign. Meanwhile, Mr. Bondoy is among the top five finalists for the PR / Communication Leader Award.

COMCO SEA also received finalist citations in The Gold Standard Awards for Professional Excellence for Mr. Bondoy and APAC Tambuli Awards for Eastern Communications. Ultimately, COMCO SEA emerged as among the top five finalists in the highly acclaimed global CIPR Excellence Awards for Small PR Consultancy of the Year, organized by the United Kingdom-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Last but not the least, COMCO SEA bagged a total of 30 awards including 4 top award nominations from the prestigious IABC Quill Awards. COMCO SEA is also a nominee for the Agency of the Year, Top Award in Communication Management for Corporate Social Responsibility as well as for Media Relations for “Dear Survivor: The Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2”, and Top Award in Communication Training and Education for “The Force of Learning in New PR and Smart Social: The Camp COMCO House Wars”.

Mr. Bondoy shared, “When you are with like-minded and like-hearted people, when you create masterpieces and accomplish great things together, when you slay 'monsters' and do the impossible as a team, and when you enjoy exploring the world and celebrating life with the people you belong to, you won’t realize six years have passed so fast. And with the rollout of our 10-year master plan, we can’t help but get excited about what else we can do for our partner brands and organizations, our industry, our growing teams in SEA and MEA, and the communities and advocacies that we support.”

To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

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About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia, based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency. With the unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 90 local, regional, and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Quill Awards; Agency of the Year - Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards; Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, PRCA APAC Awards, Marketing Interactive’s PR Awards Asia-Pacific, and the global CIPR Excellence Awards; and 135 metals from various local and international award-giving bodies.

COMCO Southeast Asia is part of the COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Leader Ferdinand Bondoy elected to UK-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) International Committee

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COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, has been elected to the International Committee of the United Kingdom (UK) based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) composed of PR leaders from across the world – Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

Mr. Bondoy is the only committee member based in the Southeast Asian region and he brings in diversity and representation in the globally renowned professional body for public relations practitioners. He will also be the lead for online events of CIPR International.

Founded in the United Kingdom, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 10,000 members across the globe. As pioneers in the industry, the CIPR champions its expertise in public relations through standards and skill guidance to accelerate development among PR practitioners.

“Now that the CIPR has become a fully virtual international organisation, there are equal opportunities for PR professionals across the world to become involved in our activities or even to get Chartered. I am delighted that Ferdinand Bondoy has joined our committee, and we look forward to collaborating with him to expand our activities and reach in the Philippines and across Asia,” said Ms. Samantha Seewoosurrun, Chairperson of the CIPR International Committee.

As an industry trailblazer, Mr. Bondoy’s election to CIPR adds to his extensive responsibilities in the industry. He is also the current Corporate Secretary of the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Philippines and the Co-Chair of the Philippine Student Quill Awards. Last year, he was also elected to the Board of Trustees of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and led the successful run of the 2021 PRSP Students’ PR Con, the 1st virtual, interactive and nationwide edition of the organization’s annual activity for the students. It will be concluded this coming February 2022 via the Grand Prix Hack Sprint edition, which is also a first for the organization and the industry.

Mr. Bondoy is also part of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines composed of PR icons and leaders in the country and he served as one of the regional jurors of the ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organization) Next Generation PR World Cup. The Southeast Asian leg of the competition for young PR practitioners was organized by the Public Relations and Communications Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) where Ferdinand Bondoy represents COMCO Southeast Asia as a corporate member.

On top of all that, he is the Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of COMCO Southeast Asia, a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency he co-founded. Last year, he led the celebration of the Agency’s Blazing Sapphire 5th Anniversary which launched COMCO Middle East & Africa and COMCO AOX League of Enterprises, the umbrella group for all of COMCO’s existing and upcoming ventures, initiatives and advocacies. He also takes time to pay homage to his roots by serving as a mentor, often referred to as “Coach”, in COMCO Southeast Asia’s Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, an intensive and comprehensive talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course, and apprenticeship program designed to transform communication, marketing, and multimedia arts students and fresh graduates into revolutionary practitioners of the industry.

“It is an honor and a responsibility to represent the country and the region in CIPR and work for the industry on a global scale. And we will continue to contribute, be heard, and be part of this international community of PR experts and leaders to further grow the discipline and impact social change across the globe,” said Mr. Bondoy.

For more information about COMCO Southeast Asia, please visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in Southeast Asia – Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and 85 metals from various local, regional and international award-giving bodies.

