Gabby Lopez launches book on his speeches

MANILA, Philippines - Beyond information and education, the role of media is to serve and love the country. This was the key message imparted to about 700 student delegates who attended the eighth edition of Pinoy Media Congress, ABS-CBN’s annual media conference for communications professors and students from all over the Philippines.

Topbilled by ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, Pinoy Media Congress had over 20 industry experts showing and explaining the real essence of media work to young mass communicators, who came from as far as Cagayan in the north and Zamboanga in the south.

The conference, held at the ABS-CBN Studio 10 last Jan. 10 and the Trinity University of Asia last Feb. 1 and 2, also featured the launch of EL3: In the Service of the Filipino Worldwide, a collection of speeches and stories by Lopez. The book is now available at the Studio Tours & Shop inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

In his keynote address, Lopez said the media’s role is to “serve the people no matter what the consequences.” He also cited the tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, saying the media should be like the child in the story, and point out what’s wrong even if others would rather keep mum about it.

ABS-CBN Corporate Marketing head Cookie Bartolome, meanwhile, explained how entertainment programs can also help in nation-building.

Jerry Bennett and Charie Villa of the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group also spoke about patriotism in their talk on the Choose Philippines campaign. Other speakers were ABS-CBN Customer Business Development head Vivian Tin, ABS-CBN Programming Operations and On-air Management head Jillmer Dy and ABS-CBN Creative Communication Management head Robert Labayen.

ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Bong Osorio and MRM community manager Jason Cruz also spoke about empowering the “brand” through offline and online media.

Seasoned journalists and news executives Lynda Jumilla, Alvin Elchico, Jorge Carino, Carmina Reyes, Lester Chavez and Paul Henson, meanwhile, showed how research and practice are both integral in churning out interviews, reports and shows that can make an impact in people’s lives.

Bringing in a global perspective was Martin Hadlow, secretary-general of the Asian Media Information and Communication Center.  

Other personalities in the event organized annually by the Philippine Association of Communication Educators and ABS-CBN were the network’s president, CEO and COO Charo Santos-Concio, Broadcast head Cory Vidanes, News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes, Entertainment head for TV Production Laurenti Dyogi and the stars of Kapamilya shows Paraiso, Be Careful with My Heart, Luv U and It’s Showtime.