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I have just read an American magazine commentary stating that midway through 2013, little progress has been made in
Washington to address the nation’s immediate economic challenges. What looked like a promising year in January is looking
less so six months later. There’s been lots of talking but no real progress.
I am glad that as for PIAP, it’s the other way around. Nine months into my term, I am proud to report that we have made a lot
of headway without too much talk nor fanfare. Fueled by the lessons and gains of the past, the 2013 Board set its eyes on
doing better and performing more. In my mind, the major achievements of my presidency were the first joint meeting with
PPTF after a long hiatus, our holding of the “Heroes Night” last August 6 where we went bold into the staging of a fashion
show, the launching of our first ever Miss PIAP contest, coffee table book, printers directory plus the mini seminar on the
rationale for joining a trade show such as the Print Philippines exhibit, etc. – all these and more to change the usual scenario
of inviting exhibitors to simply sign contracts and nothing else. Of course, the amazing thing is that the staging of the 9th Print
Philippines 2013 Show back to back with the 16th National Printers Convention is now a reality. On September 18-21, it’s full
speed ahead for the show under the theme, “Solid and Trailblazing @50”.
We are happy to announce that we have spiced up our 50th Anniversary with the first ever PIAP Hymn composed by our
director, Mr. Ruben Banaag, which was played during the “Heroes Night” event. PP and Secretary Ric Tansipek, together
with some directors also helped in our media blitz campaign. On the succeeding pages, you will see the fruits of our efforts in
doing the rounds of television and radio stations plus advertisements in the newspapers to promote the event. If you happen
to pass by EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, please look up and you will see our towering Print Philippines 2013 billboard.
Visitors to Print Philippines 2013 exhibit will find an action-packed programme of educational activities and live features that
invite printers to explore the wider opportunities, bringing to life the central message of the event campaign.
For the opening ceremonies, we have no less than Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations
Office (PCOO) as Guest of Honor and Speaker. For the 16th National Printers Convention, the Honorable Mayor Antonino
Gallardo Calixto of Pasay City will officially open the event. One of the highlights is the lecture of Josiah Go, world-renowned
marketing guru and one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees. Add as well the talk of international feng shui
consultant, Ms. Marites Allen, who will discuss how colors and prints are used in fashion to achieve personal aspirations and
attract prosperity. She will also mount a show to showcase her “Frigga” brand of fashion wear.
Of course, there’s our usual technical seminars to be conducted by some of our exhibitors and professional consultants with
such exciting topics as “Digital Marketing Trends”, “Best Practices on Cost Estimating” and “How to Write Effective Business
Letters to Improve Company Image and Profits”, etc. Meralco is also set to send a representative to speak on how energy can
11 / THE PHILIPPINE PRINTER