COMCO Southeast Asia Appoints New Deputy Account Operations Director as Part of its Expansion

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Coming from its successful Blazing Sapphire 5th anniversary celebration in 2021 and as part of its expansion plan in 2022, trailblazing and global award-winning integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia proudly announces the appointment of seasoned public relations and communications practitioner Joyce Yu as the Agency’s newest Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR.

Joyce Yu is a public relations and communications expert with more than a decade of experience working in the field. A graduate of AB Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas, she specializes in media relations, copywriting, social media management, event management, and journalism.

Joyce has been the lead of several successful campaigns including European Higher Education Fair 2017-2020, Levi’s x Justin Timberlake PH Launch, EuroPinoy Virtual Concert & Bersong EuroPinoy Poetry Reading 2020 and Cine Europa 2019-2020. She is a former PR Officer for Lifestyle & Performance Brands of Skechers Philippines and has worked for accounts such as PLDT, EU Delegation to the Philippines, Embassy of Hungary Manila, Belo Medical Group, Rider Philippines, and Vision Express PH.

As COMCO's Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR, Joyce will lead the team managing Eastern Communications, Jobstreet, Sunlife ASCP, Skechers, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She joins the senior team of COMCO Southeast Asia spearheaded by Ferdinand Bondoy as Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director (who also leads COMCO AOX League of Enterprises) and composed of Tricia Cusi-Jimenea as Business Development Director (who also leads COMCO Middle East & Africa), Rachel Syfargo as Supervising Account Operations Director, Joan Icotanim-Maslang as Corporate Services Director, Carl Cuevas as Deputy Account Operations Director for Corporate PR, Peachy Taculod as Supervising Digital and Social Strategist, Jane Ibay CPA as Finance and Compliance Adviser and Atty. Leo Lim as Corporate Legal Counsel.

“Prior to joining COMCO, I’m already familiar with the company, the team, and the projects that they’ve accomplished through common friends in the industry. I’m very excited to be part of an award-winning dynamic team, to learn from the leaders, and hopefully give back through mentoring those who want to learn about the ins and outs of the industry. I’m really thankful to be given this opportunity,” said Ms. Joyce Yu.

The Agency is also thrilled to welcome its newest staff members, dubbed as COMCO SEA All-Stars, who are graduates of the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. They are Louise Macaraeg and Cherry Gajito as Brand Communications Associates, Bea Cabrera as Digital and Integrated Communications Associate, and Narah Faigal as Digital and Multimedia Arts Associate.

“Despite recent challenges and limitations brought by the pandemic, I’m immensely proud to see our COMCO Squadron thrive and grow. Joyce, Louise, Cherry, Bea and Narah joining the team is very exciting as we cap off our Blazing Sapphire anniversary and expand to new horizons this 2022,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy.

 

About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in ASEAN - Silver Award, and 80 metals from various local and international award-giving bodies.

 

To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/COMCO.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/COMCO-hq, and @COMCO_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

COMCO Southeast Asia Bags Diamond and Silver ASEAN PR Excellence Awards and Gold Marketing Events Award

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As COMCO Southeast Asia culminates its Blazing Sapphire 5th Anniversary celebration with the launch of COMCO Middle East & Africa and COMCO AOX League of Enterprises, the trailblazing regional integrated communications agency also bags Best PR Agency in Southeast Asia - Silver Award and Best COVID-19 Response - Diamond Award for its work with Jobstreet Philippines at the 2021 ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and a Gold Award for its work with Eastern Communications at the Marketing Events Awards 2021.

The agency’s work with brand partner Jobstreet Philippines for the #TogetherAhead initiative won a Diamond Award in COVID-19 Response in the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards for its efforts in supporting job seekers and hirers during the pandemic, while COMCO SEA’s longtime partner, Eastern Communications, won a Gold Award in Best B2B Brand Experience Category in the Marketing Events Awards for its Link VIP Club Loyalty Events which featured an educational webinar series, online magic show series and virtual thanksgiving event to help businesses learn about digital transformation and uplift their spirits during the pandemic.

COMCO Southeast Asia's Write to Ignite Blogging Project is also a finalist at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards for Best Comm Use of Social Media and Best PR Campaign in ASEAN while Jobstreet's #TogetherAhead initiative is also a finalist as Best PR Programme in ASEAN.

In its 5 years, COMCO Southeast Asia has won recognition from various prestigious local, regional and international award-giving bodies, garnering a total of 85 awards and has worked with over 70 brands in diverse industries including Eastern Communications, JobStreet, Sunlife ASCP, Teleperformance, Xiaomi, Defensil, Lista.ph, World Vision, WWF, Lenovo and Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz plus its recently won accounts from inter-agency pitches such as global bioresearch and pharmaceutical company Takeda, well-loved milk brand Alaska, international footwear Skechers, global technology company Emerson’s Copeland, development organizations United Nations (UN) Office for Project Services and United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) and premium artisan chocolate Theo and Philo.

In 5 years, COMCO Southeast Asia has worked with 70 brands or accounts and has won 85 awards from local and international award-giving bodies

The ASEAN PR Excellence Awards is a biennial event organized by the Jakarta-based ASEAN PR Network (APRN) in collaboration with World Communications Malaysia (World Comm) and Institute Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM). As a globally recognized organization, the APRN’s ASEAN PR Excellence Awards serves as a distinctive badge to recognize and celebrate achievements in public relations practice in the ASEAN region.

The Marketing Events Awards is organized by leading Asian news agency Marketing-Interactive. Designed to discover, recognize and reward the very best in event marketing, the Marketing Events Awards is open to entries from across Southeast Asia, South Asia and ANZ regions.

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in Southeast Asia - Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and 85 metals from various local, regional and international award-giving bodies.

Former PRSP Academic Scholar in PLM leads student programs of PRSP and IABC and joins PRCA APAC’s Next Gen PR World Cup Jury and CIPR International Committee

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From an academic scholar of public relations to a thought leader in the communications field, award-winning communications practitioner and COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director, Partner and Co-Founder Ferdinand L. Bondoy has been appointed to lead the industry’s student programs – the Students’ PR Congress (rebranded to Students’ PR Con) and Grand Prix (Hack Sprint edition) of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and the Student Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director Ferdinand L. Bondoy together with some of the graduates of Camp COMCO Mentorship Program

Mr. Bondoy also served as one of the regional jurors of the ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organization) Next Generation PR World Cup. The Southeast Asian leg of the competition for young PR practitioners was organized by the Public Relations and Communications Association Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC). He was also elected as a member of the United Kingdom based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) International Communications Committee composed of PR leaders from across the world - Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.

Ferdinand Bondoy

Ferdinand Bondoy has also been elected to the IABC Philippines’ Board of Trustees for 2021 to 2023. He was named as Corporate Secretary and Chair of Digital Communications and Public Relations Committee. He is also serving as the Co-Chair of the Philippine Student Quill Awards and is spearheading a special project for youth and students. Those who want to participate in the Philippine Student Quill Awards can submit their entries at www.philquill.com.

Earlier in 2021, Mr. Bondoy was elected to this year’s Board of Trustees of PRSP. He is also appointed as Chair of the Students’ PR Congress (rebranded to Students’ PR Con) and Grand Prix (Hack Sprint edition) and under his term, he will be introducing and leading the 1st virtual, interactive and nationwide edition of the said student activities. The PRSP Students’ PR Con is happening this November 20, 2021 and interested parties can register at www.prspstudentsprcon.com/register.

Ferdinand started young in the communications field having been an academic scholar of PRSP in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Mass Communication. In his young professional years, he has been assimilated to IABC Philippines as he led projects for the Digital Communications Committee of the Philippine Quill and Student Quill Awards and eventually serving as an evaluator of the prestigious award-giving body.

“Spearheading the Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix Hack Sprint edition of PRSP and the Student Quill Awards of IABC Philippines is close to my heart as my career and craft started through the industry’s student programs. It is an honor and an opportunity for me to give back to the industry by preparing the next generation of communications and public relations professionals and leaders, just like how I was honed in the field. It has come full circle and I think this is the reason why I was given this position, to complete the narrative that the seed sowed yesterday are the fruits harvested today,” said Mr. Bondoy.

“It is also an honor and a responsibility to represent the country and work for the industry in a global scale through the landmark projects and programs organized by PRCA and CIPR. And we will continue to contribute, be heard and be part of this global community of PR experts and leaders to further grow the discipline across the globe and impact social change.”

In the same spirit of paying it forward, Mr. Bondoy together with COMCO Southeast Asia’s pool of experts, built the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, an intensive and comprehensive talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course and apprenticeship program designed to transform communication, marketing and multimedia arts students and fresh graduates into revolutionary practitioners of the industry. Now on its 16th Cycle, Camp COMCO has been recognized for producing high-caliber young communications practitioners since 2016. He is also fondly called as “Coach” by those whom he took under his wing and mentored extensively in the practice.

In 2016, Mr. Bondoy co-founded COMCO Southeast Asia, a global award-winning integrated communications agency headquartered in the Philippines with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which champions the practice of the emerging global disciplines of New PR and Smart Social. In just 5 years, the trailblazing communications agency has done groundbreaking work for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. Under his leadership, COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Quill Awards, Best PR Agency - Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards and Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, and 85 metals from various local and international award-giving bodies.

COMCO Southeast Asia culminated its Blazing Sapphire 5th anniversary celebration with the launch of COMCO Middle East & Africa and the unveiling of its 10-year growth masterplan which includes the formation of COMCO AOX League of Enterprises, the umbrella organization for the Agency’s existing and upcoming ventures, initiatives and advocacies.

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

Comm&Sense bags another milestone as Ph Quill 1st runner-up Agency of the Year

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In only its fourth year of joining the Philippine Quill Awards, Public Relations and Content Marketing agency Comm&Sense has received yet another affirmation of its data-driven #IntelligentPR strategy, as it was named first runner-up Agency of the Year (AOY) by the International Association of Business Communicators - Philippines.

This was also Comm&Sense’s AOY nomination for the second year in a row.

Along with Comm&Sense’s first runner-up AOY honors came a special award from the 18th Philippine Quill Awards. The agency’s collaboration with leading health maintenance organization (HMO) PhilCare bagged the top prize in the Communications Research division for its CQ Wellness Index beating other corporate heavyweights.

Rolled out during the imposition of the first enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the summer of 2020, the PhilCare CQ Wellness Index looked into the actual state of well-being of Filipinos amid the lockdown stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also examined how various sectors of society across the country responded to the effects of the lockdowns and the pandemic as a whole.

The PhilCare CQ Wellness Index was also nominated for the top award in COVID Communications, a special division in this year’s Quills dedicated to business communication efforts in response to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the study’s publicity effort also won a Quill award of merit under the Communications Management division.

Apart from the two collaborations for the PhilCare CQ Wellness Index, Comm&Sense and its affiliates received 13 awards for its collaborations with clients in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), financial, and healthcare industries. All in all, the agency received six Quill awards of excellence and nine Quills of merit.

A full-service digital PR agency established in 2005, Comm&Sense has since then always believed and practiced #IntelligentPR, which is rooted in data, whether from clients or from research. Data and actionable insights are crucial in each communication plan the agency makes for campaigns to have impact on their respective target audiences.

The data-driven content is then followed by creative execution and smart amplification. Together, the three elements are what clients need to build credibility with their respective customers.

“It’s an honor to be receiving these achievements from the Philippine Quills with most of the efforts done as we celebrated our 15th anniversary in 2020. But while we are happy with these awards, we are more fulfilled with the validations of our data-driven communications strategy from peers in the communications business,” said Comm&Sense founder and president Jaeger L. Tanco.

“Truthful and relevant data have always been at the center of any intelligent decision-making, especially amidst the pandemic. Together with our partners, we look forward to providing more insights that impact individuals, businesses, and society, as we rise from this crisis,” said Comm&Sense Director Eusebio H. Tanco.

ComCo Southeast Asia’s authentic campaigns with clients recognized at the 18th IABC Quill Awards and Marketing PR Awards in Singapore

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Trailblazing communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia, as it kicks off its 5th-anniversary celebration this year, wins Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up and 13 Quill Awards at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and emerges as a finalist in the Marketing PR Awards in Singapore organized by Marketing Interactive.

Its longtime partner, Eastern Communications bags awards for the entries, “Happy Eastern: Supporting Employees Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic” for Internal Communication and Employee Engagement, “Celebrating Customer Loyalty: The Eastern Link VIP Club Anniversary Event” for Special and Experiential Events, and “Connected: Eastern Communications’ #SafeAndStrongAtHome video series during the COVID-19 pandemic” for Audio/ Visual.

ComCo Southeast Asia’s work with its partner brand, Jobstreet Philippines such as “#TogetherAhead: JobStreet’s Response to the Covid19 Impact” and “The Future Workforce: JobStreet’s Find the Job You Love Campaign” are recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, Media Relations, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

ComCo Southeast Asia’s partnership with WWF-Philippines for the “No Plastics in Nature – The Reinforcement of WWF-Philippines' #AyokoNgPlastik Initiative” and World Vision for the “One for Children – The World Vision “Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines” Initiative” and “CovidComms 2020: Continuing the Race for a Better Future – The World Vision Virtual Run for Children” also made waves at the Non-Profit Campaigns category.

ComCo Southeast Asia’s flagship project for 2020, “Igniting the Nation – The ComCo Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project” and its recently launched online magazine, SEA Wave with entry, “Igniting Southeast Asia: The SEA Wave Digital Pop Culture Magazine” were declared winners for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, and Publications, respectively.

ComCo Southeast Asia’s client, Teleperformance also scores win for their entries, “TP is a Safe Place to Work for All” for the Safety Communication category and “A Message from Mike” for the Leadership Communication category.

In Marketing PR Awards, ComCo Southeast Asia’s Write to ignite Blogging Project co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet and Teleperformance, is also a finalist in the Best Use of Niche / Micro Influencers category and is competing against other commendable entries in the Asia-Pacific region. The awarding ceremony for the Marketing PR Awards is happening on April 7.

“We are honored that our authentic and life-changing initiatives that we worked on together with our existing clients and brand partners have been recognized by our peers in the industry, here in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region. This inspires us to do more great work and make a difference along the way, as we kickoff our 5th anniversary celebration this year,” said Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, ComCo Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director.

With these recent wins, alongside other industry recognition from Marketing Event Awards in Singapore, MarCom Awards in USA, Kidlat Awards, Anvil Awards, Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, ARAW Awards, Mumbrella Asia, PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and Spikes Asia Festival of Creativity, the Agency was able to garner a total of 76 metals since its founding on March 16, 2016.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Quill Award is the world’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals and to make a difference in society.

Back for its eight-year, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE is proud to present the PR Awards 2021. Designed to discover, recognize, and reward the very best in the PR and communications industry, entries are open from across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and ANZ regions. The PR Awards is also known to be the definitive awards programme for all PR professionals.

About ComCo Southeast Asia

ComCo Southeast Asia is a trailblazing and globally award-winning integrated communications agency powered by the coalition of premier brand architects and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and dedicated to the Southeast Asia market, ComCo SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up and coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels, to effectively reach and engage audiences and help influence change.

 

Havas Ortega leads media industry with UN commitment for gender equality

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Manila, Philippines - Havas Ortega Group became the first Filipino communications firm to sign the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), raising the total number of WEPs signatories to 23 across the country. The company joins more than 4,300 businesses worldwide in taking more visible steps to open opportunities for women in the workplace, marketplace, and community, the main goal of UN Women’s WeEmpowerAsia programme.

Jos Ortega, CEO of the Havas Ortega Group and Hermie de Leon, Managing Partner

“Havas Ortega believes that gender equality is a prerequisite for a sustainable business. As a company that owes its success to its people, it would be incongruous to aim for business excellence while part of that workforce is hindered by archaic gender norms and workplace harassment,” said Jos Ortega, CEO of the Havas Ortega Group.

64% of Havas Ortega employees are female, while 67% of the leadership team are women. At the top is veteran marketer Hermie de Leon, standing alongside Jos Ortega as the Managing Partner. “Signing the WEPs was a natural course for Havas Ortega. We already have equal pay and zero tolerance for gender-based discrimination ingrained in our office culture through our mandatory training on Harassment and Discrimination Prevention, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, and Understanding and Managing Bias. Joining the WEPs is a matter of making ourselves accountable to our stakeholders, colleagues, and the public,” according to de Leon.

“The private sector’s advocacy for sustainability in business must come with the recognition that gender equality is integral to sustainable development,” according to Charisse Vilchez, Business Director for Public Relations. “We are making it the agency’s mission to incorporate gender equality and sustainable development in our upcoming projects, and we are glad that our clientele is open to this much-needed shift.”

Established by UN Global Compact and UN Women, the WEPs help the private sector recognize and perform their role in the promotion of UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. They were formed so companies can bridge the gender gap with innovation, employment, training and financing for women. WeEmpowerAsia, an EU-funded programme implemented by UN Women, supports women in business, partly by encouraging companies to sign on to the WEPs.

Ma. Rosalyn Mesina, UN Women Philippines Programme Manager, welcomed Havas Ortega’s move towards a more concrete plan to advocate for SDG 5 in the communications industry. “Havas worked with us during the first UN Women WEPs Awards last year. We are grateful for their support in advancing women’s economic rights in the Philippines,” she said.

Watch Havas Ortega’s testimonial video here. Companies who want to follow Havas Ortega’s lead and sign the WEPs can contact Ms. Mesina through rosalyn.mesina@unwomen.org.

About Havas Ortega Group

A fully integrated media & communications group that is committed to create a meaningful difference for brands, businesses, and people. Established in 2012, Havas Ortega provides the most comprehensive marketing services and offerings across media, creative, digital, PR and healthcare & wellness disciplines. A village model housed under one roof, while boasting a unique and unparalleled entertainment offering through its partnership with Vivendi. (www.havasortega.com).